know thyself and fake it til' you make it

:: If I had gotten a €$£ for every time over the years I’d thought I would have been a more fulfilled person if I’d studied philosophy/psychology instead of law, then I’d probably be a multi-millionaire.

But IF the grass is greener on the other side, that is one eternal question. The choices we make and the choices we made, and the paths we took and take, were the ones we were suppose to take at the time. So it’s absolutely useless to dwell on that in hindsight obviously. 

Still. So much time to think that these past 6 (!) months without new meetings, insights, inspiration and memories have brought, so much soul searching, introspection, old memories coming to new life, frustration, sadness as well as small moments of joy to savour.

That said, in awaiting of the  Sustainability Science - described as "examining the interactions between human, environmental, and engineered systems to understand and contribute to solutions for complex challenges that threaten the future of humanity and the integrity of the life support systems of the planet, such as climate change, biodiversity loss, pollution and land and water degradation." -

course that starts on the last shivering day of summer  in a couple of weeks, I’m now taking a couple of philosophy courses - Know Thyself, at Edinburgh University/Coursera. Absolutely loved it after week 1 (Socrates, Plato and the likes resonates easily with me). 

But week 2 started to annoy me. Because unlike the great The Science of Well-Being course in spring at Yale/Coursera, which I truly loved and learnt a lot from, the American professor has a forced, mumbling and fast way of talking. With a complicated subject and a lot of philosophical concepts which probably take years to fully grasp, but which the course is trying to cram into 4 weeks (jeez!), that's not a satisfying learning experience.

The only thing I enjoyed with Descartes is that he apparently liked to stay in bed all day and think (one of my favourite things too). Other than that, I have to say I find him to be more than a bit of twit and very full of himself.

I'm now into week 4, and things are picking up somewhat - What is the the concept of Human Nature etc. I'm hoping to take my certificate this week.

Unfortunately I didn't get that the full course is in fact made of three different courses, not depending on each other, so I made the mistake of signing up to part II before I realised it was a part I. And as I had no doubt that it would be another great learning experience, I thought it would be better to read them chronologically. I am now annoyed at myself (though more annoyed at the poor quality of the course, or well, at least lower than I expected from it). 

I'm not exactly looking forward to another class with the same setup and same professor (who seems like a likable and knowledgeable guy irl, just not really inspiring or enjoyable via online learning). I'm not sure one can get the payment transferred to another course, but I'll look into that. Otherwise I'll do it, as not to waste my fees.

One strong conclusion I've come to after these philosophy studying weeks, is that I'm less philosophy inclined than I thought. Law suited me better after all. Or I've just not really come across "my kind of philosophers" yet. Well, apart from Socrates and Plato. Another proof that you always are and do what you're suppose to be and do.

:: Another thing I've realised so far this month - which basically is just a continuation of everything in life coming to a halt since corona, and my last post in June - and despite all the high hopes, faith and trust for August, 

is that this extremely limited, restricted, trapped small life of the past 6 months, with all its worries and stress constantly building up, is really really getting a bit too much now. 

Some days may be better, when it’s easier to savour the good things, acknowledge gratitude, breath fully and feel reasonably hopeful. The other days are honestly pretty sh*t. 

.

And *looking forward* to at least another six more months of restrictions in Sweden (work from home and stay off public transport). Not exactly reeling with joy. 

I’m also convinced there are so so many people out there feeling like this. But we don’t talk much about it, do we? 

On the news the other day they talked about suicide prevention-lines and other volunteer organisations have been overwhelmed with calls from people feeling depressed, lonely and having financial worries (lots of them elderly that are feeling isolated). They need to be get more public funds to manage this. As an example one organisation alone used to work with 30 volunteers, now they nee to be at least 300 to cope with all the distress calls.

It makes me truly sick with all the financial support that go into companies (without any real sustainability demands tied to them) and not people. That there's so much talk about getting back to *normal* and business as usual, hail consumerism. When we are all to aware that is exactly what got us here in the first place. We desperately need to build new and better. Stop eating meat. Stop pleasure flying. Stop depending on fossil fuel. Stop shopping like we used to. Stop being so bl**dy selfish. Slow down. Think. Act. Be brave. And compassionate.

:: And I finally got the palaver Palava facemasks. The fabric is pretty - and I get that when they're made of fabric scraps you can't expect the patterns to be perfectly matched. One should always chose one colour or a tighter pattern to get that - but I have to say that the design itself is lacking. They're too loose, too large. And if you can only chose from child, women, men with no measurements but a one size fits all-concept I guess this is what's to be expected for many of us.

With a no return-policy for facemasks, I need to tweak them to fit better. And I think I have an inkling on how to do it. The idea of re-entering public transport seems awfully far away, but if there'll be a must, I need these to be useful not just pretty (silly).

And when I say pretty, I mean the fabrics. Pretty fabrics that makes us all look like a sligthly kinder Hannibal Lecter, never cool. But cool and fashionable is not really THE thing here obviously. Reasonably proper protection is.

:: I call this one ’fake it til’ you make it’ - these days the things and situations I feel a smile and/or a laughter coming naturally are few and far apart. Duh. (It's a pity having a gap tooth isn't equal to instant happiness when needed...)

And when they do it’s 99 % cat or dog (or other animals) related. Now more than ever I’m not finding humans amusing, the stupidity/not-amusing level has somehow risen to new heights, or sunken to new lows is perhaps a better description. 

(these cutiepies, for example, obviously need a post of their own, I knooow!)

But I’ve heard, that if you force yourself to smile and laugh more, that’s also away to feel happier (even if there are few external factors to feel joyful about these days). So cheers to fake it til’ you make it-smiling! 

:: Haven’t been to a hairdresser for years now. Funny how you get used to diy hair cutting. Guess I wouldn’t get away with it if my hair was straight or I wanted some intricate cut... And I’m not giving up my day job for it anytime soon. But, it works without being totally awful.

Noticed a local hairdresser today who offered suspiciously low prices if it was an hourly rate, but reasonable if it was only a quick cut or a trim. Think I’ll have a little straight cut trim and treat there come autumn. 

:: Inaugurated the flower power dress last week. And had a good fika, vegan breakfast. And did the same today again. A treat that gives a glimmer of unpretentious normality to life. 

:: The thai food truck within walking distance has opened up again after the holidays. There will be a visit later this week.



:: Walks, nature and forest bathing have continued to sooth a troubled soul.

:: On Friday and Saturday it's time for the outdoor drive/walk in cinemas with social distancing and 50 people max. It will be so interesting to see how that experience will turn out.

:: For next week I'm keeping umpteenth fingers crossed for a belter of great news on the job front.

And to sum things up, obviously there are lovely, heartwarming things happening in this small on hold-life too. But I so very much keep wanting so much more. Don't we all?

Next post up, a new vegan food inspiration-post is what's needed! Can I get a buckjump?

dogs' best friend

My mum, THE best human ever according to the neighborhood's dogs. Because she ALWAYS has dog treats in her pockets. And they have learnt to see and smell her from far far away. Sometimes to their humans irritation, but mostly they think it's quite enjoyable and fun. Albeit somewhat embarrassing, because when the dogs have spotted her they no longer listen to command. And whatever they're occupied with seize to be of interest.

Her daughter however, is super boring, she never have dog treats in her pockets. Bah.

Some dog owners, for various reasons, don't want their dogs to get treats. And my mum isn't very good at picking up those vibes. So now and then there are pretty awkward moments. But I suppose hat in the big scheme of things, like life, that's merely a glitch.



The other day we went for a walk, and were lucky enough to run into this adorable gang. And they were ALL up for treats. Some more shamelessly than others.

Oh how I love a good meet cute. And more so these days, when life is generally rough, frayed and listless. Those little shiny happy moments, at least for a while the bad stuff is tucked away.

glorious may and hey computer crash

Currently experiencing my first ever computer crash - thank you Microsoft and WIndows update - and I can but hold my fingers and toes tightly crossed all my documents are salvagable and that the computer can be fixed. Also, to figure out passwords or change them is ridiculously time-consuming for every gadget.

Writing this on the iPad, and let's just say it's so very far from the user friendliness of a decent computer, a regular screen and keyboard. It may be nifty at times, but I do prefer the iPhone (on which I can't blog effectively since the Blogger app was removed altogether alas) for most things daily. Though obviously not writing longer texts.

So this will be a short update. Or as short as I can keep it. Unfortunately without more photos, because it's just too timeconsuming to figure out how to do it the best way here. Which is a pity, because there have been a plethora of gorgeous blooms and moments in May. The weather has been terribly capricious, as global warming is the new normal there have days which have been ice cold and some more seasonably appropriate, but most days a coat is still called for.

I'm grateful that everything hasn't bloomed yet, as it did last year, due to the cold weather. But I also long for much more rain than sun.

So, what has happened since last, in May so far?

Had a wonderful outing to Millesgården. The art in question wasn't really my cup of tea, but the garden and sculpture park is always such a delight no matter season.

Ztina's health has continued to be a great worry and conondrum. And I can't help but questioning the vet's competence, to be honest. It has been pretty costly, to say the least, even with the insurance, and perhaps he's more interested in the money that figuring out the reason behind her sympthoms...

The tests haven't showed anything abnormal, I have a new appointment on monday, hopefully we can come to a good decision on the next step then. Meanwhile she has her good days, her less than good days, but never great days, or fully normal days for a usually perky 7 year old. 

After having cats in my life for over 30 years she's the first one ever who've been ill in this unknown and long-term way. And I guess there's a line somewhere, when enough is enough, when her life quality as a rather young cat with many more years to live fully, isn't what it should be, unless we figure out what's ailing her.

Something I don't really want to think about, but it's been in the back of my mind for months now so...

On the brighter side of the nearby animal kingdom, I've had a dog sitting session for a super cute puppy whose a ShiTzu mix, named Zelda. I would not want a puppy again myself, but spending time with baby animals is just such a treat and bliss for the soul.

Been to a couple of interviews. Both for what seemed like pretty great jobs, but as usual you never know about the competition. An also as usual, what's meant to be will be. I'm not good at being patient, but so much in life is a waiting game, and well, my trust in the timing of the universe is something I'm constantly working on.

I've taken my first shot against the dreaded tick desease TBE, need two more this summer before I'm fully vaccinated. I'm pretty proud I, whose afraid of needles, found the experience pretty hassle as well as pain free.

Attended a pretty cosy feelgood evening, with several swedish chicklit writers I had basically never heard of before, but best of all both Marian Keyes and Jenny Colgan. Got books signed, bought some new ones and had a shoe per diem moment with Marian Keyes - and the picture to prove it!

I've bought myself a pink Re-Kånken. SO now I can finally decide if I'm having a blue or pink kind of day.

I've also finally, after years of looking, found the perfect denim skirt. WIth pockets of course. I did want one in organic cotton and a slightly different model. But no matter how much I looked and browsed the internetz I couldn't find it. I then saw an A-line one at Levi's and knew it would be great, if it fitted. And hooray, it was perfect when it arrived. It'll be my go to skirt forever, and it really does go with everything.

I went to my first, and last, ever Marimeko sample sale. 7.30 am and it was a surprisingly long queue, and people went a bit crazy (understatement) once inside. I only snatched a big summer tote in a lovely red flower pattern and quickly made my departure. Never again. But an experience richer.

I've also sold a decent portion of the garments I handed in at the Bric-a-Brac second hand sale. 20% to charity and the rest in a voucher for me. I really have to make my plans on selling garments I'm no longer happy about having in my wardrobe, but still have many years of use in then and will look great on someone else, a reality. A good cleanse.

Had a wonderful dinner at a (new to me) vegan restaurant with a friend. Magical interior, friendly, knowledgable staff, great food and not least, a dog friendly place with its own restaurant dog, Google Fröjdas STockholm and you'll find it.

I've pre-voted in the EU-elections. And for the first time ever, I voted a 100% with heart and head and didn't settle for 'the least bad' for strategical reasons. 

My current music crush is Years & Years. Especially "If you're over me*. (Also, surprisingly enough given my opinions of the Eurovision Contest, I love the SWedish contribution this year, only heard it for the first time yesterday, but I think it's pretty spectacular, professional and catchy. John Lundvik - Too late for love)

Thank you so far, glorious May, ups and downs, more ups and fabulousness only from now on, okey? Thank you kindly, with gratitude.

the highs and lows of february update

Dear potential clients and companies, please do not get in touch asking about my availability and fees and think I'll be so happy to be asked I'll work for free. The right approach would be to actually a) know your own budget and b) do research the market fees. And by all means never ever get back and say things like "unfortunately we have a very limited budget and we've talked this through and we feel this is something a student can do." That is just utterly offensive, disrespectful and unprofessional.

Freelancing business owners and consultants actually do their jobs as a their living. Free-lancing doesn't mean we work for free, I'm sorry that you've misunderstood that. We have more or less experience within our fields, but we're all professionals and that's what you pay for. So go ahead and let a student do it, and you'll get the result you pay (or not) for. And you know, that besides me never wanting to work with you, that I'll never ever recommend you as a client to someone else, right?

And after all these years, no, firmly no, I am a not a serf just because I decided to go my own way and offering my experience and services via my own business instead of being employed.



Now, that's the most annoying thing that happened last week out of the way - and forever available in writing on the internetz. Here's a close-up glimpse of the gorgeous sheep dress I mentioned in the last post, from Palava. It makes me happy.



Zigne has reluctantly paw approved it, but she still thinks it's such weirdness of all weirdnesses that amongst all the animal prints they've designed there are still no cats visible anywhere. She has even let Palava know about that blatant disrespect for the best animal in the whole wide world.



I'm also happy to report that I managed to make the cold a reasonably short one, with all that ginger, citrus and spices, and it was gone within less than a week. Grateful I am.

I've had the new Marimekko coat out for s spin a few times, and I'm doing my very best to look past its lint-and-cat-hair-magnetic-properties. Apart from that annoying trait it's both practical and cute, and a source for compliments apparently. Which is always nice.



On the subject of compliments. I bought some fragrant necesseties at the Body Shop outlet last week - the Moringa body butter is one of my favourite skincare products ever, sad to hear they'll discontinue the extra large jars - and when I had to give my personal number to the cashier she just exclaimed "I must say you really don't look your age!". Upon which I answered, well thank you so much, it must be for all the fabulous skincare products I use.

Which obviously isn't the whole truth. Thank you genes too. And even if noone can stay completely away from heartache, sorrow and pain in life - and noone should, since it's through them we grow into better, more compassionate people - but most of us can at least take care of ourselves, inside out, eat well and stay away from harmful, toxic substances (and situations) that we are aware of.

Swedes usually make a big deal of having to show their identity card at the Systembolaget, to prove they're over 20 years old. As I never shop at Systembolaget - ie I rarely drink alcohol - that has never happened to me. But really, I'd much rather get a skincare professional in a beauty shop saying I look much younger than my age than a cashier selling alcohol.



I also went to the optician last week, and decided on a couple of new glasses so I could finally have sunglass clip-ons. Unfortunately the pair I tried on a while back was sold out at the moment - and here's I thinking I'm so unique, when half of Stockholm apparently chose the same frames, bah - so I chose others. But hopefully these frames will be back in stock soon.

After finding my beloved dotty glasses in 2011 I've never looked back at contact lenses again. I've sadly never found anything similar in frames as those, but I have enjoyed most of my glasses a lot anyway. It's difficult to imagine myself without glasses, they're so much me, a style statement I suppose.

But when the optician asked if I wanted to try on lenses to make it easier to chose frames I said yes. It was such a weird situation, to be able to see so well and not having to watch the world through spectacles. Unfortunately, despite what the Body Shop cashier said, the age apparently show when I wear lenses, I get long-sighted and can't read and write properly close up. Photos and photo editing is just a blur. Thus I'd need reading glasses to have contact lenses. Which was a bit of a shocker actually. Who knew it would be so much easier to just wear glasses?

Still thinking of having a box of lenses available anyway, to wear with all my old sunglasses I never can wear these days (since I'm blind as a bat without my glasses/prescription sunglasses).



Have also had my first lovely semla of the year - from Bagar'n Hornstull, a bakery that have a lot of vegan buns and pastries. The funny thing is that the bakery, situated close to the underground station Hornstull, was around even before I was born. My family lived in that neighbourhood when I was a kid and I remember we shopped breads and buns there even then. 



And I got to meet the army of cuteness and kindness. Pug Baron and labrador Mynta. We could all sleep safely if that was the only army around.





Was reminded that today was the day we were forced to say the final farewell to beloved Little Loaf. An exceptional little character. And since my every attempt so far to welcome a new doggie to this house have been unsuccessful, perhaps he was the one and only woof for me. Well, what's meant to be will be, but you can't help but wonder...



As you might have noticed by the pictures already, the snow and ice have basically melted already and very quickly. Spring is very much in the air, which is quite scary on these latitudes. Much too soon, as in 1-2 months too soon. As much as one usually looks forward to spring and the absence of dark evenings, ice and snow, after last year's horrific hot and exhausting, and all the wild fires, summer I'm seriously afraid of how things will look this year. Climate change moves faster than ever, and the growth is exponential.

And with that in mind everyone should be afraid, seriously worried, demand change and not least change themselves. Yet, so little is done - apart from the amazing school strikes #fridaysforfuture started by the inspirational, smart Greta of course - it is truly heartbreaking.



Then clever copywriting and advertising like this makes me happy. "Have the balls to make the world a better place" by Swedish Stockholm-based vegan family company Vegme - that makes excellent plantbased protein for the present and the future.



A pun is never wrong, in my opinion. And even better when it's actually a tasty pun that can save many innocent lives.



Talking about tasty food that saves lives, I finally attended a much talked about vegan brunch yesterday at the Radisson Blu Royal Park Hotel in Stockholm, suburb Solna. It was great, with a few kinks, and I was really impressed about all that was offered, the inventiveness and ambition of the weekly plantbased event.

I'll share more views and photos of the food in a post of its own - which it certainly deserves! - later this week. For now - a post-vegan-brunch-coma-wefie, with my friend aka Sporty Spice in animal rights garment "Always on the side of the animals" and me in Marimekko, but no less on the side of the animals.



And, February dearie, more goody goody goodness my way, m'kay?
A plethora of gratitude in advance.

the fortnight diary of a tea-a-holic, part I

gone are the days of daily blogging. seemingly even weekly blogging. welcome to the fortnightly recap of one swedish tea-addict. part one, mind you, since i have a lot to get of my sausage dog cardigan clad chest. more than i think is right for one blog post alone.



:: the rehab of broken arm/wrist is going slowly. especially the hand has been continously swollen for the last three weeks but i'm finally seeing improvement. i fear the wrist will never be back to its original shape - no chance whatsoever the watch will fit on it again if i don't adjust the wristband about 4 cm... - since the bone has taken on a new position.

touch wood i don't experience pain as such, only when i try to lift something too heavy or have done a lot of rehab, then the muscles are really sore obviously. it's just very awkward not being able to use it as much as i want, am used to, and it's not obviously visible on the outside why i can't.

i got a tip about a couple of great physiotherapists, the prefered one didn't have any time until january 2 (!) but i snatched that time and have booked one with her colleague the week after next too. i really want to know how much progress i've made and what i can improve on/change. and if it's "normal" to be where i am right now.



:: as you can see, the return of sausage dog cardigan (organic cotton, from palava) in a better size has happened. and naturally with a bit of a mess from the notoriously expensive and lack of customer service swedish postal "service" PostNord. that you can always count on. but it got here eventually. and it's a better fit, still roomier than intended - it's suppose to be a rather snug, vintage fit but i'm not a great fan of that for myself - but just what i wanted. and it's adorable. and very well made in the uk.



:: i've also managed to treat myself to a pair of fabulous vegan oxfords (from el naturalista of course). before the marimekko sneakers early past summer i haven't bought any new shoes for a few years. and even if i'd like to go all vegan on the shoe-front too, it's more sustainable to care for and wear your already owned and loved leather shoes until they're worn out beyond repair. same goes for wool and silk garments of course.

they're very comfy and with the perfect heel. it's a pity that the vegan range of el naturalista shoes are so bland, beige, brown, black. i do miss their usual options of great colours, but at the same time, this colour was most certainly not something i remotely owned before. and they'll match with any colour.

while i definitely know we all need to shop way less, for new stuff - and i can't begin to say how much i hate the excessive consumerism concepts of black friday, cyper monday, christmas shopping et al - a friend said something wise when i talked about feeling bad for buying anything else than consumables or sensible replacements for broken, worn old things. "but pia, it's not the way you carefully think through your purchases and support small business owners or companies with healthy, sustainable values that needs to stop first and foremost. it's the cheap chain store-shopping, where there's a high price being paid by the environment and the underpaid workers in a remote country, the excessive shopping, the wear and tear culture, that needs to stop NOW."

food for thought.

which doesn't mean i'll return to my old once ways of shopping (shudder), just because i can use that as an excuse. but maybe i don't have to feel all that guilty when i chose to buy something nice and kind, that support my green values. and by doing so i hopefully inspire others to think and chose more carefully too.



:: when on the subject overconsumption, the scary void of analytical, connecting the dots the news and newspapers (in this case the swedish ines, but i know it's the same problem all over the world) talk about climate change is absurd. currently the annual non-news of "this year the swedish christmas shopping will reach new record sales" and "perhaps you're more keen on taking your family on a christmas holiday, fly away to a warmer climate, here are the best destinations!".

how is it that we exist on the same planet and yet too many people think it's same business as usual, after this devastating summer, after more forrest fires, earth quakes, draughts, floodings than ever? why hasn't everyone become vegan, stopped over-using their cars, stopped flying already? because, as i've said before, we are all eachother's someone else and we need to take responsability for our actions, non-actions and choices. clearly the politicians are too cowardly to make those impopular decisions that should have been taken a long time ago.

and obviously you only have to look at the toddlers of the swedish parliament who aren't grown-up enough to form a left-right government and work against climate change together. the only thing we need to base every decision on from now on, the planet doesn't care if you're left-wing or right-wing. global warming is upon us and the growth is exponential, everything is happening much faster than people in general seem to understand. denial rules.

i read an interesting piece a while back, about how humans are made up of basically two types. one type wants to be entertained, the other one wants to contribute. one doesn't see past its own needs, the other one sees itself as a part of a larger picture. and, no surprise, the former is predominantly made up of men, while the latter is of women. i'll see if i can find it again, it was really enlightening. and to be honest, simplifying things isn't always a bad thing. quite the opposite.



:: you know how much i've enjoyed my kränku tea calendars for three years, but this year i decided to do it differently. i decided to go big or go home. or rather go big and sit at home drinking an inordinate amount of tea december 1 to 24. i went with three other lovely tea calendars this year, and non of them kränku.



first there's the johan & nyström tea calendar - from one of my favourite cafes, coffee roaster & tea merchant.



and then i saw this cute house-shaped tea calendar from lovely teahouse tehuset java. plus i've eyed the german teegschwender one for years - i'll write a bit more about their disappointing procedure in regards to not selling their amazing organic ice tea abroad in the part II blog post...

this is also my first year ever for a delightful skincare calendar. i got the sweet the body shop one from my mother. the cats obviously think is a waste of money to get things that aren't feline compatible from an edible point of view.

i see my december as consuming gallons of tea, a lot of peeing, having really soft skin and smelling fabulous. not that anyone but myself and the unimpressed cats will notice the latter since i'll be unable to leave the house because of the former. but it will be marvellous!

and of course, three tea advent calendars isn't enough to be a tea-a-holic, i have done a lot more investing in amazing teas of all sorts. but more of that in the next blog post too. i am now not a not-so-crazy-cat-lady but a certifiably crazy tea lady. (with dreams of becoming a tea sommelier one day.)





:: currently listening to this song by Passenger a lot. still think the singer has a creepy manchild voice, but i like the lyrics, music and feel of the song.



:: since i lost little loaf too soon, in 2013, i've been contemplating back and forth if it's time or not for a new dog in my home. ideally a small shelter dog or re-homed dog small enough to fit in my re-kånken backpack when on public transport. but i do like the size of small terriers like malte. and even if i would never support the breeding of pugs - because of its obvious unhealthiness - i've never met a pug which isn't totally lovable and super-friendly, with that special ugly-cute charm and style. and they usually get along fabulously with cats.

so when i stumbled over a little pug that was up for adoption at dog shelter hundstallet the other week i decided to apply. his described cat-friendly, cuddly and energetic personality would fit in so perfectly with me and the cats. sadly i haven't heard anything from the shelter, and i guess half of stockholm was charmed by the little fella too. so it wasn't meant to be.

but i did have the good fortune to meet another little pug last weekend. and even if he has a home already it's never a bad thing to get a bit of cute dog, pug oxytocin refill, right? right.

next post will be about not only more tea, but also work (including the still ongoing quest of finding my kind of people. the seemingly never-ending story...), books, movies, ill-behaved kids, moomin, friendship apps for women, muesli, fur, faux fur, documentaries and more. now, how fun in a mixed bag does that sound?

the purrfect dress that wasn't meant to be and other weekly snippets

counting down to plaster comes off day - 10 now.

and before that there's a day to "celebrate" i've become yet another year older. and a year wiser, that's more celebratory in my world. 3 days to that.

for years i used to get myself a pair of shoes for my birthday. but since i do shy away from buying leather for some years now that's not an option.

- not counting the fact that i don't really need more shoes. other than a pair of icebugs for what i dread will be another winter of crazy icy streets in stockholm. but that's of course an investment in my safety and health, not a fashion/consumerism thing. -



i didn't get myself anything last year, if a leaky roof and the costs and worry that held counts. but this year i wanted to gift myself a special dress. and as you can see this one meowed my name loud and clear. pink. cats. om my gosh.



as it was impossible to try it on properly in the changing room due to plaster inconvenience, but it looked like it would fit, i got it to be returned if it didn't.

it didn't. if it wasn't such a disappointment for a not so crazy cat lady with a penchant for pink, it would be laughable. clearly the dress was made for flatchested cat women. myself i showed the infamous, unflattering loaf bosom instead. so back it went. got myself a little scarf in the same fabric. i'm hoping i'll be able to use it for some fine, literally pussy bows with it on other dresses and blouses.



i also got myself some lovely rooibos tea in a moomin tin. one odd and annoying little thing with a broken arm is that it's impossible to fill loose tea in bags and strainers. the angle is just too painful. so when not someone is around to help i've had to have tea bags only. it's a rare treat when i get to fill a bag of my own with help. and when the plaster comes off it will be a standard again, hooray!



this week's special coffee was a cococcino at johan & nyström, coconut oil and oat milk, new on their autumn menu. it was nice, but i do prefer their excellent oat latte. best thing was meeting this chocolate coloured sweetheart named laika. i even got a friendly little cuddle. cafes that allow dog guests are just so much better than any other cafes.





as ben & jerry's wonderful, palmoil free, vegan nicecream costs the equivalent of gold in sweden, it was excitement when i realised coop stores sold it at 50% discount this week. i may have stocked up. a bit. my absolute favourite is peanutbutter & cookies, unfortunately everyone else seem to think so too. i don't like chunky monkey much. but chocolate fudge brownie ain't half bad either.



stockholm has been pretty in october.



i've also re-discovered the joys of the library. i still do prefer to own books from my favourite authors and such. just because i love to write in them, take notes, re-read passages and so forth. but with books and writers i'm uncertain of it's perfect to take them for a test read i e borrow them at the library.

right now i need a lot of feel-good books, to stop brooding and rest the brain. not a genre i like to buy, if not from charity shops. so that's where library books come handy too. currently devouring the 'mad about the boy' in the bridget jones-series. as she's now meant to be around my age it's interesting to see how it's partly easy to relate to parts of her life after mark darcy passed away (sob) partly i'm feeling like a very proper grown-up (even with my fondness for bobbaloos and sonny angels). she's still such a crazy immature character. which i suppose is part of the entertainment of the book, of course.



my hand has been pretty sore regularly this week. like in growing pains or muscle soreness. not unbearable, touch wood. but i get a bit panicky because i just want to rip the plaster off and flex, exercise it in a much less restricted way. counting the days indeed.

i'm glad i have the muppets - even if one of them obviously also is the cause of all this... - that try their very best to keep me occupied. or use me to their advantage, that cast is the perfect rest for a cat head...

but mostly they're just cute overload. and much much much better than any cat dress.





cheers (in a ginger shot) to another october week, 
may it be special, colourful and joyous ~