Bubbles

Katie dibujó bocadillos de diálogo y los colocó por todo Brooklyn. Después, hizo fotos a la gente que pasaba junto a ellos e imaginó lo que estaban pensando. ¡Me parece una idea genial! Podéis ver más aquí.
Katie made some thought bubbles and put them all around Brooklyn, then she waited and took photos when people passed next to them, before imagining what they were thinking. Such a fantastic idea! More here.

Via noquedanblogs

A sweet present

Es el cumpleaños del ahijado de mi novio este fin de semana y este es uno de los regalos que le hemos comprado:

It's my boyfriend's godson's birthday this weekend and this is one of the things that we have got him:Es una historia preciosa sobre la pequeña Susie, que está cuidando al caracol Victor, porque este tiene un agujero en su concha. Las ilustraciones están hechas de letras y signos de puntuación, así que esperamos que a sus padres, a los que les gusta mucho el diseño, les guste también.

It's a beautiful story about little Susie who takes care of Victor, as he has a hole in his shell. The book is drawn entirely with letters and punctuation marks, so we know his design loving parents will appreciate it.

*Update: This has arived! It's rather small, but very sweet!

You can find it in the Brighten the Corners website.

Back to reality

Volver al trabajo después de un año viajando no es tan fácil como parece. La rutina te atrapa, todo se te hace difícil y el cansancio, físico pero sobre todo mental, te paraliza. Así me he sentido yo durante las dos semanas que llevo de vuelta. Por fortuna, en las tardes libres me he dedicado a cosas entretenidas que me han hecho este tiempo más llevadero.

Going back to work after a year traveling is not as easy as it seems. The routine grabs you, leaves you breathless, everything is more difficult than it should be and the extreme tiredness, not only physical but mental, doesn't give you a rest. At least, that's how I've been feeling during the couple of weeks I've been back. So I've been trying to use my spare time to do things that cheer me up and are not very challenging.

Estas son algunas:
These are some of them:

Clases de danza del vientre
Belly dancing classes

Películas románticas y facilonas: Mamma Mia es mi nueva favorita, y Mean Girls puede parecer profunda dependiendo del estado en que te encuentres.

Chick flicks: Mamma Mia is my new favourite, and Mean Girls seems strangely deep when you are tired.


Retomar mi series preferidas. Ahora que he decidido que la televisión es una pérdida de tiempo, veo las series cuando salen en DVD o en Internet. En este momento, mis favoritas, sin ninguna duda, son las segundas temporadas de Gossip Girl y Heroes.

Catch up on my favourite TV series. Now that I'm not watching TV I watch my favourite series on DVD or on the Internet. My definite favourites at the moment are the second seasons of Gossip Girl and Heroes.

Para seguir adelante con mis resoluciones de año nuevo, me he apuntado a un curso de corte y confección y a otro de joyería.
I'm trying not to forget my New year's resolution, so I've enrolled in a dressmaking course and a jewelery one.

Escucho sin parar esta canción de La Oreja de Van Gogh, que siempre, siempre, me pone contenta.

I listen to this song by the Spanish Group La Oreja de Van Gogh that never fails to cheer me up.

Y así, me voy acostumbrando a estar de vuelta.
And so, I'm getting used to being back.

An unexpected source of inspiration

A Thousand Words from Ted Chung on Vimeo.

Video found @ Noquedanblogs

What do you think happens after this? Is she going to call? Did she leave the camera behind on purpose? Or, is it too late and she's gone? Maybe she never intended to leave the camera and she'll never know that the guy found her. She missed her chance when she didn't say anything to him.
This makes me think of all those missed opportunities that we never learn about. Not the mistakes that become clear after a while, but the decisions we didn't take, the lives we didn't live. Do they get lived in a parallel universe, or are they lost forever?

To make you laugh and smile

Me ha encantado este vídeo que he visto en el blog de Susana, Sonrisas para ti. No podía parar de reir. Se lo dedico a todas las madres, hijas e hijos, y sobre todo, claro, a mi madre y a mi hermana, por conversaciones similares a las del vídeo que hemos compartido.

I had to share this video that I found over at Susana's blog. It had me in hysterics. For all the mums, daughters and sons out there!



Este otro vídeo (encontrado en Swissmiss) me hace sonreir. El anuncio fue grabado en la Estación Liverpool, una de las más grandes de Londres. El mensaje del anunciante, una marca de móviles, es ¨La vida es para compartirla¨. Me encanta. A veces nos olvidamos de cómo la tecnología facilita que podamos compartir experiencias e información y nos ayuda a mantener el contacto con los amigos. Los blogs, claro, son un ejemplo.

This one (found via Swissmiss) makes me smile! And the message, Life is for sharing, is beautiful. We sometimes forget how easy technology has made it to stay in touch and share. Blogging is only an example.

Make it what you want

La guía cultural de The Guardian del sábado incluía un artículo sobre Poster Boy (El chico del póster), un artista que desarrolla su arte en los pósters del metro de Nueva York. Con la sencilla técnica de usar y pegar, cambia el mensaje y la esencia de los anuncios de las paredes. Me encanta lo que hace, pero sobre todo, me encanta su explicación de porqué lo hace: ¨La idea es tomar lo que te rodea y convertirlo en lo que tú quieres que sea.¨ ¿No es eso lo que pretendemos hacer también nosotros con nuestros proyectos de decoración, nuestras fotos, nuestras manualidades? Para mí, ese es también, el único camino posible hacia la felicidad, tomar lo que tienes y convertirlo en lo que quieres.

I read an article in The Guide's Guardian on Saturday about Poster Boy, who changes the adverts and posters in the NYC underground, with the simple technice of cutting and pasting. I love what he does , but I also love his reason to do it: "The idea of taking your environment into your own hands and making it what you want." Isn't that what we all do with our decor projects, photos, and crafts? It is also the only way to happiness for me, take what you have and make it what you want.

Photo from Poster boy's gallery at Flickr.

The Guardian on Saturday

This is one of my favourite things about living in England. Getting up on a Saturday, getting the paper, going to a nice place for breakfast (the park, weather permitted) and flick through the news, the book reviews, the TV guide (I tell you some of the recaps and opinions are hugely entertaining), I even like the Work and Money sections... Normally I'll read as much as I can on Saturday morning and leave the rest for the week ahead. It's the simple things in life, right?

Polaroid is back!

Esto me encanta. ¡Van a empezar a producir los carretes de Polaroid de nuevo! Las fotos Polaroid tienen un halo romántico, de ensueño, y por eso, me parece muy apropiado que el nuevo dueño de la fábrica, Florian Kaps, haya decidido volver a fabricar los carretes por una razón muy romántica. Como él mismo dice "es una lucha contra la idea de que todo aquello que no produce beneficios, tiene que desaparecer." Sin duda, una manera de pensar diferente a la mayoría en este mundo nuestro en el que todo se rige por el dinero. Podéis leer la noticia (en inglés) aquí. También han creado una galería en la red en la que los usuarios pueden descargar sus Polaroids, se llama Polanoid. Las que más me gustan las podéis ver arriba.

I'm loving this. Polaroid is back! There is something dreamy and romantic about Polaroid photos, so it's only appropriate that the new owner of the Polaroid factory, Florian Kaps, has decided to start producing the film again for a very romantic reason. As he says, "It's a fight against the idea that everything has to die when it doesn't create turnover," A refreshing idea in a world dominated by money, isn't it? Read the news here. Kaps has also created an online gallery for Polaroids, Polanoid. Above, you can see some of my favourites from the photos that users have added so far.

Simple wardrobe

He creado este conjunto en Polyvore (me lo paso pipa en esa página). Está inspirado en la ropa que más estoy usando últimamente. No me había dado cuenta de que usaba el gris tan a menudo. Supongo que he decidido simplificar mi armario. Siempre he tenido mucha ropa, de muchos colores y diferentes estilos. Para resumir, muchas prendas que no coordinaban unas con otras. Asi que la decisión de cada mañana sobre qué ponerme se hacía cada vez más difícil. Pero este año, tengo taaaaantas cosas que hacer (¿Habéis visto todas mis resoluciones de Año nuevo?), que no voy a tener tiempo para eso. La otra razón es que este año no tengo dinero para comprarme ropa de temporada, así que mejor me limito a prendas básicas pero con estilo (espero...). Ahora que lo pienso, puede que todo el gris también tenga que ver con el hecho de que estoy de vuelta en la gris Inglaterra...

I made this set in Polyvore some days ago (Polyvore is so much fun!). It's inspired by the pieces of my wardrobe that I'm using the most at the moment. I didn't realize how much grey I was wearing! I suppose I've decided that I need to simplify my wardrobe. It's always been full of colour, different styles and generally lots of clothes that don't go together, so deciding what to wear was always really hard. I have soooo much to do this year (I mean, look at all my New Year's resolutions) that I simply don't have time for this anymore. The other reason is that I don't have money for many clothes this season, so I'm playing it safe with timeless style (I hope). Thinking about it, maybe all the grey has also got something to do with me being back in rainy, dark England...

More reading

OK, so I have changed my mind (again) and I'm going to do the Reading dangerously challenge (My Year of Reading Dangerously) properly. Here are the 6 other books I'm adding to my list:

The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger: thanks for the suggestion, Cheryl. I read this book years ago in Spanish and I've been meaning to read it in English for a while now, so this is the perfect opportunity.

Forgotten Voices, by Max Author: I wouldn't normally read a book about war, so that's the challenge. Also, I do want to learn more about WWI as I feel there is not enough information out there about it (certainly not as much as about WWII)

Memoirs of a Geisha, by Arthur Golden: I got this book as a present many years ago, and I want to read it, and then watch the film to compare them.

The Secret Story, by Donna Tartt: I have never read anything by Donna Tart, so it's a new author to try!

Also, two books that have been on my shelves for a really long time: Prozac Nation, by Elizabeth Wurtzel, and White Teeth, by Zadie Smith.

Phew, I better start on one of this soon. Not today, though. This is my first week back at work after more than a year and I'm EXHAUSTED in the evenings, so I'm reading something light and funny: Remember me? by Sophie Kinsella (of Shopaholic fame!)

New Year´s resolution: Sewing and knitting

Hace un tiempo, yo sabía coser y hacer punto (después de todo, fui a un colegio de monjas) y me apetece retomar estas actividades. Empezaré con algo fácil, la socorrida bufandita para las sobrinitas de mi novio, y a ver qué pasa. Además, cuando estuve en Buenos Aires hace unos meses, hice un curso de bisutería y me encantaría seguir trabajando en eso. Todo esto me va a ayudar a cumplir otro de mis propósitos, el de dejar de comprar ropa y accesorios baratos que luego no me pongo (los haré yo o renovaré los que ya tengo).

There was a time when I knew how to sew and knit... I'm determined to start making things again, so I'll start with something small and easy (a scarf for my two baby nieces!). Also, when I was in Buenos Aires some months ago, I did a course on jewelery making, and I'd like to keep on experimenting with that. All this would hopefully also help me with another fashion-related resolution to stop buying cheap clothes (I'll customize the ones I already have!).

New Year´s resolution: Decorating my own house

¡Parece que el 2009 puede ser el año en que por fin me compre una casa! Así que tengo que empezar a pensar en la decoración. Estamos pensando en comprar piezas sencillas de color blanco y gris, con algún toque de negro. Esa será la base para luego ir añadiendo otros colores. Vamos a ir despacio, claro, comprando y haciendo lo imprescindible al principio, para después ir añadiendo cosas que encontremos y nos gusten. ¡Qué emoción!

It seems 2009 may be the year when I become a house owner! So I have to start thinking about decorating my new place! Fun! We are thinking of getting basic furniture in black and white, as a base for different colours. This will be an ongoing process, of course, as at the beginning, we'll only be able to afford the most basic stuff, and then, over the years we'll start adding things we find and like. I´m very excited!

Reading Dangerously

I'm joining a reading challenge, My Year of Reading Dangerously. I have to read 12 books I consider "dangerous" during 2009. These can be banned or challenged books, new genres, authors I'm afraid of or (my favourite) books that seem to have a permanent space on my shelves. I have 6 books in my list so far (any more suggestions?):

Rayuela (Hopscotch) by Julio Cortázar: Very scary, what I don´t get it?

100 años de soledad (100 years of solitude), by Gabriel García Márquez: Ive loved other García Márquez's books, but, for some reason, have always resisted reading this one.

The Historian, by Elizabeth Kostova: As much as I loved Buffy on TV, vampire books are not my thing, but this one has been recommended by my sister so...

The Satanic Verses, by Salman Rushdie: I WILL finish one of his books.

My New York Diary, Julie Doucet: I have never read a graphic novel and this one (recommended on the Dangerously challenge blog) looks great.

In Cold Blood, by Truman Capote: I like "fun, light Truman", but I have always been TERRIFIED of reading this one. Thanks, Jan, for the recommendation!

Come and join us. Otherwise, you can join one of these reading challenges: Art History Reading, A to Z challenge, Childhood favourites.

Update: I'm thinking I'm going to leave my list as it is, with only 6 books. Even though the challenge says 12 (and I definitely going to read more than that number of books this year), I want to have time for other non-dangerous books.

New Year´s resolution: Photography

He disfrutado mucho de hacer fotografías durante nuestro tiempo en Sudamérica. No solo fotografías para el recuerdo, sino esas fotografías que captan la vida, los momentos, los lugares... la belleza de la imagen a través del objetivo. Así que este año quiero explorar el mundo de la fotografía, aprender más sobre este arte y empezar a mirar el mundo con otros ojos.

During our time in South America, I have really enjoyed taking photographs. Not only for the memories, but because of the beauty of capturing life, small moments, special places... with a camera. This year I want to explore photography, learn more about this art and start looking at things through the lens.

Reading

I love reading. But I, too, wish I could still read like a girl again.

New Year´s resolution: Writing

Escribir ha sido siempre mi pasión y durante este año, quiero arriesgarme con mi escritura y encontrar mi estilo, mi verdadera voz. Voy a escribir en mis blogs, en mi diario, en mi agenda, en mis cuadernos, en las paredes de mi casa, si hace falta. Por lo menos una hora al día, voy a escribir sobre lo que veo, lo que siento, lo que imagino, lo que escucho, lo que me gusta, lo que no. De lo que sea. Voy a escribir.

Writing has always been my passion and this year, I want to take risks with my writing, and find my style, my voice. I'm going to write on my blogs, my journal, my diary, my notebooks, on my house walls, if necessary. At least for an hour every day, I'm going to write about what I see, what I feel, what I imagine, what I hear, what I like, and what I don't. It doesn't matter, I just want to write.

New Year´s resolutions

Happy 2009 by Cuttingsonablog

Aunque todo el mundo habla de crisis, estoy segura de que el 2009 va ser un año de oportunidades y reflexión, de decidir cómo queremos vivir. Para mí, el 2009, va a ser un año de transición. Después de 10 meses viajando por Sudamérica, algo que me ha servido para conocerme mejor a mí misma, este va a ser el primer año de mi nueva vida, el año en el que empezaré a hacer realidad el modo de vida que ahora sé que quiero.

Everyone is talking about the crisis and how it's going to affect us in 2009. But I'm optimistic and think that 2009 is going to be a year of opportunities, a time to think how we really want to live our life. For me, 2009 is going to be a transition year. In 2008, I spent 10 months traveling in South America, and after my trip I know myself better, and I have a clearer idea of what I want to do with my life. It's time to start living that life.

Entre otras cosas, quiero tener más tiempo para explorar mi creatividad, rodearme de cosas bonitas, aprender a valorar la belleza y sencillez de las cosas hechas a mano. Durante la primera semana del año, voy a ir añadiendo cosas relacionadas con la creatividad que he incluido en mi lista de propósitos de este año. Por supuesto, una de ellas será tener tiempo para seguir jugando con mi nueva página web favorita, Polyvore.

Among other things, I want to spend more time exploring my creativity, I want to surround myself with beautiful things, learn the value of the simple beauty of handmade objects. During the first week of the year, I'll be posting about some of my creativity-related New Year's resolutions. One of them, of course, will be having more time to play with my new favourite website, Polyvore.

New beginnings

I've said it before, I love those times of the year when you get a chance to reinvent yourself. And of course, the beginning of the new year is the most important one. This year, however, it's a bit different. I've had such an special 2008 that I didn't want it to finish. These are some of the things I did in 2008, while traveling and volunteering in South America, from Chile to Colombia, through Argentina, Peru, Bolivia and Ecuador:


And so my main New Year's resolution is not to forget what I have learnt, done and seen in 2008. The feeling of freedom, the new experiences, the challenges, the experiences shared with my boyfriend, the promises to live a simpler, better life, the inspiration to help others, to help the environment, and to enjoy the small moments.

Happy New Year

Feliz año nuevo! De nuevo tenemos la oportunidad de reinventarnos a nosotros mismos. ¿Quien vas a ser en el 2009?
Happy New Year! Once again, we are given an opportunity to reinvent ourselves. ¿Who would you be in 2009?

Photo from Poppytalk