I was a tomboy. I wore the same combat trousers every moment I wasn't in school uniform for about three years - mum thought I'd be buried in them (still time!). I spent lots of time climbing and falling out of trees. I was always on my bike, never hanging around on foot around town (great legs as a consequence!). I have grown out of it a little, but the traits still pop into my days occasionally - I have a killer bruise just today from falling off my bike, in fact! I'm no stranger to mud, sweat and don't mind poking gross things in the garden. Once a tomboy, always a tomboy!

True story: Playing a game of baseball with a mixed group a year or two ago, I was first up to bat for my team. I was offered a tennis racket and turned it down, much to the delight of the doubting Thomas's (yes, male players). I smacked that home run - highest scoring player of the game. Get in. 

This is the story of my (not especially athletic but) tomboy life so far. 

As much as I appreciate girls come in all shapes and sizes, attitudes and styles, I wouldn't discourage my future potential daughters from being a tomboy. I've learned so much about myself being a tomboy - something you can empathise with?

This one goes out to all former child/teen tomboys around the world.

19 Things I Learned From Being A Tomboy

It's not always a great move to chop off all your hair. Or even part of it - when I was at Uni I used to cut my own hair over a sink (partly to save money, but also because it was short and curly so no one noticed any errors!). This was something I regret come Graduation Day photos! Also, be prepare to be judged as a lesbian. Ridiculous as it is, it happens. 

Tomboys are not necessarily competitive sports freaks. They come in many forms, so just be who you are. You're unique, and you can still be a reader tomboy! I can't throw a frisbee for love nor money, but hey, no one's great at everything. Apart from possibly Neil Patrick Harris. 

Remember, gyms are not just for weight lifting obsessed muscle freaks, retired folks loosening off and gym bunnies who aren't really sweating. Likewise, it's not just men who body pump or boot camp - you'd think this is obvious, but it's not to many. It's absolutely fine to be what you deem as 'normal' and just go for a little workout at your own speed, without a layer of mascara. And what more perfect place to parade your favourite baggy tee?

So what if your favourite film is Cool Runnings? We don't all have to like Legally Blonde. 

Not being afraid of a bit of mud has led me to many opportunities I would never have had otherwise: my Raleigh International expedition is a great example. I learned so much about myself on this eight week project, changed the direction of my life, made many friends, including my now husband! 

All I wanna do is play outside! Movies are great for nights in, but it's healthier and more fun to be out in the fresh air. Winter or summer, you'll find me out and about tramping around. 

I know my physical limits - from drinking competitions to knowing how fast I can ride my bike round a corner with no hands, I know my body and what it can take. 

Trouser suits look just as smart as a skirt/dress suit. I never wanted to wear a dress my mum tried to put me in as a kid. My tip - don't force the kid to wear a dress if she doesn't want to. Harmony in the household is worth more than a swishy outfit. And heels make your lush legs look longer. 

Confidence can come from being both tomboy and girly, but nowhere is confidence in a woman more required and cultivated in a male orientated industry, like the waste sector. I work in waste and recycling, and I've had to deal with some 'old school' girl-scoffers who didn't like the fact I was educated, young enough to be their daughter, and a woman. Being able to tough it out and prove my ability to get my hands dirty has helped me here. I'm not saying you can't be a confident girly girl, but showing I was not scared to get in a graft and not sit pretty at a desk all day did me favours. 

'Sexy' Halloween outfits are not me. I dressed as Bob the Builder for my 18th birthday party and rocked those overalls! (Wish I had a photo to share - I'll have a root about...)

It's fine to hate pink, but you know, there is a tone which would look good on you (mine's a dark fushia kinda shade). Try it, it won't hurt. My favourite work outfit is now bright pink tights, black shirt, black shorts and black heels.  

Avoiding makeup isn't a bad thing. Too many 11 year olds are caked in foundation and eyeliner. Natural beauty exists. When I was a teenager I avoided mirrors, and I couldn't be arsed with it all, honestly. Added to my phobia of eyes, it took me ages to done a bit of slap. Even now, I mainly only use eyeliner and a bit of blush on a special occasion and I'm happy like that. You'll find what suits, if you want to wear it, but make sure it's you and not your mates who decide you should wear it. 

"Cool" and "dude" are not just words for boys to use. A female mate at work and I exchange these words as a greeting now - it's turned into a joke, but you get the idea. 

When you DO doll-up (if you do) and wear a dress and heels, you'll be amazed at the positive reaction. I always felt like a fraud wearing a dress and like make up just wasn't me. As I've grown up a bit, I do wear more dresses (knitwear, mainly), but I definitely feel more comfy in a pair of jeans. Don't feel people are encouraging you to change - just graciously accept the compliments and pull the jeans back on when you get home. 

On the subject of baggy tees, everyone, no matter who you ask, will have a 'scruffs' outfit for lounging around at home. It's just some people's are joggers and a Kaiser Chiefs shirt, and others are a Prada onesie. Yes, they make them too. 

"No makeup days" don't have to be an 'exposing' social  media campaign or a day when you're couch bound. Lots of women look fabulous without makeup. Check out Dame Helen Mirren going on a dinner date with her husband recently without 'a face' (from Daily Mail).  It's just some people's are joggers and a Kaiser Chiefs shirt, and others are a Prada onesie. Yes, they make them too. 

Hand-me-downs are brilliant - especially when they're Hardy Boys books or Lego sets. 
It's totally ok if most of your friends are guys. Some girls will hate you for it, but that's life. You won't be liked by everyone, whoever you are. Girl mates are essential though - make sure you have a couple you can count on for sharing good and bad times.

Your favourite shoes are simple flipflops or walking boots - that's not a crime. They're often cheaper than heels and last a helluva lot longer!


It's ok not to adore the latest heartthrob. I was a teen in 'the Titanic years' and never understood the obsession with the young Leo DiCaprio. Now he's older, and a bit rougher, yet, but not floppy haired Jack the lucky poker player. 

Moral of of my story

Sure, get girly: I know I love to have coloured toenails, but it's also ok to be a tomboy, be keen to get your wellies on, prefer action flicks and worship your bike. I've learned a lot about myself doing it and would never stop a child of mine becoming one. 

Do what you want (as long as you're not hurting anyone). It's all about choice and who you want to be - a form of feminism. Strong women can be girly or tomboyish, but it's important to be who you want to be. "Don't take no crap off of nobody!" - thanks Cool Runnings!

There's no wrong way to be a girl. 

Check out #likeagirl on Twitter for inspirational fights against the fact you're a girl holds you back. Feminine slights and anti tom boy attitudes are coming to an end.

Lou x

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Born to be a Tourist - my travel blog, currently featuring lots of tomboy biking!

Plastic is a big issue in waste. Made from oil, they're hardly a renewable resource, and the impacts of plastics being irresponsibly used and disposed of are enormous. 

Apart from landfills... Apart from litter... We are slowly filling our oceans with plastic. An issue important enough to get royalty backing a campaign to highlight and improve the situation!

The age-old environmental figurehead of polar bears are in trouble too from the impact of waste plastics - it's not just climate change which is killing them off. 

Recycling is no longer the answer - so last century! We need something bigger, stronger...

Reduction of plastics is the environmental message for plastics in the 21st century!!!

So, most of you know I'm a bit of a green-fiend. (Check my blogs on environmental issues!) I love to read about environmental issues (a regular on Treehugger), I work in the waste management sector, and my degree was heavily involved in the environmental sector's business. 

I recycle whatever I can (would be ashamed to admit I didn't, even if I didn't work in the industry!), but what more can I do to help this crisis of plastic waste mountains? Plastics are one challenge I have struggled with at home, while traveling and at work. They are ubiquitous!

Today I stumbled across the brilliant My Plastic-Free Life blog and I resolved to challenge my plastic habits. It's a challenge, but you know I like my challenges!

Quitting Bread (2011)
A to Z Challenge 2013 - on writing, books, life etc. etc!
A to Z Challenge 2015 - Costa Rica theme
30 Before 30 (2013-15)

What do I do already to reduce my plastic consumption?

1. I take reusable shopping bags with me when I'm grocery shopping. 

2. My lunchbox has no evil cling film in it, and the box is reusable. I've even had comments about how cool my retro 'Vitalite' tub is! 

3. I buy coffee in jars or tins. 

** Mmmm time for a coffee. **

4. Shampoo and conditioner in our house is bought in big bulk bottles.

5. I have a giant BPA free water bottle on my desk at work to save on use of (potentially harmful, infertility and cancer inducing) disposable plastic bottles.

6. I used proper metal cutlery to eat with, even on a picnic. Posh, hey?

7. Rubbish is put into plastic sacks, but recycling is taken out to the recycling bin in a reusable box. 

8. Washing up is done *ahem* using a paper-based cloth. (Could move to a strong cotton cloth/napkin?)

9. I take an empty bottle of water through customs at the airport and fill up on the other side. Rule friendly, cost effective, and planet friendly!

10. Also while travelling, I use my own headphones, not the crappy plastic wrapped ones you get given on the plane. Next step: PVC free headphones! 

11. In hotels, I refuse to use their mini shampoos and shower gel. I'd rather bring my own, use my own, and save the waste. And chance of possible allergic reaction - bah, skin products! 

12. On a similar note, I have never (bar one chocolate desperation moment years ago) raided the mini bar. It's expensive, for one, and the mini nature of the items in the fridge scream resource inefficiency. I may be a party-pooper for the start of the party, but I'll bring my super-size wine bottle along for later instead!

13. I download my box set DVDs and music now, thanks to the digital age. No more plastic CD cases!

14. Beers and cider cans in our house are bought loose on in cardboard boxes, not in the wildlife-killing plastic ring sets. 

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How can I reduce the environmental impact of the plastics I use?

How can I use less plastic?

1. Ask ebay to not encourage their sellers to use bubble wrap. That's an easy win! - DONE!

2. Do a beach litter pick - gloves at the ready! It's not technically my plastic, but it all helps. I live not far from Severn Beach - good for a blustery River Severn / coastal walk. But with all the walkers and fishermen, there's often debris left behind. No doubt I'll find a can ring set washed up...

3. Attempt a plastic-free grocery shop - no cheating, a 'normal' shop next week with my intended shopping list items. 

4. Find my local farmers' market and buy veg from them as much as possible. I work too conveniently next to Asda, one shop rammed with plastic packaging. Shopping at a market could reduce my plastic consumption dramatically. 

Harbourside Market, Bristol - the target for a Sunday afternoon in the near future!

5. Address the issue of my make-up. No, not to improve my skills in application (although I could use some pointers!), but I want to have a lesser reliance on plastic for my albeit minimal make-up collection. Check out 'Westy' who's trying to overcome the same challenge...

6. Refuse a straw in bars and restaurants. This should be an easy one, but it becomes more difficult the more I drink!

7. While we're talking drinking, I will try to buy wine bottles with actual corks in, instead of plastic screw-tops. 

8. I'd really like to buy food from a bulk barn, but I don't know where to find one... Any suggestions for the north Bristol area?

9. Take my own container to a butcher or deli counter to save on plastic wrapping.

10. When my plastic ice cube trays break, I will replace them with a metal version. 

11. I'm going to choose body/face care products without the plastic ingredient “polyethylene” listed. This one will probably be the hardest as I am prone to allergic reactions when trying new products so I stick to what I know - but I'm doing it for the planet, people! Read My Plastic Free Life's post Flushing Plastic Down The Drain! for more information.

12. I'm going to Sign a petition, while I'm at it, to ban micro-beads (plastic exfoliation aids) in facial scrubs etc. - DONE!

13. I'm going to track down an unpackaged shampoo bar to get rid of those 'quite environmentally friendly' plastic bulk bottles I buy. 

14. Cancel my magazine subscriptions. I subscribe to Writers News and Lonely Planet currently, but more often than not, they sit unread for months, if not years... almost long enough for degradation of the plastic wrapping to begin! - DONE!

15. I love pens and stationery in general, but I am going to make a concerted effort to use pencils instead of disposable pens. This will also make it unable for me to piss off conference colleagues with my fidgety pen clicking! - DONE! Well stocked up at home and at work now.

16. Wrap presents with ribbon - reusable, pretty and plastic free, unlike sticky tape!

Oops, that's 16!

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Check out 100 steps to a plastic free life if you fancy investigating more ways to reduce your plastic footprint.

We can't be total angels...

What am I going to keep using?

CHEWING GUM - yes, gum's mostly plastic! Needed for... well, see the point on drinking coffee!
NON-STICK COOKWARE - I hadn't even considered my cooking equipment! Non-stick has saved most of my amateur dishes, and we've also been given some gorgeous ones lately, so I'm sticking with this plastic.
DISPOSABLE RAZORS - I tried ditching these in the past, but I need to change my blades so often, due to being prone to skin irritation, it just wasn't cost effective.
TAMPONS - It took me ages to clock onto using these but I've never looked back. This is the only one here I would NEVER EVER give up. Mooncups ain't for me. I will just try to buy feminine hygiene products with minimal packaging... promise!

That's a good start - keep an eye on this post and see how I get one.

Lou x

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Born to be a Tourist - home to my 2015 A-Z Challenge

“Breaking the silence”. I heard this phrase yesterday, and, although I’ve heard it many times before, the words sounded differently. Breaking the silence – I listened to the words and wondered ‘what does that actually mean, and why do we use that exact phrase?’ Thus, the inspiration for my blog today!

As you know, ‘breaking the silence’ means someone has spoken or created a noise to sound through a patch of silence. Normally it’s said in context of a conversation pausing for a few moments, minutes, and then someone speaks.

To me, breaking the silence is a simple phrase, but the more I thought about it, the more violent it sounded.  

Breaking… snapping… cracking…smashing…

Bored, I Googled the origins of this phrase.  I learned this phrase is widely used as organisation and campaign names. It’s one of my favourite phrases, and I have seen it printed on many occasions, but little did I know the full impact and use of these three words. Here are a few of the results I found. Some strong messages…

BREAKING THE SILENCE

A Guatemalan organisation which promotes social, political and economic justice. Find them on Twitter here.

A UNICEF campaign against child abuse.

A programme created by the International Federation of Medical Students’ Association for enhancing the relationship between doctors and their deaf/hard of hearing patients.

A controversial political group.

A website which encourages learning about the trans-Atlantic slave trade.

A website with lesson plans for teachers trying to help kids understand mental illness. These guys are also on Facebook, if you want to know more.

A film called ‘Lima: Breaking The Silence', a drama based on the true story of Peruvian rebels who in kidnapped hundreds of high-ranking diplomats and government officials in an attempt to force the release of 400 political prisoners.

A sexual abuse support group for male Asians living in Yorkshire (supported by Comic Relief). 

There are also several books with this title (mainly about suppressed personalities, hidden sexual preferences, sexual abuse or 'taboo' illnesses).

It’s a prolific phrase – one I hadn’t considered the full impact and emotion of before. This simple phrase has been hijacked by evil causes, and been made more important by its use by causes good. Terrorist group aside, 'breaking the silence' has give words and a voice to those who have previously kept their stories of struggle and abuse hidden.

What a powerful phrase.

Lou x

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Born To be A Tourist

How good do you feel when you drop your milk bottle into your recycling bin?

Do you think 'ahhh, doing some good to the world!' as you stuff your newspapers into the recycling bank?

FANTASTIC! KEEP GOING!

However, I want to challenge you today about your recycling habits. More and more people are recycling in the UK, and that's excellent, but it is time for moving forward and doing more.

"Recycling can be a cop-out for consumers, making us feel justified about buying stuff in excessive packaging." That's what Katherine, writer for Treehugger says. I know what she means - so what if you're doing the norm and recycling your household waste like a good resident? That's not the 21st century point of waste management!

Have you heard of waste minimisation?

It's what comes when you've been recycling happily for a while and have got the hang of it. The idea of this is, yes, recycling your waste wherever possible is great, but not producing the waste in the first place is even better. 

Some ideas to get you going...

1. Let's start with an easy one... Choose to use reusable bags when you go shopping. This will reduce the amount of plastic bags created, used, and thrown away. There are some dead trendy reusable bags out there, but your old backpack will work just as well. 

2. Try to buy products with less packaging. The coconut, for example, solves shipping problems by having it's own perfectly suitable packaging in the husk, so avoid shrink wrapped coconuts or ones sold in boxes. And if you can't reduce the packaging, try to choose materials whoch are more readily recycled - check with your local Council for info on your area, but most places seem to accept glass, card and paper, and plastic bottles.

Do be aware of packaging myths though - most packaging is there to keep the food fresh and protects it in transport.

3. What to do with old jam jars...? Know someone who's into pickling or making jam? They will welcome your donations. 

4. Donate your unwanted but completely fine clothes/furniture/household goods to charity shops. There's a huge market for second hand items, both from the more and less affluent members of society. Not throwing these items in the bin saves them from landfill and puts them to good use. You'll also be helping out a charity - a double 'feel-good' whammy!

5. Cut down on unwanted mail by putting a small sign on your front door politely asking for no more junk mail or free newspapers. This also applies to Junk Mail. Visit MPS ONLINE to register for mail preference services (UK only). You can also register previous addressees and people who have passed away so this mail no longer comes through your letterbox.  

6. Use rechargeable batteries to save on disposal of old batteries - but even better, use the mains wherever possible. If you're worried about the old 'leccy bill increasing, copy my cheapskate-ness and charge your phone at work!

There are still some people who don't recycle, but most of us are making the effort. And if you go one step further with waste minimisation ideas, you can start to be aware of how much waste and recycling you're generating and work on reducing it to a more healthy, sustainable level. 

Feel that joy in recycling - just try to expand on that and make your world a greener more joyful, self-satisfied place!

If you want to know more, a good place to have a read is “Zero Waste Home” by Bea Johnson and “Garbology” by Edward Humes. They come well recommended. 

Lou x

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Born To be A Tourist

SMASH - Swindon Mentoring And Self Help. It's a fantastic charity based in Swindon, UK. 

Why do you need to know about this organisation? Well, since 1999 SMASH has been 'bringing young people together with willing and committed volunteers who can support, advise and listen to them in a sustained long term mentoring relationship.' The charity gives young people at risk the chance to develop and reach their potential, giving them confidence to grow into responsible and happy adults - sometimes when no one else believes that this is possible. 

How do SMASH do this amazing job? With their amazing volunteer mentors, that's how! This month saw a new intake of mentors who spent a day mixing with their potential mentees and other new mentors. The lively group took on challenges like raft building, archery contests and assault courses, all with the aim of matching up the young people with an appropriate mentor. Kind of like mentor speed dating, they had a fantastic time meeting each other, and word has it, mentors and mentees alike are excited to find out with in the near future who they've been paired with. 

Exciting activities aside, SMASH encourage the volunteer mentors to befriend the young person they're paired with. The idea is to be someone they can trust, someone they can possibly use as a role model, someone they can confide in - if they wish. Mentors are trained to recognise signs of abuse, and they are briefed on child safety (among other important issues). They are told not be step in to cover an absent or disinterested parent, but simply to 'hang out' with their charge and give them something they can depend on. If the mentee chooses to open up about problems they may be having, the mentor is there to offer an ear - but no advice. The mentors are only linked to their young person for 12 months, but the benefits to both mentor and mentee are significant. 

Taken from a recent news article on SMASH:

Luke Withington, 17, was matched with one of the charity’s mentors two and half years ago. Since then he has become a SMASH trustee and a spokesman for the organisation. He is one of the many youngsters preparing for the [10 mile run] challenge in September.

“The charity helped me come out of my comfort zone and I got the help I needed to get my own problems sorted,” he said. “I was diagnosed with depression after they helped me out and it turns out I had had it for four years without knowing it. They taught me not to give up on myself. The service they provide is astounding and I am a living, breathing success story.”

Do you think you have it in you to help a young person discover their confidence?

Can you offer the companionship just one boy or girl needs to develop?

SMASH are looking for Swindon area volunteers who wish to become a mentor for these young people (normally from 13-16 years old), so if you think you could offer friendship and adult role model competencies, get in touch!

Contact SMASH:

Tel: 01793 729748

www.smashyouthproject.co.uk

Find SMASH on Facebook or check out their Twitter page.

Have a fulfilling weekend guys, see you next Friday! 

Lou x

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Born To be A Tourist

Images courtesy of SMASH

Phew - almost forgot my Friday blog this week! And that would have been a shame... I have a great project to share with you this week. Thanks for stopping by! x

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The HeART of a Woman

Most people now have a smartphone of some sort, and even the older models have a camEveryone gets frustrated with mobile phone 'photographers' at some point. They hold up queues of people getting 'that' shot. You end up being the unwitting subject of their disposable photos. And you know the images of your hungover on your tube commute will get onto Facebook. 

But here's another part to the boom in mobile photography: an enterprising project which seeks to give a louder voice to women in developing nations, as well as teaching them skills to build a sustainable small business. Working in the commercial recycling sector, sustainable business is something close to my heart. I'm also a believer in the UN Millennium Development Goals which seek to create a better, fairer, more environmentally friendly world. 

The Heart of a Woman Project (THOAW) is a mobile photography initiative that empowers women impacted by poverty. It was founded by Andrea Rees, a professional photographer of 11 years based in Toronto, Canada. Andrea is a  mom, wife, entrepreneur,  iPhoneographer, travel blogger at wanderingiphone.com and Global Citizen.

Donated iPhones find their way to women in South Africa. They are not used for twittering around on Twitter, or playing Candy Crush on Facebook, but for a much larger, forward thinking cause. The women have become entrepreneurs taking photos of their much-loved country; issues, landscape, wildlife, community... the photos are all there. The budding photographers then have their images made into postcards which they can sell to supplement their family's income in a future-proofed way. 

What a great idea! Take a look at the postcards for sale here!

The current project from this enterprising initiative is based in South Africa. Their mission is "to educate women in developing communities impacted by poverty in photography, mobile technology and social media to empower, have a voice and create sustainable income and small business through the sales of their photographic art products."

Financial donations are requested, and they have a clever widget on the project website which shows how far they are away from their target amount. The money goes directly to the project, and pays for things like:

• Display stand(s) & printed materials for retailers
• Marketing and printed materials (business cards/brochures)
• Production of additional products (greeting cards & coffee table book) and sample products
• Transportation or petrol for offsite trips (printer, distribution, internet cafe)
• Internet for on-going social media
• Photography Exhibition for Month of Photography (October 2014)
  
  

This all seems to tie in quite nicely into Millennium Goal no. 7: Promote gender equality and empower women. It's a simple idea, but it has such effect to the lives of these women and their families. They can pay for food, clothing, better housing and healthcare, and send their kids to school with the extra income they're making through selling postcards. 

We need more people like Andrea Rees and her THOAW project team! Keep up the good work, guys.

Make a donation today!

Visit The Heart of a Woman online today and help make a difference to a young family's life.

Not got much time? Just share this post! They, and I, would be very grateful. 

See you next week. 

Lou x

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Born To be A Tourist

Images courtesy of THOAW website

Ladies, it’s time to take the fight to cancer at Cancer Research UK’s Race for Life. 

Cancer doesn’t care who it affects. It can ruin lives of individuals and families without thinking twice. Cancer will 
affect one in three of us, so we need to unite and fight this disease. Together, we will beat it. 

"Cancer’s going down. And every single pound we raise pushes it closer to the floor." ~ Race For Life.  

That’s why I'm volunteering at Swindon's Race for Life event this weekend. I am no runner, but this isn't stopping me from getting involved and taking delight in telling cancer that I'm in the fight, and we're coming to get it. Giving a few hours of my weekend is the least I can do. You can do the same, if not more.

The team around the country are still looking for volunteers at this and other Race For Life events. Volunteering can be a valuable personal experience, in which you can receive the benefits of:

 Meeting new people who are as keen to give cancer the finger as you are. 

 Hands-on experience with people from all walks of life.

 Personal satisfaction of knowing you’re helping to make a real difference in the fight against cancer - a very worthwhile cause. 

 The opportunity to help out in your local community. 

Let’s bring cancer to its knees. Sign up to volunteer at Race for Life today; raceforlife.org/volunteer

Until next week,

Lou x

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Born To be A Tourist

Image courtesy of Race For Life

This week on MISS WRITE I'm featuring the charity "Beanstalk".

Beanstalk is a British organisation who says their visions is "a nation of confident children who can read and grow up to lead successful lives."

I grew up with having a bedtime story every night - and if I'm honest, I'd still take one before bed if I could! Every child should have this opportunity, for family bonding as well as education and teaching them how fun books can be. I hope you enjoy hearing about their valuable work, and that it inspires you to give a little more (books, time, your skills - anything!) this week. 

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What’s your earliest memory of reading? Did you read by torchlight after your parents strictly put you to bed? Which author makes you think of your childhood? These are the memories every child deserves.

About Beanstalk

Beanstalk is a national charity that recruits and trains local people to volunteer to go into a local primary school to support children who are struggling with their reading. Beanstalk has been
working with schools for almost 40 years to help raise literacy standards. 

Why are we needed?

 • Almost one in eight children leaves primary school behind in their reading in England.

• Research has shown that literacy leads to low employment prospects, disengagement and is
closely linked with poverty, educational under-achievement, crime and long term unemployment.

Beanstalk helps by providing sustained one-to-one literacy support to children who are falling behind the expected reading level for their age. By sharing dedicated reading time with a trusted adult on a weekly basis, a child can build their confidence around literacy.

In Northamptonshire we are currently supporting over 100 primary schools and nearly 400 children across the county but we currently have more schools and children waiting for reading helpers than we do have volunteers.

What's the impact of the service?

Children are selected for a variety of reasons:

 • They may have low confidence in reading

 • They may have English as a second or third language

 • Their reading may be below the expected national curriculum level

 • They may have insufficient reading opportunities (e.g. no books at home, no one to help encourage them to pick up a book).

• They may be a "Looked After Child" who needs a bit of extra guidance.

 Who are our "reading helpers"?

Our reading helpers come from all walks of life. They are independent, committed individuals with a genuine interest in helping children achieve. Reading helpers spend 30 minutes with each child twice a week, chatting, reading and playing games. They will have the chance to build up a great rapport with the children and tailor the sessions to their individual needs.

We provide training to our reading helpers before they start and further development training in areas such as dyslexia awareness and phonics. We ensure they have resources for their sessions which are suited to the children they’re helping by providing them with Beanstalk book boxes. 

 ‘ The children give me immense joy and pride in seeing children develop during the course of the school year is amazing. I enjoy their smiles, the fun, the stories and their humour’.

                        ~ one of Beanstalk's existing reading helpers

How can you help? 

At Beanstalk we look for people with a passion for reading who can give their time to help inspire the next generation of readers.

If you can spare a couple of mornings or afternoons a week during school term time this could be the ideal opportunity for you.

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Beanstalk needs reading helpers - badly. However, not everyone has this time to give. Please do check out Beanstalk on Twitter and Facebook  though, and see where it takes you. If you don't feel you can give any of your time, get in touch with Beanstalk anyway - there may be other ways you can help (e.g. donating money or books, or helping to spread the word about their excellent and worthwhile work).

Thanks Greg - it's wonderful to hear about such great charity work involving books and literacy here in Northamptonshire. I am all for this! Also, as a bonus, I think my readers will be pleased I'm back to writing and book themed topics after a couple of weeks of environmental issues and... bacon! 

See you next week!

Lou x

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Born To be A Tourist

Two international events have inspired me to write this week. 

1. The new film "Noah" is being promoted all over the place. It's THE biblical Hollywood tale of the year, apparently!

2. The unusual air pollution levels we're experiencing here in the UK.

So what?

We've all heard of Noah. He was a man, fictional or not, who faced a huge challenge when the God warned him of an epic flood. Realising the bigger picture, Noah took some on a whole lot of work and made some tough decisions, leading the way to save his family and neighbours, not to mention the animals who came onto his arc "two-by-two". 

Now, I treat Bible stories with a pinch of salt. I believe they are picture stories constructed to teach us life lessons. Noah's story is of someone who was strong enough to take on a huge challenge and who ended up saving the 'world'. (I say 'world' because I think the flood in question didn't affect the whole world, but a localised area. It may have seemed like the whole planet to Noah's folk though!)

And what about air pollution? Why is this on my mind (and on the news)?

Air pollution has been a hot topic in the UK this week. These unusual levels of pollution are much more than the normal home-grown pollution a country like ours creates on a daily basis, and the emissions we import via European winds. This situation has been exacerbated this week by Saharan winds blowing particularly strong and effectively dropping part of the African desert into our atmosphere. Many people (mainly those with allergies, asthma, and the elderly) have had their health affected, but even on the smallest level, Brits are noticing the impact. Cars are filthy with a layer of the dirt, and visibility has been reduced due to the dust in the air. Take a look at how hazy Northamptonshire looked yesterday afternoon. These fields are normally a green and pleasant vista, but are now fogged in air pollutants. It's not the resolution of the photo - this really is smog. 

I find it a bit scary that this might be the future of our air quality...

Air pollution is one of the biggest environmental issues our planet is facing, and has been facing, since the introduction of industry, transport and development. And it isn't only the UK which is having problems. Only 1% of China’s 560 million city residents breathe air that is considered safe by the European Union. And, this severe air pollution problem, which has led to cancer becoming China’s leading cause of death, is no longer affecting the Chinese people alone - it's spreading globally. 

So what does the advent of a new blockbuster and increased air pollution have in common?

The story of Noah and his arc was a tale of foreseen disaster and preparing for the 'hit'. Noah was successful in saving humans and wildlife from the threat of extreme flood waters through planning, the support of his family, their understanding of the issue, and faith in his mission. 

You've probably worked out my point already: The situation Noah found himself in can be applied to tackling environmental issues - case in point, air pollution. Clean air is getting harder and harder to find as the years go on, and WE KNOW something has to be done.  We know there's a problem, but it seems we're sitting by and letting it get worse.

Like many environmentalists and scientists, Noah had his skeptics, but eventually everyone saw what was coming and pulled together. Sure, in this instance, all they did was jump on an arc when the hard work had already been done, but the point is made. When we all accept there is a problem and a serious threat to our environment, we can make a difference and fend off disaster. 

Question: Have you given some thought on how you can reduce the amount of air pollution you're creating?

I dearly hope that enough can be said and done in the next months and years to help the powers that be recognise finally that if we lose our planet, we lose everything.

Working together, like Noah and his family, we as mere inhabitants of this Earth can overcome the issues of air pollution. Technology is out there which can help. Campaign groups have huge support for combating the problem. Ideas are forthcoming from our great minds. There's certainly enough evidence to say something should be done!

CAUTION! We can't stop at solving air pollution. It's no secret that we humans have been causing damage to the planet for years. 

The world's population is 7.2 billion, many of whom are intent on living unsustainable lives. 
Humans caused this. 

An area of rainforest the size of England, Scotland and Wales combined is being lost every year.
Humans caused this. 

538 million tonnes of waste is dumped globally every year. 
Humans caused this. 

African elephants will become extinct in 10 years time. In fact, 1 in 4 mammals is at risk of extinction. 
Humans caused this. 

We have borrowed time on disappearing land as sea levels rise - a result of climate change. 
Humans caused this. 

It's not easy to find out who originally said this, but it makes a brilliant point, one of my favourite quotes ever. 

Get the picture? We're destroying our own home, one leap at a time. And this is just the start. Treehugger has more if you want more gut wrenching facts about how human activities are damaging the planet. 

Like the story of Noah, I believe not all hope is lost. I believe with hard work, some investment and education, and some serious political barriers being broken, we can leave this planet in a better state than how we found it.

If the metaphorical flood comes, it won't be just the third world who suffers. It won't be a problem for descendants we will never meet. It is real; it is now. 

We're all in this together - just like the animals and humans on Noah's arc. 

I hope you enjoyed this post. If it's made you think, please share it on Twitter, Facebook or send someone an email with a link in it. Last week's post on bacon was a little bit informal, but I couldn't be more serious about the issue I've written about today. 

Lou x 

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Born To be A Tourist

Tomorrow is International Women's Day. Anyone not know what that's about (other than women around the world!!)?

International Women's Day is a global, annual event which inspires change  and empowers women. It covers everything from basic human rights (e.g. sex workers, access to education) to equality in finance (e.g. equal pay). The taboo of feminism is dropping from the faces of women around the world, and this is incredible to see. 

The Guardian says the campaign is 'more than just a cover story', and having surfed around to learn more, I agree.

Feminist or not, every woman should be aware of his event, and in turn, the issues their gender faces around the world and in their own country. Women's inequality and mistreatment is not just something that happens in lesser developed countries - it's here in the UK too. 

The internet and the world is buzzing about this: take a look at my pick of the crop of blogs, links and events!

Why we need International Womens' Day

My post from this time last year: Women Writers Who Inspire Me

5 Inspiring Quotes For Womens' Career Progression

Interesting BBC blog by a mother, new to raising a daughter

Blog: Who Inspires You?

10 reasons I'm a Feminist

The Ripple Effect: What's good for women is good for the world!

Check out the latest news for International Womens' Day

BBC's 100 Women event - very inspiring women share their story and contribute to the event

Still looking for more?Check out the Facebook page for the event and see what you can discover, and have a look to see if there are any events happening near to you this weekend.

Until next week, 

Lou x

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Born To be A Tourist