Friday With A Tag.

Last week I was tagged by the lovely Tereza. I always except a tag challenge and anyone feeling up to it as well, be my guests.;)

The rules are:
1. Respond and rework:
Answer the questions on your blog.
Replace one question you dislike with a question of your own invention.
Add a question of your own.
2. Tag eight other people. (Optional)

I have seen this tag before in a bit different format, where pictures, quotes and poems had to be listed as well. However, this one seems to be a more simple version, which fits me splendidly.

Here are my answers;)

1) What is (are) your current obsession(s)?
I am not obsessed with things that easily, but I would guess blogging.

2) What do you see outside your window?
The hedge around my terrace, a few birch trees, a farm in the background and lots of blue sky.

3) Do you nap a lot?
No, I don't. I only like to sleep at night, when in my bed. Why waste days away on sleeping? If I ever nap it is because I have not slept the night before or I am not feeling well.

4) Who was the last person you hugged?
Yesterday I hugged a friend when congratulating her on her birthday.
And Batcat, of course he is not a person though.;)

5) Which animal would you be?
I am a sheep in Chinese Astrology. By choice I would love to be a wild horse.

6) What’s for dinner?
Pasta alla Carbonara.

7) What was the last thing you bought?
Weekly groceries. How exciting.;)
If more personal item, then it was a pair of large, golden earrings.

8) What are you listening to right now?
Urban Gypsy by Marc Antoine.

9) What is your favourite weather?
Hot and humid day full of sunshine and sound of the cicadas.

10) What’s on your bedside table?
A framed photograph, a little angel, a lamp, a few books, my phone, a clock-radio and a glass of water.

11) Say something to the person/s who tagged you.
Dear Tereza, you have a lovely blog and I am so impressed by your English and your sense of style. Thank you for tagging me.;))

12) If you could have a house totally paid for, fully furnished anywhere in the world, where would you want it to be?
Right here where it is now.

13) Where are you typing from right now?
My living room.

14) A book you're currently reading?
"A German Requiem", the third book in a compilation called "Berlin Noir" by Philip Kerr (read for me by the Irishman every evening).

15) What (Who) would you like to have in your arms right now?
Risking to state the absolute obvious; a tall, strong, handsome man that lives in Ireland.

16) What is your favourite tea flavour?
I don´t drink tea. Only when I have the flu; in that case I opt for chamomile.

17) If you could go anywhere in the world for the next hour, where would you go?
Ireland.

18) What did you want to become as a child?
An archeologist, a vet, an artist, a farmer.

19) If you could meet anyone famous in the world, from the past or the present, who would it be?
Leonardo da Vinci.

20) What is your plan for tomorrow?
Considering it is Saturday, I do not have to go to the lab. Therefore I will be getting up late, doing household chores, perhaps some gardening and relaxing, maybe for the first time this season outside in the sun, with a good book or a magazine.

21) What color do you find yourself wearing more often than not?
Any shades of blue.

22) What is your favorite day of the week?
Friday.

The Touch.

I have in the past extensively described how much music means to me. How essential it is with the sound of a melody, in order to make me relax or to just have my thoughts wander in time, initiating a cascade of memories streaming back.

Likewise, there is something very comforting when hearing that someones familiar voice, a sound like no other, to sooth ones soul. Or the laughter of children, the play of a water stream, the singing of birds; it is all so vital to us.

As is the ability to scent familiar scents, whether they are natural or man-made elixirs, that bring on pleasure and relaxation, taking us back in time to places and people we once knew.

The other day I thought about the magic of a touch.

I know first hand how it is to experience lack of it on daily bases. Having a long distance relationship, I feel the absence of someone dear to me constantly. Occasionally, it can bring on emotions of sadness and melancholy and I can only find comfort in the notion, that I am not alone in this situation. I often think of the wives and girlfriends of soldiers or sailors, that are forced to be without their loved ones for weeks, months, perhaps years at a time. Additionally, some of these women live with a fear I can not even fathom.
Despite it all, my predicament is nowhere that extreme.

So what is in the human touch we so need and crave? It can mean so many things, depending on the circumstances; evoking feelings of intimacy, love, affection, care, compassion, comfort, safety, companionship or friendship, aiding in relaxation or pleasure. Proven even scientifically, the touch is absolutely vital to us. Humans already from infancy need to be held and cradled to develop into healthy adults. There is nothing more comforting to a child, than a mothers embrace. To feel the arms of someone we trust around us gives us a feeling of security and safety.

But of course, there is so much more in the touch. Already as children we use our hands to explore the world around us. How could we even live, if our fingers could not explore the texture of the objects we see? The softness of fabrics, the coolness of water, the caress of the wind, the warmth of a sandy beach. We use our hands all the time, almost in every task in our days to interact with other living things as well as our environment.

The loss and the lack of touch must be as devastating, as the loss of any other of the senses.

Here is my personal list of what appeals to the sense of my touch the most:

1) Clean sheets.
The scent and the texture of clean sheets is incredibly satisfying. Especially if the laundry has been dried in the sun - this combination is unique.

2) Warm sand.
I love the ocean and the beach - I love to feel the warm sand between my toes and through my fingers, while watching the ocean and feeling the sun on my skin. A plethora of impressions to satisfy almost all my senses, nevertheless the touch.

3) Fresh soil.
I have listed this previously as my favourite scent, but the texture of fresh soil is my favorite as well; I often start using gloves when gardening and in the end just discard them while I plant my flowers. The richness of the soil between my fingers makes me feel as close to nature as I can be.

4) The fur of my cat.
I love to stroke him, when he is completely relaxed, lying in my lap. Many articles are published on this subject; apparently stroking our pets have vital benefits on our overall health and extend our lifespan.

Fragrances.

We are all ruled by our senses. Whether it is a visual picture that pleases us, whether it is touch, a delightful sound or a lovely scent.

I love fragrances and scents. They are not just enjoyable in a moment, they also bring back memories and can take us back to places in time.

There are many scents that I find pleasing, both natural and man-made perfumes. The history of perfumes goes back to ancient Egypt and is in itself almost an art form, or a science form that should not be underestimated. Making the perfect perfume takes talent and a lot of knowledge. Wearing the perfumed fragrance takes certain amount of talent too. Our scent is as individual, as our fashion style. It symbolizes who we are and who we would like to be perceived as. I love the idea of remembering a face, not just as a visual memory, but as a scent memory as well. To me wearing a fragrance is a part of who I am.

But there are also natural fragrances, that can remind me of my childhood and move me back decades into my past, back to people and places I once knew. A scent can evoke feelings of happiness, make me relax and calm me down, put my mind at ease and let me enjoy the moment more intensely.
And there is nothing more powerful than the familiar scent of someone we love...

Here is a list of my five favourite natural scents:

1. Scent of fresh cut grass.
It will always remind me of my childhood summers, spend in a natural, rural area around Prague, with my aunt and her family. It also brings back a memory from the places around where I was born, from meadows in a beautiful part of the world. The scent of fresh cut grass always makes me feel carefree and signifies serenity.

2. Scent after a summer rain.
The freshness of the air, shortly after a summer rain is impossible to duplicate. The way it makes nature comes to life is astounding. Likewise, the scent of raging ocean, when the waves are crushing against the beach, while I walk along the seashore, makes me feel invigorated and alive.

3. Scent of fresh soil.
This scent signifies to me the oncoming spring and summer. It represents planting period and a renewal period in nature, when the sun rays shine stronger and feel warmer. I love to tend to my garden and to plant flowers, in pots and in flower beds. The scent of soil and the feeling of the rich substance between my fingers makes me as giddy as a child. Gardening to me is one of the most relaxing activities I can imagine. And one of the most rewarding ones as well.

4. Scent of burning wood.
I love the particular smokey scent from a burning campfire, or a fire in a fireplace. This scent sets me immediately at ease, and aids greatly in my relaxation. It works in any season, as it can remind me of cozy winter evening at home, or a late summer evening outside. I also enjoy the scent of burning leaves late in the autumn that too brings back the memory of fields in my childhood.

5. Scent of blooming Lilac.
The fragrance of blooming Lilac is one of the most beautiful natural fragrances I know. It is fresh, romantic and everlasting. The intense, persistent and lovely scent of any flowers in bloom underscores the fact that Nature is the best and the most talented perfume maker.

I Remember When...

In some way, I feel I was born and have lived until now in particular time, when technology has evolved with light speed. Having lived in different countries and being born in the former east block, I feel I have experienced tremendous advances, which - although I have accepted - still intrigue and amaze me.

Below is a list of things I still remember that existed or did not exist, which exposes me for the dinosaur I really am.

1) I remember when a telephone was not common at all; and I remember the telephones with a crank handle being still in use. Of course my whole childhood was spend with a rotary dial telephone only.

2) I remember when mobile (cellular) telephones were science fiction.

3) I remember when personal computer was a wishing tale and the word computer meant a huge, wired monster that took up a large room in a secret building somewhere filled with computer nerds. I actually remember hearing the word computer for the first time.

4) I remember the introduction of Internet late in my adult life.

5) I remember when owning a car was a rarity.

6) I remember when horse drawn carriage was still a common mean of transportation in the country side.

7) I remember when the only heating source in a room was an ceramic or steel oven.

8) I remember kitchens without running water and with stove that was heated by coal.

9) I remember the time when television was black and white, not colored.

10) I remember when remote control did not exist.

11) I remember when there were no digital clocks or displays.

12) I remember the first time I saw a calculator; when only one family owned one in the whole neighborhood.

13) I remember when fax-machines did not exist.

14) I remember writing with a pen that had to be dipped into inkwell.

15) I remember the introduction of escalators and sliding doors.

16) I remember LP's and tapes, I remember the time before CD's.

17) I remember radios so big, they were standing on the floor and took up half of the room.

18) I remember how impressed I was when I saw a VCR for the first time.

19) I remember when microwaves and dishwashers did not exist.

20) I remember when refrigerators were rare, freezers non existent and milk not pasteurized.

Alphabet Tag.

Once again, a self inflicted tag. I am suppose to list 10 things that I love, which all start with the letter "B", as it was assigned to me by Bill.

Anyone who wants to play, just ask me for a letter.

Bubble Bath.

There is nothing more soothing, especially after a long day at work, and after a cold winter day, then taking a hot bath. Unfortunately, I have no bathtub in my house. Yes, weird indeed. Denmark, known for it's "green" and environmentally sound politics, has made tubs very PI and not fashionable. Most houses built in the 90's (my house included) were built with showers only. I guess the next project in my house will be to re-introduce the tub again. Until then, I can only dream of the luxury of a bubble bath and continue taking unreasonably long showers.

Barbecue.

I love to barbecue. I am not very good in operating a grill, but I own one and have used it numerous times. To barbecue is a big tradition in Scandinavian countries. As soon as it gets warmer, actually the first real summer evening, the barbecues are out EVERYWHERE. If one could scientifically measure the amount of grills being used on that evening, it would probably account for 99% of the population, that live in houses with gardens or patios.

Books.

I love to read or have someone reading to me. I simply can not imagine a life without reading. There is nothing that feeds ones imagination more than reading a book. Even in the time, when other media has taken over somewhat, such as the Internet and the television, books are more important than ever. Interestingly, last year, there was an increase in book sales in Denmark, for the first time in many years.

Beach.

I am a beach lover and a sun worshiper. Although I try to hold back, the older I get, due to premature aging and of course the risk of skin cancer, I still can not keep away from the sun. Feeling the warmth of the sun on my face and the texture of the hot sand between my toes, smelling the scent of the ocean and hearing the sound of the waves hitting the shore, while watching the blue-green ocean meet the indigo blue horizon; nothing can be more soothing or tranquil as when all the senses are satisfied.


Breakfast.

The most important meal of the day; I never skip breakfast. I am always hungry in the morning and I like to enjoy the first meal of the day. I never rush it; being fortunate enough to have time, even on week days to take it easy while eating. The best breakfast I know is made by my Irishman; it can often be called brunch though. I love when he brings white and black pudding with him from Ireland and prepares it for me, the way it should be eaten, together with a toast, fried eggs and coffee.


Broccoli.

Yes, I love broccoli! This poor vegetable seems to be so hated by many, I have no idea why. To me it is one of the most exciting vegetables I know. Growing up in Eastern Europe, we never knew other vegetables than those readily available to grow in our soil. I lived in "The Panelak" ghettos of concrete, ugly buildings, and all I knew of were potatoes and tomatoes, perhaps a pepper here and there. And a cabbage as well and sometimes carrots. I saw Broccoli for the first time when I came to Sweden as a thirteen year old girl. Together with avocado, it was the most exotic vegetable I have ever seen.


Bagels.

I miss bagels! They are not common nor readily available here in Scandinavia. In Durham, North Carolina, I would buy my bagels at Bruegger's Bagel Bakery. They had these amazing bagels and they sold the most amazing cream cheese with salmon taste and another one with walnut-raisin taste, I believe. It was fantastic, there is nothing like a bagel and a good cup of coffee.


Beer.

I love beer. At any time, in any place. Born in one beer-drinking nation and now living in another one, plus having a significant other in a third one, beer is simply my preferred choice of beverage.

Batcat.
Need I say more? He is the most perfect companion and my most beloved friend.



Bartender.



Yes, I love a bartender. Not just any bartender. More specifically; he used to be one quiet a while ago. And that is all I have to say on that matter.;)

Fashion Tag.

I got tagged a week or so ago by the lovely Valentine. This tag was a particularly fun one to play.
Anyone who feels up to the challenge please be my guests;)

Describe your personal style?
My personal style could be described as a combination of vintage fashion with bohemian and eclectic influences. I love over-sized jewelry, vivid colors, bright patterns, flowing and loose fabrics and lots of bracelets. I prefer when my hair is free and wild and love to wear makeup that accentuates my eyes.

What are the staples in you wardrobe?
Jeans, loose tunics, tight sleeveless dresses or tops.

What's your signature look?
I guess jeans and loose vintage tunics made of Georgette fabric with wide sleeves in the winter or bright colored, tight sleeveless dresses in the summer. All worn with multitude of bracelets and over-sized earrings.

What inspires you?
Music and any form of art. Life stories and people's experiences; the way they manage to overcome the difficulties by keeping their optimism and their "Joie De Vivre".

Who is your fashion muse?
Would you believe that I do not have one? I guess growing old(er) means I acquire my own style. Today I pick and choose a bit here and there and make everything my own. I do not need a fashion muse for that.


Favorite purchase of all time?
Without question, my house.


Biggest Splurge?
My fireplace. It was costly, but it was oh so worth it!

What's your beauty routine?
I am high maintenance, which means I have a specific beauty routine, or rather routines. I spend one hour in the bathroom in the morning and 40 minutes in the evening. It would bore everyone silly if I listed everything I do; but I can say one thing; I never ever go to bed without removing my make up and brushing my teeth, no matter what.

What jewelry do you never take off?
A small, delicate golden cross on a thin golden necklace.

What are you wishing for?
Personally, for good health and love.
Overall, I wish the economical situation in the world would improve soon.






What are your obsessions?
Obsessions? I am not sure I am directly obsessed with anything. I take pleasure in certain things; such as relaxing in front of the fireplace in winter, while drinking hot coffee, watching romantic movies. In the summer I love to spend time in the sun, on the beach or in my garden. And I love to blog, which is, I guess, my latest obsession.

Thursday And A Tag.

The vivacious Valentine has made me again very happy by tagging me last week with a fun tag:

I am suppose to list 16 random facts about myself.

It find it a bit difficult to post things about myself, as I do not think I am that interesting.;)
As always, anyone loving this, please feel free to be tagged by me.;)

So, here we go:

1) I love coffee, always have and always will. There is nothing more relaxing and pleasurable than a hot cup of steamy hot coffee. I can drink it at any time, in any climate or season, even in hot weather. I take no sugar and when drinking it on its own, I like to add milk to it. Or better yet, cream.

2) I also LOVE white chocolate. I adore it. It is enjoyed best with a great cup of coffee. In this case, black, no milk and no sugar.

3) I am high maintenance. I can spend hours in the bathroom grooming myself. It was a subject of constant jokes from my family, they teased me and were irritated by this as well.

4) I hate to cook. I love to bake, but I am a lousy cook. I do no enjoy it at all; and over the years I have always had someone to cook for me, so I never needed to learn.;)

5) I talked myself out of a ticket once. It was a parking ticket and I really do not understand what exactly happened or what I said. I just know that I saved about $150.

6) I have a piece of glass in my knee. Yes I do!;) It has been there since I as a child fell over a broken bottle and 2 pieces of broken glass got embedded in my knee. One the surgeon could remove, one was too deep to be reached. And so I carry with me this small souvenir of my childhood.;)

7) I was once in the eye of a Caribbean hurricane. It was an experience I will never forget, nor would I like to experience it again.

8) I walked down the Grand Canyon, all the way from the rim to the Colorado River (and up again) in one day. It took about 12 hours straight walking. I think it was on the south side. On the way back it was a bit scary as it was pitch dark and we walked by a small flashlight. Yaikes!

9) When my family escaped from the East block, when I was a child, the actual "escape" took about 3 weeks and took us trough 5 countries, Sweden being the 6th "destination" country. The escape trip included weeks of driving, one train ride and 2 boat trips, one in a raging storm. We even had an unscheduled stop in the former Soviet Union while on a ferry to Finland. I admire the courage of my parents to this day.

10) I love routines. I live by routines and I need a structure in my day, or I feel very stressed and unsafe. Gee, I have become so boring.

11) I drove across the US two times in a company of friends. Once in an old Toyota Supra, that leaked oil and braking liquid. Furthermore the engine kept overheating. But man, what a fun trip! It is a part of the fondest of my memories. It was magnificent and I love that I did it!

12) I have been snowed in while visiting Washington during the snowstorm of the century. It was in March 1993. The snow came suddenly and was so heavy, that it surprised everyone. I have never ever been freezing so much! Everything was closed down, the whole city came to a halt. Our car was towed and fortunately left in front of the tow pound, rather than inside it. We spend most of the last day walking the streets aimlessly, looking for it. I still can not believe to this day that we found it. Once we did, we just took it and drove home. No one ever objected, then or since. That can adequately describe how chaotic the city was.

13) I am a control freak. I want to control everything in my life. I am trying to work on it, as it makes me very boring. However, I also like to be impulsive and love to be surprised by others. Especially romantically:;)

14) I am a daughter, a granddaughter, a sister, a friend, a girlfriend, an aunt and a godmother. But I am not a mother. This bothers me a great deal.


15) I am a romantic dreamer. And a daydreamer as well. I can sit for hours staring into nothing, looking as if in trance. But plenty is going on in my imagination.

16) If I could chose my dream life, I would love to spend my time restoring old Renaissance paintings and live in villa San Michele on the island of Capri.

I said I was a dreamer, didn't I?;))

Last Sunday Of January.

January is almost over. Named after Janus, the god of the doorway, the dreary month has only one more week left to go. I feel sorry for January, as it is hated by so many. Me included.
I am trying though, to do my best to find something good about this poor month. I am an optimist at heart and so here is a small list of positive things, to wish it good bye;

1. The days ARE getting longer, in contrast to December.
2. As the first month of the year, it offers us fresh starts and new beginnings.
3. January Sundays are perfect to sit curled up in front of the fireplace with a good book or watching movies, without bad conscious of wasting a day.
4. This month is as made for using and burning many candles.
5. The best (the long days of summer) is YET to come.

Cool Tag.

While reading my favourite blogs recently, I stumbled upon a very appealing meme posted by Keera Ann Fox. She has been blogging since 2002, imagine that!:) As a matter of fact, I have seen this tag previously posted by the very hip Valentine and liked it already then very much. So this time around I tagged myself with this very cool tag. (With Keera's permission of course.:))
The tag simply means answering the following questions using only one word in the answer.
So, here we go:

1.) Where is your cell phone? — Table
2.) Where is your significant other? — Ireland
3.) Your hair color? — Black
4.) Your mother? — Spirited
5.) Your father? — Dreamer
6.) Your favorite thing? — Package(s)
7.) Your dream last night? — Risqué
8.) Your dream/goal? — Fulfilment
9.) The room you’re in? — Cosy
10.) Your hobby? — Creativity
11.) Your fear? — Deception
12.) Where do you want to be in 6 years? — Here
13.) Where were you last night? — Skype
14.) What you’re not? — False
15.) One of your wish-list items? — Children
16.) Where you grew up? — Sweden
17.) The last thing you did? — Shower
18.) What are you wearing? — Silk
19.) Your TV? — On
20.) Your pet? — Relaxing
21.) Your computer? — Working
22.) Your mood? — Passionate
23.) Missing someone? — Very
24.) Your car? — Green
25.) Something you’re not wearing? — Diamonds
26.) Favorite store? — Shoppit
27.) Your summer? — Short
28.) Love someone? — Endlessly
29.) Your favorite color? — Black
30.) When is the last time you laughed? — Today
31.) Last time you cried? — Recently

I am suppose to tag 5 people, but taking into account that I tagged myself voluntarily, the rules do not apply. Therefore, please, anyone who finds this interesting enough to post on their blogs, be my guests; consider yourselves tagged.;))