April A-Z Challenge: Zombies

Let's take a moment to talk about zombies. It was either that or zebras, so bear with me.

We all love a good zombie flick, right? Hordes of the moaning undead ambling about and somehow being able to outrun, outsmart, and outright destroy armies of non-dead, intelligent creatures with the ability to run from danger, plan, think for themselves, and form alliances. Makes sense, right?

And the moral of the story is, without fail: It's not the zombies that destroy you in the end, it's the living you have to watch out for. The moral of this particular story is: It's not the zombies that destroy us in the end, because we're all going to be alive for the zombie apocalypse.

Think for a moment about that one time a raccoon got rabies in, say, Germany, and the next day, every single raccoon in the entirety of the world had rabies. Or, wait, did that not happen? Now think about what you have to do to bite someone. Or, better yet, let's think of what our pet zombie Rob has to do to bite someone. (We all have pet zombies, don't we?) First, he has to find a victim. That's the easy part. It moves. It could just as well be a tree, but let's give him the benefit of the doubt and assume he found a person. Now he has to bend down (hard when you don't have any coordination left, but whatever), get a good grip (also difficult), open his mouth wide enough to fit a nice chuck of flesh in, and bite down hard enough to break through clothing and flesh. Now, assuming he did get a person and not a tree or another zombie, who the hell lets a zombie bite them? All that bending down and opening up and gripping takes time. Our zombie doesn't have time. He's trying to start the apocalypse. Only, he's a zombie, and he's not very good at it, because right now, in the pale moonlight, he just looks like some dude who had many, many homerkins too many down at the local pub. No one is going to let a drunk zombie bite them. No. One. Sorry, Rob, today just isn't your day.

Let's also take a moment to think about the fact that this isn't, say, 1349. It's 2015, and these days, we understand a little bit more about the world. We'd probably treat the zombie apocalypse as a disease, and quarantine appropriately. Yeah, maybe New York City would be screwed, but it's an island. The rest of the world would be safe. (Do... Americans not know this or something?)

Even if the zombie apocalypse started simultaneously in every major city across a continent (in which case it'd be weaponized, and we'd all have much bigger problems to deal with), it still wouldn't get much further than that. North and South America are connected, yes, but the connection is easy enough to defend. Australia is another, albiet smaller, island, and Antartica doesn't count because when does it ever? Worse case scenario is that it starts simultaneously in every major Euroasian city, in which case we'd all die and the Americans would get to rule the world, which is probably something we're better off being undead for in any case.

But back to the point. The zombie virus - let's call it what it is - wouldn't kill its victims. Not at first, anyway. It'd be virus suicide. It'd leave them in a regressed, aggressive state and if it were clever, it wouldn't weaken them at all. So, humankind would be left with a dillema: exterminate these living, breathing, sick people with no knowledge whatsoever of whether or not they're still alive in there, or whether or not a cure could be found, or allow them to run amuck and destroy us. Despite the questionable morality of it all, there's little doubt in my mind as to what we'd do. And that's when the zombie apocalypse gets scary: when a virus leaves us with an impossible decision and forces us to pull the trigger.

Song of the Day: Amazing

April A-Z Challenge: Yonder

The word 'yonder' is one of my favorite words in the English language. It's a very vague descriptor, and to me, it speaks of the unknown, and that which has yet to be explored. The wild blue yonder calls you to it, whispering promises of adventures untold.

Perhaps the thing I love most about the yonder is that it never truly ends. There is always more to explore, always new things to see, always fresh adventures waiting to be had.

Song of the Day: Open Your Eyes

April A-Z: Xenophile

Unlike a xenophobe, who fears and often hates other peoples and cultures, a xenophile is someone who loves foreign cultures, traditions, and lifestyles. Despite my frequent jokes about the former colonies, I fall into the latter category. I love everything foreign. I love foreign music, foreign food, and, more often than not, the foreigners themselves. I consider myself a citizen of the world, and I've rarely encountered a country whose history and culture I didn't adore and want to know more about.

So here's to Earth! Skål!

Song of the Day: Sacrifice

April A-Z Challenge: Weddings

When a princess get married, it's always a very, very, very big affair. While I'm no where near ready to go out into the world to find my Charming Princess, that hasn't stopped the castle staff from gossiping over the identity of my intended. The cleaning staff are rather out of the loop and believe I am going to marry a Norwegian Prince, but the castle chefs know better. Rumor is that I'm going to marry a beautiful farmer's daughter from the faraway land of France! Everyone seems to have an idea of who will one day rule alongside me, except, of course, for me. Figures, right?

In any case, in true royal fashion, we've already planned the details of the ceremony years in advance. Every Midsomar since I was five, Mother has pulled out a gilded leather-bound tome from Her Majesty's personal library, and she, MorMor, and I have planned. I do believe that the string lights I requested in my seventh year are going to be hanging above the centerpiece and around the garden where the ceremony is scheduled to take place.

The ceremony itself will be two-fold. A half a century ago, my MorMor revolutionized the way royal marriages are treated in my kingdom by signing a writ stating that any Princess has the right to a private wedding the night before the highly public, extremely ceremonial Royal Wedding held in the palace gardens for all the kingdom to see.

Now, I can't tell you where my wedding will be, but I can show you a picture I took just before sundown. It's in one of the most secluded and beautiful parts of my private gardens, which is why we choose it last summer in the final part of the planning process.

Now all that's left to do is breathe a wistful sigh as I dream of my Princess... 

Song of the Day: See You Again

Oh, yeah, it's a party in the USA!

Song of the Day: Hypnotic

Hello, My Name Is...

30 Day Blog Challenge: Part Two

I am going to be doing a blog challenge once again this May! This time, I'm going to be using a modified version of this:

Since May has 31 days, I'm going to be asking you, the readers, for a question/topic to write about on Day 31. Ask me anything! 

Eurovision Review: Slovenia with Here for You

First Thoughts: Alas, we've come to the end of my Eurovision reviewing saga. 'Tis a sad, sad moment. However, Slovenia has a great song so we can finish this thing with a bang!

Best Lyric: You came into my life when I was broken. You heated up my heart when it was frozen. Also: When you're down, down low, sinking in the undertow, you know that I am here for you. As much as I love these lines, I think it's Ms. Slovenia's delivery that makes special. She has a beautiful voice that pairs perfectly with this song.

Worst Lyric: There just aren't any!

Finalist? Definitely.

Final Thoughts: I have a feeling I'm going to be playing this song on repeat for the new few hours. It's just that good.

Score out of 12: Douze points.

Parting Remarks: Thank you, Europe (and Australia) for reading my Eurovision reviews. I'm not a music expert, but I am a hardcore Eurovision fan, so that's got to count for something, right? And on that bombshell, good night!

April A-Z Challenge: Veterinarians

When I was a little girl, I wanted to be a veterinarian. I loved animals so much that I wanted to spend my life helping them heal. I used to use my fake doctor kit on my stuffed animals, checking their 'pulses' and listening to their 'heartbeats' and slipping fake bandages over their 'wounds.'

While I no longer want to be a veterinarian, I think I still might want to do something with animals. I'm thinking of looking into zoology, or marine biology, or some similar field of science.

So here's to the people that help our animals feel better when they're ill. Cheers!

Kaija's Birthday Saga: Part Three

Yesterday was my birthday, and I want to fill you in on what happened last night! First, there was ice cream cake in the shape of a cupcake, which was just about the best thing ever because I love ice cream cake and I love cupcakes!

Then there were the presents. My main present was an ice cream maker, which is the second best thing ever because now I can make my very own ice cream right at home! I also got a new pair of headphones that have amazing sound quality. I got a bag of cotton because I have a weird obsession with cotton, and my mum also got me a clear makeup organizer.

The artist I apprentice under also stopped by (with cupcakes, which was great because more cupcakes, yay!) and presents in a cupcake-themed bag. She got me three Paris-themed boxes, even though she didn't know that part of my room has Paris decor, but she knows me well enough that she took a guess and hit the mark perfectly. She also got me a quality beginner's set of acrylic paints and practice canvas board. I can't wait to start painting, and I am so, so grateful for all of the gifts I got.

I got everything I wanted and more out of my birthday, so thank you to everyone I know who got me something or wished me a happy birthday. It's very appreciated. <3 p="">

Song of the Day: Hearts in the Air

THIS is my anthem.

Schoola Clothes

You can buy gently used woman's and children's clothes at rock-bottom prices at Schoola. A portion of your purchase will be donated to a school in need - at no cost to you. And if you follow this link, you can get $15 worth of credit to put towards any purchase you like. With prices starting at just under three dollars, it's the best deal you'll see in a while.

Song of the Day: Shut Up and Dance

April A-Z Challenge: Unicorns in Stardell

Many unicorns live in the forests of Stardell. If you are quiet and pure and free of ill intent, it is all but guaranteed that one will reveal itself to you and ask to play. Most citizens don't know much about the magical creatures that live all around them and in their homes, which is why the Royal Court has decided for the first time in almost 500 years to release this special informational post about unicorns.

• It has long been believed that all magical creatures in the kingdom hold congress with one another, and the unicorns are believed to be the magical equivalent of the Royal Court. Queen Analenna once spoke to a unicorn that disclosed that there is, in fact, a unicorn Queen and unicorn Princes and Princesses. 
• Great care should be taken to avoid angering unicorns. It is widely believed that enraged unicorns can temporarily gain control of the vengeful spirits they typically help keep out of Stardell, and make life miserable for all until amends can be made with said unicorn. 
• Thankfully, most unicorns are extremely friendly and playful. Some will even grant wishes to those who they come across in the forest, particularly on or around Midsommar, when their magic is most powerful.
• Touching a unicorn's horn is proven to bring good luck to a person and his or her family and household. Most unicorns prefer not to have their horns touched until they are ready to part with you, as this is how unicorns say goodbye amongst themselves. This is why there are many accounts of unicorns being scared away by humans trying to touch their horns - they thought you were trying to bid them farewell!
• It is currently unknown whether or not all unicorns can speak human languages. The last report of a unicorn speaking to a human in the Royal Records of Stardell is from 1886, but there have been reports from Germany and Spain that cite speaking unicorns as late as the 1950's. 
• Unicorns are thought to live about two hundred years. No one knows what the magical community does with its fallen members. 

And... That's all I can tell you. There is, of course, more information in the records, but it is classified for the protection of our magical friends and allies. Thank you for your understanding, citizens of Stardell. 

Kaija's Birthday Saga: Part Two

So, here are the decorations MorMor put up:

I haven't gotten to open all of my presents yet, but so far I've gotten some gift cards, a few bracelets, and some lip glosses and lipsticks. Thanks, MorMor! I'll post again once I get to open this pile of presents:

Kaija's Birthday Saga: Part One

Today is my birthday, and I'm super duper uber excited! I haven't gotten to open any presents yet, but I've seen the way MorMor decorated the downstairs sitting room and it is a-ma-zing. There are butterflies and balloons and fish and so much more! I'll post photos later.

So, happy birthday to me! Yay!

April A-Z Challenge: Top Gear - an Eulogy

It was the best of times, the grandest of adventures, the fastest of engines, the swiftest of horses, the funniest of challenges, the top of all car shows. It started out as a small show on a tiny island clinging to the edge of Europe and grew into an international phenomenon, and by Jove, it was a great ride. 

It's over now, though. The lights have gone off, the engines have gone cold, the track is empty; the party's over. It was great while it lasted, but it's time to go home now. With Jeremy, Richard, and James out of the driver's seat, Top Gear's future hangs in the balance. It'll go on, of that I'm sure, but it'll be... Different, somehow. It'll live on, but the difference will be marked. It'll be like the difference between the old series of Doctor Who and the new ones - it'll have new faces, new cars, and a brand new dynamic, and, yeah, maybe it'll be Top Gear for the newcomers, but it won't be the Top Gear we know and love. It won't be that show that captured out hearts and stole our collective breaths away with each lap around the track. Top Gear's body will still be there years from now, but as for its original soul... Well, that's moved on. 

So, rest in peace, Top Gear. You truly were top. 

5 Ways to Commune With Nature

Communing and communicating with nature can be an excellent way to relieve stress, get healthier, and feel happier. Here are five ways to make your life a little greener.

1. Plant a tree. Whether you participate in a community tree-planting project or simply plant one in your backyard or garden space, you'll be giving back to nature and making the world just a tiny bit better. 
2. Sit outside. On nice days, take a meal outside and enjoy the ambience of rustling leaves and beautiful birdsongs. 
3. If you live in an urban area, bring the outdoors inside. Do some indoor container planting, listen to a sounds of nature video, open a window, and let yourself feel at peace with the world. 
4. Grow your own vegetables. There are few things in life comparable to sitting down to a super fresh salad made with ingredients grown right on your window-sill. 
5. Watch nature. Sit in your garden and look for birds, insects, deer, and other native wildlife. 

Song of the Day: East of Eden

Eurovision Review: Poland with In the Name of Love

First Thoughts: This song is very forgettable, extremely mediocre, and ultimately 'meh.' It's not bad, it's just not good, and I don't like it.

Best Lyric: Let’s build the bridge from heart to heart in the name of love. Very poetic.

Worst Lyric: I don't think that there are any truly terrible lyrics and I appreciate the song's message, so I'm going to skip this category.

Finalist? Truthfully, I don't think so. This song isn't bad, but it's competing against quite a few much stronger songs in its semi.

Final Thoughts: I changed my mind. I do like it. Here's to peace songs!

Score out of 12: Six.

Song of the Day: Borderline

A Full Nest

A few seasons ago, a family of birds decided to make their home in the tree near our porch. This spring, a different bird family has given us the same honour. So far, there are two eggs in our nest. I'll keep you updated on whether or not our lady robin lays another one.

Victoria's Secret Haul

Today, I went to Victoria's Secret to use to reward cards they were giving away a few weeks back and got all of this for just under $3.

I got Pear Glace, Strawberries & Champagne, Vanilla Lace, and Secret Charm scented body lotions as a Love Addict body spray. I think my favourite thing about them is their beautiful colours.

Kaija's Wishlist: This Bird Sweater

April A-Z Challenge: Star Trek

No blog of mine would be complete without at least one post about Star Trek. When I was a little younger, I loved Star Trek. I used to watch Voyager every day and I must have seen every episode at least three times. I can probably still recite most of the series by heart, and to this day, one of my most prized possessions is the complete Star Trek: Voyager box set complete with seasons one through seven plus exclusive extras.

I even dragged my mum along to a Star Trek convention an hour or two away a few years back. She hated it, but MorMor and I had a blast, and I got Kirk and Spock pins in addition to an Original Series T-shirt that I sadly grew out of soon afterwards.

The only series I never watched was Deep Space Nine, and these days, I'd probably cite Star Trek: The Next Generation as my favorite Star Trek series. My favorite movies continue to be the old ones despite my utter elation at the fact that not one, but two, new movies have brought Star Trek to a brand new generation. Nothing will ever replace the bad special effects and tribbles of the 60's, but I'll keep watching (and loving) Star Trek as long as they keep making it.

Eurovision Review: Switzerland with Time to Shine

First Thoughts: I quite like this song. Between the build-up and the chorus, it certainly doesn't disappoint.

Best Lyric: I rather like most of the song, but I think my favorite line is: I've been walking on a lonely road. So many stories I have once been told. No matter what they say, I will follow my heart. 

Worst Lyric: No more mucking around. I'm going up! This isn't bad, just a little silly-sounding.

Finalist? Absolutely.

Final Thoughts: Unlike Unbroken and the Warrior songs, Time to Shine doesn't rely on cliches and weak choruses repeated endlessly. It's the overcoming genre at its finest.

Score out of 12: Eight.

Song of the Day: All that Matters

April A-Z Challenge: Rainbows

I love rainbows. They're like nature's way of reminding us of what rain truly is - part of the essential cycle of water on our planet that supports life of every different color, shape, and size. When the colors of a rainbow grace the sky after a spring shower, I always stop a while to contemplate and give thanks for the infinite wonder this world is capable of producing.

Eurovision Review: Portugal with Ha un Mar que nos Separa

First Thoughts: I don't speak Portuguese, but I like this song. It's fierce, it's untamed, and it's deeply emotional. Ms. Portugal's voice struggles a little with some of the notes in the version I'm listening to, but, all in all, it's a decent song.

Finalist? Probably. The running order and the fact that this song isn't in English won't work in it's favour, but I think that the song is strong enough on its own to slide into the ranks of finalists.

Final Thoughts: I like this song, but I don't love it. It's not completely forgettable, but it's not terribly memorable either. That, combined with the imperfections of the singer's voice, makes me want to give this one a lukewarm thumbs-up.

Score out of 12: Six. Good, but not great.

The Liebster Award

Hello, everyone! The awesome Dave Doo of The World Through the Eyes of an Introvert nominated me for a Liebster Award, and I am over the moon! Thank you, Dave. I am honoured.

Dave's blog offers an insightful glimpse into his world view, and I think you could learn a lot from his well-thought-out and well-executed posts on topics ranging from fashion and neckties to life and career goals.

Now what is the Liebster Award all about? It is an award given to a blogger with less than 200 followers to help build the blogger's readership.

One of the rules of this award is to answer 11 questions about myself and my blog. I hope this would help for you to get to know me better! Here are the Q and A:

1. Where does your blogging inspiration come from?

My inspiration comes from nature, Eurovision, my cat, and various blogging challenges I partake in. 

2. Is your blogging simply a hobby? What kind of dreams do you have for it?

I blog mostly to overcome writer's block, and as a way to keep busy until I can start work in earnest of my next novel. My muse has run dry for now, but it'll come back eventually. 

3.  What is your support system like and who are your biggest supporters?

My mum has always been my biggest supporter, followed by my MorMor, my dogs, my cat, and my stuffed animal buddies. 

4. What are 10 random facts about you?

• I have enough clothes to fill four closets and eight drawers. 
• My best friend is a stuffed panda bear.
• I am trilingual. I also understand Interlingua. 
• I really love cupcakes.
• My birthday is on Friday.
• My favorite song is the bilingual (Spanish/French) version of Je L'aime a Mourir
• I own five neckties. My cat thinks they're his.
• I love Post It's
• My favorite ice cream flavours are birthday cake, chocolate fudge brownie, cookie dough, and coffee.
• I give my pets new nicknames every six months or so. 

5.  What do you enjoy most about blogging?

I like seeing my viewership slowing climbing. I also like sitting down to write and being inspired by the blogging community. I also think doing fashion and Eurovision posts are fun. 

6. What do you do when you feel overwhelmed with too many tasks at once?

Mostly I'd just cry.

7. What would you do with a large sum of money given to you?

I would buy a lakehouse in Skåne and fulfill my dream of being a hermit. 

8. What was one of the most moving books or movies you have ever seen?

Paradise Lost. Also the Moomins series, because the Moomins are awesome. 

9. Where would you like to see yourself in the next couple of years?

Hopefully back in university. 

10. Do you have a bucket list? Name 5 things on that.

• Become a hermit (just joking)
• Pet a panda
• Have a terrier dog
• Get married
• Learn to fly
• Watch Eurovision live (hopefully the year that Iceland finally wins)

11. What is your single best piece of advice for someone starting out in the blogging world?

Plan your posts ahead of time. It frees you of the burden of having to come up with your daily/weekly post on the spot. 

As part of the deal too, I get to nominate 11 awesome bloggers! Here are my nominees in no particular order:

1. Donna Foreverserenity with Fabulously Curvy 
2. Author AJ Lauer's blog
3. That Delete Button by Fatima K
4. Visions of Other Worlds by Jessica Marcarelli 
5. Beautiful Bright Light by Gina Crowe
6. Sydney's Life in Pixels, by Sydney
7. A Sea Change by Kathie K
8. Imagination is My Mentor; Let's Inspire Others by Leyshla Rodriguez (Spanish)
9. Eurovision through the Ages by Martin Palmer
10. Dream Home Style by Debra Brooks
11. Adventures of Border Collies in the Burbs by Vicki Green

Since the Liebster Awards are a great way for new bloggers to gain readership, feel free to check out and follow the blogs I've nominated.

Nominees, it's your turn. If you are willing to participate, answer the 11 questions above in your own blog post and nominate 11 bloggers who has 200 followers and below. You can make your own set of questions for your nominees or just use the ones I have above. Leave a comment on your nominees' blogs so they would be informed about the nomination and can decide if they'd like to participate. Be sure to include a link back to your blog post so they can have an example. This is an awesome way to build our community and to spread the love in the blogosphere with our fellow writers and bloggers.

Thank you again!

April A-Z Challenge: Queenhood

In the course of my travels around Stardell, I am often asked the same question. For some reason, the citizens of Stardell are very concerned about whether or not I am frightened of being Queen.

The short answer is no.

The long answer is this: I am a bit nervous about the day when I will inherent the throne from my mother, but there are a great many years between that day and this one, and I will no doubt have learned things in my travels that will prepare me for Queenhood in a way that none of my experiences have thus far. As any citizen of Stardell knows, the future ruler, like all individuals of a noble persuasion, must embark on a rite of passage in which they journey to far-flung kingdoms to learn of their ways and study their wisdom and knowledge with one of their elders in order to be exposed to new ideas and mature as an individual. I am confident that my journey will prepare me for Queenhood in a way that will benefit both the Royal Court and the subjects of Stardell.

However, for now we can all sleep easy under the kind and loving rule of Her Majesty the Queen of Stardell, AKA my mother.

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Eurovision Review: Czech Republic with Hope Never Dies

First Thoughts: The force is strong with the duets this year. I simply adore this song. It's powerful, emotional, beautiful, and everything a song should be. It's one of those songs you can feel in your heart, and I love that about it.

Best Lyric: Where to start? This song is chock full of awesome lyrics. Wait for me; don't cross the sea of pain! Wait for me; I'm lost! I've gone astray. I love, love, love this line. Also: Find me when the night turns into day (turns into day.) Your love is a torch, shows us the way... And: Or we can rise and fight for a light to live for. Simply beautiful.

Worst Lyric: Ravens calling my name, their wings so dark. Soon, they'll take me away. I have their mark. This is the only lyric that seems out of place to me.

Finalist? Absolutely.

Final Thoughts: This is totally my style of music, so perhaps I'm a bit biased, but I love this song. I can definitely see a top 10 finish for it.

Score out of 12: Douze points!

Song of the Day: Heroes

Conchita is my hero. #theunstoppables

A Step-by-Step Guide to Building the Perfect Garden

1. Decide on a vision beforehand, but leave a lot of wiggle room in your plans. The more flexible you are, the greater the chance of serendipity working in your favour to help you create your perfect garden. 
2. Choose your containers carefully. They'll contribute to the final look of your garden in a major way, so you might want to splurge a little in this area. You might also want to consider hand-painting your containers to give your garden an individualistic, artsy feel. 
3. Choose plants native to your area, and plant them as indicated. You don't want to put a shade plant in full sun, or vise versa. 
4. Plant carefully. Take into consideration things like animals that might invade your garden and children who might destroy your hard work. It's good to have a plan that takes into account how large each plant is going to grow so you have an idea of how your garden will look once its in bloom.
5. Everything is better with wildflowers, so grab a packet of seeds and get planting. 
6. The perfect garden is all in the details. Buy decorations that complement your plants and speak to you on a personal level. Go bargain hunting for little treasures at a local thrift shop and place them in secret, but not completely hidden, places throughout your garden. This'll put a magical touch in your yard, and we can all use a little whimsy in our lives, right? 

Here are some photos of my garden that will hopefully inspire you to make an even more beautiful one around your own home. 

Kaija's Little Black Dress

The little black dress is a timeless classic. Here's mine.

Eurovision Review: Malta with Warrior

First Thoughts: I have one question. Why? Why is there always a song about warriors in Eurovision, every year, without fail? They read the book, but boy did they miss the point. Or maybe I'm missing the point of this song. Who knows? Certainly not I.

Best Lyric: We have to be courageous to be able to get through this. 

Worst Lyric: Break through the silence. I hate the way her voice breaks in this line.

Finalist? Maybe? Don't ask me.

Final Thoughts: This Warrior isn't necessarily a bad song. However, there isn't anything to distinguish it from the other Warrior, which is terrible. And when I'm done listening, I'll forget which was bad and which was horrible, and I'll just assume they were both pants.

Score out of 12: Three.

Song of the Day: Marionette

Song of the Day: Miss Atomic Bomb

Everyday Outfits #3: Floral Trousers

For this outfit, I paired some blue floral trousers with a sky blue top and a strippy blue scarf.

Eurovision Review: Iceland with Unbroken

First Thoughts: I really want to like this song, because it's Iceland, but the best reaction I can muster is a lukewarm 'meh.' I think we have one too many 'overcoming' songs this year, and while this is certainly the best of them, I still don't like it.

Best Lyric: There isn't really anything I like about this song, but the best part is the intro without a doubt. I rather like her voice when she isn't using it to scream.

Worst Lyric: The chorus. How many times do we need to hear the same dang thing? We got the point the first twelve times.

Finalist? Probably. It's not a bad song, per say. It's just not good. Well, I shouldn't say that. It might be good. I just don't like it.

Final Thoughts: Poor Iceland.

Score out of 12: Six.

April A-Z Challenge: Pandas!

Kaija loves pandas. That is a simple fact of life in Stardell. In fact, my best friend is a panda bear. 

His name is Steb. Doesn't he look fetching in that scarf?

Inspired By Random - The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time

I was recently inspired by a post from the blog That Delete Button. The idea is this: Choose a book, any book, and write a post based on its title that is completely unrelated to the book itself. Brilliant, right? So here it goes.

The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time, originally by Mark Haddon

The dog was awoken from her nighttime slumber by a curious noise. Scenting the air, she sensed a mysterious presence making its way through the eastern wing of the manor. In an instant, she was fully alert and ready to protect her family from the dastardly intruders that had dared to breach the security of her home. She might be small in stature and petite in size, but she was fierce, and her spirit was mighty.

The little dog took off faster than the wind, galloping with the force of a thousand horses towards the source of the invasive presence. Within moments, she had reached the East Wing. She was armed and ready for battle, but what she saw stopped her in her very tracks. Lo and behold, it was a man, no bigger than she. She'd never seen such a tiny little man before, and though her protective instincts were still growling beneath the surface, surely a man so tiny and small couldn't do terribly much harm.

"You're right," the tiny man said, and the words would have shocked the shoes right off of the tiny dog, had she been wearing shoes. "I am not here to bring harm unto your household. I am but a humble house troll, here to bring good fortune into your home. I hope you shall allow me to stay, as this place has become my home as well."

The dog wrinkled her nose and sniffed and sniffed. She tentatively approached the house troll before giving him a tiny lick that made the creature giggle. She licked him again, but this time he fell over from the force of her powerful tongue. Finally, she judged him to be honest and gave a little yip of approval.

And that, my friends, is the curious story of how a very little dog befriended a kind house troll in the night-time.

Everyday Outfits #2: Skinny Jeans

For this outfit, I shimmied into my tightest pair of skinny jeans and threw and interesting-looking pink tie-dye on top. I finished it off with a floral hair twist and a purselet. Again, thanks to my wonderful mum for her photography skills.

My Flash Friday Entry

Here is my entry to this week's Flash! Friday: 

(192 words)

Adeline could see the docks from here in all their fog-shrouded mystique, taunting her with the secrets they concealed and the shadows they teasingly cast. She knew from his letters that Jack was coming home this week, but she knew not when, and she couldn’t help but flick her eyes over to the window every few moments, convinced that the figure of her dearly beloved husband would fling itself out of the mist any second now.

The walls of the kitchen seemed to close in on her as the seconds ticked by, marked quarterly by the savage flick of her knife, and still the docks remained silent and stubborn. Minutes passed, and Adeline’s heart seemed to sink with every one of them, the elation she’d felt earlier at the surety that today would be the day fading and falling in dejection at yet another sundown with no sign of Jack. 

A knock sounded at the door, starling Adeline out of her reverie. It was Jack, it simply had to be! She flew from the kitchen, down the stairs, and tore open the door leading down towards the docks. 

It was Jack’s Captain. 

April A-Z Challenge: Outdoor Adventures

I love the Great Outdoors. Getting outside and feeling at home with nature and the natural world around me brings me peace, inspiration, and renewal in a way that few other things can. A while back, my mum and I used to spend our weekends getting away from the city and exploring what the countryside had to offer. Here's some of what we saw.