Done!

Done done done done, done done done!

Well, mostly. I still have some things to finish, obviously, I still have an exam to sit on Thursday, but all in all I'm mostly done!

I finished writing today and sent everything in, had it bound, handed it in, that thing, and have sat most of my exams last week, so yes, I am basically pretty much done.

Just in time, too, because it's my birthday on Friday and I *really* want to celebrate it properly. Turning 22, isn't that kind of weird? I feel old. Ha!

But I am so done with everything, in the happy sense of being done with things, I've more or less finished my degree! I'll be Cecily Cardew, BA.

Isn't it wonderful how grim grey weather isn't at all bothersome when you're done with things like this?

So, yes. Two more days of hysterically milling about the library, trying to revise (but obviously not actually doing so), commiserating with my fellow students about the last, the final, the exam, and then, glorious magnificent freedom.

Very much considering a trip to Paris for the weekend. To celebrate, you know. My birthday and being done. Everything.

I love Paris, and I want macarons.

I demand macarons to celebrate. Yes. Even if they're soooo 2012. Good French things never go out of style.

Speaking of French things, time to crack open that Perrier-Jouet I've been keeping chilled. Well. Not yet. But soon.

SOON.

Cecily Cardew, BA. Doesn't it look lovely?

The Final Stretch

I AM SO STRESSED.

I am almost done with uni. It's the home stretch, the final countdown (tudu du du - tudu du du du), and I am almost done.

It's worth it, I suppose. I get to walk away with a degree.

Eventually.

Supposedly.

So I returned from Yorkshire on Sunday, and then cracked down for my last batch of writing my dissertation.

I really like it - I'm comparing two Dutch masters, Rembrandt and Rubens, and especially their use of light, and what biographical factors have influenced their work. It's not particularly obvious to compare them, which is why I'm doing it.

I have seen some of their works in real life, and they always stayed with me. They're not so much like photographs, but they are very real and very arty. Plus, both painters have an absolutely magnificent way of painting glossy fabrics, making them look almost tangible. Almost more real than life, really.

What I am really quite sad about is that my photographs are on the external harddrive at my parents', so I'll post some photographs as soon as I can get my hands on that.

I am planning on making a trip across the Channel after term ends to go to Antwerp and Amsterdam to return to see their paintings. I have yet to see the re-opened museum in Amsterdam and I do so want to.

For now, however, back to finishing this term, finishing uni, and getting my degree. Back to the dull, plain reality of my lessons.

UPDATE: ALSO IT IS ALMOST MY BIRTHDAY. And I expect lots of presents, so start buying.

Yorkshire

I fear for Mum's sanity as she fears for mine.

She sent me to spend a few days with my grandfather in Yorkshire - in Harrogate, to be precise - as she feels the stress of exams is becoming too much for me.

I honestly don't mind, because the weather has been splendid and there is so much lovely green around here, I hear birds twitter when I wake up (truly!) and I must say it *is* rather nice to not have to do anything for a few days.

Grandfather took me on a trip to Castle Howard yesterday as I'd realised it could suddenly easily be done in a day trip and because it is very relevant to Art History I'm sure (my liking of Brideshead Revisited truly was no factor whatsoever!).

Actually, I do feel calmer now I've spent some days away from all the bustle of finishing Uni, taking in some sun and culture - Here Comes the Sun - so I suppose Mum was right in sending me away. I feel completely ready to carry on into the Second Act of the play of finishing Uni and starting life. I'll be back South on Sunday. With that in mind, and given my changes in rhythm and all that, with new things to do, new routines, I'm considering changing the day on which I post things.

Given my future schedule, it would make much more sense to post on Tuesdays rather than Fridays, so that's what I'll be doing, starting coming Tuesday.

Now, go out and enjoy the ephemeral British sunshine!

Oh, and here's some pics from my trip:

Working Hard (or... you know)

Another short one because things are going mad around here.

I had my last seminars today which was nice (but weird but nice but weird) but I still have some work to finish so I'm supposed to be working hard on my papers, which I am trying but I'm not always succeeding - last seminar days need to be celebrated, so I'll be off for the weekend in a second, we're going partying in the city and I haven't a clue yet what to wear - there are too many dresses in my wardrobe that I've already worn out partying once.

I should like to both be a work of art and wear a work of art when going out - the first is, clearly, easier than the latter. After all, what people deem fashionable is never truly artful - more likely so hideous fashions change as often as the seasons do. But what people deem fashionable is never truly stylish, anyway, so I suppose I shouldn't particularly care.

Talking of art, Jack dug me up two internships or grad schemes or something that are still open, at Sotheby's and Christie's. I don't know much about art but I know what I like, so I suppose I could give it a shot.

I think Dad often works with people who often work with Sotheby's, so that could be nice.

Anyway, once I finish the remainder of my work I'll be spending some days with my grandfather, get away into Nature for a bit. I look forward to it.

Right, now to find the right dress, and shoes, and purse, and everything...

Why?

I'm going to have to keep it short this time, what with the term drawing to an end and having to write papers.

Ugh.

I'm absolutely exhausted.

Also I talked over my grand tour idea with Mum and Dad, and surprisingly they don't seem altogether pleased about it. I don't understand - one would suppose it would be a crowning celebration of me getting my degree, right? They say it's time I found some way to support myself, or find someone to support me. Now, that's just cruel.

As though Ernest weren't there.

I still haven't found what I was looking for with my degree. What's it all for, anyway? I mean, I'll just marry Ernest and we'll live happily ever after and that's it.

Dad says I could try and find a job, but what job would I get with Art History? I mean, the Duke of Cambridge did Art History (or started out as such or somewhat or other) so why is it so hard to find a suitable job? Certainly it shouldn't be this difficult to find something to do next year.

Although I don't really understand why Dad is telling me to do this. I think it's really rather mean of him to tell me to go do something I don't like. I mean, just any sort of job, I'm not cut out for that. It's not my thing.

Jack says I should apply for grad schemes but really, it's far too late to start doing that now and besides, I don't want to. They're never any fun, I'm sure of that.

Ah, what to do, what to do...