Bad Bad Deal...

Everyone, I have some bad news. And no, I did not get ripped off by Geico, thank goodness.

I don't know what this means for me, or for anyone who knows me, but. A Black Cat has crossed my path twice in one week. I think it might have something to do with the seagulls, but not sure...

I just thought you all should know, so you can wish me lots of good luck, so that maybe I won't break my leg or fail all my finals. Thanks!

Pink cheeks: Always a good sign

Yesterday I went on an adventure to the Isle of Wight. There were some chalk cliffs which did happen to be white, but I am not convinced that this is the secret behind the name.

The first bit of excitement in a day full of it was a ride in (or is it on?) a ferry. A very giant one that all sorts of cars and buses came on. I am apparantly susceptible to seasickness. It was not a pleasant trip, and that's enough about that (don't worry, no puking!!!).

We explored a little town called Shanklin and did some hiking - or, as they say in England, some trekking, along Freshwater Bay. It was windy like Wyoming, but I didn't even mind because it had been scheduled to rain all weekend, but it seems the rain is running a bit late, and it was sunny! There were some strange yellow flowers that smelled like coconuts, and we saw the Needles, which were some rocks sticking out of the water. I even came home with some pink cheeks (sunburned, of course).

on the horrible horrible ferrythe proof that 4 leaf clovers actually do exist!!! There is hope for us all!!

the wyoming treethe coconut flowerthe NeedlesAlum Bay

Tak (Thank you in Danish, the only word I learned, sadly)

My next huge adventure was mid-December, over the Christmas holiday. My auntie Heidi has cousins, I believe, who live in Copenhagen, Denmark, and she told me to visit them if I could.

So I called them up, and next thing I knew I was trying to get on a plane to Sri Lanka, and almost missing my plane to Copenhagen. And then in another second I was meeting Merete at the airport, and then her husband Niels, and her daughter Charlotte.

It was all just a whirlwind - a relaxed whirlwind, mind you - of traditional Danish food, Christmas decorations, amusement Parks: Tivoli, mulled wine, shopping, designer furniture, museums, earthquakes, eating eel, swimming in the 2* sea naked and becoming a Viking, and the Little Mermaid.

The whole city was just so gorgeous and so mellow and laid back. People were so friendly, and made eye contact with you, as opposed to the lovely, rushed London (though I do love you, London, don't get me wrong). I would love to go back.

Strawberries in the grass on the hill

I read a strange book once, and I really couldn't tell you what it was about or if I liked it or if I hated it. However, there was one little anecdote that really...struck me.

It seems a Zen master was out walking one day when he met with a fearsome tiger. Like all good Zen masters, this one had a way with animals, and he made his best effort to calm the beast by singing a soothing chant to him. The tiger was distracted for a few moments, but then, presumably giving in to his own nature, he lunged at the master and chased him. The master ended up at the edge of a high cliff overlooking a rocky sea.

With the tiger now about to pounce, the master slipped over the top of the cliff and hung by his fingertips to a strawberry vine that was growing just under the ledge.

Below him was the roiling sea. Above him was the tiger. Beside him now, however, two mice started to gnaw at the vine to which he was clinging.

What does the master do?

What he does is marshal all his strength to reach over and pick a strawberry that is growing on the vine. And then the master eats the strawberry, letting the juice run down his chin.

You see, the tiger is time, and no matter how you try, you cannot master him. The sea is death, and sometimes you can see it, sometimes it is less conspicuous. But you cannot spend your entire life dwelling on either of these. All you can do is enjoy your strawberries.

I was reminded of it because I was eating some gorgeous strawberries today in the grass on the hill with Petya. It was so perfect. A few of those rare moments where you are really and truly content.

Anyways. Enjoy your strawberries.

xx

Paris in the Fall

The weekend of Thanksgiving, I went to Paris. After trying some pumkin soup in England's valiant efforts to cater to we (or is it us?) lowly Americans. Very strange, I must admit. Nothing at all like pumkin pie - which I had to wait for Christmas to have! Torture, pure torture. But back to the matter at hand: Paris. Gorgeous, beautiful, perfect, Freezing Paris.

It was so perfect. All the Christmas decorations were already up and walking the 6.375 (or something like that) miles up Champs Elysees to l'arc de triomphe was like walking to the north pole, with millions (or close) of Christmas shops. The Eiffel Tower at night was breathtaking. There really are no words to describe it. It was almost overwhelming, being at the top and seeing the whole city lit up below. Musee d'orsay with all the Monets and Degas's and van Goghs was fascinating as well. And, wow, the crepes? The bread? The creme brulee?? You really can't beat that. We did so much, I can't even begin to remember everything!

My travel, ahem, companion seemed to think that Paris was one huge ghetto and we were in constant danger of being kidnapped, tortured, and robbed. But besides him, it was a gorgeous trip and I can't wait to go back! Which I will be doing in June, with Katie Bug! Excitement! I love Paris in the springtime, I love Paris in the fall....!

I call him Petit Jean-Paul

Some gorgoues color on a gray rainy day.

The view from the Eiffel TowerEiffel Tower

Monet, one of my favs.l'arc de triompheEating gorgeous gorgeous crepes whilst (as they say in England) enjoying the View!The winged victory of samothracerandom street(s)my favorite metro stop...who cares if they're italian - italian is good, france is good, we're all happy!

Art Career

I may or may not have been an artist in a past life. So far I've had a few short bouts as an artist, I mean, in school of course, because they make you take art, but also a few out of school. In November I had a short career as an artist. I did one self portrait. And after that, the magic was gone...I could draw no more...

Anyways, here is my masterpiece, along with the photo, so you can see that it really is a masterpiece and not just some crazy scribbles...!

Signed copies are available for a nominal fee.

The End of Freedom...

It's been a rough day. I mean what kind of day is it when it's so gorgeous that you Have to be outside in the sun and have bugs crawl all over you while you drink your tea? Or when you go to the beach and you Have collect the perfect white sea shells that make your brand spanking new purse smell like fish? Or when you buy a lemon ice tea to celebrate summer and you can't even open it? Rough. That's what it is. And times that by 10 because of the fact that classes start again tomorrow.

I did pick a sunshine tulip last night, though, and it is Perfect, so that might have made it all worth while...

Wish me luck for the next five weeks, in which I will most likely only leave the library for food and water and the occasional lecture, oh and the gym as well.

Death Cab Rocks My Socks Off!

It's true. They do.

In November, the 19th specifically, I went with a couple people to see Death Cab for Cutie in London. First we went to the British Museum, which was quite fascinating, although I'm sure we didn't even get through a fourth of what was there. I think a museum needs at least 4 days to be thoroughly...seen. I did see the Elgin Marbles though, which were a bit surprising, as they were not...marble size marbles...They were actually Giant statues made of marble...Shocking, eh? We also went to Harrods, where I had the best chocolate milkshake of my life. The first, but definitely not the last.

I'm always a bit nervous to go to concerts of bands that I like, or ok, love. If they don't live up to your expectations, they could be ruined for you forever. It's true. It's happened before. I won't tell you the name of the band, both for their sake and mine...! Anyways. To get to the heart of the matter, it was an amazing concert; I cried a few times - forgot my lighter to light on the really...ok no one really does that, right? Right?

xx

Exotic Fruit

The other day I was feeling a little bit adventurous, so I bought some Exotic Fruit to try. Actually, I'm not really sure if figs are considered exotic, but I'm sure Physalis are. I don't even know how to pronounce them or where they come from or anything. But I did discover that Figs and Physalis are Delish.

Just so you know, I was walking home today (from buying ice cream, but that's not important. Well it is, but another story for another day...) and I saw a Crow Attack a Seagull!!! And I thought that I was going to be next, because it was sitting on the roof right above the door, and it was staring me down! I'm horrible in staring contests, so obviously he won. In fact, maybe I was meant to be horrible in staring contests so that I would lose to the vicious crow, who would then feel sorry for me and therefore not attack me...Who am I kidding...of course I just let him win.

Happy Easter!

I have just been having a lovely time - just little ol' me in my flat for six. Yesterday I got really crazy and did ALL of the dishes. You have to understand, some of these dirty dishes date back to January. I know, I know, but what can I say? I like to have a good time.

Yes, break is full of excitement. I mean, I have bought some gorgeous shoes - I have bought some gorgeous undies at that...I will admit, it's one of my weaknesses: buying undies...buying socks happens to be another weakness. Don't know why - I just love it.

I have been eating nutella to my little heart's desire, along with the newly discovered Cow Biscuits. Described as "Amoozing Malted Milk Biscuits - A Whole Herd in Every Pack". Aren't they clever. They're just all about their animals. The brand is Elkes. Hah.

I even did the unheard of and went to Starbucks - completely against my will, I'll have you know. Although I did get a nice souvenir mug, to remember England by. I know you all will be very proud, I managed to get an American cup of tea, Americanly overpriced, when I could have gone to the little British tea house down the street. But don't blame me. Blame Petya! It was all her idea.

I came into my room yesterday and some very strange, very very drunk guy had his head in my window - which I had opened wider than the standard 2 1/2 inches because my radiator is broken and it was very hot in my room. And I realized that when I am extremely scared, or shocked, or startled - however you want to call it, I'm not such a big screamer. It turns out I'm more of a squeaker. Yes. I turned the corner from the hallway into my room - and squeaked when I saw a head in my room. Who Squeaks? What is the world coming to?!?

Anyways. Hope everyone is having a gorgeous (my new British favorite word - used quite often to describe food) Easter. Love you, see you soon!

xx