this is what i'm made of

The week that was, the first of October, my birthday month, has certainly been an emotional rollercoaster - not at all as the devastating one of 2016, I'm needless to say grateful for - but partly from work related stress and anger because of unrealistic expectations and demands from client. But at least I wasn't alone in feeling this. Hopefully we can clear this up, set up a decent structure and move on to (more) greatness this week.

To partly stress mixed with excitement from new project finally starting. Which also got me thinking about how much extra time one generally has to put in to learning new project tools. Project tools and procedures that some seem to think is the most natural thing in the world that *everyone* knows already. It isn't. And even if they're easy enough to learn they initially also take a lot of extra time to get the hang of. A more or less steep learning curve. I've done it before, I will do it again. But to be honest, a lot of the time the technology is really time consuming, not necessarily time saving and efficient, even if that's what we like to think it is. Smart yes, time saving, well...

I'm also thinking that when the technology and (less than well thought through) routines take so much time, that really doesn't bode well from a financial point of view. The budget and compensation level aren't realistic anymore. I'm pretty fab at working fast without losing quality, but sometimes there's only as much as you can do when it comes to that. Partly because of technology, part because of human behaviour out of your control.

And working my way through texts and technology I get this distinct feeling of much ado about nothing. I'm my own worst critic so I really really REALLY look through everything a gazillion times before I hit the submit button. Pretty sure I will still have to do some rework of these initial texts. And since it's not a passion project I'm also pretty sure I don't see it as a long term thing for me, unless I'm able to really work down the time spent on each task it's just not worth it. But still, always grateful for the opportunity to diversify my skills and work.

I also know that in the long run it's good for your development with a bit (or more) resistance. But I believe that resistance and obstacles to work with is much more rewarding if it's a passion project, wouldn't you agree? So I also see this as a good lesson in what I really should spend my time with, work with, and what I shouldn't.

This upcoming week I'll also start another little gig that makes me really happy. I'm going to be food inspirer on Instagram for the great vegan food box from the all organic company Årstiderna (The Seasons). I've found myself in the same ol' rut when it comes to cooking lately, very uninspired in general so I've ended up eating oat porridge for dinner more often than not. It's going to be such fun to be inspired AND inspire others to green, sustainable, healthy, animal friendly and not least very tasty cooking! I tried their vegan food box this past spring and it was lovely, especially one of the dishes was incredibly tasty and easy to make - beetroot quinoa. (I'll share the recipe soon.) You can find the account on Instagram at @veganskamatkassen - hopefully I'll see and inspire you there soon!

I'm constantly fascinated how seemingly vastly different things, happenings and not least people end up being connected in the strangest of ways these days. Or maybe this past year has been one great big eye opener. I've always said I believe in serendipity (or syncronicity, but that's not nearly as lovely a word) and magic and when the time is right things start to make sense. Perhaps this is the amazing time for it now. I keep trusting the process.

In 2013 I also wrote about being in a happy place, everything didn't work out as planned back then. And to be honest I don't think I was this at peace then with my life and how things are, in parts have turned out to be through things out of my control. The soul searching, the hard work, the aha moments this past year, especially these past six months have been exceptional. And the fine fine people I've met in all this, what can I say but wow, an abundance of gratitude for that.

Now, what about the pin above? Ever since I read about the amazing title in 2014, I think it was, it has been my dream job title. Not that I really would like to be employed as it, but if it could be a gig, a project, now that would be quite quite awesome. However I don't believe that true happiness and content at work necessarily come from having a sea of pom pom balls in the office, having a table tennis room, funky design or even free food. Neither do I believe it stems from open-plan offices (quite the opposite, my dear!) or forced team activities, scheduled fika breaks working from an unrealistic notion that everyone is created as an extrovert clone.

I believe that the secret (which shouldn't be a secret these days really) to a happy work environment is to actually see the difference in personalities and needs - and please do get rid of those ridiculous open-plan offices! - to create a happy and productive co-existence for introverts, ambiverts and extroverts where everyone respect the respective needs on a daily basis. We are all responsible for the work place culture, yet so many don't seem to get that. That's where I think the Chief Happiness Officer would do a great job.



I'm also willing to take on the role as CLO simultaneously, Chief Listening Officer. I firmly believe the world needs more of those. Too many people tend to talk too much, very few listen. And look where that has gotten us, in so much unsustainable, void of compassion trouble.

All the awesome work title pins I got at a brilliant little book release on the future of the professional life, where I also got to meet the robot Ariel and other neat people.

Must not forget to mention I baked some great vegan cinnamon buns for Cinnamon Bun Day on October 4 - that will also be a recipe I'm going to share soon. I know I'm not sharing as many recipes as I once used to, the reason is not only the lack of inspiration I mentioned above, it just somehow seems a bit trivial when there's so much other amazing stuff going on in my mind and outside right now. But the world do need more easy and tasty plantbased food so I promise I'll share some delicious recipes this week.

I had also set out to write something about the infamous Impostor syndrome in this post. Because it's crazy how no matter obvious competence you have and evidently skilled you are as well as comfortable and confident in your self esteem, the ugly notion of being a fake pops up its head now and then. If you came to my home you would not believe I'm such a perfectionist as I am in work, far from. I'm a bit Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde in that aspect. I find that both liberating and rather annoying. But still, a clean home is a sign of a wasted life, it's one of my favourite quotes for a reason.

But pops its useless head up it does sometimes, that syndrome, even more so recently when people I don't know so well yet, or people I didn't know thought so many amazing things about me, say truly great things about me, even recommend me without hesitation. So again, wow, gratitude. And I don't say this with any fake (slightly pun intended) modesty, I really feel blessed and grateful for this. And I'm getting better at ignoring that pestering syndrome, which obviously has nothing to do with a lack of self esteem. Funny how things are, and how the brain works. But of course, I should know that by now, and it doesn't have to involve the offer of a ride.

"I Got that sunshine in my pocket, got that good soul in my feet" -

bring on week two, sweet October of mine, I'm so ready for your greatness!

the value of a moment

A lovely moment.
A lovely sentiment.
A lovely cake.

women's day 2015

I'm all for a good quote. Obviously. But I'm also quite allergic to screendumps, copy paste, regrams and such. To create original content isn't so darn difficult with all the clever smartphone tools out there these days.

So today, on the International Women's Day -

which is heartbreaking that we still need one, that the human being, societies, cultures and countries haven't come further in 2015. Equal rights for everyone, whether woman, man or other promotes peace, justice and prosperity for ALL. Truly mindboggling and heartbreaking that so many people still hasn't grasped that simple truth. And that there's so much hatred towards women out there. -

I decided to make a very personal photo quote creation (with the After Photo app). With a picture I took on the Isle of Skye some years ago (one of my favourite places on earth) and my very favourite quote.

And I ask you to please, on this day, give some serious thought to one of the most used and abused female beings on this planet, the kind and beautiful cow.

And please be the best, kindest, most compassionate and inspirational change you can possibly be for all earthlings of the female kind and otherwise.

They need and deserve that. Even if they don't walk on two legs.

crafting a life map

Remember the 'Storytelling for change' class I signed up for last week? Time has come to finish the first assignment tomorrow and it's a life map. To be honest I've never made a life map before, have you? And this one is suppose to revolve around a social cause one is really passionate about. And we should spend about 45 minutes to craft it. How anyone can construct it in a creative, qualitative, plausible and convincing way in such a short amount of time beats me. I would not be able to do it.

For me that is obviously animal rights. So now I'm trying to trace my way to the beginning and to where I am today. I refuse to do it in an obvious born - school - university - work way and instead I begin where my convictions begun with stops along the way and the way my mind and thoughts work.

I think I'm done with the words now, tomorrow I'll think some more about appropriate pictures to illustrate my journey. And then upload. If I had had more time I would probably have done it differently, elaborated some more. Although, elaborated I have, perhaps a bit more than life maps usually do. Ah well, it's my life map and this is my cause.

And please remember -

“The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated” – Mahatma Gandhi

in july colour flow

Clearly one day I need to buy this magazine and not only admire the cover design and quote du jour that strikes a cord (which happens to be exactly one year ago since I did last). Life is all in the details. And to be great with details isn't a bad feature. And if they're colourful, all the better. Here are a few colourful July details so far -



I realised that the three blouses I had hanging on the wardrobe door were traffic lights coloured. I'm glad to report that the weather (in abundance) is screaming choose green right now.



I stumbled over a cardigan that clearly screamed my carrot-loving vegetarian name! I do believe the sale-price could have been reduced even more, so I just made a mental note and left the shop. But it was difficult, if not impossible to forget it.



So the next day I went back and tried it on. And it was oh so lovely. Both print and quality, the fit wasn't half bad either. It came home with me. There really should be more design and prints with vegetables. And fruit. And animals.



Like really big rabbits on a pink background. This fabric is such gorgeousness galore, wouldn't you agree? Unfortunately only a really heavy fabric sort fit for furniture (imagine an armchair or a sofa...) or curtains. Because I see this in a light cotton or linen perfect for a skirt or a dress. So much bouncy happiness in that notion.

So how has your July been so far, colourful, any details that have stroke a cord?

soon crooks the tree that photographer would be

I was 3,5 years old and already I loved the thing called camera.
The love was to be behind it, in front of it not so much.
I haven't changed that view since.

love me truly

Simply irresistable box of tea, yes it came home with me. Sadly not my cup of tea tastewise, but yes I adore the design and the name so to be honest I'm glad I got it anyway. To surround oneself with pretty and inspirational things is important. Even if it would have been perfect if the tea was as tasty as the box it came in of course.

When it comes to true love my standards are higher than a pretty package. The content of package is very important, values, ethics, compassion, humour, intelligence, curiousity, fantasy, associative ability and kindness are some ingredients I believe is essential in said package. In any human package really, friend or lover.

This quote from Frida Kahlo on love give food for thoughts;
"Take a lover who looks at you like maybe you are magic."
It would indeed be wonderful if everyone could find love in that form, wouldn't you agree? The world needs more magic. And more love.

tea, quote and paws

Dear Universe, I hope it's okey with you that
some of us also work to reach our dreams and goals?

I'm sure meditating on a regular basis is good for you.
I believe in the power of thoughts, energies and attraction.

But to be quite honest I don't think everything
you want and need will fall into you lap by only thinking and meditating.

Decisiveness and action are pretty powerful tools too, dearest Universe.

what did you find?

four simple questions engraved in a staircase that made me think.
a lot. and then some.

what did you loose?

what did you find?

what did you give?

what did you get?

at the end of winter season,

at the end of a month,
at the end of a week,
questions we should all ask ourselves.

regularly.

do you have the answers?

wherever you go...

... go with all your heart.

Yes I do enjoy a bit of wisdom on a tea-bag. Again.

you had me at hello

I've always enjoyed that phrase "You had me at hello", because really, sometimes life is as simple as that. As a lover of words, long sentences and circumscribing I admittedly have trouble practising it. But it's a definitely a work in progress, I'm getting better and better at it. Promise.

And by that I don't mean I only see it as a phrase working when it comes to romance. It's actually quite applicable to whatever nice people that come your way. You know that special feeling of instant likeability, "wow, this seems like a very sympathique person I'd like to get to know more about".

Yes I believe in the soul mate concept, but I also think that a soul mate can come in many shapes and forms. The feelings you have for a really good friend or a great colleague can be compared to the ones you have for a lover. When it (almost) feels you can read eachothers minds, a simple glance and you're on the same page. The silent communication that actually works, oh how I adore when that happens! And since it doesn't happen all that often it's even more treasured when it does.

I have to say though, that this past year (yes my love for 2013 is deep) it has happened quite a few a lot of times. A likely part in my shift of thinking.

2013 has really brought such a plethora of different, amazing people to cross my life path, some briefly some for the long-stay. I am deeply grateful for every such meeting and what that has taught me, what they might lead to, don't know where, don't know when, but some day.

I also firmly believe that the handshake tells a lot about a person, something 2013 definitely has confirmed to me.

On the last shivering days of this fantastic year I am also so very grateful for the fact that it has been a wonderful year of learning, soul-searching and insightfulness. I have learnt so many things about myself (the really good stuff I'm proud of, the stuff that needs working on to be improved and all the things in between) and about others. Why they act like they do is far from always found in an simple answer, the parameters are likely to contain many unknowns and personal details.

I've learnt about the importance of being open, to listen, learn and trust. The very real thing that is serendipity and magic, if we just allow ourselves to be open-minded, go with the gut feeling and dare to be at least a little bit brave now and then. To be kind and compassionate, to never ever stop being curious and creative. That is how we grow as human beings, earthlings.

And even if I'm not known for my patience I do believe that when people, beings, are meant to meet they do, the same thing goes for when it's time to say goodbye. And no, that doesn't not mean that we can sit and wait for things (magic) to happen, it simply means we have to be open to it.

Dear 2013, as much as I've loved pretty much everything with you (one big exception, but I know it did make some crazy and heartbreaking sense somehow) I'm also ready to bid farewell, with a heartfelt thank you ever so much for being amazing and overall so very eye-opening and kind to me. I know 2014 will be even more wonderful, I actually do. Welcome, new year, I am ready, curious and expectant in the loveliest of ways.

Tomorrow there'll be a 2013 in 12 pictures (or why not 13?) post, after that - bring on 2014!

tedx stockholm - embracing failure

Went to my third TedX Stockholm event last week. This time it was called "Embracing failure" and while, as usual, the quality of the speakers is very mixed it was a, also as usual, very enjoyable evening spent. Ideas worth spreading tend to do that.





The charming presenter Gustaf who always manages to say thought provoking things.





My favourite talk was the one by Mona Sahlin, former party leader of the social democrats and almost became the first female prime minister of Sweden (I know it's a disgrace that Sweden of all countries still 2013 has not had a female prime minister!). She held a very touching talk about life, feminism, politics, Nelson Mandela (who was the one who made her get in to politics in the first place) wasn't bothered about her less than perfect English and came off as very human and caring.

"Why is it so important to ask 'Where are you from?' instead of 'Who are you?'" - Mona Sahlin

The conclusion of sorts of the evening is that if we're always afraid of failing (and what is failure?) we'll never cath our dreams and goals. And that by failing (whatever that means) we learn, grow and become more complete as human beings.

"Almost all truly great people have gone through some sort of suffering" - Desmond Tutu

lemon tea

This tea was something unexpected and delightful I got to take home with me from the Mynewsday the other week, goodie bags are indeed rather enjoyable.

As much as I like Yogi teas I also find they are in general too strong for me to have in the evenings, but this lemon, dandelion, liquorice is lovely in every aspects actually. Taste- and sleepwise. Do try!

Do you have any new tea favourite this autumn?

world animal day ~ cinnamon bun day

When the Swedish Cinnamon Bun Day coincide with World Animal Day,
the obvious thing to do is eat (more) cinnamon buns and
not your fellow earth beings, other animals. Of course.

Me, I'm not sure I will eat any cinnamon buns today, I'm a bit tired of
the commercialism surrounding it and the original idea when the day
was established 14 years ago was not commercial as such but with a
charitable intent. The aftertaste is a bit burnt.
Read more about it in this article on ZippyEster
(in Swedish only).

Whether or not you'll feast on cinnamon buns today you can always do
good for animals, with the choice of food on your plate, your money,
your time and a good cuddle.

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress
can be judged by the way in which its animals are treated"
~Gandhi



Happy World Animal Day,
Happy Cinnamon Bun Day,
Happy Weekend ~

when the sun meets the moon

Got this simple, quite lovely solar power lamp some months ago.
Alongside the led light birds it has been a sweet sight every evening this summer.
And it has met the moon.
Which was a bit of magic.
And it reminded me of one of the fairytales I was fond of as a child,
East of the sun, west of the moon.
I don't really remember the story anymore,
it was probably the the usual prince-rescuing-princess-stuff
(which I wouldn't be the least bit interested in nowadays),
but the title stuck.
Too beautiful to be forgotten.
Just as when the sun meets the moon.

tea with a message

sometimes that's all you need,
a cup of tea with a sweet message,
words of wisdom.
happiness and heart.

have a lovely kind weekend ~

Kindness, such a sadly underrated trait. But also, as anyone with half a brain knows, one of the most wonderful features there is in a being. Kindness towards fellow beings, humans or not.

I recently stumbled over this quote, which gave food for thought - "Make it a practice to judge persons and things in the most favourable light at all times and under all circumstances" (Vincent de Paul)

And even if I'm so much better at not jumping to conclusions - which of course are most often based on my personal experiences, my background, my views and far from always based on the whole picture in a certain case - with people, behaviours and things these days, I (as a human) still do it from time to time. Like a bit with the dog walking thing the other day, possibly not completely adaptable to this idea of kindness but at least a touch.

But not working as a lawyer, not working in a big organization with office intrigues, gossip and miserable people, not reading/listening/watching the news are some things that have helped me to look more kindly upon persons behaviours and things that happen. Although, as a whole, of course I do not trust nor like mankind, no surprise there, but in the smaller scheme of things I do try my best to judge or analyze behaviours favourably, since I'm aware of that in most cases I don't know the circumstances which led to situation X.

This graduation speak is one of the best things I've read recently and it's all about the one thing one regrets in life is failures of kindness. I implore you to read it, it is quite remarkable.


Last weekend was a fabulously innocent one,
this one will be a lovely kind,
in a favourable light of that I'm sure,
happy weekend one and all!

love at the airport

this pink sign was the first thing that met the eye at budapest airport. i loved its simple sentiment about a kiss.

the rest of airport didn't exactly ooze 'love actually' feeling. apart from this little scruffy fella. who patiently and curiously waited for a special someone to arrive. upon her arrival he was delighted, excited and love was certainly in the air.

i wish he had been waiting for me.

thinking vs creativity

Spotted this quote at the frontpage of Flow magazine the other day and I just can't seem to get it out of my mind. 

I believe that the thinking bit has most always been an important part of my creative processes, but I find that (over)analyzing is most often the enemy of creativity. As well as seeing only problems, instead of opportunities and fun, new ways to move forward.

The thinking outside the ridiculous contraints of that boring box so many people seem to live and work in is of course essential for creativity, but to see thinking as the opposite and the enemy, well I don't buy that.

Go figure I had to analyze that quote.

What do you think, is thinking as a whole the enemy of creativity?
Or is the process more complex than that?

dare to compliment

I'm a firm believer of giving compliments to people as often as possible, obviously only heartfelt ones and not just because one *should* or trying to flatter someone's ego for personal gain. Because giving and getting compliments is such a simple winwin situation which only costs a few words but boost someone's day and life. Happiness, however seemingly minor, rubs off.

Unexpected compliments from strangers or people you barely know is of course quite lovely, affirming and happiness instigating too. But a compliment from a friend who sees and knows the inner you, well that's sweetness on another level wouldn't you agree?

Today was a day when I got one of the sweetest compliments ever, from such a friend. Being in a happy place as I am right now I'm feeling relaxed and quite exuberant in a feelgood way whilst this friend didn't yesterday. We spent a good few hours talking and parted in good moods I think. She later texted me and said she felt much better today, that life once again felt full of promise and that my infectious joy of living had rubbed off. I was so touched, such a darling thing to say!

Wouldn't that be a lovely thing to be/do, make a living off, just being infectiously inspiring and joy instigating? There are so many people whose life paths cross with mine who I would so like to shake and say 'is this really the way you want your life to be until you retire??', they look and behave so jaded, unhappy, stressed, tired and wary. And many of them are great people with lots of competence, skills and qualities which could be used in so many better ways. If they could just take the time (which is a tricky thing when you're in the middle of chaos, I know) to do some soul searching and shift focus.

And that even if life isn't fair (because we all know that by now, right?) one can't keep blaming the surrounding circumstances and other people for the situation and life one's living, they won't care, they won't change, they don't hold a solution. And even if it's a cliché, well technically two clichés, the only one you can be sure of you can change is yourself, your attitude and 'be the change you want to see'.

As it happens, one of the projects I'm working on (with a partner) currently holds elements regarding compliments and joy. When autumn comes - after a couple of long, glorious summer months still! - it'll be ready to be revealed. Which I feel is both exciting and joy instigating. Giving happiness will lead to getting happiness, in one way or another.

Are you good at giving compliments?
To family, friends and strangers?
Are you good at recieving compliments
or do you still struggle to say thank you
and by that devalue the kind words?