Between The First And The Last

This year. Such a brilliant year. Could not have asked for more.
But I do.
At the end of a year that brought me more than I thought possible, I find myself dreaming bigger than ever.
And I wonder if it's greedy.
Or brave.

Happy New Year!

Of Comfort And Joy

I'm taking a blogging break over the next days and hope to see you again (as in really hope) after Christmas. Until then I wish you all a peaceful holiday. And some comfort and joy too. And eggnog. And warm feet.

Love,
A.

PS. I'll still be on Instagram. 'Cause it's the law.

Mixed Feelings, Mixed Days

I opened the door and they ran right by me, laughing, screaming "We're going to watch tv!"
So they are. And I'm back to fretting over a work problem that I don't seem to be able to solve.
But we're all here. In the middle of the day. One fretting, one cooking, two watching.
And that is also Christmas.

Profound

Things I've pondered today:
What if I didn't work at all?
What if I only worked and did nothing else?
What if my feet were made for high heels?
What if Downton Abbey was on every day?

For The Love Of Lisch

So. Work is a little crazy right now NOT THAT I AM COMPLAINING, LORD, hence the meagre posting. But this I had to show you. Now, if by chance you are Canadian HELLO MY DEAR or American HELLO ELIZABETH you've probably already seen this, but if you're say British HELLO JO HELLO PINK SHOE or maybe even Suisse SALUT CHERE COUSINE or Danish FOR FANDEN JENNIE or idunno, Swedish? You might not have seen it. And then I feel it my duty to show you. See how pretty this is? Look at that fox in skinny boots! En garde! Now, I haven't read it yet, so can't promise anything in that department. Other than that it seems very promising. So, link here. And if anyone of you have read it, will you tell if you liked it? This post was brought to you by the society for WOMEN OF A CERTAIN AGE ENJOYING BOOKS FOR CHILDREN AND YOUNGSTERS BUT NOT TWILIGHT, where my dear friend Lisch is president. This seems to be a book right up her alley. Just look at these illustrations! Oh my.

Now back to work.

Oh, it gets even better. They're husband and wife.

And Jonathan Safran Foer likes it. So that's that.

Now back to work.

Friday Night Is For Feeling The Love

I was feeling small. And this guy kept coming into the kitchen, talking about chicken and Pokemón. Stroking my arm while I made a salad, putting his arms around my waist and pretend-sighing over the fact that he could see my underwear between my jeans and my shirt. We talked and laughed and discussed the pros and cons of Fridays vs Regular days (agreeing on the Total Awesomeness of Friday night). I was feeling small and this tiny person was bigger than ever. Be still, my beating heart.

Thursday Is For Thoughts Of No Importance

The cold came today, with promise of snow tomorrow, and Emi and I have been texting each other with fur reports all week. Today it was on, for both of us. Grraouur. The apples of August seem very far away.

Out Of Office

This morning Blanka spotted my old boss out the car window and suddenly asked "Mom, do you not have any work friends anymore?"
It's a good question.
And well put, since work friends are important in a way that colleagues are not.
So it felt good to be able to tell her that, yes, I do.
I don't see them everyday, like I used to.
And they don't know everything about me, like they used to.
But they are beginning to feel very much like friends.
And there are places where I'm starting to feel very much like home.
So, yes.
Out of office.
But not really an outsider.
I like it.

Snowflakes And Poodle

Nutcracker at the Royal Opera today and the kids surprised with a day off. ("Is it Saturday? Why are we still in bed? Can we watch tv?!") No photos (hence pictured egg sandwich above), but lovely anyway. Wilhelm fell asleep at the end and I had to constantly bribe Blanka with candy the last thirty minutes, but as a first I think it counted as a good one. Plus: Dancing snowflakes. In white tutus. And a live dog. Yep, it was a good one.

Last Week, You Say?

Last week we got stuck in flu-land (and I'm not sure they're planning on letting us go anytime soon). But with a little help from aspirin and friendly neighbours we still managed some baking and Instagramming. And a lot of whining (not thanks to friendly neighbours, no, that I can do all by myself).


Some giraffes were left too long in the oven, others didn't get enough sun, but we've eaten them all by now. All but one (see below).


I've still to go out and find me some green moss of the perfect shape and kind. Until then, these fellas are keeping the candles company. They live under constant threat though, the children aren't convinced they're not for eating.


When Sunday night fell and temperatures were still rising we said you know what and decided on McDonald's for dinner. Probably our best decision all week ('cause really, who bakes when they're sick? who does that?! it is dumb). This week I'll post everyday. Just to show you I'm back on track. Did I hear fake 'til you make it? Thanks for stopping by.

And don't forget Instagram! All the cool kids are doing it!