Yet another way of seeing

"If (as many have suggested) the monster was subconscious, I think it would have been an awful episode. The fact that so many people have thought of it is enough for me to conclude that it would have made for a very predictable episode. Van Gogh is a tragic figure, and the idea that his pain was some monster that existed in his id that could have been fought by a "crazy man in a blue box" would have been a very insensitive episode." {from a comment by KaBh in this review of Vincent and the Doctor}


I completely agree with this. The suggestion that Vincent could see more than others, or differently, heightens the poignancy of his illness and inevitable demise. Here was someone who could see the world in an incredibly vivid, rich and expressive way, and in the Dr Who world could even see things that the Doctor himself couldn't see without the aid of some MacGyver-type instrument. Yet ultimately, Vincent wasn't able to see past the depths of his own sadness.





This same reviewer said that this is one episode they would recommend to their non-Dr Who friends. I'd agree. It's a greatly entertaining and memorable episode, and for me, it is right up there with the wonderful Blink.


OK, no more mentions of Dr Who for a while. Promise ..

Vincent and the Doctor

I'll leave it to far more eloquent writers than me to say it - in spades. This was a great episode. Interesting to note that the writer also wrote Love Actually, The Vicar of Dibley and Mr Bean. But for me, the performances of Tony Curran as Vincent and Bill Nighy as Dr Black steal the show. Wow. That's about all I can say right now.

{image from here}

Small cakes in paper cups

OK, while I was writing that title it just dawned on me why they are called cupcakes. I guess that shows I am an Australian.

When it came to baking, my mum and nan and our very anglo predecessors always called them patty cakes - because they were cooked in a patty pan. Logical yes, but as a child I do recall wondering at one point, who's Patty?

I grant you it does make perfect sense to call them cupcakes. But I guess it's what you are most familiar with. And when it comes to something like cake - and small, iced delicacies at that - the whole comfort food/memories of happy childhood moments/fun parties/ kicks in, giving them a special quality that makes them very connected to you.
Well, that's how it is for me and these small cakes.

{sweet little red velvet cupcake I bought from the wonderful Amy's Bread in Hells Kitchen, NYC. And it was yummy!}

So, for the benefit of an international audience, cupcakes it is. And here is a truly amazing site, full of the most delectable cupcakes.

{Ming makes cupcakes, found via dalhaus, via hither and thither}

Mmm, I can almost smell the cloves, nutmeg and cinnamon scented cake topped with delicious old-fashioned caramel icing. Yum!

Have I mentioned how much I love them?

Annie Oakley me

I just tried the Treasury East app on Etsy - what fun. I'm definitely having a cowgirl, western moment right now - especially after visiting Lone Pine, the Cowboy museum, driving over the Sierra Nevada and through Death Valley National Park. Anyhow, here's my snapshot of all things cowgirl on Esty right now :::

The Who in Dr Who

The new Who, Matt Smith and his companion Amy, Karen Gillan are proving to be quite a groovy duo, particularly off camera when we get to see them sans costumes in the Confidential programs. I am really enjoying Dr Who reloaded, even though the Tennant Who and Crew are a very hard act to follow.
So to celebrate the continuing fabulousness of Dr Who, I decided to see if there was anything that said Who on Etsy. What a surprise I had  ::::

Dr. Who Tardis Cupcake Toppers

Dalek Handsewn Felt Fridge Magnet

Useful advice. {from here}

A lovely place to sleep

Our bedroom is desperately in need of a revamp - it is the one room in the house that has not yet had a lick of paint and boy, does it need it. I am beginning to gather inspiration for the room I hope to create. Here's a few recent ideas :::


I'm loving Lauren Nelson's place. This is another inspiring room. Would I be game to paint one of my balloon back chairs black?? So tempting when you see the results above. Love the sheets, the plush floor rug, and the soft silvery grey-ness with black accents (and a wee touch of red!) {from here}


I would love to have a room large enough to put my camphor wood chest at the end of the bed, like this. Rather like the wall colour and the rug, not so keen on the bed placed close to the door. A lovely airy tranquil space though. {from here}


Love the mis-matched lamps of similar shape, the touch of yellow, the grey and the striped doona cover. {from here}

Love the simplicity of this fireplace and mantle - beautiful. {from here}


Plantation shutters - yes that would work a treat on the oversize window. {from here}

I am sensing a trend here - white, greyish neutrals, timber, black accents and a touch of yellow.

A lovely place to work

When you spend almost every day of your life in an office, one tending towards cold draughty air, glare from the wrong sort of blinds and incorrect lighting, as well as bland, soulless décor, you start to find yourself daydreaming about your ideal workspace.

This of course leads me to imagine spending my days doing all the things I love to do in my spare time - craft, writing, photography, design ... etc, etc.

It's nice to know that many people out there have created lives that enable them to do just that - what they love, very often in an idyllic setting. I can only keep up my positive visualisations in the hope that one day I too may join the ranks.

In the meantime, here's some inspiration for my visualising ::::

{from here}

{from here}

{from here}

{from here}