the forceful wake-up call

Over these past summer weeks of intensive thinking (like intense workout, only you don't use your limbs as much and still get exhausted) I've realised that sometimes, even for an avid writer like myself, you need more of talking than writing (!).

And the more you think. And talk. And don't write, the less inclined you are to write. And for every idea and thought I don't put to *paper* the higher my own quality demands on blog posts get. Thoughts like 'Is this really worth writing about? Can I, should I really share this too? Is this helpful, useful, inspiring enough?', when in fact it is my blog and I write what I want to. And life isn't always, obviously, happy and inspiring. At least not in the usual sense. A lifestyle blog - which to be honest sound so trivial, superficial, dimwitted and boring, but I suppose that's the closest I get describing the World According to me - really is about ups and downs, darkness and light and everything in between. It really doesn't have to be clever, in one way or the other, all the time. Life itself isn't.

We all go through really tough periods in our lives, heartaches and sorrows. Of course that will show in the way we interact with others. As it should. That's life. And perhaps we simply are our worst critics when it comes to the (invisible) demands of being upbeat, inspirational and light? And neither happiness nor sorrow lasts forever, at least not in that initial, intense, overwhelming way. But the latter needs a lot of work, of the think, talk, write kind.

And by doing that, the thoughts and words will repeat themselves many times until they are (reasonably) out of the system, in order to move on. Most likely also repeated over and over again in blog I suspect, different constellations of words, same thought process.

So what has happened since 20 days ago when I decided this will be a summer of thoughts and simple actions? And since I baked awesome vegan cookies? (have you tried them, did you enjoy?)

Surprisingly enough both very little and a lot, I would say.

• One new thought that striked me this past week is that with this new financial situation, being dependent on just me, myself and I, with lack of the stability that comes from being in a partnership, it actually feels like I'm in my 20ies again, fresh from university, time to build it all up again but now on my own. With three main differences - a) I'm 20 years older and no naive spring chicken anymore (well, I've probably never been that naive really), b) truckloads of experience both professionally and emotionally and c) grown up responsabilities like a house filled with cats and bills to pay. 

This realisation that I'm kind of thrown back to my twenties but in a new life-suit was kind of an aha-experience. And the crazy thing is that it's not only scary, even if it really is, but also quite exilirating. Empowering actually. Forcing me to both be active as well as having faith that things will be alright again, in new, different and in the end very good ways.

• Still really bummed that I've been done out for a summer in my city because of the commuter train/bus debacle, but at the same time I've had this plethora of hours to really think. On a blanket, on the grass, in the garden, in the sun or the shadow, with furry critters. And reading quite a few books I've related a lot too (it's indeed strange how all of them have resonated lots in my current situation without me actively chosing to read them because of that. They have simply appeared). I'm so happy for my house, for my garden, for the tykes. There have been not only good thoughts, but lots of honest and useful thoughts, going through options and solutions and strategies.

And the few times (limited to two occasions per week to keep my stress levels down) I've had meetups in the city I've treasured those moments all the more.

And guess what, now it's almost only one week left until the trains run as usual again! How awesome is that. I'm going to do the summer city like crazy, use my travel card and just walk around on my own, discover new areas, enjoying the change of scenery not having to stress out over the awful bus rides. Having lunches and coffees with friends coming back from summer holidays. Grab every inch of those 3,5 last weeks of summer. It's going to be great.

• In mid July I had a second meeting with my new accountant, I dreaded it a bit because of the current financial status, but she continued to be really helpful, explaining the hows and the whys and calming my worries. This time it took me 3 hours one way though, so yay, basically 6 hours spent on buses only that day to get there and home. As nice as Norrtälje is to visit, it's much nicer when you can go by car and it takes about one hour. But the annual closing is done now so I don't have to think about our next meeting until next spring. 

• Last week I was contacted by a London-based agency for a three weeks' gig as a social media manager for a well-known brand's Swedish social channels. We did actually agree on the hourly fees - which is a surprise given that I've been contacted by so many London-based agencies as a freelancer and they have always, always offered offensively low fees, compared to what I've been offered from agencies in other countries and compared to the hourly rates I work for in Sweden, that I've until now declined. Being a freelancer not a serf, you know. - so I'm now working my first fun week of that.

I really enjoy working as a social media manager, but I'm not sure I'd enjoy it as much if it was full-time or for an infinite time. The strategies are already set, you are much more constrained than you can imagine and you're basically an obedient tool. That said I do enjoy getting a peak view of different brands' approaches to social media, how very different their strategies can be, how more or less efficient everything is organised, how hierarchically business are run in some countries compared to others. 

• Got a call about one of the jobs I've applied for a while back - one I stumbled over in a Facebook group I rarely visit - and we've set up a meeting after the holidays ie August 28, for a job that starts early September. I would of course loved to have had that interview next week already, but well, glad I got that call at all of course! It's a 50% communicator maternity leave cover for 10ish months, two train stations away and I would absolutely love getting the job. It would be a great opportunity to do some good, meet new people (but not having to grind with them 9-5 five days a week), get an interesting, professionally useful experience, get the bills paid, save up and at the same time give me 50% to continue running my own business. Not to mention it's in the opposite direction of the rush hours into the city, farther out at the end station of my line so I don't have to stress about the rush hours either. Seems perfect really. Fingers, toes and paws crossed.

Overall, despite sadness and worries, ups and downs from one day to another, I feel like I'm in a good flow right now. The Zone even. I'm so grateful for that and I do hope the flow will continue to be generous with its sprinkles of real goodness.

The sudden, shocking passing of M has been a really sad wake-up call, forcing me to address life changes I know (and knew) I really needed to make even before. I feel I'm quite a few steps down the road of redefining myself already. I just wish these necessary life changes had happened under less heartbreaking circumstances. But at the same time I accept that perhaps something as tragic and drastic as the death of someone very important in my life was the wake-up call I needed to go through with these necessary changes. When you aren't brave enough to make those changes on your own, life has a tendency to abruptly force you to make them. The realisation of that doesn't lessen the sorrow per se, but it does make me accept it, working for and being open to a new life. A great one to come.

you shouldn't run a social network if you can't put a stop to hatred and threats

The other week I read this fabulous article or rather an article about a fabulous lawyer in Würzburg, Germany who started a crusade against Facebook demanding they comply with German laws regarding Volksverhetzung (racial agitation) and alike.

The article is in Swedish of course but do google there might be English versions out there too, there most certainly are German ones.

In short the lawyer and his law firm, just as so many of us, got sick and tired of the fact that Facebook just don't care about all the hatred and threats they are a forum for and decided to take them to court. And they won. It's quite obvious that if you run a social network business as Facebook you should not be able to shy away from putting a stop to hatred and threats that take place in your network. And it's absolutely crazy that they have been for so long.

Not to mention all advertisers that in fact finance all this hatred.

Hopefully this law suit and the aftermath will lead to radical changes for the better. Something really really has to change on social media. And I love this quote from the German lawyer Chan-jo Jun: "You shouldn't run a social network if you can't put a stop to hatred and threats." Simple as that really.

Of course I wish more people could live by the motto "if you can't say/write something positive or constructive just don't say anything", but since clearly a vast amount of people all over the world can't the companies need to take their responsability seriously.

I think this story is a great example of moral courage and law at its finest.

the disobliging swede

I've always known - based on mainly first hand experience but also talking with friends - though perhaps not put it into words because it's such a sad and unfortunate feature, the fact that Swedes in general are quite the selfish, self righteous and not least the disobliging sort.

In the age of social media they are always eager to see, be seen, share, like, retweet and do favours for the (for more often than not ungraspable reasons) "in crowd". And in the pre-social media age it was the same, minus the like, share and retweet. While not the least bit interested to do the same for others. No matter how like, share and retweet-worthy the not so in crowd people are. From ignoring at best to see through evasive manouvers and down right offensive reactions.

I am certainly not one of those, I'm always happy to share, like and retweet good stuff and interesting pieces from good people. If anything I avoid sharing, liking and retweeting stuff from the mysterious "in crowd" because a) more often than not it's not really interesting, well-written or share-worthy (to be honest) and b) a gazillion other people less discerning act like a sheeple and share, like and retweet it already.

And I'm not one to ask for favours often. I want to be capable of doing the things that need to be done myself. Figure things out, finding the information, then asking for feedback from a few trusted.

But on the odd occasion I do ask for a simple enough favour. And one would think since it's such a simple favour more people would take a few minutes to help.

Alas no, do not be surprised if a Swede doesn't acknowledge the question at all. Ignoring is the perfect answer to most everything.

Of course they in no way connect the behave towards others as you want others to behave towards you dots. That others should like, retweet, share and endorse is a given. But do not expect me to do the same.

This week this have become ever so clear. It's not the end of the world (obviously), but it's really dispiriting.

It has also become clear that non-Swedes are much more interesting to give positive feedback, like, share and retweet good things without a thought about the "in crowd" bit.

Swedes disobliging behaviour both on- and offline is a sad sad thing. Petulant, childish and selfish. Me-me-media, yes! Social, that means interacting, right? Not for me. Talk yes, listen shouldn't think so.

Yes I've been fortunate with the Swedish clients I've had so far, one might say they've been exception to a general Swedishness rude rule. But I really love working with clients in other countries, it's interesting and developing on whole other levels. I also find that overseas clients in general are better at saying "thank you" where Swedes take things for granted.

Yet another situation where I as a born and bred Swede find myself being a very round peg trying to fit in to an uncomfortably square and alien hole.

All that said - it really really did have to be said - I'm very much looking forward to next week, because I have some great meetings planned for a much needed change. Of focus, scenery and people.

End of rant.

social media marketing for creative professionals

Today Prosit and I held an inspiration talk on social media marketing for creative sole traders (artists, actors, directors, art directors, singers, musicians, dancers and alike) at the Theatre union. It was really enjoyable and interesting, for me too. Lots of discussions and views on different social media channels, preconceptions and very varied opinions depending on age and profession. Seriously fun and developing. Got lovely feedback and it was a nice boost, plus I see room for future change, improvements and fine tuning.

I had great help from certain clever felines and small sized woollies of course. The Power Point presentation used I later compiled into a slide share - in Swedish only. It's a lot of information and a synoptic take on different social media channels which makes better sense combined with a talk and discussions obviously, but it might be inspirational without that too.



When I got home I thought a lot about how I myself can change my marketing and perhaps try new channels. By now it's obvious I'm no fan of Facebook, I may use it but not enthusiastically, I also do it as a part of social media management for clients but when it came to my own company page I created in March 2012 it wasn't published. Because I just couldn't be bothered with Facebook as a channel for my target groups and potential clients. And as long as my other channels work that's fine. I'm a firm believer you should use the social media channels you feel comfortable with and do best. And when you find clients and assignments that way it is a sign you do it right.

But today, after the vivid discussions about Facebook as a sometimes decent marketing channel for creative professionals I got curious and decided to go public with the Prosit Ord & Bild AB Facebook business page. But I don't see myself as being very active on it from here on, my three main channels are still LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram. Though I will try it out, see how far it organically reaches (no boosting or advertising, that's so not my cup of tea) and if it possibly will send any new and interesting clients my way.

To me there are no universal truths or foolproof marketing strategies when it comes to using social media channels. There are however good advice plus common sense that give you the best prerequisites to success. And as most things in life, what's considered success is of course up to you, your expectations and needs and not what any "experts" and others say or think.

Try it. Embrace it, even love it or discard it. Go with your gut feeling. And have fun. Things do work much better when you're having fun. That IS an universal truth.

randy the pig

This is a story of a little pet pig who wants to go home, but isn't allowed to due to a case of a bad bad animal shelter behaviour. Instead of me writing about the sad case of little Randy and his unfortunate current situation I will just implore you to read his story at this link (where you will also find additional information and a petition to sign).

I believe the story to be true, but you of course have to decide for yourself after reading his story from people who know him. From my own experience as a breeder of British Shorthair cats I know I'd be heartbroken if this happened to any of the kittens I'd sold. And a wee pig is most likely a more delicate creature than an often more resourceful cat.

So if you too want to bring Randy the pig home, you can also view his Facebook page and tweet about him with the hashtag #bringrandythepighome

make happy things happen

This week could have, should have been the start of something great and exciting. It didn't happen. Not because I didn't try my best, without doing something outrageous, it just seems that sadly some people (which falls into the category "I don't get them") you just do not get through to.

To cut a long story short (and without details of course) I'm gobsmacked about the ungraspable fact (in this particular case) that apparently people (some people) working in sales aren't really interested in visibility, creating a buzz and improving their sales figures. Business people not interesting in making happy things happen, wanting to move forward, lacking curiousity and decisiveness, I simply don't get them. And to make things even more incomprehensible, my gut feeling tells me that I did get through in parts. I saw sparks of yes. And then there where a glitch in information and communication, not to mention focus. Alas.

That something which has so much potential isn't cared for properly and with passion, it really makes me both mad and sad. What a waste of opportunities, connections, time and energy. What was the point of it all?

It's such a disappointment it didn't happen. It would have been the next logically step of something beautiful. That much I'm sure of. I'm glad there are other paths to tread. So for now I'm mulling things over, talking and thinking things through, regrouping, working with other tasks and chose to be happy about other matters instead. Like the following;

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~ Apparently I'm now one of those for-unknown-reasons popular people on about.me - fun of course, but I still don't get the real usefulness of the "service". And as much as I appreciate a good compliment I'm not very happy about unknown people adding me to weird collections like "Facebook friends". 

Since we're not friends on Facebook for real (I'm not a fan, far from, of the media in question, my profile isn't searchable and I'm selective whom I ask or add as a friend), for me it's such a bizarre thing to do, make a collection like that with people that you have no idea who they are and claim Facebook-friendship.

On the other hand I'm touched by being added to fine collections like "Sparks", Makers" and "Eclectic Spirits". The internetz is indeed both weird and wonderful. Like people in general I suppose. Of course.

Cheers!



~ I now own a pair of yellow boots. They are gorgeous (and paw inspected). They were supposed to have been electric purple, but they are indeed yellow. The story behind them is that since last September I've been oogling a pair of fantastic looking electric purple (and I don't even like purple, but some hues are indeed irresistable) boots at the El Naturalista website. They didn't have my size then and it never appeared on site so my conclusion is that they never produced any in that size. When the sales came there were still no size 41 in purple sadly, but a very perky yellow pair were. Who can say no to walking in winter sunshine?

They are lovely looking, but I also noticed, after walking a lot yesterday, that the sole is quite a bit too thin for my liking. With El Naturalista I'm not used to the nuisance of too thin soles of shoe which allows you to feel the tiniest pebble through the sole. The boots are not uncomfortable per se, but walking on cobblestone streets or gravel is really not nice. At all. I do have extra insoles that usually do a good job, when needed, so I'll try those next time. But I don't se myself doing any long walks and long days again in these yellow beauties alas.



~ I got such a nice compliment on Yelp today, it made me really happy "Hi Pia, what AMAZING and cute pictures you take, I love them! Will follow your cool food-adventures from now on :)" It's great that people take their time to give such lovely feedback. It only costs a bit of time and it can make someone's day. I got a similar, matter of fact compliment last Friday, face to face. I'm still really chuffed about that one too. I repeat, dare to compliment!



Despite being quite disappointed about the above, initial fact, I have to say that this first week of March has been lovely. It may be due to a distinct feeling of spring in the air, but I also sense something else, something promising and wonderful, unknown and yet to be revealed. So I continue to be expectant and curious. And overall happy, because really despite setbacks and certain things not going my way, I have a lot to be grateful and chuffed about. I chose to acknowledge and rest in that feeling, when certain matters are not as peachy perfect and happy as they ought to be, in an ideal world.

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.

wednesday words

:: Even though I in my usual manner think my days these days consist of too many unimportant meetings to keep people from actually working and not enough real and interesting, intellectual challenging and creative work I'm quite out of wit and inspiration when it comes to blogging. And not enough energy or geist to read as much as I usually do. Or feel the urge to knit (!).

This can't be meant to be. This can't be life. And I don't even get paid properly for having such uninspiring days.

On the bright side I had a really lovely lunch with a friend I don't see that often today. In a similar situation jobwise, with a different background, though clearly deserving so much more. We talked, ate, laughed and grumped, had a long walk in a Stockholm that can most definitely be described as , despite heaps of snow and treacherously icy streets, having spring in the air.

:: Even though I like to live by the idea that 'of two choices, two paths, chose the one that gives you the most resistance because it's the one that will make you grow the most' I also think that 'chose your battles wisely' is another good idea. Today I chose the most resistance-path in a matter that has upset be quite a bit as lately. It may be a minor thing in the big picture, but it really very much bugged me.

And as easy as it may be to write angry emails and stand up for yourself and others - and I have to admit I kind of love that. Ah, the lawyer in me thrives. Not that I always feel like making a big deal of matters wrong, I do chose my battles, but when I do it's quite delightful... - that way, it's far from always very pleasant to go all the way and face your adversary irl (which certainly can be seen as a prime example of the pros and cons with easy accessable Internet/online life).

Today I did the latter. And as most usual it wasn't at all as bad as it could have been. I may have been a bitch in parts - but in my full right of course - but also a reasonably well behaved one. And I came out wiser and with what was rightfully mine. And the lesson learnt (hopefully, perhaps, maybe) by adversary not to write such crappy contracts brimming with discrepancies (and spelling errors).

:: Tomorrow I have another gruesome meeting I could, would have liked to, be without. But even though perhaps not triumph I will surely survive that one too. And then comes Friday. And the weekend. And perhaps, maybe enough time to read, knit, catch up on blog reading, write and get at least a bit of sweet mojo back until another week begins.

:: Do you have to be stupid to be on Facebook? I wonder, since so many, too many (when one's one too many really) people think it's normal to 'lend money' to 'friends' on Facebook or be 'friends' with potential or current bosses and then think it's perfectly alright to whine about being scammed-not getting the job-feeling wronged by employer on television and in papers. Jeez, what's wrong with people? And where did they get their IQ from, the cornflakes box?

:: Today I got my electrical bill for January. So. Not. A. Good. Thing. for this winter.

:: I recently read that Albert Einstein is said to have had a lifelong suspicion of all authority. One healthy and wholehearted hear hear to that!

wednesday words

:: The project has begun. Estimated time to finish first bit of project 1,5 months, I will have finished it by tomorrow. That makes one (1) week. On half time. Yes I'm quick and effective, but this is silly. And if there was such a thing as anti-intellectual challenges this first bit of project would get a gold star. Very much not something I thought would one day be the result of all those years of law studies. I fear for braincells losing their elasticity and geist.

That said, they seem to be very grateful for getting the job done. And the general ambiance is friendly, helpful and unpretentious. So it could of course be worse. I do hope it will improve soon. But still. This is not me.


:: With my new glasses I do feel more me. And I see more. So much more. I find myself staring at this and that all the time because everything suddenly seem so bright and clear. I'm in four eyes love with the simple lime green Harry Potterish-but-not-quite-pair. The other pair (not inaugurated yet), claims M, turns me into an Ugly Betty-lookalike. Which is just fine by me. Comparisons could be so very much worse.

Suddenly I don't care much about wearing contacts, for some reason glasses that make me see things very clear again also get me to forget I wear them. And yes, I would love to get more pairs. As I have a fresh glasses recipe now I can order more frames online for close to peanuts and come spring I might feel frisky and do just that.


:: I've always felt some inexplicable (at the time when I perhaps wasn't as much in touch with the inner me as I feel I can be and many times am now) sadness whenever I see mankind's uncaring demolishing, mauling of nature (green pastures and forests, mountains and stones) in order to build and construct, eradicate to ridge. Still do.

Even more so these days when everywhere one look there seem to be new ongoing building schemes of blotting out what has been growing and thriving, developed for hundreds, thousands, millions of years in the blink of an eye. Everywhere one look a building, construction site and nothing is sacred.

Some days I really very much feel that life somewhere countryside far far away would be prefered before seeing politicans and builders eagerly efface so much natural beauty. Perhaps then melancholy over this wouldn't be this constant companion always somewhere in the back of my mind.



:: I may be condemned to eating a tweed hat or two, but I will admit to, despite what I have been known to feel, having a Facebook profile. I just decided to get one a while ago to see what the fuss was about. And I still so do not get it. Yes I do write an odd thing here and there on a not so irregular interval - basically when I feel I need more word than Twitter (which I quite enjoy these days) allows and the things I have an urge to instantly share isn't enough for a real blogpost -

but I can't say I feel it neither that interesting nor important. Most of my friends or family are not on Facebook and for some odd reason we have no problems keeping in touch still. Life does go on just fine without FB. Believe it or not.

Another thing I also think is quite bizarre is the fact that you call every little remote contact you've ever had your friend on FB. I mean really. It may be my conservative, serious Scandinavian me, but I don't call every Tom, Dick and Jane I meet my friend that quick and easy. I separate friends from acquaintances and contacts (even if some may be two or more of these in one great person) and I feel it would be so much more clever and nifty to have such distinctions on Facebook too.

That said. There are lots of lovely blog people and readers out there, kind enough to leave a comment or two or more here now and then that I would be happy to call my very friendly contacts on Facebook. Want to rub Internet shoulders there too, send me an email ~


:: Last day to get the MOO discount, January 31st (Sunday).


:: Still time to be part of the little postcards - bookmark giveaway. Leave a what-kind-of-blogposts-do-I-enjoy-most comment in that post January 31st at the latest.

november monday musings

Although I would like to write something very inspired about the one recent-ish trip, some highlights of summer past, castles, movies, one of the best cafés I've ever had the pure and uttermost pleasure of visiting, books, food (for thought and otherwise), aprons and bracelets, knits and shawls (although granted there have been a lot of that going on in blog lately...) this post will just be a bit of random rambling. I feel too scatterbrained unfocused for anything else at the moment. Worries and stuff, things not going my way really - not counting the rather pleasing knitting of socks results - can do that. So here goes rambler ~

:: One of the things I find most endearing as well as curious about cats is the fact that so many (at least the domesticated ones) are so so fond of cuddling. Taking every opportunity to get a little one on one quality time, traipsing around purring being all loveable sweetness. Endorphine enhancers making almost all worries and problems melt away. At least for a while.

Yes dogs are adorable, friendly, tail wagging moodlifters also. But they don't purr. And they don't smell as sweet and good as cats. That's just how it is.

This little real life web-movie with Texas traffic officer meeting kitten is just impossible endearing and wonderful - go watch

:: I'm still very annoyed about my dishwasher's top rack and the very less than clean result I get with the crockery and items I put there. Everything should be working and everything should get clean. Yet it isn't. Not on the top rack. I have a sneaking suspicion that the ghost in the fridge has moved to the dishwasher. Annoying to say the least.

:: I was and am chuffed about the response I got to something I mentioned in a recent blog post. And there have been so many other great encounters in the blogosphere. Like someone said, blogland can be truly amazing! On many levels I am so glad I decided to go blog those four plus years ago.

:: I have been twittering-tweeting-whatevering more than I thought I would. In a rather aimless way, but still, sometimes one gets the urge to share something silly or not. Like with blogging and emailing there seem to be some very strange and fussy netiquette going one with Twitter. Some are quite obvious to the reasonably sane person, others I find totally ridiculous and very high schoolish.

Like 'if I follow you you should follow me back and if you don't you are so rude and I don't want to be your follower anymore'. Oh. My. Not goodness. No wonder the world's in such a mess. Grow up. Get a life.

:: That said I got an email from a once upon a time bestest friend recently, asking me to join Facebook so we could chat. Apart from the fact that I have no interest whatsoever in Facebook, never have and probably never will, I find it, to put it mildly, quite quite strange that she doesn't suggest we meet up for a coffee (yes we live in the same city, our mothers happen to still be friends, so it's not like we couldn't if we wanted get together and catch up) or call me (even if I'm an odd phoney I might take that call) to talk instead. Or just plain email me. To suggest 'a meeting' on FB instead seems so outlandish to me.

I admit to adoring emails, I may stay away from phone calls if I can, but I still do prefer real life interaction with people.

:: As for knitting and such (see not a blog post without it these days), I have listed a few newish items in Etsy shop. And more to come. Rather sweet gifts for self or others if I may say so. Some ready to ship, others can be made to order.

:: Someone wise said that the only head that has no worries sits on the shoulders of a scarecrow. Even if some may say the latter epithat applies to undersigned, I like that notion.

:: Listening to Sting's 'If on a winter's night...' I get a comforting feeling there is a winter and snow mysteriously and seriously going on somewhere. If alas not here. I miss not only sun, I do miss snow this time of the year. Winter equals snow on these latitudes. That's just how it should be. If everything was right in this world, of not only mine but ours.