It’s dreadfully cold here at the moment,
and the rare glimpses I’ve had of the outside world
(being fortunate enough to work from home)
have convinced me that everything has turned to ice cristals,
only to thaw out with the first rays of the spring sun.
What better occasion than the anniversary of a dear old friend’s birth
to inaugurate my beautiful new teapot and bake some delicious scones?
A new friend found at the Christmas market this afternoon.
Over the past few days, in between bouts of nauseating headache and fever, I’ve been visiting blogs and webshops in search of present-wrapping inspiration. Here are a few of the items that had me (quietly) exclaiming: “Oh, how wonderful it would be to find this under the tree!”
- this print and this cushion cover by Roddy & Ginger
- this photographic print by Castle Cats Studio
- this poster by Sandra Juto
- The Suitcase Series Volume 1: Camilla Engman published by Uppercase
- a subscription to Uppercase Magazine
- this calendar by Lena Corwin and Caitlin Mociun
- these wall stickers and this pack of 4 journals by Studio Violet
- this camera bag by Kelly Moore Clarke
- this square knot journal by Hammer & Daisy (sadly sold out)
- this necklace by Elephantine (sadly already sold)
Tell me, did you see anything online that set your heart aflutter?
Have you ever listened to BBC Radio 4? There are so many great, intelligent programmes, and most of them are available as podcasts – including my favourites Open Book, Natural History, Great Lives and Thinking Allowed.
My horrible week ended on an unexpectedly cheerful note thanks to an episode of Chain Reaction in which the ever impish David Tennant interviews Richard Wilson. Charming, witty and funny, just what I needed! (Not a podcast, but you can listen online for the next 6 days.)
I’m having serious computer problems at the moment, so the next few days will be spent trying to get things back to normal… I’ll see you in a little while!
The snow has arrived as announced, coinciding with a worsening of my symptoms.
My head now feels heavy, and throbs at the smallest effort.
I am keeping my body warm and nourished with bowls of comforting oat bran
from a recipe kindly provided by Valeda on her lovely blog Double Ginger.
Staying hydrated, however, is proving a challenge;
despite copious cups of tea and glasses of water,
my lips remain painfully cracked and my tongue still resembles sandpaper.
I think this fever has me hallucinating, because I could swear
I’d found the teapot of my dreams…
20 to 30 centimetres of snow are expected in the area over the next two days,
so I went out to purchase groceries and cold medicine
to see me through in comfort.
I’m already ancipating the pleasure of watching The Name of the Rose,
one of my wintertime favourites, which I always reserve for occasions such as this.
I just managed to get a photo of this magestic trees – one of a few I love -
before my camera batteries went dead
(notice the ominous clouds in the background!).
Oh, and Lisen has a new blog here: Lisen och Stina!
The sun made two brief appearances today – in the morning as I prepared RD’s breakfast,
then near the middle of the afternoon.
In spite of an aching body, I dragged myself to the post office,
then returned home yearning for an early tea.
The weather was so strange this afternoon!
There was an unexpected snowfall, then it stopped as suddenly as it started
and the sun poked its nose from behind the clouds.
I’ve been tired and irritable lately,
letting the smallest of obstacles overwhelm me utterly.
This bad habit of disregarding the signs of overstrain
is taking its slow toll on my being.
The need for rest is becoming increasingly pressing…
But on a more cheerful note, I’m simply astonished at the number of visitors
who have made their way here ever since Sandra’s post about the tea swap.
Thank you for visiting, you’re very welcome!
(I’m also happy to see that the most popular element about this blog
is my ever-expanding list of links, which completely justifies
the time I spent – and still spend – compiling it.)
My “Christmas present” book arrived quite early this morning
(I welcomed the deliveryman wearing my brightest smile and my tattiest pyjamas).
As I left for the library, I noticed an envelope peeking from my mailbox:
lovely things from Gracia & Louise were within.
And tonight I discovered a new constellation…
There was a snow-covered tangle of wires outside my window this morning.
I made sushi last night and had leftovers for lunch.
The bird print I ordered from Lizzy Stewart arrived — I can’t wait to frame it!
I always buy books for myself as a Christmas present.
This year, it will be Lena Corwin’s
Printing by Hand: A Modern Guide to Printing
with Handmade Stamps, Stencils, and Silk Screens.
Today on her blog, Sandra posted some of the teas she received
as part of her swap; it was strange and humbling to see mine
among the beautifully packaged ones,
along with one of my oldest photos…
Veja Cecilia is having a Moleskine giveaway on her blog.
Go! NOW!
[proof of my immoderate love of Moleskines...]
I finally started my Holiday shopping today,
and at the thrift shop I found a cheerful tray
that will put some colour into the upcoming winter.
I finished assembling and moving furniture this afternoon,
and the chaos in my apartment is now almost under control.
Exhausted, I curled up on the sofa this rainy evening.
In spite of the big changes, it already feels cosy.
Had delicious muesli and mango for breakfast after a bad night.
The weather was as gray as my mood.
Decided to re-pierce my ear yesterday; a bit nervous, but no problem and no pain!
Finally started installing new blinds and curtains.
It’s strange to have so much light streaming in!
Treated myself to a “Fuji bowl” (rice topped with all kinds of delicious things)
for lunch, then something sweet for tea,
and purchased one of Lizzy Stewart’s gorgeous bird prints.
I’ve been very good this year.
Please leave one of these in my stocking!
Cold but sunny walk through the park
on the way back from the library.
My darling “helped” transfer my books
to the new bookcases.
Finished reading a very dark and sad book this morning;
started another, darker in a different way.
Still assembling the new furniture for my living room/office.
It’s good to see things taking shape.
Sent a package to Gothenburg this morning.
Woke up from a nap to see a triangle of light on my wall.
Made delicious pizza with vegan cheese for dinner.
Beautiful sunny day.
Went out and had sushi for lunch,
then bought new pens for drawing,
new batteries for my camera,
and a wallet with a king frog on it.
A bit better today, but still cold and tired.
Plans for my living room/office and kitchen are all in my head.
Looking forward to seeing them take shape.
in my lap
Feeling sick and cold and so, so tired.
Just wanted tea and quiet today, but had to work
and heard loud noises from the construction
on the building next door.
Hope tomorrow will be better…
I make a living with words, but it's through images and my imagination that I truly live...
