You shan't find me here anymore.

Go to http://the52album.tumblr.com/

One down.

I have officially achieved my first goal of the year to get a new job :)
...and it is now the Chinese Year of the Rabbit don'tcha know. Every Chinese New Year my sister and I are sent gifts in these cute little red envelopes from your aunt in San Fransisco.

all the things I hope to do...

1. Own a cabin in Canada.

2. Safari adventure in Botswana.

3. Tour the National Parks of Costa Rica.

4. A month long Antarctic road trip.

5. Own a beautiful apartment overlooking Central Park.

Now I just need to figure out the money part and I'll be set :)

As I drove home this evening a fox crossed the road up ahead of me; a sight that I always marvel at. I love urban foxes, it is almost like you are catching them out in their secret life in the shadows of a man-made world. Although I adore all members of the animal kingdom, the fox is one close to my heart...

Foxes will always remind me of my Gran, the most wonderfully kind and inspiring person I have ever known. I will always remember going to her great big house near the seaside, where I spent a vast amount of time as a child. On one particular day, shortly after her funeral, I remember going upstairs with my Dad and aunt to the bedroom at the back of the house where my sister and I used to sleep. While they were searching for something, I looked out the huge balcony doors into the garden and saw, sitting in the middle of the lawn, a fox. I suspect it was the same fox she was always told off for feeding by my Granpa (a testament to her unfailing kindness to all living things). But it was an amazing moment to see it just sitting there, looking and patiently waiting for her return. I remember feeling sorry for him because, although I was sad, no one could tell him he would no longer find food in this particular garden.

I shall forever remember that fox.

New Year, Fresh Start

I am going into 2011 with nothing but optimism. Last year was a strange and confusing one, but I have finally got my head in the right place - proud of myself.

So in the hope that I might actually achieve some goals for the year if I write them down...

1. New job

2. A little house for me and Phil to share

3. Start learning French again, in preparation for my aspirations to move to Canada in the future.

4. Join a dance class.

5. Save up to go on safari.

6. Say yes more to opportunities that come my way and stay positive.

And one for luck... as always; take photos and write more.

Jamie T - Spider's Web

Marilyn is the only famous woman I have ever truly admired. It seems cliche, as she is an icon to so many; her image is world famous and often over-used, but for me she represents something deeper and more meaningful than just a pretty face.

I believe she was so much more than the woman she portrayed herself to be. An incredibly talented, funny, intelligent woman who underneath it all, tragically, lacked confidence and seemed to be constantly searching for love and acceptance. After reading about her life, her journal entries and poetry, I cannot help but feel a little sad every time I look at her image.

Despite decades separating us, there is something about her that I truly identify with, and today I felt like writing about it to show my appreciation for a woman I will always adore. There is no other quite like Marilyn and I don't think there ever will be. So I hope she will never be forgotten or cast aside as just a ditsy blonde, as she is the true testament to "never judge a book by its cover".

xxx

Nothing quite gets me like Studio Ghibli does.

Historial fact of the day

"Elijah McCoy, son of former slaves who had escaped to Canada, studied mechanical engineering
in Scotland. After the Civil War, he moved to the United States and worked for the Michigan
Central Railroad. Because the railroad company could not imagine an African American engineer,
he was hired to run the boiler and lubricate moving parts of the train.
In 1872 Elijah patented his first invention, a self-regulating lubricator.
His device was so successful that buyers of steam engines would ask if the lubrication systems were the "Real McCoy"."

... hence the phrase.

Alane Jordan Starko

I think this is what we shall do...

As unfortunately it seems so damn expensive to buy a house now a days, I thought this article about a lady, Sandra Foster was completely inspiring. With little money and living in a trailer, she made a beautiful, tiny house in the middle of a forest in New York. Converting an old hunting cabin with only $3000.

Truly showing you can make any house, no matter how small, a home. So cute!

(for the full article, www.nytimes.com)

"And above all,
watch with glittering eyes the whole world around you
because the greatest secrets
are always hidden in the most unlikely places.
Those who don't believe in magic will never find it."

Roald Dahl (all time favourite)

Edinburgh 2009/10
<3

silent and still

Bruce Mozertom (first underwater photography)

Chanel are suggesting it is now ok for me to dress up like Chewbacca / a Polar bear this winter - yey!

This super cute banner outside our local college is created by The Hidden Dingbat Collective which consists of my wonderful boyfriend Phil Howell and his business partner Lauren Baker. This is a big step into the freelance world of graphic design for them and I'm so proud :)

Punk rock has the power to change the world,
It lies in every punk rock boy and girl.
So don't let anyone tell you you're not worth the earth,
These streets are your streets,
This turf is your turf!

Don't let anyone tell you that you've got to give in,
'Cos you can make a difference,
You can change everything!
Just let your dreams be your pilot,
Your imagination your fuel,
Tear up the book and write your own damn rules.

Use all the heart, hope and soul that you've got,
And the love and the rage that you feel in your gut,
And realize that the other world that you're always looking for,
Lies right here in front of us,
Just outside this door.
And it's up to you to go out there and paint the canvas,
After all, you were put on the earth to do this.

So shine your light so bright that all can see,
Take pride in being whoever the fuck you want to be!
Throw your fist in the air in solidarity,
And shout - VIVA LA PUNK, JUST ONE LIFE, ANARCHY!

From 'What if punk never happened' by The King Blues

Toxic Nudibranch OR real life pokemon?

from National Geographic

So while searching through the vast amount of cupboards in my house I found a rather extensive feather collection. Upon which I found this perfectly preserved Golden Pheasant.

At the risk of seeming quite morbid, I thought it was beautiful and therefore a note worthy find :)

My favourite place in the world

I have been to Canada a couple of times now and it is officially my favourite country I have ever been to. Hopefully one day I will stay there forever :)

I drew this a little while back and kept forgetting to put it on here, but here it is - inspired from the film Memoirs of a Geisha :)