Author: oliversaundry

Either you were sent here from my Twitter feed or the universe drove you here because you needed to see the picture of the coolest dogs ever…

The journey to Hifi Jørn’s (Vintage record player collector) was a long one, but totally worth it. I had my mom and dad with me where we left mainland Denmark at the ferry port Fynshav and took to Bøjden. I am not a personal fan of boat rides, the waves and I are not friends in any regard… However some sort of miracle occurred and it was smooth sailing and extremely cozy.

Our journey started off with a quick ferry ride from mainland Denmark (Jylland) to the island of Fyn where Odense is situated. #EXSM3989 pic.twitter.com/uUEPGvMKN4

— Oliver (@Oliver22226446) August 8, 2021

After docking in Bøjden, Fyn I decided we must take the scenic route to Odense, because the motorway is too mainstream. Denmark is relatively flat but, due to it being built up of 400 islands it makes for a very beautiful drive. There is always a view. My father on the other hand was not as impressed as I was faced with multiple “Are we there yet?” questions.

After arriving on Fyn, I "accidentally" set the journey on the back roads. Although I had my dad asking are we there yet, it was one beautiful drive. (It is important to note my parents were visiting from Canada). #EXSM3989 pic.twitter.com/TVLptvEgEC

— Oliver (@Oliver22226446) August 8, 2021

Once we arrived it was all worth it in the end… We sat down for some lovely food, and enjoyed the beauty that Odense has to offer. Sadly we only had a limited time there (Ferry times are limited), but we had just the right amount of time to go visit Hifi Jørn, a super kind and passionate individual, he knows everything about record players and artists. He is a hidden gem in Denmark, and those who work with him all are aware of his quality. On top of his good service he also has two beautiful dogs, which are always the highlight of popping by his store.

Here is the photo of the dogs as promised…

Overall, the family road trip was a success. We had a wonderful time and I am so grateful to have these moments with my parents. It is not often I see them, with them living so far away. Next up is the west coast of Denmark in two weeks time, can’t wait to see what that brings.

Shooting film is one of the most unique experiences and I have so grateful to have been introduced to it. I received my first film camera from my grandpa roughly 2 years ago, it was his old camera, a Mamiya 1000 dtl which is a 35mm film camera from 1969. For those who don’t know what a 35mm film camera is, basically it is a camera that allows you to shoot 35 photos on one roll of film. Enough camera nerd talk though…

In my live tweet, I shared my my initial reaction of seeing the film for the first time. The past week and a bit, I went out on two different occasions with friends and decided to document it all with my camera. Here in Sønderborg, Southern Denmark, we experience some very beautiful sunsets so I could not put down my camera. I am sucker for documenting people in thought and in their own element, not artificial moments. Luckily I was able to do so. I shared one photo in my last tweet, which I really love, due to the colours!

I hope you enjoy my live tweets and the photo, it was such a thrill going through them.

Live Tweet Link

by Harper Lee

It is important to note that I will be using the abbreviation TKAM as a replacement for ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ frankly it takes up too much space…

Harper Lee’s book ‘To Kill A Mockingbird’ not only succeeded through the gravity of the content, but in the way it was told.

The book TKAM extends further than just a book, it not only explores the coming of age through the eyes of the protagonist Scout Finch. It explored the racial prejudice and injustices in America, during the heights of the civil rights movement. 

A quick introduction to the book and why I chose it!

As it is a hard story to summarise, due to the gravity of the content, I will provide you with trusty google summary…

“In the Depression era, Atticus Finch, a lawyer, sets out to defend a black man, who is accused of raping a white woman. Meanwhile, his children, Scout and Jem, spy on their reclusive neighbour.”

Google

As mentioned earlier the book extends further then just the story at hand, there are so many important lessons and principles displayed. Such as The Coexistence of Good and Evil, courage, empathy, and morality. I won’t dive into the details of the story, I will leave the mystery for those who haven’t yet had the pleasure of reading this brilliant book.

Exploring Harper Lee’s Storytelling

When I first read the book I was in high school, I had no desire to read books and if I am being honest I still struggle to pick one up. However this book I struggled to put down. Harper Lee created such powerful images, the book felt like a film, a beautiful cinematic production that you don’t want to end. The story spine created multiple mysteries that you couldn’t wait to unravel, leaving you hooked. One of the most essential principles in storytelling is imagery, to paint a picture for your audience is one the most powerful tools.

In the quote below you can see how well Harper Lee used imagery in the story.

Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town when I first knew it. In rainy weather the streets turned to red slop; grass grew on the sidewalks, the court-house sagged in the square. Somehow, it was hotter then; a black dog suffered on a summer’s day; bony mules hitched to Hoover carts flicked flies in the sheltering shade of the live oaks on the square. Men’s stiff collars wilted by nine in the morning. Ladies bathed before noon, after their three o’clock naps, and by nightfall were like soft teacakes with frostings of sweat and sweet talcum.

Scout Finch – TKAM

Not only was Harper Lee brilliant at imagery, she also built a strong connection between the reader and the protagonist Scout Finch.

Pulling on familiar characteristics such as curiosity and stubbornness, brought me back to my childhood, some would say I still present those qualities but, who doesn’t (; … Harper really built on these characteristics and connections which ultimately help the reader build a strong bond with Scout, enhancing the power of the story.

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If you never read the book, or even if you have because you were forced too in high-school, it is worth a re-read. Writing this created the urge for me to pick up the book once again.

Changed America for the better.

Former President Obama and the First Lady on TKAM