My Favourite Movies Part 2

I'm back with part two of my favourite movies. I got lots of comments on my first list so I thought I would continue the list and share some more of my favourites. If you haven't read Part One yet, then go have a read if you want to!

Hugo (2011)

I love everything about this film. The aesthetic, the story, the theme, the director (Martin Scorsese) and the actors. I adore old movies and this film is all about that. Based on the novel The Invention of Hugo Cabret by Brian Selznick. It follows a little boy called Hugo (Asa Butterfield) in 1931 Paris. He is left a broken automaton by his father who tragically died in a fire. Hugo lives in and works the clocks at a train station. Hugo steals parts from the clocks and a toy stall at the station to fix the automaton. The owner of the stall - unknown to Hugo at the time - is classic filmmaker Georges Méliès, played by Ben Kingsley. Hugo and Georges' Grandaughter, Isabel (Chloë Grace Moretz), reignite Georges' love for his old films.

I just love this film so much, I could watch it over and over again without getting tired of it. As I mentioned earlier, I love old films and this film truly explores the wondrous journey that film has been on. It shows how films were made in the late 19th Century/early 20th Century. Including the incredibly famous A Trip to the Moon (1902). I really suggest checking this film out if you haven't already, you really won't regret it.
A trip to the Moon - Star Film Company

Finding Neverland (2004)

Another beautifully aesthetic film. Starring Johnny Depp (separate the art from the artist), Kate Winslet and Freddi Highmore. Based on how J M Barrie wrote the play, Peter Pan. The story follows writer J M Barrie (Johnny Depp) and his friendship with the Llewelyn Davis family and how they inspired him to write the icon story of Peter Pan.


The story is sad and also wonderful at the same time. The acting from Kate Winslet was so moving. Well, I can't fault any of the performances in this film. It really opens your eyes to what goes into writing, it really inspires me to just start writing a book, or many books! If you're a writer then I just know you're going to adore this movie. It's not one to be missed.

Love Actually (2003)

I don't think I need to talk too much about this one, as I believe everyone and their dog has seen this! It's a Christmas classic. Even if you don't see it as a Christmas film, it's a classic.

It has a huge star-studded cast from Emma Thompson, Hugh Grant, Colin Firth, Keira Knightley, Martin Freeman, Bill, Nighy, Andrew Lincoln, Chiwetel Ejiofor, Liam Neeson and the late Alan Rickman. Some huge names there. They all make the film something really special that I know I'm going to watch every single Christmas until I'm gone.

Stand By Me (1986)

Based on the Stephen King novel of the same name, the film follows four friends on a journey to find a dead body. It's not the typical Stephen King horror you'll usually find, it explores life, death, relationships and friendships.

Starring Wil Wheaten, Corey Feldman, Jerry O'Connell and River Phoenix as the four friends on the journey. It's a classic film that holds a place in so many hearts. It has a nostalgic aura around it, even if you don't consider it a nostalgic film. I don't watch it too often, but every time I do it just reaffirms my love for it.

Beetlejuice (1988)

Who hasn't seen this Tim Burton classic? Everyone knows about the ghoulish character played by the brilliant Michael Keaton who gives such a fantastic performance. Alec Baldwin and Geena Davis star as Adam and Barbara who unfortunately died after driving off a bridge. After a family move into their house they try to scare them off with some help from the terrible Beetlejuice, until they realise that they're not so bad, but by then it's too late.
It's hilarious and spooky, right up my street. I thoroughly encourage you to check it out if you haven't. Winona Ryder gives a great performance as the strange and unusual, Lydia Deetz. A gothic dream.

Heathers (1988)

The second film to star Winona Ryder. An angsty teen movie including murder, I love it. Another '80s classic which will definitely stand the test of time. Recently turned in to West End musical which featured Carrie Hope Fletcher.

Winona Ryder plays Veronica, a teen in a clique of 'Heathers'. Heather Duke, Heather McNamara and Heather Chandler. All three Heathers rule the school and Veronica isn't about that so she teams up with bad-boy JD (Christian Slater). They end up going on a killing spree until Veronica can't handle it anymore.
It's one of the greatest, most original movies I've ever watched. Not your typical teen or slasher movie, it's one to be watched. I haven't seen the stage version yet, but I am desperate to so hopefully I'll get round to doing that soon!

Girl, Interrupted (1999)

Another film with Winona Ryder at the forefront. Can you tell that she's one of my favourite actresses? Based on the eighteen-month stay at a mental hospital in the '60s by Susanna Kaysen. It's a true story from her biography of the same name. As someone who suffers from mental health problems, the same ones as the lead character, I felt a deeper connection to the story. I feel so much empathy for all of the characters, even the antagonist, Lisa (Angelina Jolie).
There are some really iconic scenes within the film, some which really play with your emotions and I just love that. I love a film that really draws me in and causes me to feel what the characters are feeling, and this film does just that.

Les Miserables (2012)

Who doesn't know about this classic book, stage show and movie? You'll at least know some of the soundtrack. It's automatically recognisable. In France during the 19th-century, Jean Valjean (Hugh Jackman), who has been searched for by Javert (Russell Crowe), a police officer, for breaking his parole after being released from prison for stealing some bread, agrees to care for Cosette (Amanda Seyfried), the daughter of Fantine (Anne Hathaway), a fired factory worker.

All of the singing and music is performed live on the set, so what you're hearing is what the actor is actually singing there and then. This makes the performances of the actors so much more emotive. For example, when Anne Hathaway is singing 'I dreamed a dream' you can really hear the emotion in her voice. It was such a fantastic addition to the film, it makes it more like the stage show which has been running for over thirty years!

The Fifth Element (1997)

I had the biggest crush on Milla Jovovich as Leeloo, well I still do. Not only that, but the costumes for the film are spectacular - designed by Jean Paul Gaultier. I'm also not the biggest fan of Bruce Willis, but I think he is amazing in this film. It incorporates science-fiction, action, comedy, music and romance and I think that this is what makes the film so great!
Leeloo is the 'perfect human' and also the most powerful weapon ever created. When she escapes she ends up with Korben Dallas (Willis). Dallas decides to help Leeloo even though they end up in lots of trouble at the hands of Zorg (Gary Oldman).

War of the Worlds (2005)
Although I struggled to get through the novel, the film really stunned me. It actually really affected me, probably the only film to ever truly do that. It made me nervous, which is unusual. That is why it deserves a place on my list.

Amblin Entertainment and Cruise/Wagner Productions

The horrible sound that the tripods make haunts me! You know the one. I remember talking about this film with my friend and he had the exact same feelings as me, it was definitely one that stuck with us.
Martians invade Earth and Ray Ferrier (Tom Cruise) and his family have to fight for survival. They come across so many obstacles that threaten their lives: people and aliens.
It makes me quite anxious just thinking about it. That makes it a great film in my eyes. Definitely check it out!


I hope you liked my part two of favourite films. I'm definitely not done yet, so look out for another list in the near future.
Bren.

My Fibromyalgia Diagnosis

Last year I was finally diagnosed with Fibromyalgia. I've been going to the doctors with symptoms of the illness for years, and they finally told me that I have it. This was such a relief because now I had an answer to what was wrong with me. But at the same time, fibromyalgia isn't something I really want either.

Fibromyalgia is a long-term, incurable condition that causes chronic pain all over my body. I mainly get the pain in my legs, though. It can be triggered by something really simple like trapping your finger in a door, to breaking your back. Mine was for sure triggered by the latter. About ten years ago I had an accident in Finland where I really severely damaged my back; I've suffered from horrible back pain ever since.

My symptoms include my back pain, fibro fog (lack of concentration and forgetfulness), headaches/migraines, fatigue and struggles with sleep, widespread pain, severe period pains, restless leg syndrome and depression and anxiety. I cannot tell you how many times I've had blood tests for a check on my thyroid. It's almost like the doctors wouldn't accept any other issue with my health. I had scans to try and pinpoint why my periods were so heavy and painful but that always resulted in a prescription for the pill - not what I wanted. No one would connect the dots and all of my symptoms to look at the bigger picture.

It wasn't until my Mum's friend, who has fibro, starting telling Mum about all of her issues and symptoms, that we saw a load of similarities so decided to do some research. I found so many connections with what I read; it was from then on I knew I had fibro. So I went to the doctors with a HUGE list of fibromyalgia symptoms that I have and have been to the doctors about before. There was just no way you could deny that I have it.

I was sent to physiotherapy. It did absolutely nothing for me. I am currently waiting for a referral to CBT (cognitive behavioural therapy) so I can learn how to manage the pain. I haven't been put on any meds except Naproxen during the winter when I had a particularly bad flare up. It really helped so I know that when things get bad there is something that will help me cope.

As I mentioned earlier, I mainly get my pain in my legs. Do you remember when you were growing up and you'd get growing pains? That's what the pain feels like, only way more intense. I get really bad pain in my knees; it feels like a sharp knife is slicing behind my kneecaps. Last December the pain was so bad that I couldn't put any weight on my leg. That's when I was put on the Naproxen.
I definitely noticed my symptoms are worse when the weather is colder. I can almost predict when the weather is going to get worse because I get an ache in my ankle or wrist, it's a skill.

I wasn't sure whether to write this because, although I have fibro, I'm not sure I really know enough about it. I was only diagnosed last August, so maybe when I know more about it and how to manage my pain, I'll write another post.

If you think you have fibromyalgia then I would seek medical advice, and make sure you're the one that brings it up - make them explore that possibility. I'm not a doctor and every experience is personal, so don't go off of my post alone. I would definitely do your own research, you can check out the NHS website for more information. Fibromyalgia symptoms are really similar to other chronic illnesses like ME (Myalgic Encephalomyelitis), so it's best to have a chat with someone in the medical field.
Bren.

Review: YOU Netflix Original

I recently watched the new Netflix Original series - YOU. It's been a couple days since I watched it and I honestly just cannot stop thinking about it. It takes a lot for a film or TV show to cause a reaction like this with me. Don't worry, there won't be any spoilers in this review.

I had seen the show advertised on Netflix and also on TV and I was immediately attracted to it. You could tell it would be some sort of thriller or horror, and I'm all about that! The show was first shown on Lifetime in September, but was then moved over to Netflix which is where the show will continue to run - I believe a second series is already in the works. The show has gained heaps of positive reviews and feedback from critics and fans. Rotten Tomatoes gave it over 90%, which is amazing. Check out the trailer below:

Based on a novel of the same name by Caroline Kepnes, Joe (Penn Badgley) is a bookstore manager who develops an immediate attraction and obsession with a writing student called Beck (Elizabeth Lail). He stalks her and eventually the two end up dating, much to the dismay of Becks' friend, Peach (Shay Mitchell).

This ten episode series was so addictive to watch, I was hooked! I binge watched the whole show in one day and I'm really considering rewatching it again right now, I bet there are loads of hints and clues I missed the first time around. Although I will say, I do think it seemed a little slow in some places, almost like they were trying to drag it out for the ten episodes. But I only felt this way for maybe one or two episodes, as it really picked up before the end. So if you start to feel a bit bored or tired of it, please stick it out, it really manages to get back on the right track - it's so worth it.
Penn Badgley gives a really creepy and clever performance as Joe Goldberg. After seeing him in Gossip Girl (which I've watched about a million times), I'm not sure I was expecting to enjoy his performance as much as I did. I love Gossip Girl, don't get me wrong, but Dan Humphries is basically the worst character ever written. I was really pleasantly surprised by how much I actually rooted for him - which is weird because he's supposed to be the bad guy. All of the performances by all of the wonderful actors included in this show were spectacular. I cannot fault any of them. Shay Mitchell, who played Peach Salinger, really went all out and gave such a fantastic show.

The last episode of the season was so amazing! I was on the edge of my seat for the whole thing. So many twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. We're left with such a cliffhanger, too. I mean, I just have to know what happens next; I have so many questions.

Penn Badgley and Elizabeth Lail as Joe and Beck in YOU, a Netflix Original. Courtesy of Netflix.com

I'm trying to get my Mum to watch it because I know she'll really enjoy it. I don't normally watch things that are so new, but I was so intrigued after watching the trailer. I usually like to wait until more people have seen it, preferably my friends or family, so I can talk to people about it and share my thoughts with them. So this is me telling you to watch it so I can talk to you about it and all of the surprises it brought, I'm so desperate to talk theories with people!

The show raises questions about how open we are with the world on social media. Joe basically finds everything out about Beck through her public accounts, and that's pretty scary. I recently changed a lot of my privacy settings on Facebook and Twitter - before I watched the show - and I'm so glad I did. It can be a rather scary world out there and not everyone should be trusted, so we have to protect ourselves as best as possible and social media makes it so easy for information to be found. Also, no one in this show has any curtains, so maybe invest in some curtains, too.

I'm for sure going to read the novel, because the book is always better than the film/TV show and I'm not sure how much better you can get than what I've just watched, so I'm pretty damn excited for that. I'll let you know how I get on, I'll write a post about it.

If you have watched the show already, please comment your opinions on it! I am so curious to see what other people have to say.
Bren.

Want To Go Vegan? Here's How...

It's Veganuary! Veganuary is when you go vegan for the whole of January. So many people sign up for it (one every eight seconds!) and it's such a great way to meet other people on the same path as you. There are loads of people who can help you through your journey. Of course, you don't need to sign up for anything, you could absolutely do this on your own, so I've come up with some ways that make going vegan so easy!
Going vegan can seem incredibly daunting. What can I eat? What can't I eat? Well, it's easier than you'd think! If I'm not sure about something, I leave it then look it up. Being vegan, for me, has been about research. There are quite a few things I was surprised to find out are vegan, and some I was shocked aren't vegan. It's all about research.
Before going vegan I was a horrendously picky eater, I still am really, but now I've tried and discovered I like a lot more food than I originally thought I did. I've definitely been more adventurous with my food.
I went from omnivore to vegan overnight and I haven't looked back since. I decided that I was going to try it and I did. Not only that, but I went immediately to a week of raw vegan - only raw fruit and vegetables. I wrote about my first three positive months of being vegan here.
Anyway, here are my tips on moving on to a vegan/plant-based diet:

• Don't overthink it. Just do it. Do some research on what you can eat, stuff that you know you already like, then just cut all non-vegan foods out of your life. If you miss something then it's super easy to find a vegan alternative, there are so many websites that inform you of alternatives. Check out vegkitchen.com for some help and information.
• Take your time. If just going for it overnight is too daunting, then slowly incorporate vegan food in with your normal non-vegan meals. So, swap out minced meat for vegan mince. Or try vegan burgers one night. Find out what you like then fit yourself around that.
• Watch documentaries. Some people find that they don't need to watch documentaries on the meat, fish or dairy industry. I mean, I haven't watched any of them. I don't think I need to. I know what goes on and I'm vegan because I hate it. But you can watch shows like Earthlings, Cowspiracy (it's on Netflix) or What The Health (that's on Netflix too!). They will open your eyes. Just a warning that there are some incredibly graphic films out there, so don't feel the need to sit and watch all of it if it gets too much.
• Visit a local 'Cube of Truth'. A cube of truth is a group of anonymous activists for the voiceless. They stand in a square holding laptops which highlight the truth of where your meat, fish and dairy actually comes from. There will always be people there you can talk to and get information about. You can find out more here.
• Join groups on Facebook. There are thousands of vegan Facebook groups out there. They all contain people who will help you on your journey. You can get advice, recipes and support.
• Try to recreate your favourite non-vegan meals. Like Spaghetti Bolognese? Why not make it with only vegan products? I guarantee you won't notice a difference. There are alternatives out there for so many foods, too many to even think about. You can for sure find something as a non-vegan meal alternative. You'll definitely find something you'll like.
• Cook your own food. This is instead of buying ready-meals. When you cook your own food, from scratch, then you know exactly what is going into your food. Cooking is really fun and
  
  you can create some really awesome things.
• Research the health benefits. Knowing the health benefits of going vegan can really push you. When I found out what some of the health benefits are, I was totally sold on being vegan. There are so many positive outcomes of going vegan. You help the animals, the environment and yourself!
• Try different brands. If you tried one brand of vegan burgers and didn't like them, don't be put off! There are so many different vegan brands. You may like the Linda McCartney burgers but not the Iceland 'No Bull Burgers'. That's okay. Me too. Shop around and find things you do like. There are so many options now and it's only growing. Just don't be put off if you find one thing that you don't like, there will be ones you do.
• It's okay to mess up now and then. No vegan is perfect. We have all unknowingly eaten something non-vegan. If you do mess up, it's okay, don't beat yourself up over it. Just learn from it and avoid it from now on. Don't be put off.
• Follow vegan accounts on Twitter and Instagram. Following accounts like this really helped me. The food they share is so beautiful, it's really inspiring. Here are some of my favourite Instagram accounts: Vegancommunity, Livekindlyco, Naturally.Jo, Raelikesfroot, AccidentallyVeganUK. There are so, so, so many more!
• Track your food progress. I've found that I normally perform better when I track and monitor myself. Knowing that I have to write everything down normally pushes me to actually do it. Writing down your meals and what you did and didn't like gives you the opportunity to change and adapt what you eat so you do like it! It also allows you to see how well you've done, that's important.
• Visit local vegan markets. It's always really important to support your local vegan markets and restaurants. These are really good places to meet people who can help push you in the right direction, they can answer your questions. I definitely recommend visiting some to get food inspiration too.
• Sign up to support sites. Challenge22 is a great site to help guide you. There is plenty of information on the website. It's only a twenty-two-day challenge and they provide you with lots of information, advice and help on your journey. You can access recipes and 'going to restaurants' help. You can also find information at Raelikesfroot's blog. She has made a wonderful guide for new vegans. Take a look here!

I hope these tips help you on your vegan journey. It definitely gets easier the longer you're vegan. Once you forget what cheese and chocolate taste like, the less you'll want them. I'm definitely going to write a lot more vegan related posts. If you have any questions about my journey or would like some advice, then message me! I'm more than happy to help and support any new vegans.
Bren.

Art And Appreciation

I've always been around art; my Mum is an artist. Growing up I never really had an interest in it, probably because I wasn't very good at it. As I've grown older I've definitely learned to appreciate art a lot more.

I seem to have grown a pretty big fondness for historical art, more specifically Renaissance paintings. I made a list of my favourite artists and it was pretty clear I have a 'type'. Italian Renaissance artists mainly.

My list of artists I love include Leonardo Da Vinci, Sandro Botticelli, Michelangelo, Vincent Van Gogh, and Edvard Munch. Although the last two aren't Renaissance painters, I just adore looking at their paintings.

I've recently started getting in to creating art myself. I'm not very good, but I think art is subjective and there is no right or wrong way of doing it. It's been really enjoyable. It gives me a chance to disengage with reality; it clears my head. I recently got a new sketch book so I'm determined and excited to fill it up!

Art is a very personal and calming thing to do so I think it helps with my anxiety. Clearing my head and not having to think about things for a little while is for sure a great feeling. I can also express myself on the paper. I can do this with writing, but art feels different because it's like I'm the only one who knows what the outcome really means, so that makes it personal to me.
Even though I'm not great at art, I just love to look at it. I'm constantly on Pintrest pinning and admiring artwork by various artists. I have a few favourite pieces that I could look at all day every day. If you like any of the pieces I share below then follow me on Pintrest and see a lot more!
Here are some of the paintings that have really stuck out to me and that I could admire forever:

The Birth of Venus - Sandro Botticelli mid 1480's

I am obsessed with Greek and Roman mythology, so this painting by Sandro Botticelli of the 'Birth of Venus' is something I just adore. Venus is the Roman Goddess of Love, Aphrodite in Greek mythology. Venus is essentially the same as Aphrodite but with some minor differences, but they don't really change who she is and what she does. The story of Venus starts with her Birth, where she arose from sea foam. She had many lovers and many children. Her most famous child is her Son, Cupid.
I love this painting but I can't really pin-point why. Its obviously a spectacular piece of art, and Venus looks beautiful. It just shows the pure beauty of femininity and female sexual empowerment which I adore! It's just such an amazing painting to look at.

The Scream - Edvard Munch 1893

 This is for sure my favourite painting, ever. The colours and darkness about this painting intrigue me. It's colourful but the colours are muted which I find interesting. Like most of the paintings on this list, I wouldn't be able to tell you what exactly it is that draws me to this. There's just something about it. Art is subjective.

Starry Night - Vincent Van Gogh 1889

I think everyone knows this painting. It's very famous. I love Van Gogh's technique and distinguishable it is. In primary school my year group made a huge version of this painting and I loved it! I worked on the sky; it was so fun. I'm desperate to visit the Van Gogh museum in Amsterdam. Hopefully soon I be able to go.

The Creation of Adam - Michelangelo c. 1512

This is probably one of, if not THE, most famous painting of all time. Painted on to the ceiling of the Sistine Chapel in Vatican City. It took Michelangelo four years to paint the whole Sistine Chapel ceiling. The Creation of Adam is just a section of the ceiling. The painting supposedly portrays the creation of man by God. God is the grey-bearded guy on the right who is stretching his arm out to meet Adams, who is the naked one on the left. I'm not religious, but I really appreciate the artwork that comes out of Catholicism, and this is one example. Italy is the one country I have always wanted to visit, mainly because of the art that has come out of it throughout history (but also because of the beautiful scenery and lush food).

Venus and Mars - Sandro Botticelli c.1485

Another painting by Botticelli, and another portrayal of Venus. This time she is seen here with one of her lovers, Mars. Mars is the Roman God of War. In Greek mythology he is known as Ares. I think anything involving Venus just instantly interests me and I take an immediate liking to it. She is, after all, my favourite Goddess. I also, obviously, really love Sandro Botticelli's work.
I would include some of Da Vinci's work, but there is no one piece of his I specifically love. I just really like looking at all his sketches that have been found and released.
I really suggest doing some art when you can. You don't have to be good and you also don't have to show anyone. It's a good way to relax and express yourself. Or if you don't want to do some art, then go look at some. Go to a museum or an art gallery and appreciate the hard work that goes in to creating something so important to history. Because, after all, paintings and drawings are a huge reason as to how we know about ancient historical events. Art is timeless.
Thanks for reading!
Bx

My Favourite Doctor Who Episodes

In honour of a new Doctor, finally a woman, I've decided to list my favourite episodes of Doctor Who since the 9th Doctor. I've come up with fourteen episodes since there have been fourteen Doctors (including John Hurt's War Doctor). If the episode is in two-parts I have merged them into one point, they're normally as equally great.

1. The Empty Child + The Doctor Dances

There is no doubt that Christopher Eccleston was an absolutely fantastic Doctor. He was the first long-time actor to portray the Time Traveller since Sylvester McCoy in 1989.
The very first Episode of Doctor Who I ever saw was 'The Unquiet Dead' featuring the 'Gelth'. The only reason that episode is not on this list is that I tried to narrow it down to a certain amount. I do love that episode though. Anyway, this two-part episode was so scary when I was younger. It aired when I was seven-years-old. I was hooked, but also seriously unnerved by it. I don't think I know anyone who wasn't even just a little creeped out by it. The Doctor and Rose travel back to London during the Blitz. There they find a plague of gas-masked people, mainly a young child looking for his Mummy. I don't know about you, but the words 'are you my Mummy?' haunted me.

2. The Girl In The Fireplace

This whole episode is so aesthetically pleasing. 18th Century France? On a Spaceship? In the 51st Century? Tormented by clockwork people? Madame De Pompadour? Yep, sounds great.
David Tennant is arguably the best Doctor. Ever. When he left I found it so sad. This episode of the series was so spectacular, and I don't think it would've had ass much of an impact if it wasn't filmed with David Tennant.
The costumes in this episode were so beautiful. With a 9.3 out of 10 stars on IMDB you just know it's one to watch!

3. Blink

This episode of Doctor Who is the highest rated episode on IMDB, with 9.8 out of 10 stars. That says something, right? Whenever I ask someone what their favourite episode of Doctor Who is, this one is always mentioned.
The first time we are introduced to the Weeping Angels. Statues that can't move if they're being looked at, but they move fast when they have the opportunity. In this episode they don't straight-up kill you, they zap you back in time where you can just live your life. Not the worst Who villain, but still pretty scary. The Doctor and Martha are barely in this episode, it focuses on Sally Sparrow played by Carey Mulligan (Daisy in The Great Gatsby). This episode definitely makes your heart race!

4. Utopia, The Sound of Drums + Last of The Time Lords

How could I write about my favourite Doctor Who episodes without mentioning the three-parter featuring The Master, played by John Simm.
The Doctor, Martha and Captain Jack Harkness end up at the end of the world. There they find refugees waiting to be taken to Utopia by Professor Yana. This doesn't go to plan though. Professor Yana turns out to be another Time Lord, The Master.
The Master has been portrayed before. This was before Doctor Who took a break during the 90's. This was John Simms first portrayal of this character. I remember being hooked and having it go on for three weeks. This was a great series ending.

5. Silence in the Library + Forest of the Dead

I have to tell you that these two episodes creeped me out. Walking skeletons in space suits? A scary combination. I feel like there are some Doctor Who monsters I stand a good chance against - the Vashta Narada are not one of them. Aggressively carnivorous creatures that live in the shadows, even create shadows.
Not only were these exciting and scary episodes, but it's also the first time we meet Professor River Song. We don't know who she is, to begin with, but it's pretty obvious she plays a pretty important part in The Doctors life. Little did we know. Actually, I think we all knew, but we weren't prepared for the emotional rollercoaster that followed. A great two episodes with some great characters and an amazing storyline.

6. The Time of the Angels + Flesh and Stone

This is the first Matt Smith episode on this list. When Matt Smith became the Doctor back in 2010 I actually lacked on my Doctor Who watching. I think I was bitter that David Tennant was no longer The Doctor. But recently, my Mum and I have been rewatching all the episodes to catch up before the new series. Through this, I discovered that Matt Smith was actually a pretty good Doctor. Well, the rest of the episodes in this list are ones where he was The Doctor. Amy and The Doctor are led to River Song where they then follow a crashing spaceship carrying some special cargo. None other than a Weeping Angel. On the quest to find it they discover more Weeping Angels than they bargained for. River Song, Weeping Angels and Karen Gillan is the perfect mix for a great Doctor Who episode. If you too decided to stop watching when Matt Smith became The Doctor then I highly suggest you watch his series' again, I think you'll be pleasantly surprised.

7. Amy's Choice

The Doctor, Amy and Rory have to make a decision. Is the life of Amy and Rory five years after leaving the TARDIS real, or is the TARDIS crashing into a cold star? Only one is real, and the other a dream. All of this is orchestrated by the Dream Lord. This episode was slightly different to other episodes of Doctor Who; it was more fantasy than alien. I really liked it though. I actually did watch this episode when it aired and remember enjoying it then, so I don't know why I didn't continue watching the series, oh well.

8. Vincent and The Doctor

I cannot even describe this episode to you. It was something quite special. I'm not an artist, but my mum is and I've always had this admiration for art, so this episode was special.
After visiting a Vincent Van Gogh exhibition The Doctor and Amy discover something odd in one of his paintings, so decide to go back in time to find out what it was. If you know anything about Vincent Van Gogh it'll be that he wasn't famous, or liked really when he was alive, he also had pretty severe depression and ended up taking his own life. There is a wonderful scene towards the end of the episode where The Doctor and Amy decide to take Vincent to the future, to his exhibition, just to give him some joy and hope about his work. It was so sad, you can really empathise for him, it just radiates emotion. This episode is definitely in my top 3 best episodes ever. I loved it. It helps that Vincent Van Gogh is one of my favourite artists of all time, too.

9. The Doctors Wife

The Doctor is drawn to a planet after receiving what he believes to be distress calls from other Time Lords. Technically, this is true, but the Time Lords are no longer alive and the planet wants The Doctor and his TARDIS too. The Doctor finds a woman on this planet that has had the energy of the TARDIS put into her, so she is basically the personification of the TARDIS. I thought this was a really well-written piece of work. The idea was genius, and then it was pulled off perfectly. It was weirdly emotional. We all know how much The Doctor loves the TARDIS, so him seeing her in a human form and being able to finally talk to her was oddly sad - especially because The Doctor wouldn't be able to again after he gives the energy back to the box.

10. A Good Man Goes To War

Amy has been kidnapped whilst pregnant with a baby conceived on the TARDIS. This would cause that child to contain a part of the TARDIS, she would also have aspects of a Time Lord. The people that took Amy intended to train, then use this child to kill The Doctor. This causes The Doctor rounds up a group of people and aliens that owe him or are already allies to help rescue Amy safely.
This was a surprisingly great episode. So much happened and so much was also revealed to us, the audience. Things started to make sense, specifically things regarding River Song. We finally find out who she actually is which was exciting. I think that the storyline of River Song is one of the best storylines written on TV, from what I've seen anyway. It's clear that the writers have had this plan for her since we first met her in 'Silence in the Library' two seasons before. It's executed perfectly and I can't think of any plot holes in her timeline. I hope they bring her back in the future, it's not like she can't ever come back.

11. Let's Kill Hitler

Contrary to the title, The Doctor and his companions don't actually kill Hitler, technically the opposite, but it's irrelevant. It's almost an origin story of River Song. We find out that she grew up with Amy and Rory as their best friend, Melody.
Melody has been obsessed with The Doctor ever since Amy mentioned him as a child. One day they meet but things don't go too well. They end up in Hitler's office. Here Melody is shot and we discover that she is River Song after she regenerates. It was a good plot twist to the series and ongoing story of The Doctor and River Song, even Rory and Amy.

12. The Wedding of River Song

I know, I know. I've basically included every episode featuring River Song. It just happens that the episodes including her are just some of the best. This Matt Smith series really seemed to open up all of the secrets about River, so I think we were all grateful when we finally got the episode we'd all been waiting for. The wedding of The Doctor and River Song. So exciting. I don't really have much more to say about this episode because it was a pretty complex one, and if you haven't seen it then I don't want to give too much away.

13. The Angels Take Manhattan

The Weeping Angels are back! Bigger than ever too. Guess who else is in this episode too... I'll give you three guesses but you'll only need one. That's right! Professor River Song. I love her, can't you tell?
This is one of the saddest episodes of Doctor Who, in my opinion. I want to say so much, but then again I don't want to say too much and spoil it for people who haven't seen it. It's an independent one you can watch without having to have seen any of the others, so please go and watch it. Although, if you haven't seen the others then I doubt you'll find it as sad as I did.

14. The Name of The Doctor

This is the last episode on my list, and also the last episode with Matt Smith as The Doctor. I underestimated how much I would grow to like him as The Doctor, so I wasn't expecting this episode to make me feel so sad. The Doctor's friends are being kidnapped, which leads him to the fields of Trenzalore, where his greatest secret will be revealed and Clara's mystery will be solved. The Doctor has been to Trenzalore before, but future Trenzalore when it is a battle graveyard and where The Doctor is ultimately buried. It's not the same place this time though. It's a town with people living happily. The Doctor gets trapped here for hundreds of years protecting and looking after the people who live there.
I thought this a clever ending. It had all the elements for a great ending to the series and the Matt Smith era.

As you can see I haven't included any Peter Capaldi episodes. This is because I haven't seen all of them so I literally wouldn't be able to place them in this list. The ones I have seen also haven't been as good as any of the episodes I have listed. That's not to say Peter Capaldi was a bad Doctor or his episodes weren't any good, I just haven't seen enough of them.
I'm so happy we FINALLY have a woman Doctor. It's about time. I'm certain that Jodie Whittaker will be brilliant. She is an amazing actress so I have no doubt she'll be a fantastic Doctor. But, only time will tell. Doctor Who is back on Sunday 7th on BBC 1 at 6:45. Will you be watching?

Also, the framed picture in my cover photo for this post was done by a local artist - my Mum! They're individually hand-painted on to wooden spoons from a local cafe. I love them, and she hasn't just done The Doctors. Something cool happened, though. Here is a picture of Tom Baker - the fourth Doctor - holding a spoon of him, as The Doctor! I think that's pretty cool, I know my Mum did. He is her favourite Doctor.

Thanks for reading!
Bx

Places On My Travel Bucket List

I've always wanted to travel. The only thing that's getting in my way right now is money. I'm trying so hard to build up my career in writing so I can fund my travels - but I've not quite cracked it yet. I'm constantly dreaming of getting away from England and seeing the world. I finally watched Mamma Mia: Here I Go Again the other day - what an incredibly beautiful film - and it truly inspired me to work harder and build up the chance to go to all the places I've ever wanted to go. I'm not the best at flying, so I tend to stick with places I can easily get to by train or by boat, so that means Europe. I have always wanted to travel around Europe on my own. I'm constantly watching videos and vlogs on Youtube of people's travels around Europe.

Greece:

• I wouldn't be living my best Donna Sheridan life if I didn't go to Greece, would I? Either way, I have always wanted to go to Athens. All my life I have been fascinated with Greek Mythology so I'd just love to go and visit some of the sites of Mythology in Athens. I can't even imagine how amazing that would be. I know there is a Mythological tour around Athens which I would love to do. One day.

Athens, Greece

• So, going with my Donna Sheridan life, I'd have to visit Skiros and Skopelos. Mamma Mia was partly filmed on both islands. The islands are so beautiful and are portrayed in such a wonderful way in the films I just can't, not want to visit.

Italy:

• Italy is the one country in the world I HAVE to visit in my lifetime. I just feel this connection with Italy that I can't explain. There is one specific city in Italy that I'm drawn to the most, and that is Venice! What a beautiful place. There's something about it that makes me want to physically see it. I get so jealous when I see people visiting and their photographs. A wonderful blogger I follow called Janja (Seeking Wonderful) shared a few blog posts about her time in Venice which made me feel the need to visit Venice. She has taken such beautiful photographs, Venice looks amazing. Go check her out.

Venice, Italy

• I also really love history, so visiting Pompeii is a must! Ever since I found out you could visit the site of this monstrous tragedy, I knew I had to go. It'll be a special place which I know will trigger something inside me.
• As you'll know if you read my Art and Appreciation post, I love art. I have this fascination with Italian Renaissance art, and where better to see this than Rome? More specifically the Vatican City. I dream about visiting the Sistine Chapel and witnessing with my own eyes - The Creation of Man by Michelangelo. I can't even begin to explain to you what that would mean to me.

Visiting Italy would honestly be a dream come true. It's something I've always wanted to do. And I will!

Ireland:
So I'm Irish. My family on my Dad's side are completely, 100% Irish. Therefore, I have always had this connection to Ireland, but I have never been. I'd love to go and travel around the whole of Ireland for a few weeks, but there are a couple of places I have to visit.

• Number one is Achill Island. This is where the majority of my family originate from so naturally, I want to go there. It doesn't look like there is much there, but I want to go and see how I connect to the environment. Maybe even meet some family I have never met - I know there are so many people!
• I also really want to go to Galway. It just looks like such an alive city. It seems so warm and welcoming I just know I'll love it there. Achill and Galway aren't too far from each other so I can definitely incorporate a trip to both areas in one holiday.

France:

• I've been to France a lot of times before, but I've only been to Paris and surrounding areas. I'd love to go further and visit a place called Rouffignac in West France. I've recently been tracing my family tree and I've discovered that my Mum and I descend from France. I'm going to write a whole post about what I've found so I'm not going to give too much away. I'll just say that they come from Rouffignac - a reason I'd love to go. Also because the scenery is so pretty.

                                                        A landscape of Paris, France

When I manage to go to these places I'll for sure take you all along! I'm excited to be able to complete this bucket list.
Is there anywhere on your bucket list? Let me know below...
Thanks for reading!
Bx

Ways To Distract Yourself When You're Feeling Down

When you're feeling down with only your own thoughts, it can get pretty overwhelming. Trust me, I've been there. I also know how hard it can be to distract yourself from these feelings and thoughts. It's almost as if whatever you do, it's still all you can think about and that sucks. I've decided to share my tips on how I successfully distract myself when I'm not feeling too good.

Play with some makeup - I normally sit down in front of my desk, put on a makeup tutorial and try my best at following it. Granted I'm not that great at following the instructions, but I normally get so into it that I forget I was feeling low. I sometimes even do my hair. I'll try and follow tutorials on Youtube and (unsuccessfully) replicate the looks.

Learn something new - I have a great app called 'Duolingo' which has loads of languages to learn. I'm currently learning French, I'm doing pretty well. Learning a new language is a great skill to have, it makes travelling easier and it's also fun! Instead of learning a new language you could learn a new skill like sewing, drawing, an instrument, the list is endless. All of these require maximum concentration which leaves no room in your brain for feeling low.

Do some baking or cooking - The best thing about cooking or baking is that you get to eat whatever you make at the end! The thing with cooking and baking is that you need to really pay attention otherwise you could have a pretty big accident on your hands. This is why I think it's a great way to distract yourself - you're forced to concentrate.

Do some fun quizzes online - We've all done some pretty fun quizzes. Maybe you wanted to know what kind of fizzy drink you are, or which character from The Office you relate to the most. There are hundreds, maybe even thousands, of these fun quizzes online. They're such a fantastic way to take your mind off things because they're mindless and don't require too much focus, plus they can make you laugh which is a bonus.

Watch some stand-up comedy - I love watching 'Live at the Apollo' whenever I'm feeling down. Comedy is a great way of easing sad thoughts because it's designed to make you laugh! Go on Youtube and search up your favourite comedian and just binge watch a load of their gigs and shows. I promise you'll feel better at the end.

Teach your pet a new trick - This one allows you and your pet to have some fun. Teaching your pet something new stimulates their brain but also distracts yours. In the end when your pet finally knows what you want them to do is such a great feeling. You've both achieved something. Plus who doesn't want to spend quality time with their pet?

Go to a local cafe for a coffee - Or whatever drink you prefer. Not only does this get you up and out of your house but you also socialise. Socialisation is one of the best ways of taking your mind off things. I'm not saying you have to go to a party, but just being around people is enough socialisation. You could take a book or you could just people-watch. Take your phone or iPod with you and listen to some music so you don't have to interact, just being in a social situation will help you greatly.

These points help me distract my mind from sour thoughts and I hope they help you too. I know hearing the same thing over and over again can make you think that there is no hope so I've not included generic ones like take a walk or read a book. Frankly, they don't work for me.

Thanks for reading!
Bx

Easy And Quick Halloween Costumes For Everyone

We've all been there, two weeks until Halloween and no costume. Maybe you forgot, or maybe you've been invited to a last-minute party. Either way, you don't have a costume, and you need one. Don't worry, I got you! I've come up with a few last minute easy costumes you may be able to make with things you already own! I've also included some links to elements of the costumes I've found, just in case you're stuck for items.

1. Tom Cruise in Risky Business

This is such an incredibly easy costume. Literally, all you need is a big, over-sized white shirt, make sure it's big enough to cover your bum! You can wear some black shorts under the shirt, just in case. You'll also need some white socks, pulled up as high as they'll go. If you wanted to wear this costume out and about then you can wear some discreet shoes under the socks (ones that won't show too much). It's such a famous scene, so I expect the majority of people will know who you're supposed to me. A brown wig is really optional, I don't think it's a necessary part of the costume, you'll be easily recognised.

2. Bank Robbers

Everyone will recognise a stereotypical bank robber costume. You'll need a black and white striped t-shirt, some black skinny fit trousers (leggings, skinny jeans, even tights and black shorts), black shoes (trainers or pumps), a black eye mask and some black gloves. A white pillowcase can be used as a money bag, all you need to do is draw a dollar sign on the front then tie at the top. All of these items are easily accessible at your normal clothing shops. You can draw the masks on with paint or eyeliner. It's a quick outfit idea that's perfect for parties.

3. Regina George

I could've picked any of Regina's looks, but I chose her 'cut-out top' look. You know the one. Anyway, you'll need a white vest top, plain bra, black pleated mini skirt and some black dolly pumps. Then just cut holes where your boobs are and voila! You have a Regina George costume. The blonde wig is optional because in the film it became a trend so you can be a trend-follower instead.

4. Batman/Batgirl

A couple of years ago I dressed as my own version of Batgirl. I paired a Batman swimming costume with a black fake leather skirt, some black tights and black boots. I painted a small mask over my eyes and made a cape. I really liked this costume, it was pretty easy and I wore the skirt and boots again.

5. Holly Golightly

Even if you've never seen 'Breakfast at Tiffany's' I can guarantee you'll know Audrey Hepburn's iconic character, Holly Golightly. She's sophisticated in her clothing, so for this costume, you'll want to keep it simple but elegant. You will need a black shift dress you can work with a long or a short skirt, a long pearl necklace you can ideally wrap around your neck a few times, a cigarette holder, long black gloves that go to your elbows and some black pumps or heels. For her hair, you want to tease it into a beehive style, then pin at the back into an up-do, and if possible add in her iconic short fringe. Her makeup is very simple; a small wing on her eyeliner, blushed, rosy cheeks and a nude lip shade. You can pair this look with some black sunglasses too if you wish. Here is a tutorial I found for her hair and her makeup:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ptg2AUlKwWo

6. Wayne and Garth from Waynes World

I love Waynes World and I think it's pretty easy to replicate their outfits. For Wayne, you'll need a plain black loose fit t-shirt, loose fit blue jeans with big holes in both knees, black converse and a 'Waynes World' baseball cap. Wayne has brown shoulder-length hair so if you can't do this with your own hair then you may need a wig, but they're easy to find on places like Amazon.

Garth is pretty similar to Wayne. The jeans are the same, baggy blue jeans with holes in the knees. Garth often wears graphic band tees and a flannel shirt. He has thick-rimmed black glasses and blonde teased hair. Garth also wears black converse/trainers.

7. A cactus

For this costume, you'll need a green dress or long-sleeved top and some black trousers or tights and black shoes. You can paint/draw on the spikes of the cactus with some white paint or a white pen. You can also pair some fake, pink flowers in your hair, or stuck onto your top. So simple and easy!

8. Pink ladies/T-Birds

Easy and recognisable. The main part of both of these costumes are the famous jackets. The Pink Ladies costumes are fairly simple; you can wear black skinny trousers (leggings or pleather leggings) or a long pencil skirt and a plain black fitted top. Black pumps work well with this costume. Add a pink scarf tied around your neck and the iconic Pink Ladies jacket. You can make your own jacket using a pink bomber jacket with the writing painted on or you can buy a premade one. The film is set in the 50's so your hair should be styled in such a way. You could add curls to the end of your hair then brush out the bottom so it's nice and fluffy. Here are some tutorials I have found on Youtube that you could use:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxpmoonSpBw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-1SKeAhgmm8
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dqmzp7w4jOY

The T-Birds are just as easy. Some blue, straight-legged jeans, black converse, a plain white t-shirt and the leather jacket with the logo on the back. You can also add a cigarette if you want to too. Again, you can make your own jacket or you can buy one.

I hope you all have a great Halloween.
Thanks for reading!
Bx

The Murder Of Charlotte Dymond - Was The Right Man Punished?

Since it's nearly Halloween I thought I would tell you about a murder that took place on Bodmin Moor in 1844. Bodmin Moor is reasonably close to where I live in Cornwall.
On the 14th April 1844, Charlotte Dymond was brutally murdered on the moors. It's said Charlotte's ghost still wanders the moors in the Sunday best clothing she was tragically killed in.
The reason this story really sticks out to me is that I think the wrong man was found guilty. I mean, I obviously wasn't around when the murder took place, one-hundred-and-fifty years ago, but I've done a lot of reading in to it.
Charlotte Dymond was an eighteen-year-old domestic servant at Penhale Farm, situated on the edge of Bodmin Moors. There were two other in-house servants called John Stevens and Matthew Weeks, both in their early twenties. The farm was owned by widowed Phillipa Peter and her son, John.
Matthew Weeks and Charlotte developed a relationship, much to the shock of everyone else. Charlotte was pretty, dressed well and was notoriously flirty. Matthew was the opposite; he was short, noticeably missing some teeth and had a recognisable limp on his right leg. In March 1842, Matthew came into a small inheritance, shortly before Charlotte hanging out with him. Charlotte was illegitimate with no family. It is said that Charlotte was the daughter of a local schoolmistress who wanted nothing to do with her, probably due to shame, but that hasn't ever been confirmed.
Thomas Prout is the nephew of Phillipa who lives a few miles away from Penhale Farm. Thomas and Charlotte are believed to have had an affair, with the possibility of eloping together. John Steven's apparently overheard Thomas saying he would steal Charlotte away from Matthew. Thomas and Matthew had worked together in the past, it is believed the two didn't get along particularly well.

On Sunday 18th April, everyone changed into their Sunday best outfits. Early evening, around 4 o'clock, Matthew and Charlotte decided to go for a walk. Charlotte mentioned that she wouldn't be back in time to milk the cows, but that Matthew would. It wasn't uncommon for them to leave together, then return separately. A witness, an elderly farmer, said he saw the lovers walking on the moors in the fog; he recognised Matthew's limp but he couldn't identify the young woman with him, he assumed it was Charlotte due to her dress. Later on, Matthew returned alone, his trousers were muddied and his shirt was torn. He denied being on the moors.
A few days later, Charlotte still hadn't returned. Matthew had mentioned she had been offered a position in a little town a few miles away called, Blisland. He said she was going to stay at a friends house. A week later, Phillipa was still sceptical so decided to find out if the position was real, it was not. Charlotte had not been offered a new position and she hadn't stayed with friends. At this point, Matthew had left the farm with no intention of returning. It is seeming very likely Matthew murdered Charlotte.

                                               
                                                 Riverbank where Charlotte's body was found

On the 23rd of April, just over a week after she went missing, a search party found Charlotte's body on a riverbank, still on the moors. She had a very deep cut across her throat, from ear to ear. They classed this as the likely cause of her death. It may have even been two cuts. It was becoming clear that Matthew had been the one to kill Charlotte. Her injuries were ruled as not self-inflicted. The wound was rather horrific. It was extremely deep, just under 3 inches, so there is no doubt this is what killed her. It seems that the object used to kill her wasn't a sharp one because the wound looked heavy-handed and forced.

Matthew was found in Plymouth, at his sisters' house. There he was arrested. They found women's gloves and a bloodied handkerchief on him, which is a little suspicious. At Bodmin Assize Court on August 2nd, Matthew was tried for the murder of Charlotte Dymond. He pleaded not guilty, but the jury took just over thirty minutes to find him guilty. Matthew Weeks was sentenced to death by hanging.

Matthew Weeks was held in Bodmin Jail for ten days between sentencing and execution. Here he wrote two letters. One for his family and one was seemingly a confession. Matthew was a labourer so wasn't expected to be very literate, but this confession was not what you'd expect from him. The letter seemed to show him indirectly confessing to the murder of Charlotte:

"I hope young men will take a warning by me and not put too much confidence in young women, the same as I did; and I hope young females will take the same by young men. I loved that girl as dear as I loved my life; and after all the kind treatment I have showed her, and then she said she would have nothing more to do with me. And after this was done, then bitterly I did lament, thinking what would be my end. And I thank the judge and jury too, for they have given me no more than was my due."

Another confession was supposedly written by Matthew Weeks, giving explicit details about the murder, but people don't seem to believe it was actually written by him because the writing was more sophisticated than the writing in the letters. There is speculation that the police wrote the second confession to frame him, and stop public outrage. Have any of you watched 'Making A Murderer'? I believe the cases are similar. The murder of a young woman, and the framing of an innocent man.
                                           
                                                                      Bodmin Jail

At noon on the 12th of August, Matthew Weeks was hanged in front of a few thousand people. The public hanging took place at Bodmin Jail. He was buried in the prisons coal yard. Personally, I think the wrong man hung. I do not believe Matthew committed this crime. I remember learning about his case during an English lesson when I was about thirteen, I've been fascinated with it ever since! I've done a lot of reading into it, and I've read many theories, but I just don't believe he did it.

There is, obviously, a possibility that Matthew did commit this murder, but I do believe he is innocent. I think there could be other suspects. Thomas Prout, for example. There were no accounts to his whereabouts, and he had a motive. There does seem to be a love triangle. Matthew and Thomas both fighting for Charlotte affections. Is it not possible that Charlotte chose to stay with Matthew, and Thomas murdered her in a jealous rage? Of course! Thomas also had the physical strength to kill her. Matthew had a limp, and Charlotte would've been able to get away from him. Physically I believe Thomas is more likely to have killed Charlotte. Even if Matthew did kill Charlotte, wouldn't there be more blood found on his clothes rather than just a trace? Especially considering the severity of her wound.

The elderly witness is unreliable too. He mentioned that the moors were foggy, and he could only recognise Matthew Weeks from his limp. The witness said he couldn't tell who the person accompanying Matthew was, he only thought it was Charlotte due to her Sunday best clothes.
Could the talk about Charlotte's mother be true? Was she an ashamed schoolmistress? Could she have killed Charlotte? Maybe! There were never any confirmations of Charlotte's family, it was thought she had none. This is all just theory and talk. But maybe Charlotte bumped into her Mother after Matthew left to head back to the farm. They could have argued and that could have turned violent. Charlottes Mother could have killed Charlotte in rage to rid herself of the shame. This could have happened. Maybe it was an unknown person. Charlotte's body was found with some items of clothing missing. Maybe Charlotte encountered someone who wanted to hurt her and it turned deadly. An old lover perhaps? Or even a total stranger.

In 1978 the case was reopened by an amateur historian named Pat Munn. She concluded that Matthew was innocent. There are questions about her report though, she didn't provide any other candidates. She did question the fact that Charlotte's shoes were missing and never found - not even on Matthew. When I learnt about this case in school, we learnt that Charlotte body was probably moved after she was killed. This seems probable! I know she was found on the edge of a river, but surely there would've been a lot more blood than there was? Matthew could barely walk himself, let alone drag a body through the mud on the moors. Pat also discovered that the witnesses who said they saw Charlotte with Matthew changed their story after Charlotte's body was found. They only said it was her afterwards but before they said they didn't know who the girl was.  If you want to know more about Pat Munn's findings, you can buy her book here.

To me, there are too many factors and possibilities saying that Matthew could have been innocent. From the moment I started looking into this murder case, I've been convinced he is innocent. I could be wrong, she did die One-hundred-and-seventy-four years ago so it's not something I witnessed first-hand. I can only go off the stories and records I've found online. I also believe that all of the records from the time of the case are pretty biased. I've not found one article or newspaper extract that shares the possibility of another suspect or possible murderer. I think that the town all just agreed that Matthew was guilty to stop the fear of the possibility of a murderer walking around with them. I think that the town picked on Matthew because he wasn't particularly 'worthy' in the town, he was just a farm labourer. Phillipa may have been protecting her family and saw Matthew as an easy target.
                                                         
                                             The monument in memory of Charlotte

There are too many theories to write about in this post. We'll probably never know whether Matthew was the person who killed Charlotte. A monument was placed on the moor where Charlotte was found. The town rallied together and had the monument made.

The murder of Charlotte Dymond inspired the poet Charles Causley to write a ballad about the famous murder simply called 'The Ballad of Charlotte Dymond':

'It was a Sunday evening
And in the April rain
That Charlotte went from our house,
And never came home again.

Her shawl of diamond redcloth,
She wore a yellow gown,
She carried a green gauze handkerchief
She bought in Bodmin town.

About her throat her necklace
And in her purse her pride
As she walked out one evening
Her lover at her side.

Out beyond the marshes
Where the cattle stand,
With her crippled lover
Limping at her hand.

Charlotte walked with Matthew
Through the Sunday mist,
Never saw the razor
Waiting at his wrist.

Charlotte she was gentle
But they found her in the flood
Her Sunday beads among the reeds
Beaming with her blood.

Matthew, where is Charlotte
and wherefore has she flown?
For you walked out together
And now are come alone.

Why do you not answer,
Stand silent as a tree,
Your Sunday woollen stockings
All muddied to the knee?

Why do you mend your breast-pleat
With a rusty needle’s thread
And fall with fears and silent tears
Upon your single bed?

Why do you sit so sadly
Your face the colour of clay
And with a green gauze handkerchief
Wipe the sour sweat away?

Has she gone to Blisland
To seek an easier place,
And is that why your eye won’t dry
And blinds your bleaching face?

“Take me home!” cried Charlotte,
“I lie here in the pit!
A red rock rests upon my breasts,
And my naked neck is split!”

Her skin was soft as sable,
Her eyes were wide as day,
Her head was blacker than the bog
That licked her life away.

Her cheeks were made of honey,
Her throat was made of flame
Where all around the razor
Had written its red name.

As Matthew turned at Plymouth
About the tilting Hoe,
The cold and cunning Constable
Up to him did go:

“I’ve come to take you, Matthew,
Unto the Magistrate’s door.
Come quiet now, you pretty poor boy.
And you must know what for.”

“She is pure,” cried Matthew,
“As is the early dew,
Her only stain it is the pain
that round her neck I drew!”

“She is guiltless as the day
She sprang forth from her mother.
The only sin upon her skin
Is that she loved another...”

They took him off to Bodmin,
They pulled the prison bell,
They sent him smartly up to Heaven
And dropped him down to Hell.

All through the granite kingdom
And on its travelling airs
Ask which of these two lovers
The most deserves your prayers.

And your steel heart search, Stranger,
That you may pause and pray
For lovers who come not to bed
Upon their wedding day.

But lie upon the moorland
Where stands the sacred snow
Above the breathing river,
And the salt sea-winds go.'
                                                   
Memorial reads ' This monument is erected by public subscription in memory of Charlotte Dymond who was murdered here by Matthew Weekes on Sunday, April 14th 1844'

If you are interested in this case, want to make your own mind up and are ever in Cornwall, then you can attend a 'courtroom experience' at the 'Shire Hall' which were once the county courts. You find out more information here: https://bit.ly/2A1Mq8D.

What do you think happened? Let me know what you think in the comments below!
Thanks for reading!
Bx

Links to source information:

https://www.cornwalls.co.uk/myths-legends/charlotte-dymond.htm
http://lawactually.blogspot.com/2008/04/charlotte-dymond-facts.html
Page 8: http://www.bodminjail.org/wp-content/uploads/2015/10/Book-of-Execution.pdf
http://lindastratmann.com/articles/the-murder-of-charlotte-dymond/
http://launcestonthen.co.uk/index.php/the-place/launceston-police/the-murder-of-charlotte-dymond/
https://www.magicstones.nl/1773/0/news/the-murder-of-charlotte-dymond-

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