the 10 years blogoversary

Oh, I just realised I completely missed the 10 years blogoversary of this very blog, which took place on September 8, 2015 already. Oops.

a) It's quite a powerful thing, realising that I've been at it for 10 years already. With all the things, the ups and downs and in betweens that have happened through that decade. 

b) I'm admittely not as passionate about blogging these days (clearly, just missed a milestone blogoversary...). Or really, perhaps simply my approach has changed.

c) But I also admit the blog is now (and still) such an intricate part of my life. And work. My portfolio one might say. And even if most visitors are lurkers these days, the statistics show there is still such a thing as blog readers. Which is awfully nice of course. Hopefully this ol' blog of mine still have the capacity to inspire a few readers near and far.

Happy 10th blogoversary to me - 

and in celebration of that I'm giving away 10 colourful Prosit postcards to one reader who leaves a comment about how you found your way here, what made you return and what you most enjoy reading about. Last day to participate is October 1st - the bobbaloos will graciously choose the winner. 

Come on, stop lurking, leave a snazzy comment!

five hours on a friday

My weekend kicked off in the loveliest of ways - today I had yet another one of those awesome meetings of likeminded fabulous people I seem to have had a grand string of recently (which only goes to confirm the happy place thing).

This time it was with a childhood friend, C. Last time we met was 15 years ago at a school reunion (which was a pretty bizarre thing and not something I'm the least bit interested in ever doing again) and the reason for getting in contact again was such a happy coincidence;

Two years ago my mother spotted her on TV when C, who's a talented photographer, had published a photo-book about the Swedish hiphop scene, from then to now. Since C was one of very few people from school days I would enjoy reconnect with -

oh I remember school fondly, it was a happy time, but when leaving school I was one of the few that was interested in moving on, getting out of the suburb, studying, growing, suddenly everything that connected us just because we started school together 9 years earlier wasn't there anymore, we had grown apart completely. And that reunion many years later just confirmed all that, either people hadn't grown up all or they had grown into little ol' men and grumpy women, married with children and 9-5 jobs. It was so far from where I was, the only thing that reunion established was I was very grateful for being me and where I was in life -

I googled and found her blog, left a comment and congratulated her to the book release. She was delighted to hear from me and we later connected on Facebook and Twitter etc. It was on Instagram she noticed all my fabulous vegetarian meals (I'm obviously on a constant mission to enlighten people on where to get great vegetarian/vegan food) and suggested we'd meet up for lunch. A few months later we finally met up today and had that fabulous vegetarian meal at one of my favourite vegetarian restaurants in Stockholm, Martins Gröna (Martin's Green).

Meeting old childhood friends or other people you haven't met for many years can be so awkward, weird and uncomfortable - granted if they are fellow vegetarians the risk of awkwardness must be concidered below average of course. But C and I just hit it off right from the start, the conversation was natural, we had so incredibly much in common, our attitude towards life, living, the world, people, work. It was in fact pretty amazing the things we discovered about eachother. So so so much fun, enlightening and engaging, inspiring - five hours later we said goodbye with many exciting ideas swirling in respective brain.

And once again, it feels amazing and weird how many wonderful people and matters that have come my way recently. People meet when they are meant to, things happen when they are meant to. Which by no means mean that you can sit back, relax and wait for people and things to drop in your lap, of course you have to make an effort, get ready, go after what you want and above all be open to things, people, opportunities. Because it may not happen today, tomorrow, next week, not even this year, but one day that business card you exhanged a couple of years ago will lead to something.

When stars align, when the time is right.

green shoes per spring diem

It's been ages since I blogged at the shoe per diem blog, but I still think it's a lovely idea/project. It has certainly made me look at shoes, socks, footwear and the situations we walk ourselves in with the shoes on quite differently.

And also, change my shoes and socks regularly - yes I may be a mad shoe-gal, but even I tend to go with a few favourites if I don't remind myself to change and play with combinations - especially spring and autumn, when it's too soon to start wearing boots and too early to go barefeet. Thus I've continued to make the shoe-most of every day.

After a pretty glum and cold week we've had a marvellously sunny weekend - still cold cold winds here, but if you sit/walk in the sun and layside it's been lovely. A perfect round off to the shoe weekend was of course green (applegreen maryjanes from El Naturalista, socks from Gudrun Sjödén).

How was your shoe weekend?
Good, bad or couldn't you care less what your feet wore?

frolicking in stockholm

Spent a wonderful day, both weather-, company- and destination-wise in Stockholm. Sun and incredibly blue skies, Chelsea from Frolic and Ulriksdals castle garden respectively. Some random thoughts from the day are;

~ It would be sweet to meet more fine bloggers/readers now and then. Here, there, anywhere

~ Again, I really don't do the group thing, socializing one on one is much nicer as far as I'm concerned

~ I actually must remember to visit favourite nearby spots more often, it's so easy to say "it's so close, I can go another day" - days turns into weeks, months, years...

~ Also, I need a garden elf













Thank you Frolic Chelsea,
it was lovely to show you a bit of Stockholm -
I'd be happy to do it again!

the curious pebble project

When I was little I remember old folks using different weighty objects as a way to keep the outdoors table cloth in place on table. The weighty objects (smaller stones, marbles, glass) were often covered by little crocheted "bags" with a string and a clip-on to attach to the corners of the table cloth. Pretty little everyday things.

Over the years those home/handmade table cloth weights have been replaced by boring steel clip-ons, plastic weights and yes, some fancy design pieces too (I remember having coveted some large cement rabbits weights years ago).

When I first spotted some pretty crocheted stones on Etsy a few years ago I immediately thought of those handmade table cloth weights, albeit those were often of the smaller pebble kind. I have since only admired them at a distance - and strangely enough I've never really thought of making some myself, I still don't, I don't feel an urge as one often do with yarn, this is a pretty creativity I'm just happy to leave to other's sweet talents - but was of course very happy when one of the magic perky mushroom receivers said she wanted to send me one.

One that turned out to be three - but as three is a lucky number I'm certainly very happy with that - in happy, perky colours. It's such a crazy - good crazy of course - thing to be sending stones by mail. And good crazy things need to be appreciated in blog. Hence this little post. About the project, which crocheter Julianna named "The Curious Pebble Project". She does not only sell the stones in her Etsy-shop, to feed her creativity she also leaves crocheted stones on the beach, for people to find and enjoy. Something which I, needless to say, wholeheartedly think is a lovely thing to do. More yarny matters to the world!

When the stones arrived they were first dutifully inspected and sniffed by loaf dog. 

Then the three perky stones were claimed by three bobbaloos. Three colour-matching bobbaloos of course. Yes, if you haven't guessed by now, we are all indeed very colour-matching conscious in this household.

Buddernut and the curious orange stone

Phalpha and the curious yellow stone

Darlin' Chubs and the curious pink stone

The stones are now happily resting in their perky li'l sweaters on the red kitchen buffet. Thank you for sending them, Julianna, they are lovely pieces of nature and human creativity combined ~

changes

When this new year began, I had high hopes for it, I wanted a year filled with lights, hearts and butterflies. For me personally, for everyone deserving, for this planet. So far I think there have been many memorable, light, butterfly moments and positive changes. Though given other recent, devastating events nature doesn't seem too pleased. And sadly, who could blame her...

That said, that acknowledged, here and now I'm still convinced 2011 will be a good year, bringing positive changes. Last week was pretty eventful, on many levels, looks like next week will be too, spring is finally on its way (slowly, slowly), snowdrops showing their tiny, delicate heads in garden, the asphalt on streets is now not nearly as an uncommon sight as it has been for some four long, dark months. Who knew asphalt would be such a welcome sight.

And as for this blog, given those recent lovely events (bear with me, the imminent excitement might fade. Possibly...), I decided now was a good time for a change, to switch from old Blogger to New (yes, slowly, slowly does it). With help from friend who's a star with these matters it was a smooth switch. Semi-lost some things along the way, which I'm now working on putting back where they belong. Removed some stuff, added others, like the Follower widget (see, even I would finally get there). So now all you lovely readers who decide to become a follower too are visible to the right --->

Now, go forth and have a happy weekend, a snowdrops-filled one I hope ~

tad tired thursday post

Common sense says that one shouldn't feel any pressure or obligation with posting something clever, read- and see-worthy every day because of this blogs-of-note-matter - but as most of us know, sense isn't always common. Far from.

I'm still quite overwhelmed with the lovely comments you've taken your time and thought to leave, so so appreciated. Very much. I've even gotten teary over some of them, the serious sweetness is just... lovely and uplifting. I am planning to take time to at least begin working my way through them and reply/blogvisit you kind people come weekend, yes I do.

But since today has been quite a hectic day - of day time matters, which, as things annoyingly are, aren't nearly as pleasing as evening time matters. But that's another blogpost, which granted have been written with tad different words too many times already... - I'll just keep it reasonably short and answer a few questions from newcomer readers.

:: Yes I do take all the pictures in this blog myself. (On a very rare occasion some years ago I posted photos from a friend, just because she was there where there were kittens and I wasn't, quite obviously I had to post her photos then.)

I'm very much not interested in the more technical aspect of photography, I'm going with my gut feeling. Every time. My attitude towards the art of photography is like with life in general, I'm uninterested in people who try to outdo eachother with their supposed insights and know-it-all attitudes. It's just not very flattering and personally I don't find it confidence-inspiring. I want true passion, teamed up with a sense of I'm-knowledgeable-and-confident-but-I-don't-need-to-flaunt-it. I want heart.

:: The loaf dog extraordinaire's name is Malte and he's a Norfolk terrier. The bouncy, cuddly, super-friendly, stubborn (with a heart), energetic kind of terrier. And cat herder. But mostly a kind such of course. He came into my life (planned) as a puppy, at a low-water-mark-in-life and was such a great help, in all his demanding loafie ways. He turned seven years old last summer, we had a rather awesome birthday do then. Snow becomes him, he loves squeaker toys and greenies, he's an eager walker and a terribly good swimmer. Kind of not to the latter, but an awfully cute one.

See, this is what often happens to the "I'm just going to keep it short"-posts. Mind wanders, lotsa sidetracks, post flourish. By reading I suppose one wouldn't know this really is the tad tired Thursday post.

welcome to a blog of note

It was kind of a crappy day, for all sorts of reasons that wasn't in my power to change, at least not today, and I had every intention to make a proper grump post on this day. When I learnt about this world of mine having become a blog of note *thank you blogger*, suddenly it felt a lot better. And I should probably play nice, be welcoming and friendly, not succumb to my inner grump.

So thank you, you who have already left the sweetest of comments (I am the kind of blogger who aim both to reply as well as pay a visit back, for sure) and you who hopefully will. I'm honoured.

So, to keep it reasonably short and sweet, welcome to my quirky, vegetarian world with plush cats, a loaf dog extraordinaire, lots of magic socks, colours, yarn, little outings, books, tea and cakes etc etc and so forth. All in all the stuff that makes life a bit better, brighter and lighter be it on sunny or melancholy days.

Yes those sad days, I have those too, and inevitable part of life and this world of ours, the way we treat our fellow beings and our planet often leaves me in despair. On those days I try and find comfort in matters and deeds of beauty and kindness. Which can always be found in a soft paw or a wagging tail. Preferably both.

Some days my life is black and white, but most days I try and see it in all its splendid colours of the rainbow, because colours, they truly do make my heart sing. As do one special loaf. Welcome, welcome all ~

365 days in the world according to pia

I've decided to have my own little 365 days in 2011. In a very simple style on Tumblr. Like one needed another project... Well, apparently one did - 365 days from the world according to pia

As I usually do some camera work every day, why not make something of it? Some days SLR, some days iPhoneic. And those scarce days when one doesn't have the snap-bug one has to challenge oneself (which isn't challenging like riding a bicycle around the world, living in a cave for five years and such, but still a little everydayish challenge)

I wasn't a part of last year's 365days-project or any blog camp (the latter doesn't go well with my non-group thing), but by kind invite from Julie I'm a part of the Flickr-group Postcards to Blog Camp. And from there she also inspired me to do the Tumblr thing (yes there seems to be a lot of "things" going on). It's really very unpretentious. I like that. And I'm hoping it will be interesting to look back at when 2011 has turned into 2012.

Above snap was January 5, light and heart is what it's all about...

the winners of 5th blogoversary giveaway

It's about high time to reveal the winners of the blogoversary give-away, don't you think?

If I could I would send something to everyone that left a comment on that post, because there are some truly sweet and oh so heartwarming comments (which can be appreciated any time, any day, but even more so on a blue day). Thank you lots and lots and lots!

Now to the drawing. For which I got eager help from on Buttcrack Character (yup really) named Mr Ola, blessed with a fancy moustache and a hat jauntily askew - thank you Sandra Juto, see, he has already begun earning his keep -

he likes to spend time in autumnal garden and climbing trees. Thus there is where the draw took place.

Mr Ola came in a bag that was almost too perfect for becoming the actual draw-bag, Glück und Liebe (Luck/Happiness and Love). But we do like too-good-to-be-true in this residence so all the tickets went down in bag (sorry 'bout that Scottish tin) and the exciting draw began.

With a little paw of help from Mr Muddy Loaf

When five names had been drawn, Mr Ola thought it would be nice to give a little show-off in tree. 'Look at me, look at me. And my five winners'

Who are ~

Felis

Kea

heidikins

Erica

mangocheeks

If you'd like to email me the address to which I can send the give-away (my email address can be found at my profile page) and also let me know what your favourite colour/pattern might be (for wee surprise), there will be something heading your way, over land, over sea, as soon as possible. And by that I mean not next week, perhaps not even next month, but certainly before 2010 turns 2011...

And again, thank you so much
for all the dear comments,
Glück und Liebe to all ~

a letter writing swap

Whether or not you participated in the lovely letter writing swap of a year ago, the idea of reconnecting with that wonderful lost art of letter writing might tickle you fancy this year. If so, pop over to xo.sorch.ox and tell her how much you want to come along for the letter writing ride. Last day to enter is September 29.

I had so much fun writing and receiving letter, meeting an amazing new blog friend last year, so signed up this year too. Maybe I'll see you there?

the olive apron

In awaiting I get the time to sort out the photos of the fun details that was the Little Loaf's birthday do today - success, but for some odd reason there's just a limited amount of cakes you can put in tummies, my freezer is now very, very full... - I'll give you the sunny apron named Olive. Not named by me, but by her maker, the inventive, creative crafter and very sewing machine competent Tif aka DottieAngel on Etsy, with a most crafty kind of blog (involving sweet chooks too). Olive is also the name of one adorable little sausage dog, of the kind I'm sure Little Loaf would have lots of fun upon opportunity.

It's nearly a year ago since I first saw her, Olive the apron, and it was smitten at first sight. Aprons are such fun as well as useful accessories, and before I knew it Olive was on her way over the Atlantic. Since it was way passed the summery, apron-wearing season when I got her, I haven't begun using her until the barelegged sun stroke some months ago.

A perky little one-size-fits all thing with quirky details and sunny demeanour I've found her most useful. She's delightfully handmade from recycled fabrics such as a vintage pillow case, vintage napkin, left over printed cottons, antique lace and a doily (and one clearly can't have too many doilies in life, right?). And upon arrival she smelled so nice and fresh too, that's such an extra bonus when there are fabrics involved in a buy I think.

So, Tif, we better late than never and hereby thank you very much for sending us such a sunny faced apron Olive, Little Loaf and I ~

shoe per diem

There's a group on Flickr called Shoe Per Diem, eventually I joined.

Even though I wouldn't say I'm addicted to shoes - really - I do enjoy a good pair. These days mostly because they have to be really comfy, up for long walks without giving sore feet and be the source of blisters, at the same time they certainly need to look quirky good. Since it's actually not too often one stumble over those to features in one shoe I'm always looking for shoes that offer both. Definitely not always buying, but yes looking. And drooling. And wishing. And hoping.

Because shoes that are good to feet are essential.

The purpose for Shoes Per Diem has been summarized like this; "we wear the same shoes for long periods of time depending on the season and current obsessions, but the idea here is to catalog time so at the end of the year we can look back and see where our shoes took us." Which I find an appealing idea.

And no, I most certainly do not belong to the clique who believes group is a great excuse to buy new shoes, no, no. I like lists and cataloguing, I like taking quirky snaps, I like shoes and that's that. Yup.

Shoe Per Diem exists as a blog too, I've never posted on it since I'm quite satisfied with just adding my own odd photo to the Flickr group now and then. Yes, because another good thing about the group is that you really don't need to post a shoe photo every day, once a week or on special occasions is alright also. Besides, all days, no matter how good the shoes are just aren't worth commemorating in shoe snap.

What one can safely say about my Shoes Per Diem is that the difference between what I wear at home and what I wear when out and about, it is miles and miles apart. In-house most always these brilliantly comfy extremely shabby full of holes old Birkenstock slippers. I do believe they turn 10 years come autumn and back then it took quite a while before my feet got accustomed to their orthopedic soles. Once they did, they kind of got glued to feet as soon as I was inside my own home. Come summer come winter.

I suppose I should get looking for another pair before these fall totally apart (the holes a b.i.g even if not all visible in photo) but it is kind of sad and I keep putting it off. Because I do heart my beloved shabby grey wool gnome shoe pair.

Only eight members so far, found here and there on the planet, more members welcome, for information how to join check out the group.

a brighter tweet

For this very last post of June I will share something that made me really happy on Twitter the other day. There was such a sweet mention from a blog reader ~

" @piaktw's blog posts are a great way to start the day. Fun projects, gorgeous photos, and a find-joy-in-the-small-things outlook on life! "

~ if that isn't a 140 characters tweet that can light up any day, then I don't know what will. So thank you kindly for it and all floppy ears, happy paws up, @EricaSuzanne!

all heart garland

One wee - or not so wee as it took a lot longer to actually assemble if not crochet - project I've actually managed to both begin and complete as lately. What begun with a wee single heart...

Turned into lots of tiny hearts with many loose ends...

The loose ends got tied and turned into...

... the heart garland.

Ever since I saw the sweet idea and pattern at cute Yvestown blog past Valentine's Day I've been meaning to make one myself. As the heart is one pattern-symbol-shape I adore (much like acorns...).

Even if the pink-red colour palette is my favourite I wanted to make this tad more summery and fresh, with a feel of green grass and blue skies with woolly white clouds. So I went with turquoise, apple-green, teal and off-white instead. I am pleased with end result and yes there will possibly be more such hearty garlands made by me (ah the colour combinations are endless and alluring...).

For now though this summery garland will adorn my kitchen window with its hearty, summery and hopefully brimming with good vibes appearance.