You can take the girl out of Hollywood...

Just a few posts ago, I boasted that Matthew and I don't have a TV 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!

Maltese Falcon (1941)

Bogey at his prime- tough, smart and totally cool. If you don't like this movie, then you're none of those things ;)

The Wicker Man (1973)

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 Willow's Song... you know, because her voice is so pretty!

The Rutles: All You Need Is Cash (1978)

A silly spoof on the fab four with amazingly Beetle-esque tunes, and there's this too!

An American Werewolf in London (1981)

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 trailer seems pretty frightening!

Blue Velvet (1986)

Scarier than any of the horror movies I've seen lately. Best line ever... "WHY ARE THERE PEOPLE LIKE FRANK?"

A Little Princess (1995)

Saw this remix on a blog and had to see the movie...

Toy Story (1995)

I see why Pixar became instantly loved by everyone. So fresh and innovative, was it really made 17 years ago? Jeebus.

Layer Cake (2004)

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 beloved Head Master isn't so beloved.

I'm Not There (2007)

Cate Blanchett is out of this world. Seriously, I think she is from another planet. 

Eagle vs. Shark (2007)

Sooo awkward and kinda mean feeling for the majority of the film. But ultimately sweet. And there are many many many quotable lines. 

Your Highness (2011)

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 here is the full movie.)  But if this doesn't make you laugh, it might not be for you.

Skyfall (2012)

It's Bond. And its in Scotland. Go see it.

Fat & Handsome

a farewell to beard

Matt's Beard

Dec. 2010- Nov. 2012

RIP

Thank you, America

Just another day on the farm

Yesterday, a couple of friends and I went to Craigie's Farm 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. 

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 tractors!

Both of the girls I spent the afternoon with have blogs of their own. Lar makes up half the talent behind AsianCajuns (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 We Moved To Scotland. I encourage you to spend hours and hours perusing their sites!

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.)

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. 

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!

The trees were particularly beautiful. And quite magical.

We spotted a few funny birds in the adjacent field. I took the most amazing photo...

source

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 ;)

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...

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.

We met other pigs too- like this fella.

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.

Ugh. But I can't leave you guys on that 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 music, so if you're at work or holding a sleeping baby, you might want to hit 'mute')

and now, a much earned nap with mama under the heat lamp.

I spy...

Scotch wisky tasting

drying laundry

Linus going to the vet ...

an attempt to recreate the taste of home

old love.

monstrous illustrations

inspirational messages

examples of urban foraging

wild rose hips

stone cross in Duddingston

skittles at the Sheeps Heid Inn

fancy-dressed Halloween house partiers

beard removal

Matthew's classroom at night

St. Giles at night

vending machine in the ladies' loo

Old Dollar Bill

Autumn!

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. 

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 heavenly.

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! 

Outside, the leaves on the trees have all started to change into shades of yellow and fiery orange...

and then fall, leaving the branches sparse. I imagine, in a few weeks, they'll be naked.

It is perfect soup weather. I enjoyed this delicious bowl of vegetarian Harira soup from Ecos, 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.

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 Golden Pippin best. Not only does it have the cutest name, it was also the smallest and the crispiest of the bunch.

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 ;)

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.

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-

The burning the effigies of demons on top of Calton Hill, Dushurra festival 

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 exciting?! 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...

So, I'd say that autumn is off to a great start! I hope you are all enjoying the season as well!