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 To Kill a Mockingbird, she has two roles as both a questioner and an objective observer of events.

A few years back, 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 and who I was then.

I wrote for the enjoyment. I wrote and collected 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 cool and cheap items at the op shops, finding different and old 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 earned at weekend jobs, so I was always broke) or even ferrying away old clothes of mum’s.

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

And at the risk of getting all deep and meaningful (I promise this will be the only time I will), it’s quite ironic as 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. And to cater for my many personalities, I also love interior design so will use this opportunity to profile key homeware shops and looks that inspire me.

Please take note, if you are after modern and lifeless colours when it comes to furniture, keep clicking through Google. My personal taste in furniture and design is like my dress sense – all over the place with hints of vintage, retro, hippie bohemian mixed with a budget-conscience feel.

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

ENJOY

Scout & Finch