Just Some Things #4 : Laura Tilbrook.
This
is the latest instalment in my feature Just
Some Things!
In
case you don't know, here's how it works...
I
send a writer an individual email with a series of prompts from the
'642 Things to Write About' book – chosen entirely at random most
of the time –
and then when I get the responses, I dedicate a post to them and
their piece. It could be short, long, backwards, in another language,
I don't mind. It'll be an adventure whatever happens! And they can
use or ignore however many of the prompts they wish.
When
published on the blog, their piece will be put in first and then I'll
add in a little piece beneath it, my response to the same prompt. I
will always ensure mine is shorter and less prominent, obviously.
It's all about featuring my fave writers.
The
star of this post is Laura
Tilbrook, a Teesside gal with a heart of gold and a raw, honest form
of writing. It is a pleasure to have her as a guest.
Her
prompt was: Write
about the last city you fell in love with which
she has ingeniously combined with another I gave her: Your
favourite drink.
London:
A Drinks Menu to Fall In Love With
July’s
Special: Jager & Ginger £2.50
Like
my hair, gettit? Used to be a great line, before my new start.
August’s
Special: Cider & Black £1.50
Couldn’t
pass it off as an eyeliner smudge, but hey it sure takes the edge
off.
September’s
Special: Southern Comfort & Lemonade £5.50
He
was mine and that’s what you should make with all those lemons.
October’s
Special: White Wine Spritzer £9.50
Sophisticated
writer types probably don’t drink this, but the shy ones do.
November’s
Special: Mountain Dew & Vodka £7.50
That
juice will keep you making a fool of yourself all night, in the best
way.
December’s
Special: Gin & Lemonade £1.50
So
good it tastes like home, best served with a few tears.
January’s
Special: Red Wine £12.00
Stains
on my lips & singing on the streets. relief relief relief.
And
now here is my response to the one of the same prompts; write
about
the
last city you fell in love with.
I
never would have found this city if it weren't for you. Well, maybe
my restless feet and mind would have got me here eventually, but I
like that you're the reason I went there when I did.
Coffee
is 1,50. And that's the priciest kind. The kind that can be found in
bakeries on the corners, the ends of streets. In Prenzlauer Berg
district, specifically Schonhauser Allee. That means 'beautiful house
road', apparently. It sounds about right. I love being in your
beautiful house – flat, even. I enjoy being woken up by the bells
in the red brick church outside your curtain-less window, although I
understand why that could get somewhat old day after day.
I
like trams. Cities everywhere should have them. Preferably free
trams, or at least ones that aren't militantly policed – the other
day we made it halfway across town without being checked. It felt
naughty. I also enjoy the underground. Sorry, the U-Bahn. It's all
blue tiles and yellow metal; simple silvery illustrations of that
gate and other tourist delights printed on the windows.
I
love the people. No two people look the same. There are no trends, no
styles, at least not that I can see. Tattoos and dreadlocks pass by
with no comment, save for maybe a nod of approval, appreciation.
Heavy fur-lined jackets obscuring figures, woollen beanie hats, sheer
and bright tights and socks pulled high, unwashed jeans that could be
from the present day or decades old.
I
adore the overall feel. The vibes pulsing through the city, between
the gorgeous buildings old and new, racing down the side streets with
the cyclists, ringing out over the gates and memorials. This place is
harsh, cold, grey and yet vibrant, luminous, exciting. It's like neon
paint has been splashed on the ancient crumbling ruins. I can see why
you're home, here. I'll be back for sure. I'm not done with it yet.
Berlin,
ich liebe du.
If
you'd like to take part in this series 'Just Some Things', email me
at [email protected].
(Perfect image here by Kayleigh Causton Illustrations)
This is such a cool idea, I've been looking for new blogs to follow and your 'Just Some Things' posts are perfect for that. I love your style of writing, you really paint a picture, rather than just telling a story (teach me please)
ReplyDeleteBig love
Em x
www.emmalowther.blogspot.co.uk
Thank you so much, angel. Comments like this one make me so happy and excited to write more! Huge love xoxo
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