tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-16625065581049863142024-02-24T12:46:41.676-08:00Dreams & Happy Things...Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.comBlogger574125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-50341370794437107402012-12-24T02:36:00.000-08:002012-12-25T05:34:27.389-08:00And now for something completely different...OK, the title of this post is totally misleading, because I am going to share with you another fantastic Scottish castle, which isn't very different at all from my regular programming... but there is something unique about this particular castle<br />
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I mentioned in a <a href="http://dreamshappythings.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/6-castles-and-palace.html">previous post</a> that on our weekend out of Edinburgh we visited a castle named Doune. Back in 1975, Doune was a film location for a certain funny little movie. One that I am sure <i>many </i>of you have seen...<br />
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but maybe you'd recognize it better if we approached from the side...<br />
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just like the noble knights of the round table.<br />
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Or, maybe best if we "run away!"<br />
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Need another hint? Here, watch this: my directorial skills are nearly as good as Matt's delivery-</div>
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What...? You didn't get it from that reenactment?? Fine... here's the real deal-<br />
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Surely you know what movie it is by now! Unfortunately for us, that exact wall was the only part of the castle that was closed to visitors (they are taking away concrete bits so that water can escape the stone instead of causing the wall to crumble from the inside out, so I <i>guess</i> that's more important than us climbing on top and yelling poorly memorized taunts at one another in horrible french accents). We did get this wee view from an upstairs window!<br />
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Good thing there were other parts of the castle used in the film where we could play about! Like this stone staircase leading from the courtyard into the kitchen tower...</div>
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the same one stormed by brave Sir Lancelot as he <strike>massacres a wedding party</strike> rescues a captured bride-to-be...</div>
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Which has been fabulously recreated with Legos!</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUrn7dDfuCrO7qPtI0Y7e34-Qmrh8wzyVPvYSenPJJma-Hcu3FEc_G1Fc4ucTbGqK2wqWEtb9Pa9KUWrgY9fL4YAVoUm-LZ9XMs5PJG6yVY4SACasT8Mzokz1-RKSPJqssPjOzcHUoh0/s1600/12530704373_DISPLAY.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="448" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgzUrn7dDfuCrO7qPtI0Y7e34-Qmrh8wzyVPvYSenPJJma-Hcu3FEc_G1Fc4ucTbGqK2wqWEtb9Pa9KUWrgY9fL4YAVoUm-LZ9XMs5PJG6yVY4SACasT8Mzokz1-RKSPJqssPjOzcHUoh0/s640/12530704373_DISPLAY.jpg" width="640" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.mocpages.com/moc.php/152811">lego source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
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But if you insist, have a watch of the real scene (but don't blame me if it takes you 15 minutes to read this blog post!)</div>
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I took a photo of this view...</div>
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...out of this window.<br />
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We played about the great hall (one of the best preserved in Scotland for its age) but it looked different without myriad dancing knights,<br />
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And the kitchen, while amazing, was sadly (for Matt) temptress-free!<br />
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And according to the very funny and informative audio tour (narrated by Terry Jones) the huge stone oven, large enough to roast an ox on a spit,<br />
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was where the ladies made a bed for young Sir Galahad.<br />
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But just like there are lots of great scenes from the movie that are not filmed at Doune (like when <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dhRUe-gz690">King Arthur fights the Black Knight</a>!), there are tons of interesting historical bits to the castle that have nothing to do with Monty Python. <br />
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\This stone, part of the frame to the huge window in the kitchen, shows the marks of where the cooks sharpened their knives nearly 800 years ago.<br />
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And the chamber where we found this fireplace was used to entertain and house the fanciest of guests (I wish the fire had been going that day, as it was a bit drafty in the castle. And sitting on stone, fireplae or not, is a quick way to get even colder!)<br />
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We broke a few rules, but only a tiny bit... cheeky naughty tourists! </div>
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We checked out the loo- a most comfotable room, really. It had a window for ventillation and a vent to allow in heat from the adjacent room. It even had a little nook in the wall that would have had strips of linen or bits of moss to use to ... you know. </div>
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And from the loo, you have this view- That is the river Teith, and one local said that when soldiers were called to protect the region, they were to come 'armed to the Teith'.</div>
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Of course we climbed stairs. Lots and lots of circular stone stairs! If I had a shilling for every old stair I've climbed in the last few months I'd have... well, nothing really, since nobody uses shillings anymore. But you get what I mean. Exploring historic sites = stairs!</div>
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So there you have it. Doune Castle... really quite magical.<br />
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After our visit, we rode off into the sunset,<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dwA7jxA5t2ZyKyJPtdIHyMKfDh3izRRH8UcfsdXTtqqy-rxKkpYIEmgZbVtErjl6KRkGoF3-Rkqm1TTd_XH5w' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
and had ourselves a pint!<br />
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And just in case it's not utterly clear, the movie filmed at Doune Castle was Monty Python and the Holy Grail. Go rent it, you know you want to see it again!<br />
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<span style="color: #990000;">Fair thee well... and Happy Christmas Eve!!!!</span></h4>
Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-88079845278469634652012-12-22T02:24:00.003-08:002012-12-22T02:44:28.999-08:00The Most Amazing Quilt<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Matthew got a lot of Hanukkah presents this year-- one or two for each night--but I'll admit that not all of them were winners (On the first night, I got him an alarm clock to put on my side of the bed, and told him the gift was that he would no longer have to turn off his alarm for me! Clever wifey, indeed!) But one gift has been a long time in the making and was the star of the festivities.</div>
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And every star needs a dramatic unveiling. We invited a couple of wonderful friends over for latkes with all the fixin's (I had to make the applesauce, as it is not a commercial product here dispite the fact that lots of apples are grown in the UK... what's up with that? But I digress). Anyway, we drank bubbly, lit the candles, gorged ourselves on all things oily and sweet (the hallmarks of Hanukkah) and then Matthew got his prize...</div>
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<span style="text-align: center;">...the most amazing quilt!</span><br />
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Over the summer, when we were going through all of our worldly possessions and deciding what to bring across the pond, we came across a lot of stuff that we couldn't bear to part with, but didn't really want to store in a box for years... Matt had a collection of tee shirts that dated all the way back to his high school days. Momentos of concerts, sports, travel and school. Shirts he either couldn't or wouldn't wear ever again but that still meant something to him.<br />
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I asked him if he'd like a quilt made of these special shirts and he was all about it. I looked online and found a few sites that made some cheesy looking t-shirt quilts. Ones without any real quilting or fabric borders (basically just the shirts sewn together- not quite what I had in mind). But on Etsy I found exactly what I was looking for... Jane Haworth from <a href="http://www.etsy.com/listing/70173171/custom-made-school-t-shirt-quilt-great?ref=sr_gallery_6&ga_search_query=t+shirt+quilt&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_ship_to=GB&ga_search_type=all&ga_facet=t+shirt+quilt">Happy Quilt Designs</a>. Her quilts seemed so well crafted. I messaged her with a ton of questions and she was really great answering them all (i.e.- could you ship the finished quilt to Scotland?) So, I took the scissors to the shirts Matt had chosen... Cutting out the best bits,<br />
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because they were not all usable!<br />
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I mailed off all the bits to Jane (in California) and told her only two things- the first was that I really liked the look of patchwork quilts, where nothing really lines up perfectly and it looks like a big cozy hodgepodge. The second was that I thought Matt would prefer more traditional-looking prints when it came to the border fabric. She took these two points to heart and then added lots of her own creative vision. Before stitching it all together though, she sent me a photo with it all laid out. I loved it! </div>
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Soon after, I got another email from Jane telling me that the quilt was finished! She was placing a patch on the back and I could include a message if I'd like. This was the hardest part for me. A message?! I took days (maybe even weeks?) trying to come up with something that would live eternally on this wonderful quilt. A little love note? A lyric from one of Matt's favorite songs? A quote? Just... <i>For Matthew</i>? Oh man. I totally over thought about it. Until I picked something silly and cute and emailed it off to Jane before I could change my mind again. With the "message" complete, she could send us the quilt.<br />
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I took a peak as soon as it arrived, it was so soft and pretty! I wanted to put it on the couch right away (you can <i>always</i> use another blanket in Scotland!) but I saved giving it to Matt until the Hanukkah party. He loved it-- seeing some of his favorite memories all stitched together! And he took a long while looking closely at all the detailed quilting. Because Jane didn't just sew the shirts together with extra fabric, she quilted around each shirt's design.<br />
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And the message I chose? I went for a little tidbit from Shel Silverstein... </div>
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So Happy Hanukkah my dear! May you be cozy and warm in your shirt quilt for many Hanukkahs to come!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(our famous Nessie the Loch Ness Monster menorah)</td></tr>
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And Thank you Jane Haworth! You made a beautiful quilt that we will get lots of use from. It is so much nicer than just stashing away a box of shirts that we'll never see again. Thanks for emailing me along the way, being patient when I take forever to get back to you, and for sending it to us overseas! It is already a household favorite, as you can see--<br />
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And just so you know, this is not a sponsored post or anything. I just really love the quilt Jane made for us and if it sounds like I am trying to tell you that they make the best gifts and that you all should order one... then you're right. Because they do, and you should. You'll love it. I promise!Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-46701494885638528422012-12-18T16:29:00.001-08:002012-12-19T15:08:17.134-08:006 Castles and a Palace<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Matthew and I dashed off for a weekend, and in the span of 3 days, we managed to stumble across six castles and a Palace. A couple of these places were so fantastic, that they warrant their own post... so, if I can find the time, I'll share them over the next few days (with more photos than you'd ever care to see). But for now, here's the mini rundown:</div>
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<b>Blackness Castle</b></div>
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This was the first castle we came upon and is just outside of Edinburgh. It is right on the firth and within clear view of the Firth Rail Bridge. If I remember correctly <a href="http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyplan/propertyoverview.htm?PropID=pl_035&PropName=Blackness%20Castle">Blackness Castle</a> was in use up until the 1920s. (but I could be getting facts confused through this entire post, so don't quote me on anything). We had a great time roaming about the grounds and through the towers. We saw the prisons- the nice one with the window and fireplace for fancy prisoners, and the pit, a windowless hole that was so far below that the freezing sea water would come in and out with the tides. When we arrived at Blackness,it was literally at the end of a rainbow... Ah, Scotland. You do rainbows like no other place I've been!<br />
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<b>Linlithgow Palace</b></div>
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There has been a royal structure on this site since the eleven hundreds... but this particular building was built a few hundred years later. James V and Mary Queen of Scots were both born in <a href="http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertyabout.htm?PropID=PL_199&PropName=Linlithgow%20Palace">Linlithgow Palace</a>, and spent time in this palace during their reigns. It is thought to be haunted by Mary of Guise (mother of Mary Queen of Scots.. lots of Marys... got to keep them all straight). Now, it is partially destroyed, without a roof in several parts, but still very impressive. Walking through the halls and chambers, it is easy to imagine it in its former glory.<br />
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<b>Airth Castle</b></div>
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This place is now a spa and hotel. Matt and I stopped because it was right on our way to where we were staying for the night and we though we would grab a bite in the restaurant. But, we ended up stumbling into someone's wedding preparations. The place was crazy with flustered women, and I think I spotted the mother of the bride-to-be hurrying about holding and armful of gowns. We got out of there pretty quickly. Maybe we'll try <a href="http://www.airthcastlehotel.com/">Airth</a> again another time (especially since there is a spa! Castle + Spa = Happy Place)<br />
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<b>Broomhall Castle</b></div>
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This is our castle... in the sense that this is where we spent two nights. It is outside of Stirling, surrounded by beautiful countryside and huge craggy <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ochil_Hills">mountains</a>. Our room had a super deep claw foot bathtub and a ginormous bed (well, I think it was a king, but after sharing a double bed for the last few months, it felt ginormous to us!). The place was not very busy, but well staffed, so it kind of felt like we were royalty!<br />
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<b>Doune Castle</b></div>
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This was my favorite stop, and it will definitely get its own post. But for now, I'll say that Doune Castle, right on the River Teith, has its own kind of magic. It has history, of course, that matches many of the other castles we visited... but it has something more. A little bit of movie magic happened here nearly 40 years ago and still draws the goofiest of fans to the site. What movie, you ask? I'll tell you later, I promise.<br />
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<b>Menstrie Castle</b></div>
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Since we had a rental car, we decided to follow a few road signs that lead us here, to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Menstrie_Castle">Menstrie Castle</a>. Built in 1560, it is now 4 residential flats, and one was becoming occupied as we walked about. Kind of funny to be snapping photos as the moving guys unloaded the truck. I got the feeling that it was no big deal to live in or around this place... it was just part of a suburban neighborhood. It's as if this country is overrun with castles!<br />
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<b>Stirling Castle</b></div>
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Stirling Castle is said by many to be the best castle Scotland, and it lives up to this reputation. We spent a few hours there and didn't see it all. Luckily for us, it is only a short train ride away from Edinburgh and as members of Historic Scotland, we can return for free any time! The day we visited was misty and cold, and that just added to the atmosphere. This place has all the castle-y highlights...moats, iron portcullis, gardens, walls, kitchens, great halls, and a beautifully refurbished Palace (that of James V and Mary of Guise, parents to a little lady known as Mary Queen of Scots- in fact the coronation of Mary Queen of Scots occurred here on December 14th 1542 when she was just 6 days old).Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-81174954112120548362012-12-13T15:33:00.001-08:002012-12-13T15:33:46.418-08:00Experiencing Scotch Whisky<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Being married means doing things the other person wants to do from time to time. Last week, Matt escorted me to a <a href="http://dreamshappythings.blogspot.co.uk/2012/12/snow-ball-2012.html">Harry Potter-themed Ball</a>. I'm pretty sure it wasn't on the top of his list of things he really wanted to do, but he went and he had a good time. And because of that, I had a blast.</div>
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So, in the interest of fairness and loving-wifely-duty. I took Matt here:</div>
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<a href="http://www.scotchwhiskyexperience.co.uk/">The Scotch Whisky Experience</a> is really close to Edinburgh Castle, and it is geared quite a bit to tourists. In honor of St. Andrew's day, though, they allowed "locals" to take their Silver Tour for free (so long as they pre-booked a space in advance). I got an email saying as much and thought it would be a nice treat for Matthew, especially during his final week of this first semester. I thought I might as well check it out too, seeing that it was free and all. Also, since we live in Scotland and since I generally like boozey things, I figure I ought to know how the national drink is made.<br />
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Little did I know, that you get to go on a ride! Seriously! The tour begins with a ride through the whisky making process, starting with rain and ending with the stuff in the glass. We took it all in aboard large whisky barrels on a moving belt (think Haunted mansion in Disneyland)<br />
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And funny enough, our ride ended up with us in the tasting room... where we were schooled (quite literally, there was a presentation with slides and everything) on the distinct Scotch-making regions of Scotland and their main characteristics. The Lowlands, with their mildest flavors and hints of citrus; the Highlands with tones of heather and vanilla; Speyside, the fruitiest of them all; and Islay (pronounced eye-luh) with the manliest flavors of smoke and peat. (While I can appreciate the blazingly obvious differences between some of them, for the most part, they all just taste like incredibly strong alcohol to me...)<br />
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I went for a taste of the Speyside pour. Matt braved the Islay...<br />
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We took our drams into a meandering room, where each wall, from floor to ceiling housed the world's largest whisky collection. It is permanently on loan to the Scotch Whisky Experience from it's owner. I forget just how many individual bottles there are, but it is a ridiculous amount. There are no repeats. None of them have ever been opened. And there are loads.<br />
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That's right, <i>loads</i>!<br />
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And some of them are quite old. The oldest dating back to 1897.<br />
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The place must be interested in superlatives, because it also has the world's largest bottle of single malt Scotch whisky in the world.<br />
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And the tour dutifully ends at the whisky bar, instead of in a gift shop (although they have one of those too). Matt had another dram (well, two, if you count the one I tried to drink). The staff is very knowledgable and talked him through their vast selection. I find that just about everyone in Scotland is willing to talk at least a little about Scotch!<br />
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But don't say cheers as you raise your dram, say <i>Slainte Mhath</i>... which isn't pronounced at all like it looks. It comes out sounding a lot more like slan-ja-va.<br />
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PS- As soon as we were done with our tour and extra credit drinking, I forced Matt to the restaurant in the basement. It actually has lovely arched windows and overlooks the hill above the Grassmarket. My delicious cup of lentil and carrot soup and sandwich were especially appreciated, since we skipped both breakfast and lunch before hitting the whisky. Perhaps, that's the <i>real</i> Scotch Whisky Experience!)<br />
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<br />Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-45915370549802423502012-12-09T02:44:00.000-08:002013-01-09T14:03:43.453-08:00Some things I've seen<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-52003400558537885892012-12-08T12:33:00.000-08:002012-12-08T12:39:39.007-08:00Snow Ball 2012<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
As I walked home from work last night, I passed the large and modern Omni Movie Theatre. It has a few steps in front of it, and at the base of the steps is a metal strip, that is about 3 or 4 inches wide and 15 or 20 feet long. It has holes in it, so I figure it functions as some sort of drain. Fascinating, right? I promise, I have a point. Anyway, as I am walking home last night, during a break in the snow/rain that had fallen off-and-on throughout the day, I pass the theatre and notice that a man is purposefully sliding on this metal strip just for kicks, like a outdoor and icy version of Tom Cruise's famous move in <i>Risky Business</i>. I can't help but watch this guy and I see that he is well into his 50s. He is nicely dress, in fact part of the reason he's getting so much distance on his slides is because he is wearing fancy dress shoes-- probably some slick-soled thing made in Italy and deliberately not intended for such Northernly activities as walking in slush and ice. I watch him the whole time it takes me to walk past the theatre, which is about a minute, and I'm smiling the whole time, because without knowing anything else about him I know that I like his style. He's not too old to have a silly good time.</div>
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And neither are we!</div>
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So, because we are not too old to be silly (and enjoy things that might be intended for a younger demographic) and because Matt is Best Husband of the Year... we attended Snow Ball, 2012. What is Snow Ball 2012, you ask? It's an amazing night of music, dancing, eating, drinking, giving, laughing, singing, and general rocking out. Oh, and it's all about <i>Harry Potter</i>. Everything. The decor, the food, the music-- especially the music! </div>
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The Ball was held at <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Teviot_Row_House">Teviot Row House</a> (which I have mentioned on this blog before) and the room was festive with tartan, lights and all sorts of house banners...</div>
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<span style="text-align: left;">We drank bubbly drinks and ate cake... sugary goodness in the form of Hogwarts, Hagrid's hut and the the Black Lake (complete with </span><a href="http://harrypotter.wikia.com/wiki/Hogwarts_Giant_Squid" style="text-align: left;">Giant Squid</a><span style="text-align: left;"> tentacles).</span></div>
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One of the opening acts, <a href="http://siriuslyhazzap.wordpress.com/">Siriusly Hazza P</a>, was cute and girly and rock-a-riffic... (OK, I apologize for that word). their last song was for Fawks, and the MC of the night, the man who put the whole thing together, donned phoenix feathers (and a kilt) and pantomimed the great bird.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGY-Gf1SP6lMTRm1Bf0JeluADel5eh5iZrfZVniv1dPPWuG-j3I6N5-n80H60lyfCrFxfGJVfGOxegud8w0uADl35hnEhZmzESg_ucPqipqjojfT3lhX7CQOkQmldkLn24ocWHPki6eMo/s1600/IMG_8929.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgGY-Gf1SP6lMTRm1Bf0JeluADel5eh5iZrfZVniv1dPPWuG-j3I6N5-n80H60lyfCrFxfGJVfGOxegud8w0uADl35hnEhZmzESg_ucPqipqjojfT3lhX7CQOkQmldkLn24ocWHPki6eMo/s640/IMG_8929.JPG" width="640" /></a><br />
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And in case you're wondering, that in the background, is the Scottish flag, with the Hogwarts crest in the middle...<br />
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And a secret guest graced the stage before the main act... half of <a href="http://www.evilwizardrock.com/">Draco and the Malfoys</a> (and <a href="http://uk.myspace.com/theremuslupins">The Remus Lupins</a>). He was totally geeky-cute-to-the-max. And he played "<a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tp4nnle1ZfI">My Dad is Rich, You're Dad is Dead</a>", which we all know is a modern-day classic. (and yes, that is the Elder Wand waving about in the foreground!)<br />
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Wands at the ready...<br />
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...for <a href="http://harryandthepotters.tumblr.com/">Harry and the Potters</a>! Brothers, Potter aficionados, and founders of Wizard Rock!<br />
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And they really do rock out. I didn't take much video (too busy dancing about) but I had to capture this one... <i>Wizard's Chess</i> is a little on the tame side compared to some of their other tunes, but its super cute and it's about Christmas!<br />
(Watch here, or if you want a bigger screen, choose to view it on YouTube. For some reason, Blogger won't let me show it any larger.)<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.youtube.com/embed/oqp2VRPensg?feature=player_embedded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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Paul DeGeorge, Harry from Harry and the Potters, took some time before (and after) the show to have a little chat with me and Matt. I told him that we saw them play in Los Angeles <i><a href="http://blogging.la/2005/08/02/voldemort-cant-stop-the-rock/">years</a></i> ago...twice.<br />
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Here's younger brother Joe DeGeorge (also Harry, from Harry and the Potters) rocking out (*note the metal fingers in the foreground. yeah.)<br />
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The guy from Draco and the Malfoys played drums for Harry and the Potters (I think he has also toured with the Violent Femmes... )<br />
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Blurry pictures of over-the-head and behind-the-back rocking.<br />
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And toward the end of the night, in some impromptu show of togetherness, everyone in the audience held hands and swayed back and forth to the music. That's the thing about Potter fans... there is always a ton of love at these things ( I know... it sounds cheesy) but overall, I think the Potter books attract a kind of person who believes in the main theme of the book: That <i>love</i> is the greatest magic of all.<br />
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awwww.Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-6753861716593081122012-12-01T07:01:00.004-08:002012-12-01T08:26:40.633-08:00ch-ch-ch-changes!So, right as Matt and I hit the 3-months-in-Edinburgh mark, and we starting to feel all settled in and cozy about things, life decided to throw us a few curve-balls. Fortunately for us, they've been good ones!<br />
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The biggest change in the last week or so has been my new found employment. I am one lucky duck, because I think I landed myself a dream job! I've been getting a wee bit spooked about disclosing too much online, so I won't give out specific details (just yet) but I will say this: One of the main appeals of moving to Edinburgh, for me at least, is it's rich literary scene. And now I get paid to be a part of it. Whoo hoo!!!<br />
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Only 5 days on the job and I've already met so many of Edinburgh's book-loving community, including local and international authors, people from Book Week Scotland, people form Unesco City of Literature, people from the National Library of Scotland, book bloggers, editors, vendors and plenty of your everyday-avid-readers (Collectively, I call them the <i>Literati</i>... ;)<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Irish author Kevin Barry reads from his <a href="http://www.irishtimes.com/newspaper/weekend/2012/0331/1224314130235.html">new book of short stories</a> to a packed house</td></tr>
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But... while I love what I'm doing, it has been an adjustment. I've been spoiled by being able to set (and break) my own schedule for quite some time now, and getting up and out of the house (and trying to maintain a certain level of presentability) has been a little challenging. And, it doesn't help that temperatures have dropped significantly lately...<br />
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Which is the other change we're trying to get used to. It's COLD! Granted, there hasn't been one truly <i>warm </i>day since we've arrived, not by California standards anyway. But we adjusted quickly to the consistently average highs and lows and knew what to wear for optimum snugginess for any given activity. Then, about a week ago, the game changed. And it did it without too much visual difference. It still looks the same outside, but far chillier. In fact, walking home with a bag or two of groceries will leave your hands stingingly frigid long after you've returned to the warmth of the indoors. Do that once, and you learn to never leave the house without gloves. Also, the sidewalks have been subtly dotted with layers of invisible ice. So far, no slips or falls, but I have taken up walking like an 80 year-old lady through some parts of old town. <i>Slowly</i> and <i>gingerly</i> wins this race! Matt and I keep waiting for it to snow, and often start thrilling conversations with one another with "it's cold enough to snow!" and "it's a wonder that it's not snowing!"<br />
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And, going hand in hand with this weather shift, is the final change we've been forced to accommodate... the holiday season is upon us! Fairy lights, and Christmas trees, festive moods and many many opportunities to share a mug (or two) of mulled wine abound. Last night, Matt and I quickly scoped out the Edinburgh Christmas Markets. It was too Christmas-y for words!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">a few snippets from our initial visit to the Christmas market</td></tr>
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Christmas is King here... I guess it is in the States too, but we at least attempt to include other religious holidays into the mix. (I don't know if Kwanza exists here...) I have not noticed whole lot of acknowledgment to Hanukkah (although there may be a giant menorah put on display in St. Andrew's Square later this month... but I am not certain). But we're all set in our household, as we'll be using Nessie to pay homage to the festival of lights!<br />
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Got this cute-as-a-button menorah <a href="http://www.absolutelymatanot.co.uk/judaica/chanukah_1/Lochness_chanukiah">online</a>. I couldn't resist! I mean, its a menorah shaped like the Loch Ness monster. That in and of itself is a miracle. And while I couldn't muster up a dreidel, we have an extra-large supply of gelt! Maybe this year, Matt and I will try to win each other's chocolate coins with a spirited game of poker instead...<br />
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And we are still on the fence about getting a Christmas tree. We had one for the first time last year and we really enjoyed it- the decorating, the gazing at its twinkling pretties each night before bed... but they are a bit of an investment here. The trees themselves come with a pretty steep price tag, but the lights! My goodness, who is pricing these strands of lights?! It would cost at least $100 to get the tree properly aglow.<br />
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But... I did just get that new job, so... !!<br />
<br />Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-3575677063648194022012-11-22T07:13:00.002-08:002012-11-22T07:14:32.849-08:00I'm thankful for...Matty<br />
Linus<br />
Sherpa<br />
Obie (usually)<br />
my family that is far away<br />
all that love<br />
my friends from a long time ago, and my friends that I have just made<br />
our good health<br />
Scotland<br />
my new job<br />
my passport, my visa<br />
central heating<br />
the view from my flat<br />
the sound of Linus' meow<br />
all the good books I'm reading<br />
music<br />
the health food shop down the road<br />
the chippy and the liquor store on the corner<br />
my bathtub<br />
Skype<br />
my eyes, my heart, my voice<br />
my time<br />
the smell of the pumpkin pies baking in the oven right now<br />
the election outcome<br />
my safety<br />
tap water<br />
people who are dedicated to making the world better<br />
the endless possibilities!<br />
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Happy Thanksgiving.<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/WoodenHive">source</a></td></tr>
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<br />Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-54465647986408488492012-11-16T03:43:00.001-08:002012-11-18T15:44:31.914-08:00You go, Glasgow!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
One has a lot of options when choosing how to spend a day in Glasgow. There are museums, pubs, parks, galleries, clubs... all this things you'd expect to find in a good-sized European city. But, being a touch <i>macabre</i>, Matt and I opted to spend the majority of our Glaswegian day in the <a href="http://www.glasgownecropolis.org/">Necropolis</a>, or The City of the Dead. It is the final resting place to over 50,000 buried persons, so it has earned it's name! (It is neither here nor there, but this cemetery's population is about 5 times of that of my hometown.)</div>
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The Necropolis is on top of a hill dotted with old gnarled trees (of course) and the tombs in some places seem stacked on top of each other. </div>
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It is not a particularly hefty climb up, but once you reach the top, the views stretch out over the whole city.<br />
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Some of the tombs are elaborate, some of them are cracked or tumbled to the ground. All of them have seem a lot of weather.<br />
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We saw a tomb for a Tennant, and we saw the brewery for Tennant's beer that borders the lower section of the cemetery. Not sure if it's the man responsible for the brand, but if it is, he sure didn't get too far away from work.<br />
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The headstones went on and on. Row after row...<br />
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Predating the majority of the cemetery is the monument to <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/John_Knox">John Knox</a>, supporter of the Protestant Reformation and father of Scottish Presbyterianism. I don't know too much about the man, but he does seem to be a bit... what's a good way of saying it... <i>dour</i>. Below, I am inappropriately dancing about and waving flags on his monument, which I am certain he would not appreciate. Although I think it's pretty safe to say he did not appreciate the activities of most women, considering he wrote a book titled <i>The First Blast of the Trumpet Against the Monstruous Regiment of Women</i>. Lest you find my dancing too disrespectful, let me tell you that this is not the grave of the late reverend. He is buried in Edinburgh, outside of St. Giles Kirk, beneath a perfectly ordinary parking spot. And you can blame Matt, not me, for his decapitated state in this photo!</div>
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So, what is the tallest monument in the Necropolis, the monument of John Knox, anti-Catholic and champion to Presbyterianism, looking out upon?!</div>
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This huge Cathedral. The <a href="http://www.glasgowcathedral.org.uk/about/">Glasgow Cathedral</a> was built in 1197. (I repeat, 1197.) And it has never been burned down or sacked or blown apart or anything in all those years. It is in remarkable shape... </div>
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... even though it was heavily covered by scaffolding! Maintenance aside, it was very cool to roam about a Cathedral that has the same roof, even some of the same doors, as it did nearly 1000 years ago.<br />
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And whether or not you agree with any of the ideology, you've got to admit that when it comes to building impressive structures, the Catholics knew what was what!</div>
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The Glasgow Cathedral (Called St. Mungo's to the parishioners) has an extensive series of underground chapels, altars and tombs. Matthew posed me for this photo in the Blacader's Aisle (seriously, he told me right where to stand and this is what I get!)<br />
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And deeper down below the nave, is the tomb of <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Saint_Mungo">St. Mungo</a> (or St. Kentigern, but his friends all called him Mungo) who was believed to be buried on this exact location in 603.<br />
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We didn't hang out in cemeteries and underneath cathedrals <i>all</i> day. We also took in Glasgow's beautiful architecture...<br />
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I'm kidding with this picture! Really, this picture aside, Glasgow is beautiful. I am just teasing since I've heard there is a competition between Glasgow and Edinburgh. Rumor has it that it goes something like this: Glaswegians think that Edinburgh is snooty (enlightened), pretentious (artsy) and expensive (expensive). Edinburghians (although no one really calls them that) find Glasgow to be gritty (edgy), plebeian (working class) and rowdy (rowdy).<br />
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But back to our lovely day in Glasgow...<br />
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It's where I found the <a href="http://tardis.wikia.com/wiki/TARDIS">TARDIS</a>!<br />
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And my first clootie tree! Clootie, in Scots, means cloth. And there are little bits of cloth tied around this tree's branches. I did a little asking around and I found out that clootie trees have been around since the ancient Celts. Usually, they were trees that grew beside some sacred waters, a spring or a well with some significance. These waters and clootie trees attracted pilgrimages and were part of a healing ritual. A person would bring along a scrap of cloth, dip it in the waters, and tie it on the tree. If you made the pilgrimage to rid yourself of an ailment, you might use a bit of cloth that was grotesque as representation. If you were making an offering to the spirit of the well, or making a hope or prayer, you would use a bit of beautiful fabric.</div>
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Most of the clooties on this clootie tree were brightly colored ribbons and even a few bits of silk. It was growing beside a iron a fountain.</div>
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We also saw another kind of special tree. A Christmas tree! The workers were setting it up in George Square, along with thousands of fairy lights and other decorations. We may have to take another trip to Glasgow in December to see it all lit up!<br />
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Matthew and his trusty iPhone led us to the banks of the River Clyde. Where we got to do some birdwatching and then stomped across the pedestrian's suspension bridge (trying to see if we could make it sway).<br />
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We grabbed some nourishment at a little pub in the city centre. After spending most of the day walking around town, around graves, over rivers and around trees, I was pretty darn <a href="http://literalbarrage.org/blog/2005/01/18/your-scottish-slang-word-o-the-day-drookit/">drookit</a> (drenched) and for the first time in my life, I used a hand dryer in the loo to warm up and blow dry my hair. I am getting to be pretty hardcore.<br />
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The day ended at Barrowland-- where Matt and I danced the night away in the second row of the totally wonderful <a href="http://www.alabamashakes.com/">Alabama Shakes</a> show. Man, I knew that girl could sing- but I had no idea she was such a rocker! </div>
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<br />Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-30326592348454080502012-11-15T06:29:00.002-08:002012-11-15T06:29:32.904-08:00Dream Pig<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3V5mty5NyH_6fp8LhzcfMQy9JWXLc8mb9wB6TN92VBuuB2kpz7GeVeEGNuNRwgKcIUl7ERAnN-N2YwZB3pwq6W4aey5_S9lxgdx2PT8pZkvGdPBwh0wjDLBHC6ZLg-RY_CWag7G8hikQ/s1600/Dream-Pig-11x17.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg3V5mty5NyH_6fp8LhzcfMQy9JWXLc8mb9wB6TN92VBuuB2kpz7GeVeEGNuNRwgKcIUl7ERAnN-N2YwZB3pwq6W4aey5_S9lxgdx2PT8pZkvGdPBwh0wjDLBHC6ZLg-RY_CWag7G8hikQ/s640/Dream-Pig-11x17.jpg" width="416" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://nsquaredesign.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/dream-pig-in-2012.html">source</a></td></tr>
</tbody></table>
I've been dreaming about pigs lately. Like, all night, every night. At first I didn't pay it much mind- I usually have pretty wild and vivid dreams. But then it got to be a little too consistent to ignore the <i>pigginess</i> of it all. Why on earth do I keep dreaming about <i>pigs</i>? Maybe it's because I met those adorable piglets on <a href="http://dreamshappythings.blogspot.co.uk/2012/11/just-another-day-on-farm.html">Craigie's Farm </a>last week, or maybe it's because I'm obsessing on this sound designer that I heard of that has a show based around the life of one pig. Or maybe because of some other symbolic reason...<br />
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I turned to my trusty interwebs and did a quick search for the symbolic meaning of pigs in dreams. Site after site mentioned gluttony, filth and even chauvinism. Typical. Dream symbology is a bunch of hooey. Like we all have the same associations for the same things. I don't know a whole lot about my dream brain, but I can pretty much guarantee that I don't have any of these associations with pigs.<br />
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I get little lovey heart aches for pigs. I find them cute- even the big ol muddy ones! But more than that, I find them vulnerable. They are an animal that has been used (some may say abused) by humans since domesticity. We humans even play upon that vulnerability (<i>Babe </i>& <i>Charlotte's Web </i>were both wildly popular) but don't change our actions or attitudes towards pigs. <br />
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But am I dreaming about pigs because I think they are cute or because I feel protective of them for some reason? Am I just concerned for all <i>pigdom</i>? I'm going to keep thinking on this pressing topic for a while, and maybe I'll get back to you all.<br />
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In the meantime, I encourage you all to follow the advice from the image at the top of this post and Dream Pig! It was created by Nicolas J. Nawroth (a.k.a. the instigator of awesome) who totally summarized the feeling of my piggy dreams in his clean and cheerful design. You can check it out on his blog <a href="http://nsquaredesign.blogspot.co.uk/2012/01/dream-pig-in-2012.html">nSquaredDesign</a>, or you can shop for it and his other great designs at his <a href="http://www.zazzle.com/nsquaredesign/gifts">Zazzle shop</a>.<br />
<br />Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-57988852632910678872012-11-12T04:49:00.001-08:002012-11-12T04:50:29.396-08:00Camera play on Arthur's SeatOh, Happy Day! I just got some good news, and Matt and I just have a wonderfully fun and productive weekend- full of dining with friends, sipping Prosecco, kitty cuddles, impulse response sweeps, hiking up Arthur's Seat, family Skype dates, brunching at French bistros, grocery shopping, and laser tag (a few of those activities only involved one of us, I'll let you sort out which).<br />
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So all is happy and wonderful here! And I'm about to go take in some Christmas pretties about the city (they are already starting to decorate!) and pick up my reserved copy of <i>The Casual Vacancy</i> from the central library... so the day is going to get even better!<br />
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But before I go, I want to share a few pictures from our hike up Arthur's Seat. We took soooo many, and I'll post far more than I ought to here (my brother always suggests that I 'edit' more and only post the very best, but I can't choose! I want to show them all!) Yesterday was so clear and crisp and the views were amazing... and it was the perfect time to play around with all the different settings on my camera. (I was going to write a bit about the geology and history of Arthur's Seat, but instead you can just look at the pictures. If you're interested, I've included a few links at the end that share all you need to know about the dormant volcano in the middle of Edinburgh.)<br />
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On the way to Arthur's seat... </div>
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...we passed under the most vibrant trees!</div>
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seriously charming trees...</div>
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and we passed by your average 12th century abbey </div>
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and Royal Palace... you know, just a normal day in Edinburgh.</div>
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Until we finally arrived at the foot of our destination! Arthur's Seat.</div>
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A quick stop before our climb ;)</div>
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and up we go!</div>
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It's steep and rocky!</div>
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and a little other worldly! (and I found an awesome "foliage" setting on my camera. I took about 15 pictures of these plants)</div>
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including several close ups...</div>
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others were inspired to paint lovely vistas</div>
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and we kept climbing up and up ("why'd you use the flash?")</div>
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until, we reached the top</div>
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we got a unique view of the castle</div>
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And Matt said, you go over there and I'll stay here and take your picture. So that's what we did. </div>
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After the climb, I was warm enough to take off my jacket! And I sat there a bit, just hanging out with the birds.</div>
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...high above my city!</div>
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Then I said to Matt, You jump and I'll take some pictures where it looks like you are flying above the city. The first one turned out...OK</div>
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The second was a bit better...</div>
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But the third one... it was unbeatable! </div>
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Then I started using the miniature setting and snapped this strange little gem</div>
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but it's hard to make that setting work when there are people in the shot.</div>
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So I went back to my regular setting. I think this should be Matt's new Facebook profile picture and I told him so.</div>
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I went up to two girls and said, would you mind taking a picture of us? And they didn't mind. </div>
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Back to mini!!!</div>
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Oooh! Then I told Matt to put out his hand and make it seem like he was holding up the Castle. I wish I could make the Castle stand out more... (When am I going to learn Photoshop?!) But look at that fancy edge blur I did in iPhoto! </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYPPEjADp8XG9UrAO123foJiZVYS-8iBjFe2w34BNNDMJCR2ClBowdbPwAGVfoBNF6cZ0SZNxx2D8Ff3BuwpqIaUwtqpHbFjYOIjjscRNbt8leyqOMDwd2XXjr542LbTzHV-AShIIOsY/s1600/IMG_8509.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgnYPPEjADp8XG9UrAO123foJiZVYS-8iBjFe2w34BNNDMJCR2ClBowdbPwAGVfoBNF6cZ0SZNxx2D8Ff3BuwpqIaUwtqpHbFjYOIjjscRNbt8leyqOMDwd2XXjr542LbTzHV-AShIIOsY/s640/IMG_8509.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Heading down. We saw the Palace from above.</div>
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And Matt helped me get through some muddy patches.</div>
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Then he said, let me have the camera, and I gave it to him, and he took this picture. And then he said, you should make this your next Facebook profile picture. And I just might.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUb7XTq6FHmvutVYi33A9GjDPhyphenhyphen_YH40hhMnx-r1B-_gLiK2zYhQO0OmjokNWWqN4fnYoGDxJTR09DIGtc9ONXiAqyZguoBxNT4AFHu3txxjrkWYRJuYZcTdTWoDXJSdmTLkoAKEMaY0/s1600/IMG_8525.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgAUb7XTq6FHmvutVYi33A9GjDPhyphenhyphen_YH40hhMnx-r1B-_gLiK2zYhQO0OmjokNWWqN4fnYoGDxJTR09DIGtc9ONXiAqyZguoBxNT4AFHu3txxjrkWYRJuYZcTdTWoDXJSdmTLkoAKEMaY0/s640/IMG_8525.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Then I asked him to try to take a picture of the two of us. He took 3. This was the best one. </div>
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See? It was such a fun day! I'm guessing that only blood relatives made it through all these pictures (and their incredibly exciting explanations). But, if you got this far through the post, you definitely earned those links I promised. So go <a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Arthur's_Seat,_Edinburgh">here</a> and <a href="http://www.edinburgh-royalmile.com/interest/arthursseat.html">here</a> to read about all about Arthur's Seat.Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-77995397631560020082012-11-09T06:03:00.001-08:002012-11-10T07:07:08.417-08:00You can take the girl out of Hollywood...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Just a few posts ago, I boasted that Matthew and I <a href="http://dreamshappythings.blogspot.co.uk/2012/10/i-dont-even-own-tv.html">don't have a TV</a> here in Scotland, thus freeing up loads of free time in which to be creative and productive. But, I forgot to mention that we've been watching movies. Some out in theaters and some by using his computer like a dvd player. Lucky for us though, every one we've watched has been really great in its own way. Here are all the flicks we've seen on this side of the pond accompanied with my own little quips and a few fun clips. Happy Friday!</div>
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Maltese Falcon (1941)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GvECTFjzzVfZlfkK6-cXLCu3yM9msedPGubEWM0FEB7WZMMjHkliWY8VN0Jb8M8AxAaoJTjFrW2SvLT2O5gLYyw3TadXyydz3rlh8x3ZeVrXeXcw61t1OecnfnB44csZAFvFIk6CsyU/s1600/Lorre+and+Bogart+Maltese.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="267" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi1GvECTFjzzVfZlfkK6-cXLCu3yM9msedPGubEWM0FEB7WZMMjHkliWY8VN0Jb8M8AxAaoJTjFrW2SvLT2O5gLYyw3TadXyydz3rlh8x3ZeVrXeXcw61t1OecnfnB44csZAFvFIk6CsyU/s400/Lorre+and+Bogart+Maltese.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Bogey at his prime- <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h4ZTFILhZWY&feature=fvwrel">tough</a>, smart and totally cool. If you don't like this movie, then you're none of those things ;)</td></tr>
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The Wicker Man (1973)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLGDvstaAZwiRxC0id7zYiD3tU29e_Q1vc7XI3pGcH4vHJPOpDHlWO1G2gp61lKLDRnjNuW6x9hTFhKk7p5KU5tCRvsgl7SIiTOqYdDI2q00bvIJ54LjVyD6X7TnSJUZUlgtaWF_jGdA/s1600/tumblr_mcqy81ZU2P1qjpb90o1_500.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQLGDvstaAZwiRxC0id7zYiD3tU29e_Q1vc7XI3pGcH4vHJPOpDHlWO1G2gp61lKLDRnjNuW6x9hTFhKk7p5KU5tCRvsgl7SIiTOqYdDI2q00bvIJ54LjVyD6X7TnSJUZUlgtaWF_jGdA/s400/tumblr_mcqy81ZU2P1qjpb90o1_500.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Campy, creepy and fun, The Wicker Man might just be my new favorite cult classic! I think a lot of folks in the theatre appreciated <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xgIT9lx0Q1Q">Willow's Song</a>... you know, because her voice is so pretty!<br />
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The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash (1978)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgMV9Iv7V-cJJDXkwnHWn1wc6ba3u-_k3rI2OcCdB9JvkTJLCTwC7xkWT9xxcuIhKewfRc-GS3TiGuju46ClrmvPbd6y2azbgtomcRfO5JqxtFwBuehzb06-DqpoxItAx0dWnFeefkqY/s1600/rutles-9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="301" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvgMV9Iv7V-cJJDXkwnHWn1wc6ba3u-_k3rI2OcCdB9JvkTJLCTwC7xkWT9xxcuIhKewfRc-GS3TiGuju46ClrmvPbd6y2azbgtomcRfO5JqxtFwBuehzb06-DqpoxItAx0dWnFeefkqY/s400/rutles-9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A silly spoof on the fab four with amazingly Beetle-esque <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ePaHG6g7uFw">tunes</a>, and there's <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tmbqNsTqfnA">this</a> too!</td></tr>
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An American Werewolf in London (1981)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcAX_RdCLZnJcvHUnePSvbLU_d4fYc6-FAP5gNi2adM1bWfTGUnx5fAuljWkehpMnG-DY5sm_EME4_-euaDJbTb5N-dhp5yGIg24iM2KpY8sN5_i7DuZvuz98flKuzY77JHXEMXP5CNg/s1600/800_american_werewolf_london_blu-ray_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="220" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBcAX_RdCLZnJcvHUnePSvbLU_d4fYc6-FAP5gNi2adM1bWfTGUnx5fAuljWkehpMnG-DY5sm_EME4_-euaDJbTb5N-dhp5yGIg24iM2KpY8sN5_i7DuZvuz98flKuzY77JHXEMXP5CNg/s400/800_american_werewolf_london_blu-ray_9.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wait... did I already say The Wicker Man is my new favorite cult classic? Because this one was fantastic as well. I realize that the only horror movies I actually enjoy are the ones that aren't scary... although this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m3FTkAS15zk">trailer</a> seems pretty frightening!</td></tr>
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Blue Velvet (1986)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1rmyrI6Z050cTMLZdgFHy3SiH_a_hqs0yaj2mqwCF7_6G5rcumNUx2nfEC2RY9QWm7u4MlIE2uMfsslL0C-1r3PAfKbP6du2_Xg1fZL3XcaS0Si7v-TYjVr4_uY71Rtk_Eug1tc2Igs/s1600/blue_velvet_1986_reference1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgu1rmyrI6Z050cTMLZdgFHy3SiH_a_hqs0yaj2mqwCF7_6G5rcumNUx2nfEC2RY9QWm7u4MlIE2uMfsslL0C-1r3PAfKbP6du2_Xg1fZL3XcaS0Si7v-TYjVr4_uY71Rtk_Eug1tc2Igs/s400/blue_velvet_1986_reference1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Scarier than any of the horror movies I've seen lately. Best line ever... "<a href="http://www.metacafe.com/watch/6405414/blue_velvet_why_are_there_people_like_frank/">WHY ARE THERE PEOPLE LIKE FRANK</a>?"</td></tr>
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A Little Princess (1995)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGh66Q6RIdHKmYfGqsq6iCY-S_jEFaS2_u0KVhfhKWZ50LXQrYPI6m6xeXCe87et3LewLfxTl5NusZ6Bb9M4glcacMpjn2Xj3e0x47CMk5COvhKTV9TJq1zr26BtqO-RO6NZ0-gvgCrzo/s1600/littleprincess1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhGh66Q6RIdHKmYfGqsq6iCY-S_jEFaS2_u0KVhfhKWZ50LXQrYPI6m6xeXCe87et3LewLfxTl5NusZ6Bb9M4glcacMpjn2Xj3e0x47CMk5COvhKTV9TJq1zr26BtqO-RO6NZ0-gvgCrzo/s400/littleprincess1.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Saw this <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=P4jmB9fdZc8">remix</a> on a blog and had to see the movie...</td></tr>
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Toy Story (1995)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFUf1GKqBQQ5oV2OzBubaE9Slbc9FoUuc5B5D9Kf20UXIDG3dpW67K_9Z_KsezDo3UBsBI4ykWMJzoybTmWccRIo7WGwMSLT-OhO7wah-fL4D6NO9CKQeimo_pCgc6_pimCJgWZdur44/s1600/toystory1995.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjCFUf1GKqBQQ5oV2OzBubaE9Slbc9FoUuc5B5D9Kf20UXIDG3dpW67K_9Z_KsezDo3UBsBI4ykWMJzoybTmWccRIo7WGwMSLT-OhO7wah-fL4D6NO9CKQeimo_pCgc6_pimCJgWZdur44/s400/toystory1995.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I see why Pixar became instantly loved by everyone. So <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=78Mbg7QccKg">fresh and innovative</a>, was it really made 17 years ago? Jeebus.</td></tr>
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Layer Cake (2004)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5837Ea-rlq529MSBzLQcdlvC61gKImp-m_IuVToQwepzNPRNEbxnoRmpsxxnzlgKztKPhlhREgUZdEjKoIyltdH_gZBRdfFZmrM-i0Wn1VmJLUv5yZsd7twHmEXn7jeGZNOgoCs21MRk/s1600/Layer-Cake-006.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi5837Ea-rlq529MSBzLQcdlvC61gKImp-m_IuVToQwepzNPRNEbxnoRmpsxxnzlgKztKPhlhREgUZdEjKoIyltdH_gZBRdfFZmrM-i0Wn1VmJLUv5yZsd7twHmEXn7jeGZNOgoCs21MRk/s400/Layer-Cake-006.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Drugs. Violence. Dumbledore?? Layer Cake was one of those capers you really had to pay attention to, and even then it was all screwy. But fun. For Potter fans it's a real trip, as the <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2U4aCMIBYSY">beloved Head Master </a>isn't so beloved.</td></tr>
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I'm Not There (2007)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04rtB-Z-yj8fYhxNzpckIPZ3oi94zirBvZ_f2pytorcHHeSj6czgYSQPlvbM77FxoS6wG2rrYpaz_vbj6ONPONfi0qqITTRbndF3ENb6wuEGlqQs1vOyY5wINJhOOO1TKRH4iQIQSKwU/s1600/imnotthere460.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg04rtB-Z-yj8fYhxNzpckIPZ3oi94zirBvZ_f2pytorcHHeSj6czgYSQPlvbM77FxoS6wG2rrYpaz_vbj6ONPONfi0qqITTRbndF3ENb6wuEGlqQs1vOyY5wINJhOOO1TKRH4iQIQSKwU/s400/imnotthere460.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=roj1BQWCsuo">Cate Blanchett</a> is out of this world. Seriously, I think she is from another <a href="http://myfilmviews.files.wordpress.com/2012/04/cate-blanchett.jpg">planet</a>. </td></tr>
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Eagle vs. Shark (2007)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7xGSNcJS2AeGDaYflOOrUrT7ObIIkcYHRKECTLHvFukIOuTYuIUQBakOY-tfMYxCBA1BTqm0iU-lUYlq95xCT1SVXrDF-zVeSbGWHqC0L8EGAUtN5Pz1XamJKqonIXvbNL8wDWdpVcI/s1600/Eagle_vs_Shark_1-757316.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjd7xGSNcJS2AeGDaYflOOrUrT7ObIIkcYHRKECTLHvFukIOuTYuIUQBakOY-tfMYxCBA1BTqm0iU-lUYlq95xCT1SVXrDF-zVeSbGWHqC0L8EGAUtN5Pz1XamJKqonIXvbNL8wDWdpVcI/s400/Eagle_vs_Shark_1-757316.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sooo awkward and kinda <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0WjELXl_6zA&feature=relmfu">mean</a> feeling for the majority of the film. But ultimately sweet. And there are many many many <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xo2meR8UHJ4&feature=relmfu">quotable lines</a>. </td></tr>
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Your Highness (2011)<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoSvHAlIF9YLvVX1fPyqsIBoPZ40-vgLQ41IkgkSlGzGLvNXHDOxymdfSHK109p8LzbJsXJsyP3Dg6M625bxwzgTmZDp-YKmr4kpzTyqv7F-XTnaKHucJSX-98BuCh0BNXbybhID7kOA/s1600/YH+-+triangle+face.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="182" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqoSvHAlIF9YLvVX1fPyqsIBoPZ40-vgLQ41IkgkSlGzGLvNXHDOxymdfSHK109p8LzbJsXJsyP3Dg6M625bxwzgTmZDp-YKmr4kpzTyqv7F-XTnaKHucJSX-98BuCh0BNXbybhID7kOA/s400/YH+-+triangle+face.png" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">I've said it before and I'll say it again. Best movie of 2011. I could watch it daily. (And now I can, because right <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-gmlJeVz3Y8">here</a> is the full movie.) <span style="text-align: left;">But if </span><a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bwY6PFBhGYI" style="text-align: left;">this</a><span style="text-align: left;"> doesn't make you laugh, it might not be for you.</span><br />
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Skyfall (2012)</div>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptU3WIxCRmw1PfxPHXUPDieJ_n3Ut5EQO6SdyrM6ygv3Di2yQnGQ7yILlLVeIHIUXG3BJIMdwUrpPUxGRapPe31jYTFeizxrfKdq1CpjQ2VX3wuPSORYygp2ngDHWZ_y1KoNs8e7GmLQ/s1600/464x261xSkyfall-21.jpg.pagespeed.ic.eAF2FFyBAM.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="225" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhptU3WIxCRmw1PfxPHXUPDieJ_n3Ut5EQO6SdyrM6ygv3Di2yQnGQ7yILlLVeIHIUXG3BJIMdwUrpPUxGRapPe31jYTFeizxrfKdq1CpjQ2VX3wuPSORYygp2ngDHWZ_y1KoNs8e7GmLQ/s400/464x261xSkyfall-21.jpg.pagespeed.ic.eAF2FFyBAM.jpg" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">It's Bond. And its in Scotland. Go <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vgr2syY_OU4">see</a> it.</td></tr>
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<br />Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-75160357165585767102012-11-08T03:49:00.000-08:002012-11-08T03:49:03.603-08:00Fat & Handsome<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-69567135827765882622012-11-08T03:26:00.001-08:002012-11-08T03:26:15.048-08:00a farewell to beard<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Matt's Beard</div>
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Dec. 2010- Nov. 2012</div>
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RIP</div>
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Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-12304373410474122202012-11-07T05:23:00.000-08:002012-11-07T05:23:16.114-08:00Thank you, America<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<br />Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-88700167164095820552012-11-06T05:05:00.001-08:002012-11-06T09:37:56.193-08:00Just another day on the farm<span style="text-align: left;">Yesterday, a couple of friends and I went to <a href="http://www.craigies.co.uk/">Craigie's Farm</a> just outside of Edinburgh. A lovely, albeit short, train ride took us from the middle of our medieval city out to the open farm land. </span><br />
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Craigie's Farm has a little shop and cafe, and some family friendly events, but it is still very much a working farm. With animals and produce, and even <i>tractors!</i><br />
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Both of the girls I spent the afternoon with have blogs of their own. Lar makes up half the talent behind <a href="http://asiancajuns.com/">AsianCajuns</a> (the other half is her twin sister, Cath). It's a beautifully done blog about fashion, travel, and more. Sara and her hubby post some wonderful pictures and expatriate musings on their blog <a href="http://wemovedtoscotland.com/">We Moved To Scotland</a>. I encourage you to spend hours and hours perusing their sites!</div>
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But not yet, first you have to finish reading this post! (Believe me, I save the best thing for last... but don't scroll down now, OK, I'll hurry. Stick with me.)</div>
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It was beautiful weather and before we had lunch at the farm's cafe, we took a lovely hike through the woods. I believe some could call this activity "tramping", but I admit I can't really use the term without giggling... Regardless, it was a beautiful walk. </div>
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And at the top we were treated to this amazing view of the Forth. I think Lar said that the island in the foreground is Cramond, and that during the low tide, you can actually walk out to it. Might be another fun tramping excursion!</div>
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The trees were particularly beautiful. And quite magical.<br />
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We spotted a few funny birds in the adjacent field. I took the most <i>amazing</i> photo...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEika4Q0xRrnyemcs7RQawuHf2mVke7ku_CR2nhBIEDOzO8C9H62y_F_sCZbE_0H5b2WyZTfN-yXMnLzooNl3CjvVluxIVSAaqNjuqiATA4eRZuK-xtPdz437WZwkKZSzK3CwqlAz73LjMo/s1600/IMG_8295.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEika4Q0xRrnyemcs7RQawuHf2mVke7ku_CR2nhBIEDOzO8C9H62y_F_sCZbE_0H5b2WyZTfN-yXMnLzooNl3CjvVluxIVSAaqNjuqiATA4eRZuK-xtPdz437WZwkKZSzK3CwqlAz73LjMo/s320/IMG_8295.JPG" width="277" /></a></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.rspb.org.uk/wildlife/birdguide/name/p/pheasant/">source</a></td></tr>
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I couldn't guess what kind of bird it was... Possibly a pheasant? A grouse? Partridge?? When I got home, I looked it up, and I think pheasant is correct. I've shared an image from a 'Birds of Britain' site, in case you can't fully appreciate the shot I took myself ;)</div>
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After our walk through the woods, we headed back to the farm. We bonded with these little guys- cute and stocky ponies. We fed them grass through the fence and I tried to pick up a few tips on how to style my bangs...</div>
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We also met these two- the farms only 'pet' pigs. There are more pigs, just wait... but these two definitely have the good life. Their job is to cruise around in the mud and eat all the farm scraps.<br />
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We met other pigs too- like this fella.</div>
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And we hung out for ages with the piglets... they really stole the show. I could watch them all day! I mean, have you ever seen a litter of puppies play and scratch and eat and sleep? That was exactly what these guys reminded me of, only pinker and with curly tails! So, even though it was wonderfully fun to watch them in all their piggy glory, it was also quite sad for me to know that they are being raised to be eaten. I'm really not sure how to compartmentalize this sometimes. Part of me wanted to shove them all under my coat and bring them home in an effort to save their sweet piggy lives... but I have to admit, regardless of their future, these guys are quite happy right now. And I guess... if we must live in a world that eats animals... it would be much better if they were all raised on a farm like this.</div>
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Ugh. But I can't leave you guys on <i>that</i> note! I mean, this is a HAPPY blog, so, I shall leave you on this little video of piglets playing in their pen. It's a bit long, and unedited, but I couldn't pick the cutest moments, because I think it's all adorable! Enjoy!!! (Oh, and it's set to <a href="http://www.skipinnishceilidhhouse.com/">music</a>, so if you're at work or holding a sleeping baby, you might want to hit 'mute')<br />
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and now, a much earned nap with mama under the heat lamp.</div>
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Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-69570568960886294352012-11-01T05:27:00.000-07:002012-11-01T05:30:14.654-07:00I spy...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Scotch wisky tasting</div>
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drying laundry</div>
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Linus going to the vet ...</div>
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an attempt to recreate the taste of home</div>
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old love.</div>
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monstrous illustrations</div>
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inspirational messages</div>
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examples of urban foraging</div>
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wild rose hips</div>
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stone cross in Duddingston</div>
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skittles at the Sheeps Heid Inn</div>
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fancy-dressed Halloween house partiers</div>
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beard removal</div>
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Matthew's classroom at night</div>
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St. Giles at night</div>
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vending machine in the ladies' loo</div>
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Old Dollar Bill</div>
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<br />Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-28889224285677345232012-10-29T07:11:00.004-07:002012-10-30T07:11:58.909-07:00Autumn!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
Autumn is in full swing here in Edinburgh. The air is crisp, and the days are getting shorter. The change in seasons, both dramatic and subtle, is fascinating to me. In Los Angeles, autumn comes and goes without much notice. </div>
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So here are a few pictures of the seasonal cheer. This first one is from the shop at the Royal Botanical Gardens. They have a whole corner dedicated to wreaths, garland and ornaments made from dried fruits and spices. It smelled <i>heavenly</i>.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIbGBMgLHKEmbFxwZiPKWeY-l3Qi8r87_vmtYerN8CQPgoF0U5JgRVuL5813Akqg-UNaxgETHco3DoxhTD0E84WbWPOnTnazblP1E4zqc6lLR8uTbKobLBfHQxf5jA7LPtecEHqQYuAs/s1600/IMG_7601.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhtIbGBMgLHKEmbFxwZiPKWeY-l3Qi8r87_vmtYerN8CQPgoF0U5JgRVuL5813Akqg-UNaxgETHco3DoxhTD0E84WbWPOnTnazblP1E4zqc6lLR8uTbKobLBfHQxf5jA7LPtecEHqQYuAs/s640/IMG_7601.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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Here's a close up- If I had loads of disposable income, I'd buy enough to deck the whole house out with citrusy-cinnamon goodness, but I've had to significantly cut my 2012 garland budget to accommodate the financial strain of moving overseas. I thought I'd try to make it, but I am afraid I would just end up with several dozen half rotten oranges on a string... Maybe I'll go back to the Royal Botanical Garden's shop and buy a mini ornament or something, so I can enjoy the smell without the hefty price tag! </div>
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Outside, the leaves on the trees have all started to change into shades of yellow and fiery orange...</div>
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and then fall, leaving the branches sparse. I imagine, in a few weeks, they'll be naked.<br />
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It is perfect soup weather. I enjoyed this delicious bowl of vegetarian Harira soup from <a href="http://www.ecoscafe.co.uk/shopcontent.asp?type=about">Ecos</a>, a little Moroccan cafe down the street from my flat. The combination of tomato, cinnamon, lemon and chickpeas makes for a very hearty and satisfying autumn meal.</div>
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And, of course, it is the season for apples! A couple of gal pals and I went to an apple festival last weekend. I was picturing apple crafts and apple cider, apples in pies and covered in caramel, apples in buckets for kids of bob for... you know, a proper celebration of the crisp sweet fruit we all love! Instead, there were two plastic tables, one with a variety of apples displayed with tags telling names and origins, the other table had a few paper plates of sliced apples to sample. It was fairly underwhelming, but also very sweet. And the older ladies that tended the tables know their apples! I think my friends and I all liked the <a href="http://www.bernwodefruittrees.co.uk/descriptions/apple39.htm">Golden Pippin</a> best. Not only does it have the cutest name, it was also the smallest and the crispiest of the bunch.<br />
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And as a autumnal treat for the boys, I got them a toy turkey. It makes gobbling sounds whenever it is touched, which is quite entertaining for them when they are swatting at it, but can startle the pants off of you when you accidentally lay down on it ;)<br />
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Truth be told, this toy is not intended for autumn... it is a Christmas toy. I guess turkeys are a 'symbol' for Christmas here in the same way they are for Thanksgiving in the US. But, since our kitties are still quite American, I thought they ought to get their turkey early.<br />
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Autumn also means Halloween, but that will get a post of its own (since I believe Edinburgh is the most Halloweenie place I've ever been! I mean, it can feel spooky here in the middle of June, so I can't wait until Samhaim!) but there are also other holidays and festivals that mark the season. Last night, Matthew and I were snug in our flat and heard a series of loud booms! From outside our window, we saw this happening on top of Calton Hill-</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The burning the effigies of demons on top of Calton Hill, <a href="http://www.scottishindianartsforum.co.uk/">Dushurra festival</a> </td></tr>
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It was the burning of effigies for the Indian Dushurra Festival. It was amazing! What is it about burning things in the night on top a hill that is so <i>exciting</i>?! The effigies didn't make the loud booming noises though, that was the accompanying fire works display. I tried to record a bit from our bedroom window...<br />
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dxaLmC7P1xREb7MlkfH2wid7HGfuQKCVXg92ZmmkczXCXlB2gE2bXsIeDlFQrPY4R-o66rweDrL-IkeVwGuRQ' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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So, I'd say that autumn is off to a great start! I hope you are all enjoying the season as well!</div>
Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-56585108510189802712012-10-25T01:51:00.000-07:002012-10-25T01:51:47.006-07:00Matthew: A Rear in Verse<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
In,</div>
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Out,</div>
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or peering through doors.</div>
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Playing the green,</div>
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or checking the scores.</div>
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A stroll through the mound</div>
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or by water that's flowing</div>
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on colorful ground,</div>
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and near things that are growing.</div>
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sometimes clear,</div>
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and sometime blurry.</div>
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Sometimes he's moving in such a big hurry!</div>
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down,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFx1pqSdNyt38VVVOO9giQTG0_G8QL5546DKbXxb5mjfrsa0_NhC8zBIl-fuHPk_wsjSORHKA7ZIyZd7e-jRMNMgnDLG0tMCZJcI6six7yeRUwqJAAfg1AhSZqD5GBrODX1Z_2YdIV9r8/s1600/IMG_7325.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFx1pqSdNyt38VVVOO9giQTG0_G8QL5546DKbXxb5mjfrsa0_NhC8zBIl-fuHPk_wsjSORHKA7ZIyZd7e-jRMNMgnDLG0tMCZJcI6six7yeRUwqJAAfg1AhSZqD5GBrODX1Z_2YdIV9r8/s400/IMG_7325.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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up,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSEzwYr1eAo4OqRELdRVVGvOoD66_ibTYItZidFuLucs7QeVkRBh6FhD3umSM9UQoFSACmK80qNSUPWeYozSRYHQa5AqFFU0ZXRa6kmng7S-p1xcC8crPIfRUShHyP0o4BBH8mIBv-wA/s1600/IMG_7535.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjlSEzwYr1eAo4OqRELdRVVGvOoD66_ibTYItZidFuLucs7QeVkRBh6FhD3umSM9UQoFSACmK80qNSUPWeYozSRYHQa5AqFFU0ZXRa6kmng7S-p1xcC8crPIfRUShHyP0o4BBH8mIBv-wA/s400/IMG_7535.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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while having a chat,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGv6n5-jjpvORJep69HyIpAve2nSIaAQlBWNdXacPOcZcvFC8UIZI75STPSI3DAcWA5NnilQMkDPjJRfPMOcJCde5G-9MgpX6XqQu-E5fDYBYIiGHItvVcOxYQ9ckKf6HJ-Hfb-X01rjU/s1600/IMG_7543.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGv6n5-jjpvORJep69HyIpAve2nSIaAQlBWNdXacPOcZcvFC8UIZI75STPSI3DAcWA5NnilQMkDPjJRfPMOcJCde5G-9MgpX6XqQu-E5fDYBYIiGHItvVcOxYQ9ckKf6HJ-Hfb-X01rjU/s400/IMG_7543.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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</div>
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heading for school,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJLmEzZ7g32s9hjiMXbhawhTvTAidy8lS2f7-_4G4gvKPDF0_6GBths5Ps0lVghEJYnTJTVEj5m3Gs2DVcDBEik9p9kbn1QP2pcglc2lQ6Rk4sed4Gkz042zCFCBFxaoWj3C6DzNJftY/s1600/IMG_7681.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="231" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeJLmEzZ7g32s9hjiMXbhawhTvTAidy8lS2f7-_4G4gvKPDF0_6GBths5Ps0lVghEJYnTJTVEj5m3Gs2DVcDBEik9p9kbn1QP2pcglc2lQ6Rk4sed4Gkz042zCFCBFxaoWj3C6DzNJftY/s400/IMG_7681.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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or with a boxed cat.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAc82HjzOLk2eQGluyaaRopIU9ykdEnq5nelTpGG6BwxZMcp09e1EsVcYQGSiGCIcBvb0syDeygFCdSv8qy9lQ78D1M8VthuYIkXGh1AkOmCTaIWlWXuFftfl7AdpLqt712PNC2uFtYM/s1600/IMG_7659.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEivAc82HjzOLk2eQGluyaaRopIU9ykdEnq5nelTpGG6BwxZMcp09e1EsVcYQGSiGCIcBvb0syDeygFCdSv8qy9lQ78D1M8VthuYIkXGh1AkOmCTaIWlWXuFftfl7AdpLqt712PNC2uFtYM/s400/IMG_7659.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
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Quite often, it seems, I see Matt from the rear,</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ25WvWz0dWfczflEaMBYS5eTIW2R_FlWGG3ugesL9jvSUVlMVh-GkIROP1O548O1eIe-zkiwcrooJU8jJ4w6oS7jaILYMwlfVCjzdPLKF6qt10pTr44SJTJFZwEBou5pev-YxTWtjlHg/s1600/IMG_7767.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiQ25WvWz0dWfczflEaMBYS5eTIW2R_FlWGG3ugesL9jvSUVlMVh-GkIROP1O548O1eIe-zkiwcrooJU8jJ4w6oS7jaILYMwlfVCjzdPLKF6qt10pTr44SJTJFZwEBou5pev-YxTWtjlHg/s400/IMG_7767.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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at times he is far, </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1e-qmKh-xfvf2fscbF5JhVmYI-BKMizg5-kTElzLXWZoLFTqwYjZimh44xTnmnbjpql4blElkHMB0vnX901WYVOIZ7canjqYjAlmHnz1bJj3Si7Njq077KJFpZZ-SK9pwGqnQFuYH5iM/s1600/IMG_7317.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj1e-qmKh-xfvf2fscbF5JhVmYI-BKMizg5-kTElzLXWZoLFTqwYjZimh44xTnmnbjpql4blElkHMB0vnX901WYVOIZ7canjqYjAlmHnz1bJj3Si7Njq077KJFpZZ-SK9pwGqnQFuYH5iM/s400/IMG_7317.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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and others he's near.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuaCdAfuWWic4auIiWYj8Xw9JDTTMTdADieId_NgNnw_waKW_bPduSc3ow04D_b_ZdM0WJBHyf4GCyWuqQz3JajmjFCzHijJs_IYcAgg65JBUd6sFOfr4LUReenV0shuyzLi4fnwuPgY/s1600/IMG_7751.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRuaCdAfuWWic4auIiWYj8Xw9JDTTMTdADieId_NgNnw_waKW_bPduSc3ow04D_b_ZdM0WJBHyf4GCyWuqQz3JajmjFCzHijJs_IYcAgg65JBUd6sFOfr4LUReenV0shuyzLi4fnwuPgY/s400/IMG_7751.jpg" width="222" /></a></div>
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I'm not sure of much, but one thing I know...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46zjXJTkeoca7lTPSqOxlv1AL8NKQk3L2AaRPIEVTdSAjvpRxdo0q7vwYRYbJm1uWv1mpS1QyrdP3cAq3GDTnqx55m9q1dMHVIqmMhRgv8zbmDkc0EZFltKGFF4En1Pj-GZY5ywADTz8/s1600/IMG_7841.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg46zjXJTkeoca7lTPSqOxlv1AL8NKQk3L2AaRPIEVTdSAjvpRxdo0q7vwYRYbJm1uWv1mpS1QyrdP3cAq3GDTnqx55m9q1dMHVIqmMhRgv8zbmDkc0EZFltKGFF4En1Pj-GZY5ywADTz8/s400/IMG_7841.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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I hate to see him leave, but I <i>love</i> to watch him go!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WTjUx3t3AgcCQuisUAS9FY8okyaONVrEeujHKGTIzDPzLWoTWzSrHzUZhmzTcYiPgfkchX8n8lNDn26GvnXSYc-dVOL4rx3r0SxW3IEWWcuKqB95G3MUj9HatPTyLyYeoSjpjMzMPJQ/s1600/IMG_7935.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="300" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9WTjUx3t3AgcCQuisUAS9FY8okyaONVrEeujHKGTIzDPzLWoTWzSrHzUZhmzTcYiPgfkchX8n8lNDn26GvnXSYc-dVOL4rx3r0SxW3IEWWcuKqB95G3MUj9HatPTyLyYeoSjpjMzMPJQ/s400/IMG_7935.JPG" width="400" /></a></div>
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(Thanks for being a good sport, my love! And thanks for your derriere extraordinaire!)<br />
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GOOD LUCK TODAY!!!</div>
Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-49021552164685799312012-10-24T10:05:00.000-07:002012-10-25T05:48:18.851-07:00Change of color...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
A few days ago I snapped a picture of Edinburgh Castle (well, part of Edinburgh Castle) as a silhouette against a fiery sunset. The picture was pretty dramatic (not due to any of my skills mind you, just because castles and sunsets ooze drama!) But, I got to playing with the colors of original picture and I ended up with a few others that I liked for various reasons. All I used here was the simplest editing tools on iPhoto- I can't wait to learn how to use PhotoShop so I can really play around with images! (And its about time, since Matt got it for me last Christmas.) Anyway, here they are... what do you think? </div>
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1. The Original- no trickery here. Just pointing and clicking... Pretty nice, I think.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rYc5uL3iXadZd1hA-C2s4rtZT5Vp7e44t0hDvvpj1Hc4ZmLfDNqWy7OAZAMIeUixki0jte6leAevKdl8vu2pkXoZU267bvrwuBv19fqvPlLbexDgj-gx79s1ma30XXsNrnlRTMhKFCk/s1600/IMG_7735+-+Version+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj9rYc5uL3iXadZd1hA-C2s4rtZT5Vp7e44t0hDvvpj1Hc4ZmLfDNqWy7OAZAMIeUixki0jte6leAevKdl8vu2pkXoZU267bvrwuBv19fqvPlLbexDgj-gx79s1ma30XXsNrnlRTMhKFCk/s640/IMG_7735+-+Version+2.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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2. Total saturation- I liked this one because it looks fake and fantastical, and when I see it I start to come up with stories in my head about a imprisoned sorceress casting enchantments so potent that the skies turn into water and fire!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_Q6cj9jxgzAVnqii1TuXfL_y-nBqdUg9oBw3aw_Q47QdylMdT5vlLJDSCpvDOu1pw90d2-RXHL_BPwnYcIHbSonBxOXlFqMUuG_AIx5sfmmiTGcPaU-ZWs-bQr3UrGF6MzLTcbUHcjU/s1600/IMG_7735+-+Version+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiz_Q6cj9jxgzAVnqii1TuXfL_y-nBqdUg9oBw3aw_Q47QdylMdT5vlLJDSCpvDOu1pw90d2-RXHL_BPwnYcIHbSonBxOXlFqMUuG_AIx5sfmmiTGcPaU-ZWs-bQr3UrGF6MzLTcbUHcjU/s640/IMG_7735+-+Version+3.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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3. Sepia- This one makes me think of <i>Wuthering</i> <i>Heights</i>... I don't know why, really, since that story takes place so clearly on the moors, not rocky hilltop, but the colors evoke a Heathcliff kind of mood in me. Romantic, violent, passionate, and haunting... </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rjhleaULaT88EWY1_i4xnGvxSHPp0iSXC3FfT-_rVY16dUXyf7CdMU4gXJeZXEREHpEE8QpVUGiU5o1n4niBfV903ui8UwuDzwLoUaj3FggL5UN23QkRYpFFOlGvkhqJ33sQSd8DdVs/s1600/IMG_7735+-+Version+5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7rjhleaULaT88EWY1_i4xnGvxSHPp0iSXC3FfT-_rVY16dUXyf7CdMU4gXJeZXEREHpEE8QpVUGiU5o1n4niBfV903ui8UwuDzwLoUaj3FggL5UN23QkRYpFFOlGvkhqJ33sQSd8DdVs/s640/IMG_7735+-+Version+5.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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4. Black & White- Makes me think of <i>Dracula</i>. Maybe not the most imaginative association, but black & white is classic for a reason (as is <i>Dracula</i>, for that matter!) This one feels stark and lonely and quiet... and a bit ominous.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIQMNAKpdYRU7Y_n9ihCcK9FXL6VzeL_1uE6cTcGOIhj9Qrw4qrZaGPyfQanXvI_3d_9JllOdmpsZ91Gpbl3MfvdZNeVUDmrAGgc6AOL6Uuno78SNkCfBDJ8MZ4DWVRGYXnumjCiTh6w/s1600/IMG_7735+-+Version+6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhzIQMNAKpdYRU7Y_n9ihCcK9FXL6VzeL_1uE6cTcGOIhj9Qrw4qrZaGPyfQanXvI_3d_9JllOdmpsZ91Gpbl3MfvdZNeVUDmrAGgc6AOL6Uuno78SNkCfBDJ8MZ4DWVRGYXnumjCiTh6w/s640/IMG_7735+-+Version+6.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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Do the simplest of color changes make you see a totally different picture too? I am sometimes surprised how just looking at something in a different light can change it's whole story to me.<br />
<br />Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-56990904062980068302012-10-23T05:03:00.004-07:002012-10-24T10:20:50.997-07:00"I don't even own a TV"I've heard people say that my whole life. Friends and acquaintances that could proudly tout their televisionary independence. I've gone through peaks and valleys when it comes to TV watching. I've had crappy little TV sets that only carry 2 or 3 clear channels and I've had gigantic flat screens with complete cable packages. I've killed a whole day vegging out in utter laziness and I've had months where I've watched nothing but a rented movie or two. But I have never been <i>totally</i> weened off of the boob tube. Until now.<br />
<br />
So, what do you do to pass the time when you don't have a television? I mean, no screen-based entertainment at all (this includes internet people... no Hulu, no YouTube... I swear, I've had much more dramatic withdrawals from our lack of internet access than I have from not having a TV, but I digress...). You go out, right? To the pubs! Or on a chilly evening stroll.<br />
<br />
Right. But what about the evenings in? When its dark outside, you've finished dinner, and the chores are done... but its not quite time to get ready for bed? Then what do you do??<br />
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Well, you uke.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoZHaDMy4HHp-f20g2P4UbUkACn5ROz2JdItG7SZiwBQe-wFklf7yj5etHyyigCUH5Isc3HwoeoAUcOHTuxYR9c-ZhyphenhyphenzsJn0qP0Aqyf_KPOj0wsGX8xipy6vlBSBoEE0vOFC7A8lnQWc/s1600/IMG_0206.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgtoZHaDMy4HHp-f20g2P4UbUkACn5ROz2JdItG7SZiwBQe-wFklf7yj5etHyyigCUH5Isc3HwoeoAUcOHTuxYR9c-ZhyphenhyphenzsJn0qP0Aqyf_KPOj0wsGX8xipy6vlBSBoEE0vOFC7A8lnQWc/s400/IMG_0206.jpg" width="298" /></a></div>
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Or put together puzzles.</div>
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<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2659T5LN7hg90sXirscNsVYB-pVzc5Jg-Az0QPw3sOp_WYRhCz_Ib9D9xaMCsqP1NZlJBqAX7Llfo6GbA8o6K6bf6HFpovXLInV_h_wV8M02_CmPkbpQRajdJbg0_BGgo4elWxTlh6PU/s1600/IMG_7616.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg2659T5LN7hg90sXirscNsVYB-pVzc5Jg-Az0QPw3sOp_WYRhCz_Ib9D9xaMCsqP1NZlJBqAX7Llfo6GbA8o6K6bf6HFpovXLInV_h_wV8M02_CmPkbpQRajdJbg0_BGgo4elWxTlh6PU/s400/IMG_7616.jpg" width="223" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(this picture taken the morning after a <i>crazy</i> night of puzzling.)</td></tr>
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Or knit.</div>
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77L23Upt5rATzGYcV5j8AFkYrmU3gXB2SsIcxzXGcN8vbtAct4Hg3HZ6VvgSKwVhmQQs-K5kLIYAQGWxQpBC0z2e8G4gwcfGUC_fZCVYafmCHkdYzyH-EpYl_3Mc5EploofJieQdeMrs/s1600/IMG_7994.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="223" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg77L23Upt5rATzGYcV5j8AFkYrmU3gXB2SsIcxzXGcN8vbtAct4Hg3HZ6VvgSKwVhmQQs-K5kLIYAQGWxQpBC0z2e8G4gwcfGUC_fZCVYafmCHkdYzyH-EpYl_3Mc5EploofJieQdeMrs/s400/IMG_7994.JPG" width="400" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(and unravel it all... and knit again... and unravel it all...)</td></tr>
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You mess with the cats</div>
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You do a little finger pickin'<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzeXIyNHbZ3MzPplnoNcimGZLBJGoDG5OAtp1PSOYKR_oZNO2X5WAgvgSbQroUtfDM5kERRi7aNww5g6pOJNKEgpM2fVXTdczAe8-CQWqNCDCx8OgYxf_ER7aUhB8U6CecMW-9gnexzE/s1600/Screen+Shot+2012-10-17+at+9.51.32+AM.png" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="218" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidzeXIyNHbZ3MzPplnoNcimGZLBJGoDG5OAtp1PSOYKR_oZNO2X5WAgvgSbQroUtfDM5kERRi7aNww5g6pOJNKEgpM2fVXTdczAe8-CQWqNCDCx8OgYxf_ER7aUhB8U6CecMW-9gnexzE/s400/Screen+Shot+2012-10-17+at+9.51.32+AM.png" width="400" /></a></div>
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You bake apple/pear pie<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-d5W1YE1FHSadgHpBjpJVL96JmrascfNyH7ObcyqldGbn9esiZUxO7grey2r_-9j0GdGqW0Bw4KYhQsnLeLb9CP080sFDms9i3DtCDW9nsGc5uniGYfHpMYeXoSirAvoIRkjUG7Zw2zE/s1600/IMG_7667+-+Version+3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="303" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh-d5W1YE1FHSadgHpBjpJVL96JmrascfNyH7ObcyqldGbn9esiZUxO7grey2r_-9j0GdGqW0Bw4KYhQsnLeLb9CP080sFDms9i3DtCDW9nsGc5uniGYfHpMYeXoSirAvoIRkjUG7Zw2zE/s320/IMG_7667+-+Version+3.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">(sans recipe... Tried to make it 'healthy' so I used minimal sugar. It was quite tart, but easily remedied by adding copies amounts of vanilla ice cream)</td></tr>
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You stare at the ceiling<br />
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or out the window.</div>
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And, of course, you read.<br />
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At least, that's what <i>we</i> do! And for the most part, I don't really miss TV at all (although it would be nice to get the broadband hooked up so we could stream a show or two, I mean, I didn't move to the UK to <i>stop</i> watching Downton Abbey!) Most of all, I'm getting used to the quiet. I had the habit of turning on the TV just as background noise, and I find I am happier without the constant bombardment of chatter and adverts. And Matthew and I are having some delightful fireside chats... OK, that took it a little too far, but we are a lot more <i>present</i> with one another, if that makes any sense!</div>
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I'd love to hear what any of you do when you're not plugged in- in case we run out of ideas here we can steal yours!</div>
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Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-69299960143950298922012-10-21T11:25:00.001-07:002012-10-22T07:36:22.908-07:00Many pictures of Craigmillar Castle<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
We spent a lovely autumn day at <a href="http://www.historic-scotland.gov.uk/propertyresults/propertyoverview.htm?PropID=PL_123">Craigmillar Castle. </a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BKzvnim1q1DCUPPBSlHTSYzMTEpSQ4ewusrhjBibW89PMwg2Ri8PQqSPYritVgKIzF1NfZ-be-r60HPE3j523idQZNGgvu9gNtxWCp8M4jY4cX09eM6e36cDqO59sSd0gM8Frq6rDtA/s1600/IMG_7754.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_BKzvnim1q1DCUPPBSlHTSYzMTEpSQ4ewusrhjBibW89PMwg2Ri8PQqSPYritVgKIzF1NfZ-be-r60HPE3j523idQZNGgvu9gNtxWCp8M4jY4cX09eM6e36cDqO59sSd0gM8Frq6rDtA/s640/IMG_7754.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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It is a very castle-y castle</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PC29Vr1UqtjiNKDV1GrXvCyE9TZyoQksf3IbUbzEXLPWEuiME4a0TFER-TZ1TXZBYNm0ILC8qZKMmzHPavMoMMwx2Q8wq74_ax8jrC6q7Dxvj17fg7__p1joo8lY_Ipz0nkrlgIMVAc/s1600/IMG_7764.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg-PC29Vr1UqtjiNKDV1GrXvCyE9TZyoQksf3IbUbzEXLPWEuiME4a0TFER-TZ1TXZBYNm0ILC8qZKMmzHPavMoMMwx2Q8wq74_ax8jrC6q7Dxvj17fg7__p1joo8lY_Ipz0nkrlgIMVAc/s640/IMG_7764.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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with lots of old stone crests</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4eOF7djsj2xoal5hMGLagvenOHMK-PTZyLYEwfob2lxZSaHztN0NeLxsTZd8rgEeGhLSGRIIVg8E3S6OaxoMnF8o0HL1YNm77trGSVGx7TAl4JQ4pfc1Ztm8hzhyphenhyphenwwXZ0hR3RFUh0l4/s1600/IMG_7765.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY4eOF7djsj2xoal5hMGLagvenOHMK-PTZyLYEwfob2lxZSaHztN0NeLxsTZd8rgEeGhLSGRIIVg8E3S6OaxoMnF8o0HL1YNm77trGSVGx7TAl4JQ4pfc1Ztm8hzhyphenhyphenwwXZ0hR3RFUh0l4/s400/IMG_7765.jpg" width="223" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmgYzH0epnMwWNPyAtzHnt502v75TCutl7821P2YBHmz58lG96NhaXvyKdYF3Nh_mq4MAh6yrHPFUYT58ab74tHlxhsqhFVtEPM0GQpu02GdOXEsBf5FLQaNzEf0tcBmJSDw6NOoyYOo/s1600/IMG_7768.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiUmgYzH0epnMwWNPyAtzHnt502v75TCutl7821P2YBHmz58lG96NhaXvyKdYF3Nh_mq4MAh6yrHPFUYT58ab74tHlxhsqhFVtEPM0GQpu02GdOXEsBf5FLQaNzEf0tcBmJSDw6NOoyYOo/s400/IMG_7768.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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and old bedchambers</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkF6rlHO0T5_Q4TpcbRfi8K6H-9YoRRSRY-vkl49VwhVZ8wX0omrEg29rQsLH_uK1rnCIoMvkM2a6ts37unbbHyfso4xYqykOXjJ7woKrF1XmcwPohn7Akcprp0uOQei0g61V1RXbdPs/s1600/IMG_7774.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfkF6rlHO0T5_Q4TpcbRfi8K6H-9YoRRSRY-vkl49VwhVZ8wX0omrEg29rQsLH_uK1rnCIoMvkM2a6ts37unbbHyfso4xYqykOXjJ7woKrF1XmcwPohn7Akcprp0uOQei0g61V1RXbdPs/s640/IMG_7774.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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that had latrines and closets.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJlLmUI_vNSGFxDFK262HN4dIIVN7uaL7K8Ww3S4sWQM-0CFdgXo3RmzU45PPxenzDBjHg7LEI7lO2vGkdcLByGbGauJ0z7f1wz3j-IwFODpTvBMVFukDnFUh6ayMRRF85X9VnGCr8os/s1600/IMG_7777.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWJlLmUI_vNSGFxDFK262HN4dIIVN7uaL7K8Ww3S4sWQM-0CFdgXo3RmzU45PPxenzDBjHg7LEI7lO2vGkdcLByGbGauJ0z7f1wz3j-IwFODpTvBMVFukDnFUh6ayMRRF85X9VnGCr8os/s400/IMG_7777.jpg" width="223" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLJkoZjmdxJXmRTFe4EpbHNh1Hfibv0mWNUecKvUJ9nULNckGIGyC0ADaqH6u2dT7q63GCvqb8Pq6OgdbnVSUS9-0IhH6fKqv9iaM-2udpGFZMvLSE3wfp95tYtHjh6FsLBbtcqOsBC0/s1600/IMG_7780.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvLJkoZjmdxJXmRTFe4EpbHNh1Hfibv0mWNUecKvUJ9nULNckGIGyC0ADaqH6u2dT7q63GCvqb8Pq6OgdbnVSUS9-0IhH6fKqv9iaM-2udpGFZMvLSE3wfp95tYtHjh6FsLBbtcqOsBC0/s400/IMG_7780.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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where the roof is gone and the stone is covered in soft green mosses.</div>
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we had our run of the place. we climbed down. we climbed up.</div>
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up. up. up.</div>
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and stood on top of a castle under blue skies. </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMYj_G0wSKXk21B9LQZl8sm-gEcRqE-pXLiNwp-8R8WNRv578cEAWoVcVX7hu_4Ep8XTV3LPMvod2vVzRjeblA7xG2CkA3heUs0KswhwibmwJna73WUm5bMtqXMVaVmifAjiz0TyZgjk/s1600/IMG_7838.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="358" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhQMYj_G0wSKXk21B9LQZl8sm-gEcRqE-pXLiNwp-8R8WNRv578cEAWoVcVX7hu_4Ep8XTV3LPMvod2vVzRjeblA7xG2CkA3heUs0KswhwibmwJna73WUm5bMtqXMVaVmifAjiz0TyZgjk/s640/IMG_7838.JPG" width="640" /></a></div>
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we played in the Lord's Hall, where the acoustics were warm and bouncy </div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ29s1HDNr5rKQe7KFtXIyruaBhopNQh6ev3LiL0Qy4lw5qhJeatX7Wub7QpD7ouNwAb19UalU8a5eIfFB_a6jsSwoqvR_WF2oqDPv1MfALyf85h1XpBQiHZt7P6GV0D7oq_CR80ZpQy0/s1600/IMG_7859.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZ29s1HDNr5rKQe7KFtXIyruaBhopNQh6ev3LiL0Qy4lw5qhJeatX7Wub7QpD7ouNwAb19UalU8a5eIfFB_a6jsSwoqvR_WF2oqDPv1MfALyf85h1XpBQiHZt7P6GV0D7oq_CR80ZpQy0/s640/IMG_7859.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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and the windows made the views outside look wavy and old.</div>
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Matt played inside the fire place,</div>
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and bunnies, loads of bunnies, played in the field outside</div>
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it was warm enough to take off our jackets</div>
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and clear enough for us to see Edinburgh, 3 miles away</div>
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this made us happy, toothy people.</div>
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we met the current king of the castle, who has marked many of his favorite territories with his poop.</div>
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we discovered back passageways</div>
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and official garden markers</div>
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and Matt posed for this picture, which is my second favorite picture of the day.</div>
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This is not my favorite, but I still like it.</div>
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I got a bit mesmerized by the Octoberness of it all. </div>
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Its been a while since I've experienced a proper October, with October air.</div>
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my shadow had a fun day too.</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEaTdXnOnJMRRoDkrcYDSQ8lW0hvrwFNvBgAgL0_EafzX5kDb_IJzJ3p_vC72LMZIZD6Wmd73jLxysnJd4_cFRMMzvzeHhpLa1wckrGVZABtWde8PwrwLeEy07qcFPh5tpPwhwY16Poc/s1600/IMG_7927.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqEaTdXnOnJMRRoDkrcYDSQ8lW0hvrwFNvBgAgL0_EafzX5kDb_IJzJ3p_vC72LMZIZD6Wmd73jLxysnJd4_cFRMMzvzeHhpLa1wckrGVZABtWde8PwrwLeEy07qcFPh5tpPwhwY16Poc/s640/IMG_7927.jpg" width="358" /></a></div>
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and here is my favorite picture of my favorite guy from a favorite day...</div>
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<br />Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-70292497506779075222012-10-17T04:43:00.001-07:002012-10-17T07:51:52.302-07:00Expat tips: Letting in Edinburgh<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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OK. It's time. We've been in our permanent flat for nearly a month now, and I think I can finally share with you all the hellish experience that is flat hunting in Edinburgh.</div>
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We came to Edinburgh toward the end of August, when the city is literally bursting at its seams with tourists, fire-eaters, poets, tourists, comedians, musicians, students, tourists, unicyclists and tourists. August is the month of the festival here in Edinburgh, and it is a wonderful time- as far as I could tell (I look forward to next year when we are settled and can really get out there and see what the festival has to offer). It is also an incredibly crazy time to make Edinburgh your new home. </div>
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But it wasn't really the festival that made flat hunting so gosh darn frustrating. It was really the influx of students. Foreign students for the most part (as many local students already had their flats sorted our well before August). There were so many of them! We couldn't <i>really</i> fuss about that though, considering... because of the whole <i>we are foreign and Matt's a student</i>, thing. </div>
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So, we were just another couple scrambling to get the exact same thing that everyone else wanted: an affordable flat with Scottish charm that was close to the university and available immediately. Oh, and on top of that, ours had to accept cats. </div>
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Pickings were slim. We ended up grabbing a great little flat, so it all has a happy ending, but the process-<i> oh! the process!-</i> what. a. nightmare.</div>
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But, live and learn. If I could do it over again (and I'm glad I don't have to for a while, at least) I'd do things differently. Here's a few tips to help out anyone out there who may find themselves in the future flat hunting in Edinburgh:</div>
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1. You MUST have a local phone. First thing you do when you get here is get a cheapy "top up" mobile at any phone shop. They cost about 10 pounds and you can add money to your account as you use it up, and you will use it up, several times, because you will be making <i>lots</i> of calls.</div>
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2. Those letting agent signs on the outside of buildings...? The ones that hang off the exact building you <i>so want</i> to live in? Like the ones at the top of this post? FORGET about them. Those places have been rented out months ago. Or they are not available for months yet. Or the agents whose name and number is emblazoned across them have no record of any flat at that building. Or... on the off chance that there is a flat, the agent knows what you are talking about, and it is available, it likely has 5 bedrooms and costs a small fortune each month in rent. This was our biggest bummer of all, because they would beckon to us, and we'd fall for them every time.</div>
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3. Letting agents in general are a bit strange here, at least compared to my experiences renting in America. First off, they don't seem too interested in actually letting their flats. Our calls were often met with friendly but unhelpful desk agents that couldn't really tell us much about what was available or how/when we could arrange a viewing. In this market, I don't think much effort was needed to get flats rented out, and that was a bit apparent.</div>
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4. But, we did get a few viewing appointments from agents. And we missed a couple of them. So listen up... if you want to see a flat, and you get an appointment to see said flat, DONT BE EVEN ONE MINUTE LATE! If the appointment is at 11:45 and you show up at 11:46, it's over. You blew it. Seriously. The <i>agent</i> can be late, but you can't. They'll have booked another showing at another flat at 11:50 and they ain't staying around for a second to wait for you. This doesn't sound like that big of a deal- be on time. However, it's pretty easy to run late when you are new to a city, and you don't know exactly where to go, or what bus to take (even though you plotted it all out online before you left your temporary flat...) and <i>all</i> of the streets have 900 different names depending on what block you're on, <i>or</i> you've found Cluny Garden but you can't find Cluny Terrace, and you keep passing Cluny Crescent which is right off of Cluny Road... </div>
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5. If you can, have a gadget that allows you to go online. We had to refer to our iPad several times for directions, for phone numbers, for up to the minute listings...</div>
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6. Make lists. Frustratingly useless lists, of all the places you find online, or in letting agent windows, (or from the letting signs that hang off of the buildings as mentioned above, if you want to add to the heartache) because every flat begins to be the exact same in your head. And if you happen to get a call back from one of the hundreds of messages you left with various agents, you got to be able to know what flat they are talking about. Our list included the flat street, agent, phone number, price per month, # of bedrooms, and date of availability. Even then, we were not always sure which was which!</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMkxYjIQlwaCMGlTQ4Wtewke1mzyoGsbDAopC22-098gaCiV_GVuRZpZOSh-ZencPo9NWtkmv7rv4e35MXtJ4JZi49LJApm2gcUzP6B4-D3aJrsQZX6jGrlng5M4rEg77yv9cdFkUpO0/s1600/IMG_7211.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="356" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEizMkxYjIQlwaCMGlTQ4Wtewke1mzyoGsbDAopC22-098gaCiV_GVuRZpZOSh-ZencPo9NWtkmv7rv4e35MXtJ4JZi49LJApm2gcUzP6B4-D3aJrsQZX6jGrlng5M4rEg77yv9cdFkUpO0/s640/IMG_7211.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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7. Cross things off the list as soon as you know that the flat is gone, because otherwise, you just might keep hoping...</div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqVoAdt1GSIvgbl9Dr9_6F4wvmbeIym-VIkZYjs5ZRD3FaizRo-bXSEjnELcgBEWzxaGUlI52IMb674e09pYdO4LMZ9SE1t4vgbPf4TOajKiezK9OsrgoopFa5m0rYn2CiKnIOGNQYyI/s1600/IMG_7212.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjJqVoAdt1GSIvgbl9Dr9_6F4wvmbeIym-VIkZYjs5ZRD3FaizRo-bXSEjnELcgBEWzxaGUlI52IMb674e09pYdO4LMZ9SE1t4vgbPf4TOajKiezK9OsrgoopFa5m0rYn2CiKnIOGNQYyI/s400/IMG_7212.jpg" width="223" /></a></div>
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8. Be prepared to pull the trigger quickly if you find a place you like even a little bit. We let a couple slip through our fingers by mulling it over for an afternoon. The flats go that fast. Also, some agents require you put down money to apply- a sizable chunk. One agent wanted us to give 200 pounds per person (over 600 USD) that we would lose if our application was accepted and we decided to go with another flat. They return it if you are not accepted though, but it does make it easy for them to consider multiple tenants while you have to commit to applying to only one flat.</div>
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9. You might want to forget the letting agents all together and go with a private landlord. We did, and it was the only time we felt sane during the whole letting process. Private landlords can run the gamut and our is pretty relaxed. And most private landlords are registered with the government (some sort of registry or license I believe to protect letters) so there is an added level of comfort there. We found our flat on Gumtree (kind of like Craigslist).</div>
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10. Lastly, remember that this is all part of the adventure. There is a certain cultural distinction between Americans and folks on this side of the pond that I find both endearing and infuriating. The people we dealt with during our flat search were all so polite, but so reluctant to supply any information that isn't explicitly asked for. And instead of getting right down to the point of the matter, there is a lot of side stepping and dead-ended conversations. I couldn't help but think of this sketch from Monty Python during our entire flat hunting experience:</div>
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<br />Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-28294516831225260582012-10-16T04:36:00.000-07:002012-10-16T04:36:56.591-07:00Flat cats*<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Obie declines puzzle play-</div>
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Sherpa and his balloon dance the night away-</div>
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Linus waits for more food-</div>
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* because you can never share <i>too</i> many pictures of your cats!Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1662506558104986314.post-5280180368798443682012-10-12T04:30:00.000-07:002012-10-12T10:44:55.020-07:00Living without cancer<div>
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In October of last year, someone I love and admirely greatly was diagnosed with a rare type of bladder cancer. She acted with grace and with speed, researching her options and choosing a course of action within hours of hearing the news.</div>
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I won't go into the details, but the short version goes a little like this: The cancer was caught by a fluke, really. Most of the time this particular cancer isn't caught until it is virtually too late to treat. Her doctors were not sure what they would find during surgery. It was a scary time. She underwent two operations, and was <i>very</i> lucky. Her doctors were able to remove all of the cancer and did not think she would need chemotherapy or radiation. She has since had two follow-up scopes and both have shown that she is still cancer-free. With routine checks, she should remain that way!</div>
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So, sometimes its not what you have, but what you <i>don't</i> have that gives you happiness. I am so grateful that her cancer, while serious and scary at the time, was totally defeated! The last 12 months would have been drastically different otherwise, and I don't even want to think about it. Call it luck, call it God, call it modern medicine, or a combination of all the above... I just call it reason to celebrate!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Happy dance gif lifted from <a href="http://www.eclectech.co.uk/b3ta/dancesteps.gif.html">here</a></td></tr>
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Riannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/06524455086018883641noreply@blogger.com2