Who and what is Scout?

So what's this all about? And what is this Scout business?

Well sit back and let me explain...ok you can stand if you like!

Scout Finch has always been my favourite fictional character. 

What’s not to like, she’s a feisty young lass who says it like it is, asks the questions that should be asked, isn’t afraid to show her emotions and is wise beyond her years.

But most of all she’s curious. In the book, she has two functions as both a questioner and an objective observer of events.

Last year as part of my book club, Between the Covers (for those playing at home), we revisited this classic novel and it really sparked something in me.

It flashed me back to the age I was when I first read it (13) and who I was then.

I wrote for the enjoyment. I wrote and collected newspaper or magazine cuttings, photos, song lyrics, fabric and random pieces because I simply liked it, not because it would help me market or sell a story to a magazine.

I was always on the hunt for new and exciting items – whether it was finding cheap finds at the op shops, finding different and often risqué books at the library, recording funky old music from the library on to cassette tapes (if you haven’t gathered already I wasn’t the best at saving pocket money or money earnt at weekend job, so always broke) or even ferrying away old clothes of my mums.

I always liked the old and the years past and it’s this passion that has amplified as I’ve gotten older and with a little more pocket money to indulge in the obsession.

And at the risk of getting all deep and meaningful (promise this will be the only time I will), I've found it quite ironic that the symbol of mockingbird in the novel was to represent innocence. Thus, to kill a mockingbird is to destroy innocence. So in honour of my innocent childhood and Scout Finch, I’ve decided to write a blog in her namesake.

It’s a purely self-indulgent project, which is for me to release some creative energy. It’s an outlet where I write for the fun of it, not because it’s my job.  

The project is also coupled with my move to a new city and how much I enjoy exploring my home and its many nooks and crannies.

There really isn’t a theme to this project, except to share the great finds, bits and pieces I scout out along my way. It could be anything from new vintage places, photos, allergy-friendly recipes or even something that amuses me.

Anyone is welcome to share the journey with me and hopefully share their finds that they scout out too.