tiger cake and good fortune

I baked a cake today, we call this one ( simple sponge cake) tiger cake. The mixed light and dark patches doesn't remind me at all of a tiger's stripes but still, tiger cake has always been its name. We had tea and cake - and as usual it was the bobbaloos who ate most of it. If they keep eating this much I fear their little travel cabin will be too small to go travel in soon - in garden. And I contemplated tomorrow being the last day at work before holidays begin.

That three weeks to try and wind down, relax, re-charge batteries, are better than no weeks at all. And that things really desperately need to change for the better after that, after summer. I may be trying to look at all things bright and beautiful, in blog and otherwise, because if I didn't things would feel even worse than they (in parts) do. I feel tethered and caged during the weeks, in a system I hate. I could scream and cry, but instead I grind my teeth, have a constant ache inside (that pretty things, loaf dog, cats, colours and good talks soothe) and sometimes, sometimes I do write a few words in blog about the pain. And then things feel a tad better.

But I wish things could come work my way again, with the work-income department of life, to have that sorted in a pleasing way, then it's easier to deal with life as being a constant emotional rollercoaster. I hate to be dependent, in ways where I really shouldn't be as a grown-up, well-educated, capable being. I don't want a bland, straight-line life, highs and lows are what make you grow, but if the basics aren't sorted they're just so much harder to deal with.

One day I may go into the details of what this past spring brought me, the hope that sprung too many times but every time turned out to be hokums of more or less weird kinds. For now, I just want good change, good fortune. But first, holidays.

wednesday words

:: Less than a week away now, we'll be onboard this boat for a few hours heading to Berlin. With me will come a couple (or possible three) bobbaloos. They will be definitely travelling more in style than this poor teddy. I'm still not sure which ones that will tag along, it will be a long and tiresome trips for little bobbaloos so I'm thinking there should be more than two. And it is kind of sad if they don't get to travel in pair. But three small bobs fit in the travel cabin, four don't. To have two bobbaloo travel cabins seems tad excessive, no?

:: I have at least narrowed the possible wee travellers down to 8. If I had thought about this earlier we could have had fun with a poll. Too short a time for that to really matter now I think.

::  You might be very clear on what you want, and not. But when it's possibly within your reach, why is it so easy to still question both your capability (even if you do know you're more than capable) and if this really IS what you want? Is it simply that no matter how crappy status quo might be, you at least know how to deal with it?

:: Now beware of a luxuary problem musing; I am guilty of a too large wardrobe. I like clothes, period. In parts I admit, I am a part of the consumerism-problem. Although not in the wear and tear part, I never buy cheap stuff that doesn't last. But still, too much clothes even after I've did some drastic wardrobe cleansings some years ago and I have far from replaced those garments.

That it seems to be too much might, really, also have something to do with the fact that I'm completely un-organized. I would love to have a great overview of the upperparts, the lowerparts, the colours, the seasons - although there really isn't any seasons like there used to be - instead it's just a hotchpotch of different things in different wardrobes in different parts of the house. One day, one day, I will turn one of the rooms into a walk-in-closet.

I don't drink, I don't smoke, I don't have any strange addictions - possibly apart from bobbaloos, but really, that's just a sweet quirk - but I like pretty garments. You have to wear them, so why don't wear nice things that makes you happy, pretty and comfortable.

That said, I have a problem with the clothing-industry being one of the major environmental criminals, I really do look for long-lasting and eco-garments. I loath the wear-and-tear-mass-production. I wish there were some way to be sure, other than the price which is just an indicator not a proof, that the ones in the beginning of the production-line have gotten a fair deal, good working-environment and a decent salary. It is quite obvious they haven't when you get a T-shirt for 7$. We do take a lot for granted, looking for cheap deals everywhere.

So my fondness for clothes - but not fashion, that's boring, mass-produced and transient - isn't without complications, I think a lot about consumerism, even when I feel happiness by looking through the wardrobes of wonderful colours, fabrics, patterns and prettiness, I feel a sting of guilt. For all my Western-world fortune. The ambiguousness of a large and pleasing wardrobe.

:: Since some months back I'm on Pinterest (like *everyone* else). Got the invite via Twitterjunta. Wasn't really active at first, saw it could get dangerously addictive. Then I was active for a while, but then I felt like "what's the use of all inspirations and prettiness if you never actually have the time to create yourself but instead your glued to Pinterest?". What do people do with their Pinterest-boards? For me it just tends to get really overwhelming, all that inspiration and prettiness, the oh and the awww, row upon row upon row upon... So I limit my visits.

All for now, more of thoughts another day. Cleaning, packing, planning, washing beckon.

mr underbite

The (main) reason for loaf dog never becoming a show dog was that he developed this charming underbite. It doesn't bother him and we don't care, but the dog-show judges did. And in hindsight I'm glad something got in the way of those plans, because after all those years in the cat-showing business (with all the...ahem, going-ons...) attending dog-shows too with all their... going-ons, would have been too tiresome.

As far as we're concerned little loaf is a smashing looking Norfolk terrier, with all his features in the exact right place and a personality to match. With a charming underbite and a liquorice nose. We couldn't have asked for more.

polka tea and perky nails

I'm not much of a nailpolish wearer in general. Well, most always on toenails but far from as frequent on fingernails. But so far this summer I have been a pretty exception to that personal rule. Changing to new colours once the old one gets chipped. Currently I'm sporting this combination of pink and blue, very perky I think!

Hot pink is #569 Flamingo from Danish Gosh and the lovely dark denim blue is from Orly. I just spotted it's called Witch's blue (which is something one shouldn't mention to M, he'll make a joke about that forever). Must be perfect for putting on spells then, very clever with a dual purpose like that. Both polishes have been rather decent as far as chipping goes, I have only re-applied a touch of polish here and there during the week I've worn it.

I may be under the spell of the nailpolish, but really, sometimes I even scare myself with the (subconscious, promise) matching that's going on...

The polish also goes well with the irresistable tea I picked up the other week. Polkagris (Swedish peppermint candy canes) flavoured. Smells lovely and is quite nice to drink. Possibly with a whiff of "fluortant" - the fluor-lady aka the dental hygienist who roamed the schools in Sweden during the 60-80ies with her obligatory fluoride rinsing. Some of us had parents who didn't believe it was a prudent thing to subject children's teeth to, so we were excused. And no, my teeth haven't suffer from the lack of that regular close contact with the fluortant - but still agreeable. The tea is also sold online, though alas the website does look very... crude, and is also only available in Swedish it seems.

Now, time to take my pink and blue nails and go get a cup of polkagris tea I think. Cheerio ~

stitch markers

Stitch markers aren't big in Sweden. In fact I don't think I've ever seen any in yarn-shops here. I have always used odd pieces of yarn or safety pins as markers in my knittings. It has worked perfectly well. I didn't even know that a stitch marker was an actual marker made for that purpose before I saw some on Etsy some years ago. They are, granted, tad cuter to look at than the odd piece of yarn string.

I treated myself to three sets a while back. Thinking they will be nice to have when Autumn and knitting commence again. I think it was the fact that there was a set with teeny tiny carrots that tipped me over the should I buy or not line.

Carrots, rainbow cookies and pigs. Surely knitting will even more fun and satisfying now? Do you use stich markers similar to these? Do you find them handy?

I got these well-made cuties from the shop Beadpassion on Etsy

the pink splint

Well, I did ask for a coloured acrylic splint (for my jaw tension stress issues), I did mention red and pink. They said it was probably not going to be possible. So after having done the imprints a couple of weeks ago I had set my mind on getting a night guard that was just an ordinary transparent one.

When I picked it up the other day and the dentist exclaimed "you got a pink one!" I was not as happy a bunny as one would have imagined when I saw the hue. I had thought of cerise/hot pink and not a very unpleasing gum pink colour.

I got the colour matching bobbaloos to pose with it, Georgia, Sissi and Calvin all think it's a mighty strange device AND colour. I've used it for three nights now, feels tad strange (and my mouth gets dry, which, granted, might have something to do with the 30+ degrees weather and not the splint...) but not as weird as I'd imagine. My jaws feel less tense and sore in the mornings, but the upper row of teeth still needs time to adjust to the night press. As long as it works, and not have to be worn in public, it doesn't have to be the prettiest in pink or sight.

Now, beware, if you're a sensitive person with a delicate mind you should not look at this next photo. This is the acrylic splint at work. And it is a sight that may cause nightmares. Bah, what's Freddie Krueger, and Jason compared to Pink Splint Pia?

The pink splint wearer is however this laughingly happy about the fact that she snatched a couple of the best seats in the quarry, to go see Bryan Ferry (whose music btw I adore, political/animal welfare views not) in Dalhalla on August 20, 2011. I will not say "I can't wait!" because I can, first I want to experience this summer, this upcoming vacation wholeheartedly and this concert will *just* be one of many lovely things happening this summer, this year. I'm sure this concert will be magic.

windmills of my mind and life

It's Friday, it's been a hard-working week and I had decided not to dwell on people that have a continous tendency to make really unversed, stupid, ignorant remarks on rather personal matters and personality traits after they have praised one's work/behaviour/looks. People that treat one (me) as a child, since I clearly do not know what's best for me.

If I was a pettier person I could say a. lot. about this person's less that efficient and professional approach to work, but I see no point, I'm completely satisfied with the matters the person has remarked on - I just think it's pathetic and so unnecessary for that the person in question to always follow up the public kind-hearted, generous remarks with these pinpricks - and I condescend. Inwards. And mumble. Outwards.

That said, that tad dwelled. I am very pleased that I have now finished the two main things that have kept be busy for some weeks now, the final report -

which will make its way to the, blown out of proportion and hyped, annual Swedish political event Almedalen week, that takes place next week. Hopefully it will not be warped there and even more hopefully it will lead to something good. If not for me for someone else to come. Myself I am just relieved to have finished it, put my name to it and yes, I'm satisfied with its content and my writing -

and the art project "Building a home". Suddenly life at the moment feels anticlimactic, as it does when you've poured a lot of energy and work into something that all at once is over.

Next week I will *be available* but mostly do work that benefit me alone and be done from home (have I mentioned how much a bliss I find working from home?). After that, three glorious weeks of me-myself-and-I holiday time. Oh Berlin, oh tad Copenhagen, oh tad Scania, oh summer.

Oh windmills of my garden. In the shape of an affordable pair from German company Philippi, one pink, one green. It doesn't get much better than that. In my garden.


It's weekend, have lovely one ~

hedgehog 2011

This evening we spotted the first hedgehog at Hedgehog DropInn, or rather, GardenInn. Because as mysteriously as last year, the hedgie appeared, a well-fed one, on the inside of fenced-in garden. With one  loaf dog bouncing up and down barking (like last year).

As hedgehog, loaf dog, cats and a few humans on a limited garden area is a bad thing we managed to trick him (?)with a trail of cat food, to venture out into the usual Inn area. He (?) continued to munch away there. Hopefully there isn't a hedgehog family living inside garden, will have to keep an eye out for that. Another hopeis that Number One Hedgehog 2011 will be back for more munchies. And bring friends.

M built such a nice little weather sheltered eating area for them last year, never got around to paint it as planned. Will do, once hand allows again. Thinking applegreen would be a nice colour for the fancy Hedgehog Drop Inn of 2011.

building a home - art exhibition

The course in strategic communication I attended in April got me connected to the information manager at Husby Konsthall (art gallery). When exchanging business cards (thank you MOO) he spotted my crafts and invited me to be part of an upcoming art exhibition. Art and crafts on fabric that would then cover a Somalian hut (Somalians playing a big role in that immigrant-dense suburb).

Time passed and I thought that maybe it was simply another fizzle out-thing. Turned out it wasn't and a few weeks ago I was sent a huge piece of linen fabric, not the average piece of paper size I'd imagined. Not the best of sore-hand-times to fill such a large piece with my interpretation of the theme "Building a home"... But I did (with the help of a kind mother that did parts of the attach pieces to fabric), and I thought a lot about it, and my interpretation has changed along the way, not much, but in the details. It was quite a lot of work, I'm reasonably pleased with end result - and it has gotten me to think more about doing embroidery again - had hand not been sore, had I had more time to rummage through by thoughts and my crafty materials stash I would have done more. And different. But this is okey.

I've wanted to use MOO-cards on fabric ever since I saw Lost Star making this creative piece on Flickr - this seemed like the perfect opportunity. So I did.

Granted it is a cute, perky, colourful, no worries piece (the Idyllic Sweden That Was), since my growing up, my influences for building a home, having a home is rather idyllic. Even if I worry, even if things are crap, even if I grump, compared to wars, persecutions, upheavals my life, my home has been overall idyllic, sweet, colourful and inspirational. So I went with that, and wove in glimpses of my family, background, life, sources of inspiration, then and now, what has shaped me, in my personal life and in the big scheme of matters.

Finally handed in my piece today, I only got to see two other pieces of the hut-to-be. Very, very different from mine, and from each other, both cool in their own way. Fascinating how differently we interpret things, a home. Only showing the small piece above now. Perhaps more to come later.

~ If you happen to be in Stockholm between July 2 - 13, 2011 you can see the whole Building a home - exhibition at Husby Konsthall. It opens on Saturday, July 2, (noon until 8 pm) with food and festivities. ~ 

random snaps with thoughts to match

It's been far too long (2008), oh how I wish I was heading to magical York again sometime soon... Alas, such wishful thinking when limits as usual are set by time and money. And there will be Berlin. I'm grateful for and excited about that. Still, York... England... Scotland...

Little kid's dress with sausage dogs, 

oh my, why wasn't that available in grown up size too?

The unpeopled Stockholm on Midsummer Eve, almost every shop closed, befuddled tourists only. Liberating and tad eerie at the same time.

Accidently, obviously, broke one of my favourite tea mugs the other week. I think these large Höganäs mugs (I have them in smaller size too, for not large-cuppa-inclined guests) are of the perfect shape, size and in this case colour, applegreen. No more. And it's not that I don't have plenty of other mugs to have my tea in, plus overcrowded kitchen cupboards, replacing it seems silly - and it looks like they don't even sell them in all those gorgeous colours anymore. The utter. stupidity. of that! - I will however really miss this applegreen perfectness. We've had many good times and the sharing of bad times together over the years.

The awesomeness of clover.
The scent of fresh greenery and the cuteness of pink.