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The Beekeeper of Aleppo – Christy Lefteri

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Book Review of the Beekeeper of Aleppo by Christy Lefteri

The beekeeper of Aleppo book cover
£6.99 at Waterstones.

The Blurb

In the midst of war, he found love In the midst of darkness, he found courage In the midst of tragedy, he found hope.

Nuri is a beekeeper; his wife, Afra, an artist. They live a simple life, rich in family and friends, in the beautiful Syrian city of Aleppo – until the unthinkable happens. When all they care for is destroyed by war, they are forced to escape. As Nuri and Afra travel through a broken world, they must confront not only the pain of their own unspeakable loss, but dangers that would overwhelm the bravest of souls. Above all – and perhaps this is the hardest thing they face – they must journey to find each other again.

Moving, powerful, compassionate and beautifully written, The Beekeeper of Aleppo is a testament to the triumph of the human spirit. Told with deceptive simplicity, it is the kind of book that reminds us of the power of storytelling. 

My Review of the Beekeeper of Aleppo

I found this such a moving and enlightening story. It’s so hard to imagine the horrors of living in a country torn apart by war and seeing all you love and care for destroyed.

It’s hard to imagine what it would be like to travel across the world facing danger at every step to try and find some kind of hope, a future free from pain and fear.

This is exactly what Christy Lefteri does, imagine. And she brings it to us in such an eloquent way, we feel the fear and pain along with Nuri and Afra, and the others touched along the way. How can she tell such a story if it didn’t happen to her? Her research is extensive, not only did she work in camps for refugees in Greece and hear of many true stories, she also went to see what it was like working with the bees. The story may not be true, but there is truth in every twist and turn.

I was worried, being quite a sensitive person, that it would be too much to digest, but Christy never meant this to be a horror story. It is, in fact, ultimately a love story. And although their are horrors to be told, they are presented in a way not to shock, but to evoke a deeper emotion.

The Audio Book Edition

I prefer to listen to my books on Audible and this is how I read The Beekeeper of Aleppo.

audio book cover of The Beekeeper of Aleppo

I think Art Malik was a great choice for the narrator. It says through the book that Nuri speaks good English, and Art Malik certainly does. His voice managed to portray the pain and sensitivity, and the touch of madness that we discover from Nuri. I cried more than once, I caught my breathe, I felt the pain. But all the time, it was the gentleness of the story which helped me get through it.

At only 8 hour and 37 minutes, the story is quite short and I listened to it fast. I was keen to know what happened to Nuri and Afra next. I worried constantly for Mohammed and wondered if he would return. The ending was perfect, even though it wasn’t totally conclusive. I think it proved the real meaning behind the story.

I think this is the best book I’ve read this year.

Disclosure: I bought The Beekeeper of Aleppo for myself and all my thoughts and opinions are my own. However, I have included affiliate links in my post. This means that if you click a link and go on to purchase, it will cost you no more but may earn me a little cash. Thank you.

Word of the Week 30 Gardening

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Hello and welcome to the home of Word of the Week. A nice and simple weekly linky, with everyone welcome to pop by and share. The idea of the linky is to reflect back on your past week and share it with us. It’s great if you can sum it up in a word or phrase, hence giving us your Word of the Week. My word this week is ‘gardening’ and you can read more about that below.

I’m not totally strict on using just a word or phrase. But please try to stick to the theme of summing up your week.There are not too many rules with this linky, just remember to read at least another couple of posts in the link up after adding your link. I will read and comment on all posts and tweet them out for you. I also have a Pinterest board devoted to Word of the Week and I will add posts to Mix Please add the badge below to your post so that others may find us and join in. If you comment or tweet then please use the hashtag #WotW

Word of the Week is open from 6am on Friday Morning to 12 noon on Monday. Plenty of time to join in!

If you are unfamiliar with the Word of the Week linky then please feel free to ask any questions. New linkers are always welcome, we love to hear what you have been up to in the past week.

NOTICE

I’ve noticed a lot of link ups that have nothing to do with the theme of my linky and even link to Facebook pages. I’m not strict, and I’m happy for new blogs to link up, but if you don’t even read what the linky is about, or partake in reading other posts then I’m afraid there is a little delete button on the bottom of each link up that I can click, and I will.

MY WORD OF THE WEEK – Gardening

gardening, written over the background of a pretty flower.

It’s the first week of the school holidays! Usually we’d all be excited but the kids have been home for 4 months now so it’s not exciting at all. We are looking forward to going back to school in September, those six weeks holiday which always felt so long, suddenly seem like a short wait until normality returns.

Graham has been very busy gardening, both front and back gardens. He’s worked really hard and they are looking much nicer. We can even walk down our side path to our back gate now thanks to him cutting back the hedge which had really overgrown.

I have tried to get a new net for the trampoline without success, but now we are going to try and fix the one we have. Well, Graham is, but I may be able to help if I can get up the garden in my wheelchair.

I’ve also tried again to get the missing part for the garden furniture. I bought a lovely lounge set back in May, but we haven’t been able to put together the settee thanks to a missing part. We could have sent the whole lot back but Graham committed the crime of not checking all the pieces before he started putting it together and had made the two chairs and the table before he realised we were missing a major part. The chairs and table are nice though, hopefully we will have the settee soon.

We looked into getting the patio area extended, but gave up when we realised how much it would cost. We could try second hand slabs, but I think we will just cope for now.

I may buy Graham some paint for the shed to brighten it up a bit. That’s his place where he goes to play his music and smoke his cigarettes. The rest of us keep out (mostly because it stinks of fags) but even though we don’t go inside, we can still make it look nice on the outside.

Next week we should have been going on holiday, but this summer will be spent mostly in our garden, so we are trying to make it as nice as possible. Hence the need for all the gardening…now I wonder what plants I can add?

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Personal Style Curated By Real Stylists – Guest Post

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What Does a Personal Stylist Do?

A personal stylist is a professional who knows the best and latest fashion, make-up, and color trends. However, most people think personal, and wardrobe stylists are the same. If you don’t know yet, a personal stylist works alone with a client, while a wardrobe stylist select clothes for television campaigns, music videos, concert performances, and public appearances alongside a team. 

Personal Stylists Online

A personal stylist primarily focuses on the individual’s fashion style instead of particular brand sponsorship. Nowadays, a personal style curated by real stylists is available online. You don’t have to spend hours in shopping malls since they will deliver your clothes straight to your doorstep. You can visit a reliable stylist’s website and inquire for free if you don’t have any idea how it works.  

If you don’t know yet, these stylists will allow you to choose your style, size, and price preferences, making it more convenient. After providing your preferred designs, a stylist will select some pieces that meet your requirements. You are sure to get the best value for your money since a personal style curated by real stylists is sure to grab people’s attention.  

So, today, we will share some details about the job of a personal stylist. Whether you want to know some fashion tips or image consultancy, a personal stylist can help you out.

What Does A Personal Stylist Do?

Are you tired of recycling your go-to outfits regularly? Do you want to try something new that goes well with your favorite skinny jeans? Then, why not consult a personal stylist? 

Nonetheless, what can a personal stylist do? Can she assist you with make-up choices? So, if you want to know the skills of a personal stylist, you have come to the right place!

A personal stylist is an expert when it comes to the best fashion trends. She conducts independent research on current and emerging fashion and make-up styles.  

Here are some of the skills of a personal stylist:

  • Determines and improves the client’s current fashion style and making appropriate enhancements
  • Understands the client’s taste and needs and make relevant suggestions, advice, and purchases
  • Watches fashion shows and conducts in-depth research to ensure she’s updated with the latest themes and trends
  • Assists clients with wardrobe arrangement
  • Travels to meet clients and arriving at their agreed locations
  • Makes clothing, make-up, and hairstyles suitable for the client’s body and skin type
  • Consults other professionals whenever needed

Conclusion

Personal stylists can help us achieve our desired looks. They can identify our taste and tailor outfits that will look good on our body types. Although these stylists are often associated with famous personalities, everyone from all walks of life can use their services.

Disclosure: This is a guest post

My Sunday Snapshot and Ordinary Moments – Ash in a Box

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It’s been a while since we had a photo of Ash. Here he is curled up in my old wool box. It’s Ash in a box!

Ash in a box

I bought the box to store my wool down my the side of my chair. It’s made of a leatherette type material and comes with a lid so can double as a pouffe, or extra seat. Ash loved it right from the start and used it as a scratching post. I kept turning it around to hide the scratches but in the end he’d made such a mess of it that I decided to replace it.

No sooner had I emptied out my wool stash Ash was in the box like a shot. Perhaps that’s what he’d wanted all along. To him, this was his box and he was ready to claim it. So much for me getting rid of it, it’s now Ash’s new bed.

He’s a cutie though, you have to admit.

Ash on the settee

In Other News

School is out for Summer! I guess that means I don’t have to worry about struggling to get the kids to complete their work each day. They are already looking forward to going back to school in September. Fingers crossed this virus stays low so it can happen.

Boo celebrated by going to spend an hour with her friend. We were going to invite her around for Boo’s birthday but when she begged to see her sooner we couldn’t say no.

Star left the house after 116 days. She went with her Dad to Mc Donald’s drive through, so she didn’t even have to get out of the car. It was a change of scenery though.

We have decided that we will start to leave home regularly each week now. We need the fresh air and exercise. You won’t be finding us anywhere crowded though.

Happy Holidays!

The Ordinary Moments

More Ash

Wearing a Face Covering, why and how?

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It’s such a contentious subject at the moment isn’t it. Why should we wear a face covering? They are not going to stop the virus? I can’t breathe in them, they make me panic, they are uncomfortable, they take away my identity….and so on.

But, from 24th July it will be compulsory in the UK to wear face covering in shops, and it’s already compulsory on public transport.

Who is Exempt from wearing a Face Covering?

According to the official Government guidance, the following are exempt from wearing face coverings:

  • A child under the age of 11
  • An employee of the transport operator, when they are acting in the course of their employment
  • Any other person providing services to the transport operator, under arrangements made with the transport operator, who is providing those services
  • A constable or police community support officer acting in the course of their duty
  • An emergency responder such as a paramedic or fire officer acting in the course of their duty
  • An official, for example, a border force officer, acting in the course of their duties
  • If you are allocated a cabin, berth or other similar accommodation, at any time when you are in that accommodation, either alone, or only with members of your own household or a linked household
  • If you are onboard public transport but remain in your private vehicle, for example on a car ferry.

here are also a number of instances which the Government describes as a “reasonable excuse” where one does not need to wear a mask, including:

  • Those with a physical or mental illness or impairment
  • Those with a disability which means they cannot put on, wear or remove a face covering
  • Those who face severe distress due to putting on, wearing or removing a face covering
  • Those who rely on lip-reading for communication or who provide assistance to or travel with these individuals
  • Those who are travelling to avoid injury or escape the risk of harm
  • Those who need to remove it to avoid harm or injury or the risk of harm or injury to yourself or others
  • Those who need to eat, drink or take medication are permitted to remove their face covering
  • Those asked to remove their covering by the police or other officials
  • Those with autism.

Why Wear a Face Covering?

It’s claimed that they are not effective in stopping you from getting COVID19. This may be true, but if you can prevent others from breathing in your germs, and prevent yourself from breathing theirs, then surely it has to have some advantage. It’s not the perfect solution, it’s not going to get rid of COVID 19, but along with everything else, it may help in stopping the spread.

There are lots of different kinds of face covering available and the rulings do not state what type of face covering you need, so a simple piece of cloth (or a home made mask from a sock) may be all you need to get by without prosecution.

You can also get medical facemasks and ones used by those that work with chemicals. There is also no evidence that these will protect you from COVID19.

Then there is the argument that wearing a mask takes away your identity, hides who you really are. Who would rob a bank without a mask?

It’s difficult, but the law has been put in place, and without a face covering you could be facing a crime. (pun intended!)

Two things to remember

  1. They may not be as protective as we wish, but they can help stop spread germs and if everyone wears one then airborne germs should lessen. Even if you feel you don’t need protecting, you are doing your part in helping to protect others, in particular those who can’t wear face coverings.
  2. It won’t be forever. This will pass eventually (hopefully) and the more compliant we are as a human race to follow the imposed or recommended rules, the quicker we can get through this. (Fingers crossed.)

I Hate Wearing Face Coverings

For many people wearing a face covering can leave you gasping for air and even cause panic attacks. I’ve done a little research and come up with some helpful (hopefully) tips for you.

  • Accustomise yourself to wearing a covering. Wear your mask at home, get used to it in a safe environment. Don’t just put it on and think about it, do something, the washing up, the hoovering, play a computer game…anything that makes you think less about the fact your face is covered.
  • Expose yourself slowly, start with 10 minutes, then 20. Build up the time you wear your covering, but don’t wear it all day.
  • Try different types of covering. some are more effective than others but find something you find comfortable. We don’t know if wearing covers are going to work, but if you are obliged to wear one then find one that you feel comfortable in. You can buy cheap throwaway ones, or make one yourself. Or even buy more expensive ones. But they feel different and you need to find what works for you.

BREATH

Here are some breathing techniques that may help you

  • Practice breathing through your nose rather than your mouth. Do this first without a face covering until it becomes more natural. Then try it with a covering.
  • Take a deep breath in filling your lungs. Hold for a count of three then let it out quickly. Do this a couple of times. Then do it before putting on your face covering.
  • Take a deep breath in filling your lungs, then slowly release the breath. Practice several times before putting on your mask.
  • Practice slowing your breathing down, focus on your your breathing, in and out. Do the same with your face covering on.
  • Take a deep breathe and then when you release it, do a big sigh. Do this just before putting your covering on to trick your brain into thinking the trauma is already over.
  • Remember that breathing in your own breathe for periods of time is not a bad thing. We breathe out CO2 which when increased in our breathing in helps our blood cells release oxygen into our muscles and organs.

What about my Glasses?

If you wear glasses you may have noticed that wearing face coverings make them steam up. There are a few tips for this, but I admit, I’ve yet to try them.

  • Wash your glasses in soapy water, rinse and air dry (apparently this is the trick that surgeons use.
  • wipe shaving cream on your glasses and then wipe off with a tissue without rinsing.
  • wear a mask which fits really tightly over your nose, or add a thin metal wire to close the cap between mask and eyes

I hope this helps in some way. I’ve yet to go out, but when I do I have several face coverings ready. I’m trying to get ready by wearing them at home and practising my breathing techniques. I only wear reading glasses, so I’ll make sure I have mine washed in soap and ready.

If you have anything to add, then please do so in the comments.

wearing a face covering, why and how?

Resources:

https://www.itv.com/thismorning/articles/help-i-have-a-phobia-of-face-masks

https://www.breathewithjp.com/

https://www.healthline.com/health-news/no-face-masks-cant-cause-co2-poisoning#The-bottom-line