Creativity's Realm

It doesn't exist.

Here's the thing. Recently, I have been exploring and getting in contact with my deepest and most creative roots.

I started wondering what I can do? What am I good at? What do I enjoy doing nevertheless? What content do I enjoy receiving?

Imagine if everyone in the world asked themselves this question. Imagine the infinite amount of answers! And I do not say infinite lightly. Two people might enjoy the same thing but like it in a different or a varied way.

I am going to take this post to briefly answer those questions. I will also give you different ways to be creative, just off the top of my head because as I said creativity has no realm.

Now onto those questions.

What can I do? What am I good at?

Disclaimer, I am not trying to be arrogant, but it is important to know your key strength to get in touch with yourself as a whole and do what you are meant to do in this planet.

What am I good at... Writing, for one thing. I may not be the superlative of writers, but I am at the very least and adequate writer. I put my heart and soul to whatever I am writing, may it be a blog post or an essay that my graduation depends on. And since I cannot say I am "good at reading", I still read avidly, which subsequently help my writing style. I'd give you a sample of my writing but you literally are reading it.

Moreover, I also am quite the singer. Music is such an important part of who I am and while people can use instruments to get in touch with it, I use my voice and I share it with whomever I can. My voice is my instrument and words create my message. I enjoy songwriting as well but I still have yet to write something I am ready to share with the world.

Golden Leaves by Passenger snippet cover

Oblivion by Bastille snippet cover

Yesterday by The Beatles snippet cover


Finally, photography. It is more of a newly found hobby, but boy oh boy is it a strong one. Connor Franta, a YouTube vlogger, once said that he is not scared of being in the most awkward position just to take a good photo and his words resonated with me ever since. The world has so much beauty and I feel like it is my mission to document it. I am finding marvellous scenes in the streets I spent my teenage years just now, only cause I just actually started looking for beauty in them and if you do too, you will find it.

Some samples of my work:

Niagara Falls © Farah ElBahrawy 2015

Theme park ride entrance © Farah ElBahrawy 2015

Statue of Liberty © Farah ElBahrawy 2015

Partial Dubai Skyline © Farah ElBahrawy 2015

What do I enjoy?

Critiquing,  for the best of for worse. Whether it be watching films and critiquing their cinematography or the latest book I just picked up. I also love designing my room and I generally love visual art, but I am not necessarily the best at it.

What content do I enjoy receiving?

MEDIA!

Give me movies, videos, blogs, magazines, put me on a social network, let me watch what people have to offer, help me get in touch with the way people think and find out the way the mind of today's biggest innovators work!

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Now what are different ways to be creative? Oh man.

• Music: instruments, vocals, mixing

• Art: Visual, photography, sculpting, interior/fashion design, make-up

• Writing: blogs, books, essays, reports, critiques, poems, songs

• Filming: shooting, editing, visual effects, sound effects

There are so many ways to find inspiration. Whether in books, or in other people's work (be careful of plagiarising!), or in nature, in history. The world is such a big place with so many resources up, down, left and right. If you actually give effort to find these sources, to find this inspiration, to find your creative platform, you will find it. 

I am not sitting here saying you cannot be a scientist or an engineer, because of course you can be but even in those fields I am sure creativity exits. Breakthroughs require that extra mile of creativity and broadened horizons, which is why everyone needs a creative side.

We live in a world where uniqueness, creativity and originality are keys to success. So go ahead, be that. Nothing is better.

In my next blog post I will be posting a lot of links to creative platforms and people who you need to check out according to interest. I will do a lot of research and I hope this is beneficial to you!

Till next time,

Farah x

Book review – "Stolen: A Letter to My Captor" by Lucy Christopher

Hurray to book reviews! They are one of my favourite things to write if I am being honest.

As you may have figured by the title, this will be about the book "Stolen" by Lucy Christopher.

First off, let's have a glance at this beautiful book. (Red flag: cover judgement ahead).

Cleverly stacked above The Book Thief and Night Film, this book has a simple, sleek and chic cover. The black and white contrast was what got me sold. The font too implies something handwritten and personal – aka everything this book is simply about. The glossy orange butterfly too carries a lot of symbolism reflected from the novel. Overall I give this cover a good old 4/5 stars.

The content, however, gets a 4.5/5 for me but before I dwell on that, let me explain to you what this wonderful and deservedly hyped book is about.

Stolen, as the title suggests, is a letter written by 16-year-old girl Gemma to her captor, 25-year-old Ty. Ty has been watching, or stalking, Gemma since she was 10. He kidnaps her in Hong Kong's airport and takes her to the desert in Middle-Of-Nowhere, Australia. It reflects on her time in the desert and the disturbing but intriguing relationship that grew between her and Ty. (Note to Lucy Christopher: thank you, thank you, thank you for not including insta-love. Thank you.)

This book was very interesting to me as it deals with Stockholm Syndrome, a psychological phenomenon I am generally interested in. For those of you not familiar with the term, here is the definition straight from the book: "It is when a victim emotionally bonds with his or her abuser... It may be as a survival mechanism, so that you feel safer with your captor when you are getting along, for instance, or it may happen if you start to feel sorry for your abuser... perhaps he's been wronged at some point in his life and you want to make it up to him... you start to understand him; you have to get on, or you suffer tremendous boredom... or perhaps he makes you feel special, loved –".

Christopher perfectly described the syndrome and from just one paragraph I learned so much more about about it than I already know. It perfectly describes what Gemma went through too, which she later obviously denies as those who suffer from the syndrome refuse to admit to it.

Other topics and themes the book dealt ever so cleverly with were nature, art, child neglect, living in the media age, primitiveness, survival skills and probably a few more that are not currently on the top of my head.

The author's writing style was perfectly balanced between imagery, thought and direct speech (dialogue). Though, it seemed to me that it just got better as the novel progressed. So I do not blame you if you find the start sort of slow and boring (it really kicks off from around 50 pages from the 300-paged book). I also didn't feel like it dragged at any point from there which is an incredible bonus for a book.

Now onto my favourite part of book reviews: character talk!

First off, Gemma. Honestly, I do not have much to say. Christopher doesn't take any chance in the book to dwell on Gemma's interests other than she had fairy fantasies when she was 10 and her parents are somewhat modern business oriented parents. Under other circumstances, this would usually degrade a book a whole start, but since this is a letter from Gemma to someone who has stalked her for years and knows everything about her I would understand why. She also has zero survival skills and is so influenced by the media and she constantly thinks of movies and books, but this is also understandable as she has lived her whole life in the city. And finally, she is the victim of the psychological phenomenon of Stockholm Syndrome and Lucy Christopher so wonderfully and accurately portrays what it is like.

Now onto the interesting character: Ty. Ty, or Tyler, was abandoned as a child and you could see how his trauma really influenced him into being who he is today. He is a very primitive man influenced by the Aboriginal culture (if you are interested in what this is, give it a google or else this would lead to a whole other blogpost). Reading the book, critically, from Gemma's point of view might also imply that he is in a way borderline sociopathic or he is just extremely socially awkward to the point he would rather just spend his life with just one person. But honestly, and I am going to sound like I am the one with Stockholm Syndrome here, his experiences (which I don't want to spoil you on) are what lead him into being that way. He is also, almost literally, blinded by love. Perhaps this book is Lucy Christopher's interesting way of portraying the power of love.

To wrap this up here is a 3 word sum up for this book: disturbing, insightful and beautiful. I honestly think everyone should pick it up for a non-cheesy, thought-provoking, contemporary YA as it will broaden your horizons and allow you to really think critically of things and not just take them for the way they are. And though I may have said it is disturbing but this is what makes it so gripping. It'll leave you thinking for days and I'll bet you whatever that you will be thinking throughout what would you be doing if you were in Gemma's place.

Make sure to comment what you thought of it if you read it, or if you want to read it after this review or if you just have any general comment! See you next post,

- Farah

What Lies Beyond High School

University, bills, career, marriage, kids, responsibility.

It doesn't end.

I've spend a good time wishing high school to be over till the last two years where I realised what the crap I will be getting myself into when it is over.

Since I am currently going through this myself I will be sticking mainly to uni and choosing a major.

First off, there is always the option of a gap year which I wished to take, but couldn't. I wrote a whole essay about gap years around a month ago and I am all for it. You can go travel or backpacking if you can't afford a luxurious trip and immerse yourself into the cultures of the world. Work or intern, earn money to go to college or buy a car or for a concert or even for retirement. You can try out a new sport or audition for a role and have your big break. Learn a new language or raise your kid or help your mother. Gap years are amazing and can open so many doors instead of closing them because should you use it wisely, you have a great life ahead of you.

There is always the option not going to uni, which may be a totally reasonable option. It could be due to financial restraints, or you just know you can do whatever you want without going to university. Not many of us get this chance because our flawed educational paradigm states we should go to university cause that's what everyone has been doing for the last few centuries so should we. And sadly, a lot find themselves in this situation when they can't afford the absurd university fees of the 21st century though they wish to continue to higher education.

And then, there is of course the option of going to university which is the most opt for. I decided I am going to university and I am majoring in journalism but that is after a long, long internal and external war because you know, as this great woman once said:

Two years ago had you asked me what I would've wanted to do I would've said I wanted to go into arts and design. A year later, business and management or marine biology. A few months ago, I had no damn idea. A couple of months ago, journalism, but my parents want me to do political science so that. A month ago, journalism, but my parents want me to do law so maybe that. That same month, my parents realised that this is what I wanted and they knew they shouldn't and couldn't let me do something I didn't want so finally it was just "Journalism. I want to be a journalist."

Then came the problem of where I wanted to apply and which city and which university and finally that was resolved. I now know where I am going and what I want to do.

But honestly, 5 months earlier I didn't even think I wanted to go to university. But after a lot of research and talking to lots of people (you know, typical journalist work), I realised that I did. In university you meet people. People you've never met before, that you haven't grown up with. They're new people who have different points of views than you do and will probably be friends that will last. You'll fall in and out of relationships, you'll get to see the world from a different perspective and get a load of experience. You will learn a lot of things that you actually like. I figured that university is for me, and that I want to embark on this journey. If this is the type of adventure you want to go on, university is also probably for you. It is only four years, less that 1/3 of school life. You'll learn and grow and they will pass.

Yet still, if you don't want to go to university and know the consequences and opportunities this brings, then so shall it be. It is your choice and just because someone else says you should do it, that shouldn't be your decisive factor. But I still recommend you do research before you plunge into this decision.

Now if you do decide to go to college, choosing a major can honestly be the biggest pain in the ass if you already don't know what you want to do (which was obviously my case).

How I figured it out was asking myself a bunch of very simple questions.

1. What do you know you don't want to do?

Being a doctor, engineer, arts and design, doing business in university, and so much more.

2. What do you love to do?

I love reading like, everything. And I love writing. I enjoy social media and taking photos. I am highly opinionated and generally take interest in a lot of current world affairs.

And from that, it just became clear what I want to do.

If those questions aren't enough to help you, I looked up a bunch of helpful links:

http://advising.uoregon.edu/AA_Pages/AA_ChooseMajor.html

http://www.careerealism.com/decide-college-major/

https://www.universitylanguage.com/guides/how-to-choose-a-college-major/

http://www.mymajors.com/

University and just life after school is over is tough and just thinking about it is nerve-wracking but if the last generation could make it, we could too.

Weigh out your options carefully and make a keen and smart decision. Good luck to everyone, which ever part of your life you're on right now.

I cannot wait to blog more about my university life when it starts.

Talk to you soon, Farah x

Summer Vacation

Since this was my senior year at school, I've had the privilege to finish school earlier than everyone else in school and, relatively, the world.

I've been on summer vacation for almost two months now! And I'm gonna be honest with you, I have achieved around 11% of what I intended to achieve. I even had a list and all. Had I been home, I would have attached a photo of the list, but I am not. So here's a sample of what was on it:

• Start learning to play guitar
• Paint
• Read even more
• Go to new places
• Swim
• Start a blog

From this sample, I can tick two off. I did paint once!

I tried doing some miniature dresses, which miserably failed. But that's okay, the fact I tried was what counted the most to me (especially since I had spent around 2 weeks just in bed watching Parks and Rec).

I also went to a new place, which was I ice skated. And I would like to take a moment to describe my experience.

I went with six other friends, who were my 'squad' during the last two years of high school. I hesitated a million times before agreeing to do it, since my last ice skating experience was traumatising (I fell on my butt and hurt for a year). I clutched to the railing for dear life for a good 20 minutes (we booked 3 hours cause what else would you do when you're going to skate in an Olympic sized ice rink?) while everyone else ditched me. Then one of my friends decided he had to teach me. And one humiliating crash, thousand ear-piercing screams and a million judgemental looks later, I could fairly skate well hand in hand with someone else and I could cross the whole rink on my own!

Skating was actually super fun and I plan on going back a lot more times and sharpen my merely existing skating skill. I usually love trying new activities and I am so glad I decided to push aside my fear of falling and humiliation and just enjoyed myself. This is something I constantly suffer with, the fear of public humiliation and I definitely think I'm not alone. Trying this new activity was exhilarating and I just focused on myself and my friends which all what counted at that moment.

This is a photo of our legs (!) at the heart of the ice rink. Good times.

Anyway, if you struggle with the fear of embarrassing yourself in public, trying new activities out of your comfort zone and/or failure, surround yourself by the people closest to you, find an activity you have been dying to try out and I guarantee you'll be having the time of your life. And I feel summer is the perfect time to do so because it is when people are genuinely freer.

I am also learning so much more about my identity and self. I'm educating myself and widening my horizons on things schools won't teach us. I've been discovering new artists and

Now onto some of the other things I couldn't accomplish...

Between travelling, procrastinating, going out, watching TV shows and movies, and much more, I found myself held back from doing a couple of things. I am especially disappointed in myself for my lack of ability to make time for reading this summer. Even during most stressful times at school, I was able to read more. I can justify it by saying that now I am doing things I couldn't necessarily do during school, but it is just not a good enough reason for me since reading is something I cherish so deeply and not in anyway want to fall behind on. I am still working on it, but I know I will be held back even more as I do some more travelling (which, though off topic, I am really excited to blog about!). I also didn't make time for swimming, though I still hope the chance hasn't passed, and learning guitar. But maybe I'll leave learning to play the instrument to winter –sigh, procrastination–.

This post was more or less a take of my summer so far and a comparison between how my expectation was to reality. And it was to discuss with you if we actually do as much as we imagine we will do in summer!

I'm genuinely satisfied and happy with how it went, especially with trying new things, discovering myself better, getting into the university I wanted to get into and doing the major I want to (upcoming post!), seeing my family, and so much more that is still to come. Though I am more of a winter person, I am working on making this the most memorable summer because I have just graduated a long journey of school, I'm moving onto a new chapter of my life and all that cheesiness. This is the last summer I won't be considered an adult, and I want to make every second count.

Also, no matter your age, and if it is summer where you live, go enjoy it! Do what you want and give yourself a reason to have the summer you want to tell your kids about someday. Go on pintrest, Youtube, tumblr, weheartit, instagram. Look for ideas and actually do them! As annoying as this may sound, it doesn't matter how much or how little you have, you can always find something to do just give yourself the motivation and initiative.

How has your summer been going? Do you have any plans? Do you set expectations for your summer or do you just go with it?  I have loads of upcoming plans and this is the first time I actually set goals and stick to it so I am quite excited!

See you next post where I will be talking about university, majors and beyond, contrary to this chill one!

Till next time,

Farah x

Been A Long Time Coming

It's has been a long time coming indeed for me to finally initiate my blog.

I am not a procrastinator, if anything, I am the opposite of that. I suffer from horrible anxiety most time – one of the topics I would generally like to discuss on this blog one day, just not today – which forces me to always do things on time and to do them the best I can. This is probably why it took me so long to finally start my own blog instead of drooling and obsessing over others' blogs. Because I wanted it to be right. I wanted to know what I am going on about. I had to clarify my audience and define my purpose, and I think I finally have.

My audience is probably you, reading this. Someone with common interests, like reading, fashion and travelling. Someone who's musically and artistically inclined. Someone who wants to actually make a change and educate themselves on as many topics as possible.

My purpose is to help open eyes like mine have recently been opened. To discover new trends and share them with as many people as possible. To showcase my persona yet in the same time build on who I am. I want to write posts that when I look back on I don't cringe, I feel proud. I also want to make my voice be heard all around the world and what better place than the internet is to do that?

I'm a feminist and by that I believe in justice for everyone and I want to replenish any supremacies such as the male and white supremacy. This is because females and males are human and neither gender should be better than the other and since white is the most common race it should not be the supreme one, causing discrimination against the rest of the races. These are more serious topics but it is relevant to inform you that I might be talking about them later on in my blog, in light of recent events such as the Charleston church shooting and infamous phenomena such as the gender wage gap.

And just some basic facts about me before I end this post, I live in Dubai, I am 17 as of this moment, and I am always on the lookout for new adventures and am usually doing something blog-worthy and cannot wait to share them with you. I also really hope this blog goes somewhere.

Goodbye for now!

- Farah x