Monthly Archives: July 2009

A Puppy so Pugly that he’s Cute

When I was growing up I didn’t have a lot of experience in the way of pets. I had a few sedate goldfish, briefly attempted raising guppies with my brothers, and occasionally possessed an assortment of Guinea pigs that were always given to us when people moved away. Beg as we might, we never had a dog or cat. For the most part I was always a little afraid of dogs (especially giant ones that jump on you) and not always fond of cats. I do, however, have some very serious pet wishes. Someday I would like an all black cat with a very snobbish temperament whom I will call Miss Edith and I am simply in love with pug dogs! Aaron and I talk a lot about our future pug puppy as if we expect him at the front door at any moment. (As ardent Lost fans, we feel that a pug named Benjamin Linus would be most appropriate.)

When I came across these picture a while back I must embrace every cliche phrase and admit that my heart simply melted. Were I to have seen this little fellow on the street I just may have absconded with him! I visit these pictures like an old friend almost everyday. Now I will share them you. If he doesn’t steal your heart I don’t know what will!

Do you have any lovely pets or even dream pets?

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{Via Pug Puppies Blog}

“It’s a Wonder She’s not Living up in a Tree”

When I was little my bothers and I must have watched The Swiss Family Robinson close to a billion times. We loved it! I think the idea of living in a tree house is every child’s dream and this movie certainly featured a most spectacular one. (start watching at 5.05 for the tree house “tour”)

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There are now some absolutely lovely tree houses out there. This site features some particularly amazing ones. I think the Swiss family tree house will always be my favorite. (I mean, come on, it had retractable stairs to keep the tigers out!) But I could certainly be happy in any of these adventurous homes.

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[Some pictures with link to source, but unfortunately some I collected a long time ago and don't have sources for anymore. My apologies!]

A Perfect Pair

Don’t you love it when some of your favorite things all come to together creating something perfectly magical? Ruthie commented a few posts ago that a friend of hers was in Ireland on a gypsy caravan. Ireland is one of my favorite places in the world and gypsies… well, you know how much I love anything gypsy! So I did some googling and found this awesome site. Oh my: perfection! All I need to conclude this dream holiday is this beloved fellow gypsy friend.

Who else wants to join?

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News!

It occurred to me that I failed to share an exciting piece of news! I have been writing a lot about my job hunting efforts and guess what! I accepted a job offer last week! I start at the beginning of August. I will be working in the corporate office of a nationwide health care clinic. Despite the very non-gypsy cubicle life, I’m SO happy. Great pay, great benefits, no commute, casual atmosphere, and everyone seemes pretty friendly and happy. (OK. I’m even a little excited about the cubicle because I can decorate it any way I please!) Best of all, I think they will tolerate a nose ring! So I may be able to finally have it done. It was going to be  my graduation gift to myself, but I wanted to wait and see what would happen on the job front. I’ve wanted one for ages, ever since Joan Osborne’s One of Us video. Thank you for the well wishes. This college grad finally has a grown-up job! (So she can save up for travel!!!)

Let’s Go Fly a Kite!

On our camping adventure we noticed a place on the map called “The World Kite Museum“. We were intrigued. We decided to pay a visit and it was so much fun! Believe it or not the history and artistry of kites is fascinating. Here are some pictures from the museum. I just adore the paper crane kite. I really wanted to bring it home with me!

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And this one is actualy a kite too!

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I thought these were so beautiful I don’t think I would have the heart to try and fly them.

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Naturally we were so inspired that Aaron bought a wonderful kite and we spent the rest of the day on the beach doing this…

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A Short Stay in the Woods

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We had a lovely time camping this weekend! It was one of those great trips where the weather stayed warm throughout the night! We met some friendly camping neighbors who gave us a French zucchini  from the over abundance of their garden and they also were kind enough to give us some fire when our lighter went out! We camped beside this peaceful river. We had a busy weekend and covered  a lot of ground. For now I will share some pictures from the first part of our little get away. Hope you all had a wonderful weekend as well. Any good zucchini recipe suggestions?

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And me looking rather silly, but so happy to be camping!

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Into the Wild

We are off for a little camping get-away. I can’t wait to wake up in the forest! I will share some pictures and adventures when we return. Have a great weekend!

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A Different Way to Fly

I love vintage looking hot air balloons and imaginative Victorian flying contraptions. In reality I think I would be rather terrified to actually ride in a balloon, but romantically it sounds delightful! There is a fascinating short film here if you would like to watch a creepy Victorian  adventure about a man and his flying machine…

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Here are some haunting movie stills from The Mysterious Geographic Adventures of Jasper Morello.

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Restless

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I am currently reading Frances Mayes A Year in the World. How I wish I was traveling right now! I’ve had the wonderful opportunity to take some amazing backpacking trips throughout Europe and they have been some of the happiest times of my life. I can’t wait to travel again. Today I would like to be in Spain!

How about you? Do you have any exciting trips planned this summer?

“Without Music Life Would be a Mistake.”

I love music and don’t know where I would be without it. I grew up playing the piano and I studied it for over eight years. Once I began college I stopped practicing regularly and I haven’t been able to live with a piano for many years. I miss it, but I know that someday I will have a house again and will be able to put a piano in it. Aaron has a guitar and a lovely Egyptian drum. I also have a beautiful violin that I can’t wait to learn to play. Apartment living isn’t very conducive for musical instruments, but I always think of it as temporary. In the meantime I thought I would share some music that I’ve been filling my days with recently and absolutely love…