Wednesday, June 29, 2011

Cornerview - Box of Tricks


My box of (magic) tricks is actually a cabinet, which can be seen as a box with legs… if we are being literal.  The top shelf contains various music CDs and cassettes – music to suit every need.  Romantic music.  Angry music.  Folk music.  Music to make me smile.  Music to make me cry.  Music to soothe.  Music to remind me of times gone by.  Music to excite me about the future.  Music to motivate me.  Inspire me.  If I pull out a Men at Work cassette, I am magically transformed to 1983 and the concert where I met my first real boyfriend.  Red Red Wine by UB40 takes me back to my freshman year of University.  If I’m feeling sentimental and want to remember the summer I spent in Dublin, out comes Bagatelle, Hothouse Flowers, Mary Black, The Waterboys… If I have a lot to do around the house, but am moving slowly, I slip on a KC and the Sunshine Band tune and before you know it I am on my feet and shaking my booty.  And a bad mood is no match for classic Beatles music.  How can anyone not smile when they hear I Want to Hold Your Hand?

Sunday, June 26, 2011

Sunday Brunch and Hair


Today, I met some friends at my favorite local restaurant, Ethos Vegan Restaurant, for brunch.  We sat on the patio (top photo), which is opposite a lovely little park and Lake Ivanhoe (bottom photo).  One of my favorite things about living in Orlando is the ability to eat outside essentially year round.  I can't think of a better start to the day than with good friends, eating chocolate chip pancakes with that view.

After brunch, we went to see a live performance of Hair.  It was beautifully done.  I sang.  I cried.  I left ready to protest something, anything!

Well, this is supposed to be craft-related blog... but I did not do any crafts (other than a little knitting) this weekend.  Next weekend is a three day holiday weekend and one full day is devoted to creative ventures, so I should have something craft-related to post then.

Saturday, June 25, 2011

Day One - Introduction

Why do I want to write a blog?  Well, the answer to this question has evolved.  I originally considered it as I am re-opening my etsy shop in August and thought it would be a good marketing tool.  However, I am not in the marketing business nor am I a salesperson.  So, as I started checking out blogs, I was looking more for things and ideas I liked and looked more with my heart rather than my head.  (This is my MO which is why I have a very happy life filled with wonderful memories and spectacular plans, but no money.)  I became addicted.  It all started with Tiny Happy in New Zealand.  I feel a kinship with her.  Then I found the patchworkdress – who has (hopefully, only temporarily) stopped blogging.  Her photos of Loch Lomond brought back such happy memories of my trip to Scotland last year.  I still check her blog regularly in hopes that she comes back.  Before long, I had a regular host of blogs I check daily all over the world. Then I became aware of the weekly “corner view” appointment where bloggers from all corners of the world share their view on a pre-arranged theme.  That sealed it. I didn’t just want to look – I want to participate.
I love to travel and meet new people.  In reading the blogs of women in other parts of the world… it’s like a mini-vacation.    Reading the blogs, has also helped me to appreciate where I live and to better see local beauty, which I often take for granted.  I have started seeing my every day views with the eyes of a tourist.
So, instead of developing some brilliant business tool, I have added two other hobbies to my list – blog-stalker and bloggerwannabe.