Things That Amaze Me

"I'm having one of those "it's an amazing world" moments. You know when you forget for a while then something makes you remember again? Yeah."
- me, just then, on Twitter.

Kinda just inspired myself to write this list! In no particular order...

Google Street View
Being able to take a virtual walk through a faraway city you've never been to. Google kindly provides some recommendations if you don't have a globe handy to spin and plant your finger.

Shazam
You know the app that listens to a few seconds of a song and then tells you what it is?

I <3 my iPad & purple headphones!

Apple
My MacBook, iPhone, iPod, iPad... I know it's shallow to place so much appreciation on material objects, but they truly improve my life. Pretty much all of them. It seems particularly relevant today with the passing of Steve Jobs. What a brilliant man.

Google Goggles
Have you tried this? Take a photo of something and Google figures out what it is. Actually I suppose it's visual Shazam, huh? I know it's the second Google mention, but it's worth it. Trust me.

So I'm really saying, modern technology amazes me (among other things!). If you're reading this, you're in the 30 percent of the world population with access to the Internet, which is pretty damn amazing too. Consider yourself lucky.

In closing, I think everyone should listen to Louis CK's take on the modern world, just for a little perspective: "Everything's amazing, nobody's happy".

Goodnight x

Halloween head

I'm not getting any better at blogging on weekends, but on this occasion it's probably best as all I have are spooky photos and a sore head! I had a full weekend of Halloween festivities, and not much else got done...

Las Vegas (aka Flemington)

Discovered: on the weekend. Actually it would've been quite hard to miss! The liars weren't even really open, or selling beer, kebabs, pizza or pasta...

A beautiful day

A relief

I started watching Dexter when it came on TV back in July, then came upon the whole of season one on DVD, followed promptly by season two. I've been completely obsessed, trying to second guess the next episode, fearing for my favourite characters and even having bizarre Dexter-esque nightmares! So I finally watched the last episode last night, which was satisfying ...and kind of a relief (but that won't stop me from chasing down season three sooner or later).

>> Just made it in time for Day 6 of Blogtoberfest, with almost an hour to spare!

A busy time

Much more time being spent out and about this week, which is great! Checking out local venues, cafes, shops, streets and generally enjoying the sunshine...

An elephant

I was out near Mooroolbark yesterday and hardly believed what I was seeing when we drove past an elephant behind a circus tent. There were actually two of them, and a couple of camels, with a flimsy plastic fence. I'm totally against animals being used in the circus, but didn't realise it still happens in Melbourne. I must be so naive.

I love paisley

Here's a close up of the paisley apron I bought at the op shop the other day. I was in two minds about cutting it up and re-purposing, or using as an actual apron... I think the apron wins! I probably should have been alive in the 50s/60s, here are some things I like:
~ drive-in movies
~ old school bowling alleys, and those two-tone shoes
~ go-go dancing
~ ice cream sundaes
~ music
~ going steady with my boy <3

A few findings

CMAG Cabinets of Curiosities exhibition
This is a photoset of miniature doll-like houses and rooms on Flickr by The Shopping Sherpa, absolutely gorgeous.
http://www.flickr.com/photos/49333775@N00/sets/72157605763891406/

Your Message Here
A shop in Philadelphia is inviting people to comment then selecting quotes to put on a signboard in their window!
http://yourmessagehere.typepad.com/my_weblog/

snail blazer
I was a lucky winner in a giveaway of some crafty books - my top pick was "Home Sewing" :)
http://snailblazer.blogspot.com/

Tutorial Tuesday
Here are a few great links to bag making tutorials on Owlet's blog. I'd like to try converting an old pair of pants, that one looks easy (bet it's not).
http://little-owls.blogspot.com/2008/08/tutorial-tuesday_26.html

An optimistic changeover

I was (preemptively) packing away my knitted scarves today and came across my warm weather ones! They're so pretty, although completely non-functional for neck warming. Anyway, I can't wait to start wearing them!

>> If you keep all your wintery clothes in an old suitcase (like mittens, scarves, beanies... even fold up umbrellas), then it's easy to find everything when the season changes. I use the same bag for hats, sarongs and sunnies, then make the switch twice a year. It's not an exact science, but a reasonable way to keep organised I think.

A thoughtful present

One of my birthday presents - cupcakes! Very appropriate since I was born in the year of the pig. Too cute to eat, but that didn't stop me.

A wordle creation

I had fun making this on Wordle! It was automatically compiled from my recent posts, but you can specify the words too... hours of entertainment.

A tag game

Thanks to CurlyPops, I've been tagged!

The rules:

1. Link to the person who “tagged” you.
2. Post the rules on your blog.
3. Write six random things about yourself.
4. Tag six people at the end of your post.
5. Let each person know that they have been tagged by leaving a comment on their blog.
6. Let the tagger know your entry is up.

Six random things about me:

1. I have lived in Wellington (New Zealand) and Brockport (New York, USA). If I could afford to live in New York City I would be there now!
2. I'm vegetarian, and love to cook when I get the time.
3. My boyfriend and I share a birthday (same date & year), which makes it easy to remember!
4. I often drink up to 6 cups of tea per day - my favourite is Earl Grey.
5. This game had bonus appeal since it involved making a list, and I am a list maker.
6. I like quirky television shows, indie music and arthouse films, but on the other hand I own all six seasons of Dawson's Creek, and basically the entire soundtrack.

Now, for the tagged ones:

August Street
Bird Print
daydream lily
flossy-p
Meet Me At Mikes
The Bird Bath

A recommendation list

1. Visit New York City (this photo taken was taken near Central Park)
2. Explore the artists work from The Jacky Winter Group
3. Read bizarre tips on Lifehacker
4. Get inspiration for DIY home projects in Ready Made Mag
5. Browse the stationery at Paper+Cup
6. Find knitting and sewing inspiration on Whip Up

A colour bar

When I first started this blog, I picked colours off my needle case to create the theme you see now. Naturally I assumed I would change my mind 10 times (per day) before sticking to anything; I'm usually quite indecisive. Somehow these colours have stuck, and I still love them!

An admission

I'm not going to lie; I spent a good portion of my evening watching Dawson's Creek.

An animal theme

I didn't mean to put up so many animal-related photos, but how can I help myself with these adorable bundles of cuteness?! They currently belong to Gingerbread Mafia, but may be looking for a new home...

A day behind

I've been trying to post every day but sometimes it just won't happen! Having a party weekend... should be back with something blog worthy tomorrow. Meanwhile, how good are lava lamps?

A love of colour

There is no explanation for these, only that I wanted to add some more colour to the page! Other colour fiends should check out Kuler for some interesting colour sets...

A fringe

Unfortunately there's no knitting show-and-tell today, but I do have a new fringe! Somewhat inspired by Zooey Deschanel (of Almost Famous, and She & Him, among other things). In other news, I'm picking up my sewing machine tomorrow, which has been in storage for a few years. I'm very excited. Promise I'll keep knitting too.