Writing Woes – The Process of Creating a Captivating Story
A good book is flowing and keeps your interest. But a great book commands your attention, beckons you to turn its pages and keeps you up in the early hours of the morning. Its fueled by a deep sense of imagination, passion and meaning which enable its words to conjure up powerful imagery in your mind; making you crack a smile on a bad day and well up with tears when its protagonist experiences despair. And the best thing about it is that it makes you feel like you’ve escaped your own reality for a few hours.
Yet, if you’re a writer, you probably very well know that creating a compelling story isn’t easy. Sometimes the words flow and sometimes they don’t. You might feel moody when it’s just not happening for you. But ultimately it’s the anticipation to write those first few words that makes you try harder and harder to reach into the bottom of your soul and splurge ink onto the paper that’s in front of you. Read More >>>>
The Luzzu that Stares Out at Sea
As the colourful Luzzu stares out at the Mediterrean sea, knowing that his owner will soon appear, the sea gently rocks him from side to side attempting to lull him to sleep. But his eyes do not close. They continue to gaze fixedly out at sea, waiting apprehensively for the moustached man to show up in the early hours of the morning. For he knows that he must not sleep; he has a duty to protect his owner from evil at sea.
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Amsterdam Street Art – Bright & Colorful Artworks in the Dutch Capital
Amsterdam is perhaps most famous for its canals, coffee shops and lush green parks. Yet, the colorful city is also pretty artistic too! Apart from the array of fine museums,which can be quite costly to enter but otherwise completely worthwhile, there’s also plenty of street art to see in Amsterdam’s open-air museum. So, if you happen to have some free time to explore the Venice of the north, rent a bike and get ready to explore the world of Amsterdam Street Art! Below our article highlights a few murals and works of art that can be found all around the city. Have a read through this post and find out where you can spot them!
Amsterdam Street Art Guide
Icy and Sot Amsterdam Graffiti in Voetboogsteeg
Liberal Amsterdam is a marvellous hub for thought-provoking street art. And Icy and Sot’s mural of an Iranian woman,who’s heavily clad in a burka, is an excellent example of how art can be a very effective medium to deliver both a powerful message and underlying story of what’s happening in the artists’ country. If you happen to find yourself in Voetboogsteeg, an alley in the heart of Amsterdam,you should definitely check out this beautiful mural for yourself. In the meantime, here’s a bit about the artwork and the stencil artists who are behind the mural. Read More >>>>
Fish Graffiti, Amsterdam by Sjem Bakkus
Upon walking down Spuistraat, one of Amsterdam’s most derelict streets, you’ll most likely pass by a few of the Dutch capital’s artistic gems. And 0ne of the artworks you’ll most probably lay your eyes on is one that was painted by Dutch street artist Sjem Bakkus. Indeed, there’s no doubt that this menacing fish baring a pointed, toothy grin will stare out at you with its bulging eyes and call for your attention.
A Vegetal Affair
A few months ago, a couple of friends and I wound up unexpectedly visiting one of the only green spots left on the Maltese islands – Buskett. And to our surprise, the garden was different for once. Not as tranquil as usual, but instead bustling with people who chatted away loudly and went around the stalls on display in the garden’s large car park. Of course, little did we know that this was all part of the colorful festival, Mnarja.
Remarkably, the atmosphere was cheerful as keen farmers and breeders celebrated their vegetal affair and their love for raising animals. Even though, they anxiously sat on benches sipping on coke and beer whilst they waited for their produce to be measured, weighed and rated by the judges.
Here are a few snapshots I took whilst at the festival. Enjoy!
This post was written and published in response to The Daily Post’s post The Daily Prompt: Vegetal.
Glow in The Dark Owl Graffiti by Oliver Switch
Back in the first week of August 2015, passersby could smell the scent of aerosol paint lacquer in the air as Oliver Switch fervently sprayed a large mural on the flank of a building in Camden Town, London. After working for 2 days on the owl graffiti project, Switch’s act of transmogrify was complete and two yellow eyes clad in ruffled grey feathers stared out at their viewers.
Wide-Eyed, Feathery Friends Immortalized through Street Art
The artwork, which was commissioned by Sony and in collaboration of the Global Association of Street Art, features a wide-eyed owl as well as a young owlet against a backdrop of a serene forest. It’s the third in a series of artworks in Sony’s promotion ‘ I can see in the dark’.
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Bernini’s Elephant & the Obelisk
Tucked away round the back of one of the most visited sites in Rome, one can find a small but immensely captivating obelisk which will most likely arouse your curiosity as it did mine on passing the statue. Indeed, the obelisk in question I’m making reference to is none other than the one and only found in Piazza Santa Maria sopra Minerva called the ‘Elephant and the Obelisk’.
The Story Behind the Bernini Elephant
As with most monuments, each one has a story to tell and this obelisk which is elevated on a unique pedestal is certainly no exception. It’s unprecedented Egyptian appearance, captivating history and interesting legend is one which ultimately stimulates thought about the past Roman civilization and leaves us yearning to learn more.
Tivoli, Italy in Photos
Situated by the Aniene River, just 30 kilometers east of Rome, is a wonderful town named Tivoli which emanates much of what Italy has to offer. With its terracotta buildings, cascading waterfalls, churches, medieval castle, fountains, lush greenery and monuments, it’s evident that Tivoli is brimming with character. If you’ve never been, you can get one step closer by looking at some of shots I took whilst on my visit!
Spaghetti alla Vongole with Cherry Tomatoes
As much as I love a nice hot plate of spaghetti bolognese on a cold autumn day, I must confess that my heart still yearns for the summer months that have passed and yet will come again. Why? Well, I’m a seafood lover and I believe fresh is always best.
Indeed, if I had the choice, I would feast on the fruits of the blue sea every day. And if there’s one dish I’d choose to eat, it would definitely be Spaghetti alla Vongole with Cherry Tomatoes. Luckily, for me I live in the sunny Mediterranean island, Malta, where fishing is a big industry. So, we do get a nice batch of clams at our local fishmonger once every week or so when the howling autumn wind and rain have shied away from brewing up a storm.
After having tried many versions of this dish, some with tomatoes, some without, there was always this one I’d find myself making time and time again. Below is the recipe I always use. Have a look,prepare and taste the result for yourself! You certainly won’t be disappointed!
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