November in Bournemouth has felt like life slipping into place. I’ve caught myself several times thinking, This feels like home, and the thought of leaving in less than six months saddens me. I have people who I care deeply for and care for me in return, and my work is feeling increasingly fulfilling.
It’s been busy with The Story Works as we approach the holiday season. After several weeks off, we had regularly-occurring workshops this week and last, and I had a chance to lead one for the first time. Our mission as a charity is to empower both students and volunteers, so when a volunteer does not ask to lead, it’s up to me to fulfill that role… and it was harder than I thought. The group of kids I led was the loudest and rowdiest we’d ever had according to Dee (my boss), and I felt slightly out of my element. The biggest thing I learned was that I need to control the room—that means not moving forward until everyone is quiet. I know each time I lead will be better, so I’m excited to learn and grow as a leader and a teacher.
Last week’s workshop
We’ve got some exciting things as a charity coming up: first, I had a school accept my songwriting workshop! It will be a four week course with Year 10s (14-15 year-olds) culminating in a recording session. I’m set to start on January 20th, so I’ll spend the next couple months preparing the curriculum. Additionally, a local coworking space called Patch offered our charity free use of any of their spaces, so I booked a Christmas social for volunteers, supporters, and anyone who wants to learn more about the charity. I got so excited just thinking about putting together the invites and curating the evening. It made me remember how much I love and miss event planning and how creating a shared communal space is one of my favorite things to do as a human.
The day that I toured Patch with one of our student volunteers, Maddie, was such a wonderful day. The Christmas decorations had just been put up in town centre, and Bournemouth looked more beautiful than I’d ever seen it. I walked past the lit-up Christmas trees, hot chocolate stand, and ice skating rink feeling so dang happy. As I took the bus home, Pret sandwich in hand, I saw a Slug and Lettuce on the second floor of a Tesco and thought, Yep. I love England.
Bournemouth dressed up for Christmas!
Now onto my personal life. I embarked on a weekend trip to Spain with Eleri to meet up with one of our closest friends, Lydia, who is pursuing her master’s degree in Madrid. Even with few laid-out plans, the three of us had so much fun and giggled endlessly. The weekend was a much needed girls reunion and proved to me once again how a dose of familiarity can keep me motivated for weeks. I love female friendship!
Eleri, me, Lydia, and Lydia’s friend Ryan in Madrid!
The food in Spain was so incredible. I have to gush over it.
A classic Spanish tapas meal, including Manchego cheese and Potatoes Bravos.
Lastly, I played another show this week, this time just me and my guitar. The audience consisted of the other performers and three people I invited, but I still had a blast. Earlier this year I made a vow to always perform like I’m playing to a full arena, so I gave this little acoustic set my all and decided not to care about how few people there were, and I felt myself enjoying the process so much more. My two friends were singing along and smiling big at me the whole time, and I felt so grateful that I get to perform my own music in another country. More of that to come!
Elisabeth x
My show!