Episodes
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If you’ve listened to the other 23 episodes of Diary, She Wrote, you may have picked up on some of my insecurities. These mainly centre around not feeling intelligent enough and not talking enough in social situations. After a therapy session and with the therapists comments in mind I read back over my time at school and it became obvious how year after year my school’s class rating system and some teachers' comments were no doubt partly responsible for installing my perception of my intelligence which in turn impacts my confidence when it comes to talking up in social situations. I had been aware of my insecurities all my life but they only really started to surface and to become a hindrance in my mid 30’s, so in order to try and figure out how to better deal with them I went to see said therapist.
Follow: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/
Key Characters:
Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years
Flossie, Ryan, Nina & Cara - London friends
Paula - My therapist
Dan - My ex boyfriend who I spent 11 years with from 2001 - 2012
Eric - A guy I dated
Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth and artwork by Robbie Porter.
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The last we heard from Dexter Turner was in November 2018 when I was in Paris for my 37th birthday, he rang and then looked into Eurostar tickets to see if he could afford to join me for a night. He didn’t, but of course that was never going to be the last time I heard from him...
Follow: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/
Key Characters:
Dexter Turner - A guy who briefly entered and quickly exited my life on a number of occasions and unjustifiably has become one of those people who is hard to shake off and annoyingly someone I’m quite fond of.
Beth - My best mate
Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years
Grace - One of my best mates who I met in my single years
Hayley, Nina, Ryan, Jade, Tori, Monty - London friends
George - An amazing man who I dated for 3 months
Maya - A girl I met in a Club in Nottingham, had what I thought was a one night stand, but it turned into something a little more complicated.
Eric - A guy I dated
Isaac - A London friend and the first man I fancied after ending an 11 year relationship
Billie - A holiday fling
Entertainment References:
Barbican - Beatie Wolfe, From Red to Green - An Environmental Statement of our Times
https://www.barbican.org.uk/whats-on/2019/event/from-green-to-redHe’s Just Not That Into You
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/He's_Just_Not_That_Into_You_(film)Friends With Benefits
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friends_with_Benefits_(film)Millennial Love Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/millennial-love/id1286791385Constellations
https://www.robertrowlandsmith.com/Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth and artwork by Robbie Porter.
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Missing episodes?
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I didn’t experience your standard university life, from 2000 - 2003 I went to a tiny little art college in Epsom, called The Surrey Institute of Art & Design to study Fashion Promotion & Illustration. There were probably only about 1,500 students on campus, no halls of residence, only student houses, the cafeteria doubled up as the student union bar and the opening of a new Yates & Wetherspoons was as exciting as it got. There were 2 locations you could loosely call a club, and then there was the Odeon cinema.
I found the first year very up and down. I am dramatically hating life one day and then loving it the next. For the most part I was jealous of my school friends living out the stereotypical student life in city centres like Leeds, Sheffield and Liverpool. I didn’t appreciate the new friendships I was building, as I was comparing 6-month friendships to ones that I had cultivated over 6 years and in my first year of uni I was obsessed with wanting to be friends with the group I deemed to be the popular & cool crowd. At school, everyone knew me, and I found it so difficult to suddenly be in a space where no one cared who I was.
I don’t have any student stories or endless drinking or constant partying. But what I will share are my coming of age experiences over my 3 years at uni; moving away from home for the first time, making new friends, learning how to self motivate, recognising my potential and finding a career focussed job in the industry I had aspired to work in since religiously watching The Clothes Show on TV every Sunday night as a teenager.
Follow: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/
Key Characters:
Beth - My best mate
Ashley, Ellie, Dawn, Sally, Harriet, Amber, Erica - Some of my oldest friends
Dan - My ex boyfriend who I spent 11 years with from 2001 - 2012
Locations:
The Surrey Institute of Art & Design - Now called
https://www.uca.ac.uk/life-at-uca/locations/epsom/Odeon Epsom
https://www.odeon.co.uk/cinemas/epsom/Wetherspoons Cheadle Hulme
https://www.greatukpubs.co.uk/kings-tap-cheadle-hulme?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local_seo_gmb&utm_content=websiteTopshop Oxford Circus
https://www.businessoffashion.com/news/retail/topshops-flagship-oxford-street-store-up-for-saleEntertainment References:
The Clothes Show
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Clothes_ShowHarry Potter 2001
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Harry_Potter_and_the_Philosopher's_Stone_(film)Graduate Fashion Week
https://www.graduatefashionweek.com/Helmet Newton Photo Machine
https://www.dazeddigital.com/fashion/article/168/1/topshops-newton-machineTopshop Unique LFW
https://www.vogue.com/fashion-shows/spring-2006-ready-to-wear/topshop-uniqueDazed and Confused
https://www.dazeddigital.com/Twenty Twenty Podcast
https://messageheard.com/podcasts/twenty-twenty-pop-culture-podcastDiary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth and artwork by Robbie Porter.
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This story is taken from a 7 month period from November 2018 - May 2019 and it follows 3 overlapping dating encounters with; Miles, Clive & tall Neil, all with very different and unexpected outcomes. Sometimes you get what you want out of dating, sometimes you don’t and sometimes you end up with a total surprise.
Follow: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/
Key Characters:
Miles - A guy I dated
Jack - An amazing man who I dated for 2 months
Elliot Lite - A Parisian fling
Clive - A guy I dated
Reggie - A guy I dated
George - An amazing man who I dated for 3 months
Tall Neil - A guy I dated
Dan - My ex boyfriend who I spent 11 years with from 2001 - 2012
Beth - My best mate
Morgan, Ned, Michelle & Heather - A London friend
Locations:
Victoria Park
https://www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/lgnl/leisure_and_culture/parks_and_open_spaces/victoria_park/victoria_park.aspx100 Club
https://www.the100club.co.uk/The Victoria
http://www.jaguarshoes.com/venues/the-victoria/3 Compasses
https://www.3compasses.com/The Spread Eagle
https://www.thespreadeaglelondon.co.uk/Star by Hackney Downs
https://starbyhackneydowns.co.uk/My Neighbours The Dumplings
https://www.myneighboursthedumplings.com/Pembury Tavern
https://www.pemburytavern.co.uk/The Good Egg
https://www.thegoodegg.co/Entertainment References:
This Is England
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Is_EnglandChristian Marclay - The Clock
https://www.tate.org.uk/whats-on/tate-modern/exhibition/christian-marclay-clockKate Tempest Running Upon The Wires
https://www.bloomsbury.com/us/running-upon-the-wires-9781635570199/Free Solo
https://films.nationalgeographic.com/free-soloIt’s Nice To Hear You Podcast
https://www.itsnicetohearyou.com/Cultural References:
5 languages of love; words of affirmation, acts of service, receiving gifts, quality time and physical touch
https://www.5lovelanguages.com/Arthur Aron Theory of the 36 questions
https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/pdf/10.1177/0146167297234003Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth and artwork by Robbie Porter.
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Unfortunately during my 8 years of dating I have been confronted with 4 different uncomfortable encounters, one was with Maya from Ep. 2 - The Hope and one was with James from Ep. 13 - I’ve Changed My Mind. On both of those occasions I was put in uncomfortable and non consensual situations. In this episode I look at 2 stories that draw attention to the safety of women and the instinctual decisions we need to make in the moment when it comes to heterosexual dating.
At the time I was fresh into dating after a long term relationship with a very good man, so perhaps I was quite naive, always thinking I could bring out the best in someone and maybe a little bit vulnerable seeking and enjoying attention and quickly getting consumed in the moment. Fortunately neither of these stories were damaging, but I hope by sharing my experiences it will help others to recognise signs of discomfort, follow their instincts, create boundaries and have the confidence to leave difficult situations.
Tinder launched in 2012, and in the summer of 2013 I remember a friend telling me about this new dating app, and how brilliant it was. I was still a bit of a snob about online dating but eventually I caved and soon got sucked into the world of modern dating.
Follow: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/
Key Characters:
Stephen Minder - My first Tinder experience
Sam - A guy I dated
Beth - My best mate
Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years
Heather, Jessica, Adina, Stephanie and Melissa - London friends
Frank - A Tinder match
Isaac - A London friend and the first man I fancied after ending an 11 year relationship
Locations:
Broadway Market
https://broadwaymarket.co.uk/The Spurstowe Arms
http://www.thespurstowearms.com/The Cock
https://www.facebook.com/CockTavernBrewPub/Oslo
http://oslohackney.com/The Haggerston
https://www.facebook.com/thehaggerston/Pizza East
http://www.pizzaeast.com/Entertainment References:
Tinder
https://tinder.comPeaky Blinders
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Peaky_Blinders_(TV_series)Candy Crush
https://www.king.com/game/candycrushAriel Too Big To Fail
https://open.spotify.com/album/5vWp4E5iRzx8VEWmESUvl0Refuge Charity:
Refuge
https://www.refuge.org.uk/Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth and artwork by Robbie Porter.
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Throughout your life, every now and then, you meet someone who goes on to change your life. You’ll have heard me talk a lot about Rowan throughout the podcast. I met Rowan in 2012 and over the course of time she changed my life for the better and I am incredibly grateful. We worked together for a few years where our friendship began to form, but it was only when she moved on to a new job that we really started to bond and she invited me into her world and to meet her friends and I was welcomed by an amazing group of people who went on to help shape my next chapter; they make me laugh, they inspire me and I learn so much from them and I am always in a very happy place when I’m with them. Between 2015 - 2019 we would always rent a house in the country to celebrate New Year’s Eve. Each year it was never the exact same group of friends, as some would have work or have family commitments or might be celebrating elsewhere, but that meant we could then invite others which allowed us to continue to expand the friendship circle. I’ve picked out 2 of our New Year celebrations, and with it being New Year there are quite a few drug references in this episode, but for me this is a story about the love of friendship, creating shared memories and the joy of merging friends.
Follow: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/
Key Characters:
Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years
Flossie, Jay, Cara, Walt, Anne, Ryan, Nina, Morgan, Adam, Chloe, Morgan, Tim, Dave, Mary - London friends
Locations:
Lumiere - now closed down
http://lumierelondon.blogspot.com/Tywyn Wales
https://www.visitmidwales.co.uk/Tywyn-Tywyn/details/?dms=3&venue=1023165Kings Lynn
https://www.visitwestnorfolk.com/places/kings-lynn/Entertainment References:
Frozen
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frozen_(2013_film)12 Years a Slave
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/12_Years_a_Slave_(film)Elf
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Elf_(film)Zootopia
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ZootopiaThe Mannequin Challenge
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mannequin_ChallengeEcstasy: The Battle of Rave
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/brand/p08qw04hBeats
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Beats_(2019_British_film)Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth and artwork by Robbie Porter.
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In the 8 years I’ve been single I’ve had; many late night snogs, countless first dates, a few one night stands and occasionally just some really intense interactions. This episode is similar to the festival episode from series 2, rather than one overarching story, I’ve picked out a series of 8 short stories that involve a fleeting connection between me and one other person and somehow all made an impact in one way or another. I’ll share them in chronological order starting in 1994 with my first kiss.
Follow: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/
Key Characters:
Tim - My first kiss
Matt - My first date
Johnny - A one night stand
Julian - A guy I dated
Ian - A first date
Graham - A first date
Jimmy - My carpenter
Harry - A first date
Locations:
Stockport Cinema
http://cinematreasures.org/theaters/25390Visions Video Bar - Now closed down
https://www.facebook.com/visionsvideodalston/Clapton Hart
https://claptonhart.com/Hunter S
http://www.thehunter-s-pub.co.uk/Duke of Wellington
https://www.frontierpubs.co.uk/your-local/duke-of-wellington-dalston-pub/Lambeth Country Show
https://lambethcountryshow.co.uk/Entertainment References:
Oasis - Definitely Maybe
https://open.spotify.com/album/3LzKUdUTdJb6P7xGN6SotCBlue - Parklife
https://open.spotify.com/album/0YS25Dr3hMtMFlVTfuvzl4Don’t Forget Your Toothbrush
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Don't_Forget_Your_ToothbrushMatilda
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Matilda_(1996_film)The Handmaid’s Tale
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Handmaid's_Tale_(TV_series)Get Birding Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/get-birding/id1551111133Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth and artwork by Robbie Porter.
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In this episode I share another modern dating story, looking at the excitement of meeting someone new, the confusion that comes with those first few dates; breaking down messages, interpreting gestures and trying to remember that we all communicate in very different ways.
Follow: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/
Key Characters:
Reggie - A guy I dated
Paige, Chloe, John, Flossie, Faith, Cara - London friends
Grace - One of my best mates who I met in my single year
Beth - My best mate
Paula - My therapist
Jack - An amazing man who I dated for 2 months
Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years
George - An amazing man who I dated for 3 months
Locations:
Springfield Park
https://hackney.gov.uk/springfield-parkPrincess of Wales
https://www.princessofwalesclapton.co.uk/Cafe Miami - Now closed down
https://www.facebook.com/cafemiamilondon/Westbourne Pub
https://www.thewestbourne.com/Giant Steps
http://www.giant--steps.com/Jim’s Cafe
https://jimscafe.co.uk/The Elderfield
https://www.theelderfield.co.uk/Chatsworth Road
http://www.chatsworthroade5.co.uk/Entertainment References:
Childish Gambino - This is America
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VYOjWnS4cMYChristo Barrel Exhibition
https://www.serpentinegalleries.org/whats-on/christo-and-jeanne-claude-barrels-and-mastaba-1958-2018/Informer - Snow
https://open.spotify.com/track/2LjiPAQOVazT8sRyXL3XRsThe Sun and Her Flowers - Rupi Kaur
https://www.goodreads.com/book/show/35606560-the-sun-and-her-flowersLOVE
https://www.netflix.com/title/80026506In Good Company Podcast
https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/in-good-company/id1294215581Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth and artwork by Robbie Porter.
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I had been captivated by Japan, perhaps since the early 2000’s when Bill Murray and Scarlette Johanson brought the delights of Tokyo to my attention via Lost In Translation. This was shortly followed by developing a curiosity in Japanese street style whilst studying Fashion Promotion and Illustration at university. Then as my interest in interiors started to develop, so did my interest in Japan’s calming and simplistic style, quite the contrast to the chaotic Japan I had first been presented with. Their juxtaposition of cultures was enchanting, but equally overwhelming and despite it being top of my holiday list for some time and being comfortable holidaying alone, when it came to Japan, I was waiting to meet someone, so I could enter and guide my way through what seemed like a bewildering other world with someone else's support. But then I thought fuck it, stop waiting, just go and it was the best solo holiday I could have hoped for.
Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/
Key Characters:
Billie - A holiday fling
Locations:
Yogi Park, Tokyo
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3034_002.htmlCat Street
https://www.japanvisitor.com/tokyo-area-guides/catstreettokyoOpening Ceremony
https://www.openingceremony.com/en-gb/City Shop
http://cityshop.tokyo/Shibuya Crossing
https://www.lonelyplanet.com/japan/tokyo/attractions/shibuya-crossing/a/poi-sig/396831/356817Fushimi Inari-taisha (Red Pillar Temple)
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3915.htmlArashiyama Bamboo Grove
https://www.insidekyoto.com/arashiyama-bamboo-groveKinkakuji (Golden Pavilion)
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e3908.htmlKyoto Onsen
https://www.insidekyoto.com/kyotos-best-onsen-hot-spring-bathsNaoshima Island
https://www.japan-guide.com/e/e5475.htmlDans Le Noir
https://london.danslenoir.com/unusual-restaurant-in-london.htmlBenesse House
https://benesse-artsite.jp/en/stay/benessehouse/The Park Hyatt Plaza - The New York Bar
https://www.hyatt.com/en-US/hotel/japan/park-hyatt-tokyo/tyophKaikaya By The Sea
http://www.kaikaya.com/Oath
https://www.residentadvisor.net/club.aspx?id=16967Mori Digital Museum
https://borderless.teamlab.art/Cultural References:
Yayoi Kusama
http://yayoi-kusama.jp/e/information/Entertainment References:
Lost In Translation
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_in_Translation_(film)Normal People
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Normal_PeopleGreta Thunberg School Strike
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Greta_ThunbergGwen Steffani - Harajuka Girls
https://open.spotify.com/album/3Lqn8M0QxPLIPRJ4nUKTGN?highlight=spotify:track:3L7P7HZVQ3wxzKoUyxaC9HLost In Tokyo
https://lostin.com/products/lost-in-tokyoKaty Perry Roar
https://open.spotify.com/album/2bELFHKEF8yIDHMelNab2pPulp Common People
https://open.spotify.com/album/3ly9T2L4pqTZijFgQssd3x?highlight=spotify:track:2fXKyAyPrEa24c6PJyqznFSnow Informer
https://open.spotify.com/track/2LjiPAQOVazT8sRyXL3XRsQueen Don’t Stop Me Now
https://open.spotify.com/track/3lrNq7iGL5r3KS93YiKAbCPulp Fiction
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pulp_FictionDiary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth
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I had always been turned on by the female body, when I masturbated and sometimes when I was having sex with a guy I would imagine I was with a woman. But I never knew if it was just a fantasy. I had one memory of being attracted to a female friend when I was 19 and then I dated Dan for 11 years. But at the age of 31, when I was single again I started to fancy another female friend, so I changed my dating app settings to include women so I could fully explore my desire.
Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/
Key Characters:
Dan - My ex boyfriend who I spent 11 years with from 2001 - 2012
Rachel - The first girl I fancied
Carrie - A friend
Susie, Sophie, Holly - Some of my oldest friends
Adina, Stephanie, Melissa, Heather, Patrick - London friends
Stephen Minder - An uncomfortable encounter before #metoo
Beth - My best mate
Adele - A one night stand
Locations:
Stories - Now closed
https://www.timeout.com/london/bars-and-pubs/storiesPizza East
https://www.pizzaeast.com/Chiltern Street Firehouse
http://www.chilternfirehouse.com/Entertainment References:
The Strokes - Is This It
https://open.spotify.com/album/2k8KgmDp9oHrmu0MIj4XDEDestiny’s Child - Survivor
https://open.spotify.com/album/2HcjLD0ButtKsQYqzoyOx9Mariah Carey - Glitter
https://open.spotify.com/album/5fN9sJIh7mAXBsb3mvX7A1Camp America
https://www.usasummercamp.com/Tinder
https://tinder.com/?lang=en-GBBurning Man
https://burningman.org/Florence and The Machine
https://florenceandthemachine.net/Happn
https://www.happn.com/en/Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth
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Despite keeping a diary, I don’t remember all of the first dates I’ve been on, but I do remember my first Tinder date and the story that followed. This is a short story about wrong decisions from both parties, but it’s an important one to share. I faced a similar situation a year later and once again it wasn’t dealt with in the right way but the third time it happened in 2018 the world had changed and I felt comfortable expressing my decision.
Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/
Key Characters:
James - A guy I dated
Isaac - A London friend and the first man I fancied after ending an 11 year relationship
Jared - A one night stand
Harry - A guy I dated
Julian - A guy I dated
Rowan - One of my best mates I met in my single years
Beth - My best mate
Dan - My ex boyfriend who I spent 11 years with from 2001 - 2012
Eric - A guy I dated
Locations:
White Hart
https://whitehartstokenewington.com/The Victoria
http://www.jaguarshoes.com/venue/the-victoria/Ace Hotel
https://www.acehotel.com/london/The Duke Of Wellington
https://www.frontierpubs.co.uk/your-local/duke-of-wellington-dalston-pub/Cultural References:
Tippi Hedren - The Birds
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tippi_HedrenEntertainment References:
Tinder
https://tinder.com/?lang=en-GBBreaking Bad
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Breaking_BadLittle Mix - Shout Out to My Ex
https://open.spotify.com/album/4TvPWe1vbrh0hozmCoSFRIDiary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth
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Throughout my twenties I wasn’t interested in going to festivals. I rarely listened to new music, my morning alarm would be joined by Magic FM playing the same songs on repeat that I’d known all my life. I also didn’t like the thought of camping, the dirt, the portaloo's, the greasy hair. I just didn’t think I’d enjoy it. And then as part of my transition into single life I dipped my toe into Field Day in London - a one day festival within walking distance of my flat which I obviously loved, from here I moved on to Glastonbury and others followed.
Due to CoronaVirus all our festivals have been cancelled for 2020, so for a bit of nostalgia, I thought it would be nice to share some festival experiences and dedicate an episode to our absent festivals. This episode takes a slightly different approach to others because it features 6 individual events rather than one overarching story over time.
Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries
https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/Key Characters:
Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years
Grace - One of my best mates who I met in my single years
Beth - My best mate
Heather, Jessica, Bob, Dave, Flossie, Charlotte, Jay, Nina, Sylvia, Caitlin, Adam, Vera, Ian, Jeff, Sasha, Patrick, Hayley, Gina, Heidi, Kristin, Megan, Helen, Lee, Shane, Eddy - London friends
Dustin, Poppy - American friends
Isaac - A London friend and the first man I fancied after ending my 11 year relationship
Gerard - A festival hook up
Vince - A guy I dated
Jill - A festival crush
Corey - A festival kiss
Locations:
Field Day
https://fielddayfestivals.com/Glastonbury
https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/
https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/Areas/shangri-la/
https://www.facebook.com/lizardstage/
https://www.facebook.com/The-Rabbit-Hole-at-Glastonbury-Festival-226177724076526/
https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/areas/pyramid-stage/
https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/areas/west-holts/
https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/line-up-2020-item/the-crows-nest/
https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/areas/the-green-fields/croissant-neuf/
https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/areas/the-park/
https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/areas/the-glade/
https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/areas/beat-hotel/
https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/areas/arcadia/Burning Man
https://burningman.org/Green Man Festival
https://www.greenman.net/Festival No. 6
https://festivalnumber6.com/Shambala Festival
https://www.shambalafestival.org/
https://www.shambalafestival.org/2020/venue/chai-wallahs/
https://www.shambalafestival.org/2020/venue/rebel-soul/
https://www.facebook.com/WombyView/Cultural References:
Same Sex Couples Act 2013
https://www.legislation.gov.uk/ukpga/2013/30/contents/enactedStoneHenge
https://www.english-heritage.org.uk/visit/places/stonehenge/Temple Project in Derry
https://www.artichoke.uk.com/project/temple/Entertainment References:
Magic FM
https://www.radio-uk.co.uk/magic-fmBroadchurch
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BroadchurchGet Lucky by Daft Punk
https://open.spotify.com/album/2ePFIvZKMe8zefATp9ofFASavages
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1WFsBUAgQmrGQQEUyFKS60Solange
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2auiVi8sUZo17dLy1HwrTUEverything Everything
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1HOeqtP7tHkKNJNLzQ2tnrDjango Django
https://open.spotify.com/artist/2ARO60gI5do88ho6azmzabDrunken Sailor
https://open.spotify.com/album/5iyQuCFO65zkVXaqtBYFuoAlice In Wonderland
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Alice's_Adventures_in_WonderlandBlondie
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4tpUmLEVLCGFr93o8hFFIBGuardian
https://www.theguardian.com/ukLily Allen
https://www.lilyallenmusic.com/Tune Yards
https://open.spotify.com/artist/0asVlqTLu3TimnYVyY5JxiJohn Wizards
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4sPLhyVBoVtdlX0MaetdVKDuncan and Disorderly
https://open.spotify.com/artist/78eJd4sr3KsjCukSow56UtLana Del Rey
https://open.spotify.com/artist/00FQb4jTyendYWaN8pK0waJagwar Ma
https://open.spotify.com/artist/6fEO1r9Y9TYL9O4w5kVPmcJon Hopkins
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7yxi31szvlbwvKq9dYOmFIJamie XX
https://open.spotify.com/artist/7A0awCXkE1FtSU8B0qwOJQDolly Parton
https://open.spotify.com/artist/32vWCbZh0xZ4o9gkz4PsEUGlass Animals
https://open.spotify.com/artist/4yvcSjfu4PC0CYQyLy4wSqJames Blake
https://open.spotify.com/artist/53KwLdlmrlCelAZMaLVZqUKate Tempest
https://open.spotify.com/artist/1O3wYcUD08X9yb6J3xaw5MThelma and Louise
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Thelma_%26_LouiseDon’t Stop Me Now - Queen
https://open.spotify.com/album/2vDNi8F9UpSCaBHeKQ3nzh?highlight=spotify:track:3lrNq7iGL5r3KS93YiKAbCThese Arms Of Mine - Otis Redding
https://open.spotify.com/track/5kDMkphwMFCiRn0MVyykjQTiny Dancer - Elton John
https://open.spotify.com/album/2OZbaW9tgO62ndm375lFZr?highlight=spotify:track:2TVxnKdb3tqe1nhQWwwZCOWar Paint
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3AmgGrYHXqgbmZ2yKoIVzODJ Yoda
https://open.spotify.com/artist/134rP599PLJMjrccfctkmXInformer - Snow
https://open.spotify.com/track/2LjiPAQOVazT8sRyXL3XRsHot Chip
https://open.spotify.com/artist/37uLId6Z5ZXCx19vuruvv5Don’t Look Back In Anger - Oasis
https://open.spotify.com/track/19Jo73ISw9N9UVraSYBTr5Orbital
https://open.spotify.com/artist/3csPCeXsj2wezyvkRFzvmVDiary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth
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This story is about my 10 day solo holiday in Mexico in Oct 2016. It touches on loneliness, lust and communication.
Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/
Key Characters:
Antonio - The Hot Waiter
Locations:
Chichen Itza
https://www.chichenitza.com/Casa Jaguar
https://www.casajaguartulum.com/Casa Banana
https://www.instagram.com/casabananatulum/?hl=enPosada Margherita
https://www.posadamargherita.com/Entertainment References:
Bridget Jones Baby
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bridget_Jones's_BabyHarry Potter and The Cursed Child
https://www.jkrowling.com/book/harry-potter-cursed-child/Jamie XX, Gosh
https://open.spotify.com/playlist/6hXkrOoS5XhXsp2XG5PNi9Amelie
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/AmélieTinder
https://tinder.com/?lang=en-GBJurassic Park
http://www.jurassicworld.com/films/jurassic-parkDiary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth
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On 31st December 1998 I met a guy called Macey from the year above me at school. I go on to talk about Macey for 116 of the 365 days of 1999. If I heard he was going out, I would go out, I would sit at home imagining he would call my landline, despite him not having my phone number, I learnt his lesson plan and knew that when I walked along the school path between my Psychology and Art classes I would pass him. Every time I would prepare myself to look up, lock eye contact and smile, it’s a simple concept, it makes you look more attractive, but, every time I would fail.
Macey plays a big role in this story, but this is really all about a 17 year old who wants to be noticed, I wanted people to call me pretty, I wanted people to describe me as fun, I wanted people to recognise how hard I worked, I wanted to be rewarded with the role of house captain for my sporting achievements, I wanted to be patted on the back for organising a charity fashion show, and embarrassingly I wanted people to notice my family's wealth.
As I’m 17 I am lazy and use the word ‘cos’ instead of ‘because,’ my writing is quite chaotic and I am also very unaware of my white privilege. I was brought up in a white middle class area, a bubble of security. I’m ashamed to say I thought it was normal to live in a semi detached house, to have annual family holidays, to never have to think about where the next meal was coming from. When I went to university I began to understand that this was not the case, but it still took me a good 10 years to really start to unpick this. I’ve learnt from friends I’ve met along the way, I’ve learnt from reading, listening, following activists and I still have a lot to learn.
Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/
Key Characters:
Macey - My school crush
Beth - My best mate
Lily, Holly, Georgie, Ashley, Erica, Susie, Ben - Some of my oldest friends
Polly - A friend at school
Mum, Dad - Family
Annabelle - Macey’s school crush
Kev - Another school crush
Locations:
Wetherspoons Cheadle Hulme
https://www.greatukpubs.co.uk/kings-tap-cheadle-hulme?utm_source=google&utm_medium=local_seo_gmb&utm_content=websiteGovernors House
https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/cheshire/governors-house/Zest, Wilmslow
Now closed downSurrey Institute of Art & Design
https://www.uca.ac.uk/Bar Med, Manchester
Now closed downPizza Express
https://www.pizzaexpress.com/Renaissance
Now closed downCultural References:
UCAS
https://www.ucas.com/Entertainment References:
Saving Private Ryan
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saving_Private_RyanShakespeare In Love
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Shakespeare_in_LoveThere’s Something About Mary
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/There's_Something_About_MaryPrince, 1999
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1999_(Prince_album)S Club 7
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/S_Club_7Five
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Five_(group)Seven
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Seven_(1995_film)Robbie Williams
https://www.robbiewilliams.com/White Men Can’t Jump
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/White_Men_Can't_JumpBridge Over Troubled Water by Simon & Garfunkel
https://open.spotify.com/album/0JwHz5SSvpYWuuCNbtYZoVGatecrasher
https://www.gatecrasher.com/Kylie Minogue
https://www.kylie.com/Ally McBeal
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ally_McBealNow and Then
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Now_and_Then_(film)Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth
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Having spent time dating Jack, which had been the closest thing to a relationship for me in 5 years. It had made me realise that when I do meet the right person, it’s likely I will want kids to be part of our future. There is endless research you can do when it comes to learning about the fertility of women at various stages of their life. But The British Fertility Society says that ‘At birth, most girls have about 2 million eggs, at adolescence that number has gone down to about 400,000 and at age 37 there remain about 25,000. As I was approaching 36 I made the decision to use my savings to freeze my eggs.
And by no means is freezing your eggs a guarantee of conception, but it does act as a little security blanket. For me, the entire process lasted about 4 months, my clinic closely monitored my menstrual cycles, there were endless blood tests and scans, they prescribed the relevant medication to first get my hormones to the optimum level and to then stimulate my egg growth. I had to inject my own medication and the closer it got to my egg removal date, the more I had to do, some days I’d have 2 blood tests and I’d do 3 injections at various points throughout the day. It was an upheaval on my body, both physically and mentally.
Reading back it was quite a tricky time to reflect on, I was suddenly acutely aware and envious of my friends developing family situations and I think this was one of the loneliest points of my 30’s and where my desire to meet someone was at its peak.
The episode is taken from a 5 month period from Sept 2017 - Feb 2018. You will hear me repeat the last day from Episode 1 - Dexter Turner as the stories cross over the same time period.
Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/
Key Characters:
Jack - An amazing man who I dated for 2 months
Beth - My best mate
Willow - One of my best mates who I met in my single years
Grace - One of my best mates who I met in my single years
Dawn, Tim - Some of my oldest friends
Simone, Faith, Heather, Chloe, Mel - London friends
Mum - Family
Todd - A guy I dated
Dexter Turner - A guy who briefly entered and quickly exited my life on a number of occasions and unjustifiably has become one of those people who is hard to shake off and annoyingly someone I’m quite fond of.
Locations:
Columbia Road Flower Market
http://www.columbiaroad.info/Wilton’s Music Hall
https://www.wiltons.org.uk/Crooked Billet
https://e5crookedbillet.co.uk/Prince George
https://theprincegeorgepub.co.uk/House of Hackney
https://www.houseofhackney.com/Goodhood
https://goodhoodstore.com/Cultural References:
Grenfell Tower
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-40301289International Women’s Day
https://www.internationalwomensday.com/Entertainment References:
Notting Hill Carnival
https://www.thelondonnottinghillcarnival.com/Happn
https://www.happn.com/en/Les Enfants Terribles:
https://lesenfantsterribles.co.uk/Three Billboards Outside Ebbing Missouri
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Billboards_Outside_Ebbing,_MissouriMedical References:
ARGC Egg Freezing Clinic:
https://argc.co.uk/Chlamydia
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chlamydia/STI
https://www.nhs.uk/live-well/sexual-health/visiting-an-sti-clinic/AMH:
https://www.createfertility.co.uk/fertility-diagnosis/amhNHS:
https://www.nhs.uk/IVF Treatment
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/ivf/availability/Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth.
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When you are in your mid thirties and you meet someone of a similar age who is at the same stage of their life as you; i.e. not newly single, they’ve have had some fun dating, they’re looking for a relationship and dating them is going well, it’s really fucking hard to just enjoy it for what it is, stop your mind running away to the future and just let the relationship develop at a normal pace.
You are aware that this is a rare occurrence, in your eyes and for your needs, you have met a good one. From 2013 - 2017, out of the hundreds of first dates I went on, I liked maybe 10% of them, so if they also liked me, they turned into second dates, and maybe 10% of those second dates turned into third dates which leaves a very small handful of people who I have genuinely liked and they have liked me in return and therefore I have wanted to potentially develop a relationship with. This story is about one of those people.
Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/
Key Characters:
Jack - An amazing man who I dated for 2 months
Beth - My best mate
Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years
Willow - One of my best mates who I met in my single years
Grace - One of my best mates who I met in my single years
Caitlin, Ollie, Mandy, Gavin, Tim, Chloe, Mary, Flossie - London friends
Brother, Mum, Dad - Family
Liam - A guy I dated
Stephen Minder - An uncomfortable encounter before #metoo
George - An amazing man who I dated for 3 months
Dexter Turner - A guy who briefly entered and quickly exited my life on a number of occasions and unjustifiably has become one of those people who is hard to shake off and annoyingly someone I’m quite fond of.
Locations:
Beyond Retro
https://www.beyondretro.com/Pelicans and Parrots
https://pelicansandparrots.com/John Salt Pub
https://www.john-salt.com/The Gun
http://www.thegunwellstreet.com/Chesham Arms
http://www.cheshamarms.com/Yard Sale Pizza
https://yardsalepizza.com/Osea Island
https://www.oseaisland.co.uk/Uchi
http://uchihackney.com/Clapton Hart
https://claptonhart.com/Millfields
https://www.millfieldscoffee.co.uk/Behind This Wall
https://www.behindthiswall.com/Bonneville
No closedPamelas
https://pamelabar.com/Groucho Club
https://www.thegrouchoclub.com/Hampstead Heath
https://www.hampsteadheath.net/Cultural References:
Ariana Grande Concert
https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/greater-manchester-news/manchester-bombing-live-updates-latest-13075807Entertainment References:
Fyre Festival
https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/newsbeat-46904445GIRLS
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Girls_(TV_series)Guardian Soulmates
https://www.theguardian.com/help/insideguardian/2020/jul/01/guardian-soulmates-has-come-to-an-endDesign Museum, California Exhibition
https://designmuseum.org/exhibitions/california-designing-freedomDarren Miller
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Darren_MillerBaby Driver
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Baby_DriverVisions Festival
http://visionsfestival.com/SOPHIE
https://msmsmsm.com/This Is England
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/This_Is_EnglandMy Girl
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/My_Girl_(film)Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell in partnership with Bird Lime Media with original music by Ethan Illingworth
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This week's episode is taken from the shortest time period, just 5 days of diary entries. I think it’s a great example of a Sliding Doors moment, there is a point in the story where I am offered a glass of red wine, and had I said no, I would have had a totally different 5 day experience.
Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/
Key Characters:
Elliot Lite - A Parisian fling
Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years
Beth - My best mate
Grace - One of my best mates who I met in my single years
Dexter Turner - A guy who briefly entered and quickly exited my life on a number of occasions and unjustifiably has become one of those people who is hard to shake off and annoyingly someone I’m quite fond of.
Brother, Dad - Family
Miles - A guy I dated
Laura - A London friend
Locations:
Hotel Amore
https://www.hotelamourparis.fr/en/Merci
https://www.merci-merci.com/en/Poulette
https://www.pouletterestaurant.com/Berghain
https://www.berghain.berlin/en/Palais De Tokyo
https://www.palaisdetokyo.com/enEiffel Tower
https://www.eiffeltickets.com/Louvre
https://www.louvre.fr/enChez Janou
http://www.chezjanou.com/Sacre Coeur
http://www.sacre-coeur-montmartre.com/english/Pompidou Centre
https://www.centrepompidou.fr/enJim's Cafe
https://jimscafe.co.uk/Cultural References:
100 Year WW1 Anniversary
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/First_World_War_centenarySingle-use
https://www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/single-useEntertainment References:
Sliding Doors
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sliding_DoorsJodie Whittaker
https://www.instagram.com/jodie.whittakeruk/Dr Who
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Doctor_WhoThierry Henry
https://www.instagram.com/thierryhenry/Terminator 2
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Terminator_2:_Judgment_DaySpeed
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Speed_(1994_film)Die Hard 3
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Die_Hard_with_a_VengeanceLove Actually
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Love_ActuallyWhiplash
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Whiplash_(2014_film)Lost In Paris
https://lostin.com/products/lost-in-parisPhoto Paris
https://www.parisphoto.com/en/Home/Fotografiska
https://www.fotografiska.com/london/Saatchi Gallery
https://www.saatchigallery.com/Blue Is The Warmest Colour
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Blue_Is_the_Warmest_ColourRalph Lauren
https://www.ralphlauren.co.uk/Daniel Day Lewis
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Daniel_Day-LewisDr Martens
https://www.drmartens.com/uk/en_gb/Killing Eve
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Killing_EveDiary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell, and edited and engineered by Ethan Illingworth
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This week's episode is taken from April 2014 and is about the highs and the lows of dating in London. Dating apps were just beginning to really take off, but it wasn’t rare to still meet people in real life. This story features another guy who plays a big role in my life, but of course when I first met him, I didn’t know the impact he was going to have and I love that I have my first impression of him captured in my diary.
Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/
Key Characters:
Ashlee, Lily, Dawn, Tim - Some of my oldest friends
Beth - My best mate
Eric Taylor - The God who solved my vaginismus
Heather, Brittany, Jacob, Katie, Matt, Atlas, Caroline, Dillon, Adina, Dave, James, Mick, Marie - London friends
Sam - A guy I dated
Dan - My ex boyfriend who I spent 11 years with from 2001 - 2012
Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years
Mum - Family
Isaac - A London friend and the first man I fancied after ending my 11 year relationship
Johnny - A one night stand
Locations:
The Spurstowe Arms
http://www.thespurstowearms.com/The Prince George
http://www.theprincegeorgepub.co.uk/Voodoo Rays
http://voodoorays.com/Royal Free Hospital
https://www.royalfree.nhs.uk/Floyd’s
Restaurant on Shacklewell Lane, Hackney, now closedTowpath Cafe
https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Towpath-Cafe/118939978161114Shacklewell Arms
http://www.shacklewellarms.com/HBV Dalston
https://www.hackneyicare.org.uk/kb5/hackney/asch/service.page?id=WV1aOPYUtQ0Euston Station
https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/stations_destinations/eus.aspxTrangallan
https://www.trangallan.com/Scolt Head
https://www.thescolthead.co.uk/Efes
Snooker Club on Stoke Newington Road, now closedThe Alibi
Club on Kingsland High Street, now closedRita’s Dining
https://www.ritasdining.com/Oslo
http://oslohackney.com/Dalston Kingsland Centre
http://www.kingslandshopping.com/Entertainment References:
Gwyneth Paltrow and Chris Martin consciously uncouple after 10 years of marriage
https://www.theguardian.com/lifeandstyle/shortcuts/2014/mar/26/conscious-uncoupling-gwyneth-paltrow-chris-martin-separationThe Grand Budapest Hotel
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Grand_Budapest_HotelThe Ice Bucket Challenge
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ice_Bucket_ChallengeTinder
https://tinder.comDavid Gandy
https://www.instagram.com/davidgandy_official/?hl=enJack Guiness
https://www.instagram.com/jackguinness/?hl=enAlexa Chung
https://www.instagram.com/alexachung/?hl=enFriday Night Lights
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Friday_Night_Lights_(TV_series)Glastonbury
https://www.glastonburyfestivals.co.uk/Medical References:
Vaginismus
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginismus/Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell, and edited and engineered by Ethan Illingworth
-
After I split up with Dan, who I’d spent the whole of my twenties with, I was faced with a situation where many of my friends were now married, had started a family and were moving out of London to buy a home. I realised that over the last 11 years I’d not made an effort to expand my friendship circle other than the friends I’d naturally made at university & at work. And despite feeling lonely at points, I was still excited about single life, I saw it as an opportunity. I always knew London was one of the most exciting places to live, I was in awe of the lives others lived and I knew I was just skimming the service, I wanted to meet new people, stay out all night, go on dates & try new things.
This week's reading is taken from April - Aug 2013 and they are predominantly about one amazing man, and now a friend, he was the first guy I fancied after ending my 11 year relationship, and they touch on my first steps into dating and ALL the confusion that comes with it.
Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/
Key Characters:
Dan - My ex boyfriend who I spent 11 years with from 2001 - 2012
Beth - My best mate
Rowan - One of my best mates who I met in my single years
Isaac - A London friend and the first man I fancied after ending my 11 year relationship
Ollie, Atlas, Heather, Caroline, Holly - London Friends
Lily, Alf, Susie, Ellie - Some of my oldest friends
Jared - A one night stand
Locations:
Shoreditch House
https://www.shoreditchhouse.com/Columbia Road
http://www.columbiaroad.info/The Fox
Pub on Kingsland Road - Now closed downScolt Head
https://www.thescolthead.co.uk/Duke of Wellington
https://www.frontierpubs.co.uk/your-local/duke-of-wellington-dalston-pub/The Hunter S
http://www.thehunter-s-pub.co.uk/Kempton Antiques Market
https://www.sunburyantiques.com/kempton/A Little Bit Of What You Fancy
Restaurant on Kingsland Road - Now closed downThe Dead Dolls Club
Bar on Kingsland Road - Now closed downJohn Lewis
https://www.johnlewis.com/Old Blue Last
https://www.theoldbluelast.com/Looking Glass Cocktail Club
http://www.lookingglasslondon.co.uk/Broadway Market
https://broadwaymarket.co.uk/Off Broadway
https://www.offbroadway.org.uk/Entertainment References:
David Beckham retires from professional football:
https://www.independent.co.uk/sport/football/news-and-comment/david-beckham-retires-the-time-is-right-to-retire-from-football-8619336.htmlAndy Murray Wins Wimbledon
https://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/av/tennis/23220414Miley Cyrus and Robin Thick MTV VMA’s 2013
https://www.rollingstone.com/culture/culture-news/twerk-it-out-miley-and-robins-vma-performance-one-year-later-65286/Land of Kings
https://www.hackneycitizen.co.uk/2013/04/09/dalston-prepares-land-of-kings-festival/Grazia Magazine
https://graziadaily.co.uk/Mud
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mud_(2012_film)Burning Man
https://burningman.org/New Girl
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_GirlDiary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell, and edited and engineered by Ethan Illingworth
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This was a really important story for me to share and I hope this episode will have a positive impact on others who are experiencing similar circumstances. From the age of 20 to 31 I was in a relationship with a very kind, caring and patient man. During our time together I suffered from a medical condition called vaginismus; if you aren’t familiar with the term, it is an involuntary contraction of the vaginal muscles making sexual intercourse or any sexual activity that involves penetration painful or impossible. Physically, at points, I was able to have sex but I was in agony with tears welling up, every part of my body tensed and any passion sucked away as if transported to a smear test in a doctors surgery. You will hear about all the things I tried to resolve the issue, vaginal dilators, an operation, psychosexual therapy, hypnotherapy and how it led to a negative association with sex and intimacy. This coupled with perhaps a barrier built up from childhood around what love meant and maybe not emotionally processing my Dad’s death at the age of 15 made for what I realise now was a complicated 11 year relationship, although it didn’t feel like it at the time. As I read back over my diaries I identified certain events that may have caused the condition or worsened it, and no doubt how those events impacted the decisions I made in later life and the ways I reacted during the relationship.
Follow Instagram for more extracts from my Diaries: https://www.instagram.com/diaryshewrote/
Key Characters:
Erica, Dawn, Ellie, Lily - Some of my oldest friends
Dan - My ex boyfriend who I spent 11 years with from 2001 - 2012
Macey - My school crush
Mum, Dad - Family
Locations:
Chicago's Epsom - Now closed down
https://www.starbucks.co.uk/
SU Bar Surrey Institute of Art & Design Epsom Campus - Now called https://www.uca.ac.uk/life-at-uca/locations/epsom/
https://www.greeneking-pubs.co.uk/pubs/cheshire/ladybrook/
https://www.annsummers.com/
https://www.mangal2.com/
https://www.libertylondon.com/
Cultural References:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/EuroEntertainment References:
The Osbournes reality TV show is just about to launch on MTV
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/The_Osbourneshttps://www.campamerica.co.uk/
https://www.trekamerica.com/
Gilbert & George
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gilbert_%26_GeorgeAnt & Dec
https://www.antanddec.com/Medical References:
Vaginismus
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/vaginismus/Vaginal Dilators
https://www.ouh.nhs.uk/patient-guide/leaflets/files/30804Pexercises.pdfPsychosexual Therapy
https://www.letstalkaboutit.nhs.uk/other-services/psychosexual-counselling/Hypnotherapy
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hypnotherapy/Smear Test
https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/cervical-screening/Vulva Pain Society
http://www.vulvalpainsociety.org/vps/Diary, She Wrote was produced by Liz Beardsell, and edited and engineered by Ethan Illingworth
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