Eight words in Polish that have no English equivalent
You may have noticed that I’m on a bit of a Polish love-spree right now. If you’re still here and reading about it, that means you haven’t tired of my meanderings into everything to do with Polish culture, food and … Continue reading Eight words in Polish that have no English equivalent
Every picture tells a story: Purple dusk on Auckland harbour
Night was falling quickly and the clouds were a deep purple and blue. As dusk descended, a violent wind picked up over Auckland city bringing a huge tropical storm and a deluge as I walked home. Continue reading Every picture tells a story: Purple dusk on Auckland harbour
Book Review: The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene
Robert Greene has written best-selling books on seduction, power, war, self-mastery and now knowledge. Although the sum and total of his output of books gives the wrong impression about the man. He’s not an evil and Machiavellian type jockeying for … Continue reading Book Review: The Laws of Human Nature by Robert Greene
Travel: A visit to Eileann Donan Castle
Eileann Donan Castle is near the Kyle of Lochalsh, Scotland. I went there once in winter and once at the end of autumn. This place is steeped in ancient mystery, wonder and a sense of the densely lived past. When … Continue reading Travel: A visit to Eileann Donan Castle
Nordic and Japanese Design Fusion: Fuglen in Asakusa, Tokyo
On a recent trip to Japan I noticed that the Japanese love to pay homage to different cultures, their foods and aesthetics. This is really great and impressive because they have such a rich culture of their own. And yet … Continue reading Nordic and Japanese Design Fusion: Fuglen in Asakusa, Tokyo
Every Picture Tells a Story: Chefchaoen at Dusk
When the ancient blue-walled city falls into the dusk the city turns from azure to deep purple. I took this photo in 2009 as the surrounding hills were burning with marijuana and the calls to prayer were echoing over the … Continue reading Every Picture Tells a Story: Chefchaoen at Dusk
Finding the flow with writing and polishing a raw piece of meat into a powerful monster
I recently began a course with one of the most famed writers in the world teaching creative writing. I already know things, having studied creative writing years ago, however at the time I had zero confidence in my abilities. So … Continue reading Finding the flow with writing and polishing a raw piece of meat into a powerful monster
Cooking 4,000 year old Babylonian recipes, how do they taste?
This is one for all the history nerds out and anybody who likes cooking and eating, which probably means you. When you try to recreate an ancient recipe, you may end up with a stinking cesspool of inedible muck or … Continue reading Cooking 4,000 year old Babylonian recipes, how do they taste?
Narrative arcs: a funny and simple explanation by Kurt Vonnegut
This amazing explanation of narrative arcs by Kurt Vonnegut had me laughing out loud. To actually be present at this lecture would have been totally awesome. This video is great starting point for narrative structures and point of view, although … Continue reading Narrative arcs: a funny and simple explanation by Kurt Vonnegut
Wild woman quote: show your soul
“One of the most calming and powerful actions you can do to intervene in a stormy world is to stand up and show your soul.” Clarissa Pinkola Estes. Women Who Run with the Wolves. Continue reading Wild woman quote: show your soul
Product review: My Organic’s Goji Miracle Mask
I was a bit dubious when I first tried this product because I had never heard of this brand. Although a winning product feature was that it wasn’t tested on animals and was made from all organic ingredients. This is … Continue reading Product review: My Organic’s Goji Miracle Mask
Wild woman quote: A Door
“The doors to the world of the wild Self are few but precious. If you have a deep scar, that is a door, if you have an old, old story, that is a door. If you love the sky and … Continue reading Wild woman quote: A Door
Explore the cosiest bothies in the Scottish highlands
There’s something uniquely Scottish about bothys. These tiny mountain shacks are normally found in remote parts of the Scottish highlands and islands. They can be found in all kinds of conditions – some with running water and a fireplace and … Continue reading Explore the cosiest bothies in the Scottish highlands
An Exquisite Model Book of Calligraphy, 1560
Have a look at the exquisite pages in Mira calligraphiae monumenta or the Model Book of Calligraphy, which was crafted by Croatian-born mastercraftsman Georg Bocskay, and Flemish artist Joris Hoefnagel. This is a real work of art and shows beautiful … Continue reading An Exquisite Model Book of Calligraphy, 1560
Wild woman quote: Strength
Clarissa Pinkola Estes is a Jungian analyst and a Doctor of Ethno-clinical psychology. Her book Women Who Run with the Wolves is a dense and fascinating foray into the myths and wonders of oral storytelling throughout history. It’s a book … Continue reading Wild woman quote: Strength
Summer on Mother’s beach, Mornington
It’s summer right now in Melbourne and everyone is recovering from Christmas overindulgence by rolling and tumbling to the beach to drink beer in the sun. I’ve got a wine spritzer in hand and I’m feeling really guilty about doing absolutely nothing. Today in 37 degrees and there is absolutely nothing you can do in that kind of heat, only languish and marinate without moving. Continue reading Summer on Mother’s beach, Mornington
Product review: Natio’s makeup range
About Natio Natio is an Australian brand of cosmetics that is available in department stores and chemists in Australia and New Zealand. Underpinning their brand is a philosophy about creating make up and skincare that’s kind to the environment and … Continue reading Product review: Natio’s makeup range
Obligatory Christmas Post
Christmas is great if you can spend time with your family and see them. It’s also great if you have money for food or a place to call home, as many of us do. It can be a magical time … Continue reading Obligatory Christmas Post
Would you buy this kooky modernist cuckoo clock?
Guido Zimmermann is a German graffiti artist who recently created Cuckoo Blocks, a remix on the traditional Germanic wooden cookoo clock of olden times. Forget about cutesy animals and people popping out of a wooden clock on the hour, this remake … Continue reading Would you buy this kooky modernist cuckoo clock?
Pagan date: Litha
Litha, also known as midsummer, is the longest day of the year in the southern hemisphere.And it’s also a great date for planning and transition, a good day to ponder the year ahead. Continue reading Pagan date: Litha