Soul Thumping

For the Anti-Valentine Fan: Museum in Croatia Devoted to Items from Relationships Gone Awry

"A prosthetic leg currently showcased in England at the National Centre for Craft and Design, was donated by a war veteran who fell in love with his physical therapist.

A note says it lasted longer than the relationship because it was made of sturdier material.' "

I read this article from from Huff Post this morning, "Museum Of Broken Relationships: Croatian Museum Showcases Post-Split Mementos" and I had to think, it being being Valentine's Day and all, that those folks not fond of the Hallmark created holiday would appreciate this little gem!

It is a novel idea, creating a museum showcasing, among other things, a garden gnome thrown at a husband...an axe smashing through furniture!

The museum says it's number of visitors on Valentine's Day almost double!  Could be the broken-hearted or the Valentine-haters who would prefer to celebrate breaking up over googly-eyed sappy love stuff, or simply the curious among us.

I personally don't have a problem with the heart-shaped holiday, and I was even inspired to draw a heart on a piece of paper for Poseidon, taping it to the bathroom mirror.  He appreciated the sentiment.  So, whether you are pro or anti-Valentine's Day, this article is entertaining either way.  Enjoy.

 

--Fortuitous Observer

The Hippest, Coolest, Drooliest, Grooviest Teacups I Can Find

Now that Poseidon has gotten his way, and I'm substituting one Diet Coke everyday with a cup of tea (don't be silly, I'm not giving up my diet sodas completely--just yet, but I am trying to cut down), I find I'm severely lacking in the "cool mug" department.  I can't earnestly continue drinking tea from a boring cup everyday.  If it is to become a new habit, I have to embrace it with every fiber of my being, and I simply cannot see myself doing so without being outfitted with a hot looking teacup, pronto.

I live on the edge, which means I drink my Diet Coke straight from the can, so I've never bothered myself with finding a hip beverage vessel.  It was a good run while it lasted. 

Taking the bull by the proverbial horns, last week I began my mission:  To find myself a tea mug that makes me want to run, not walk, to the hot water dispenser.  Now the tricky part of my objective...choosing.

 

Bunny Blossom via Click for Art - I'm sad because this teacup and saucer makes me smile, but it is currently sold out : (

 

 

 

This Tokidoki tea set is also sold out, and it was my 2nd fave...boo, hiss:

 

 

guzzini from redcandy.com - now this is a bit funky!

 

 

Now for something really different...the skase teacup, based on the idea of symbiosis:

 

 

This jumbo teacup and saucer from T2 looks a bit like something my grandmother had around when I was a kid:

 

Electric Flowers...this may be my favorite teacup, but it comes in a set of four cups.  I am accident prone, so 3 backup mugs may be a good idea?

 

 

 

 

 

Miam.miam Fall Retro Mug - I like the funky shape of this tea mug...this one goes on the strongly considering list:

 

 

 

 

Paperproducts Design Geodome tea mugs.  I heart the retro pattern and colors:

 

 

Awww, Cat Yixing Tea Mug:

Ugggghhhh.  Too many choices and I hate making such important decisions.

 

--Fortuitous Observer

 

 

 

 

The MOST Decadent Foods on Pinterest this Week

I knew deep down that I might be a scopophiliac, and Pinterest confirms it flatly.  I mean, holy canoli.  I am addicted to Pinterest, eyes glazing over as I peruse the "pins" of friends and perfect strangers.  Admitting it feels wonderful, yet I have no plans to join a 12-step program for my fixation.  Keep reading...here is what I found.

This week was about food for some reason, and I found the most incredible edibles, the kind that make ones head hurt from the sugar rush obtained merely by glancing at the pictures.

Any moment of any day this week, logging onto Pinterest yielded the most amazing display of beyond decadent desserts.  Every sense is on overload and I must have, make, stare at these sinful looking things.  I know I (more than likely) won't attempt to make any of these over-the-top recipes because Poseidon and I do not eat many sweets, but I cannot take my eyes off these obnoxiously delicious looking pins:

 

Strawberry cupcakes with almond butter cream (seriously!):

Source: aroundmyfamilytable.com via Desiree on Pinterest

 

 

 

Peanut Butter Cup Chocolate Cake Cheesecake (this should be illegal):

Source: sprinklebakes.com via Carly on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

Steamed Chocolate Pudding Cake (quite simply, yum):

Source: notsohumblepie.blogspot.com via Candice on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

Cupcake In a Jar (for the love of Pete!):

Source: mycakies.blogspot.com via Nicole on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

Pink Ombre Cake (this is, frankly, too pretty to eat...it should be a dress or something):

Source: yellowdoor.tumblr.com via Laura on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

Red Velvet Pancakes (yes, pancakes...Poseidon may find these on a plate on Sunday):

Source: thebreakfastcook.com via christineleigh on Pinterest

 

 

 

 

Dulce de Leche Filled Banana Cupcakes with Browned Butter Cream Cheese Frosting (OMG...there is nothing else to say):

Source: bigredkitchen.com via Karen on Pinterest

 

 

 

--Fortuitous Observer

 

 

 

 

 

If I Could be Anything I Want to be Today

• I might want to be a balloon.  I could easily float for miles and see what everyone is up to.  Oh wait, I would eventually lose air and I might land somewhere altogether undesirable.

• Perhaps a fish.  I could swim and swim, and hang out with cool aquatic life for a bit.  Oh wait, I would no doubt be eaten by a fish bigger and meaner than me.

• A cat maybe?  I could sleep all day and humans would wait on me endlessly and I'll simply meow when I want something, like ringing a bell.  Scratch that (no pun intended).  The lack of opposable thumbs would leave me feeling as though I have no control over my own destiny.

• I think I will just be be me today.

 

One of my favorite songs ever:  Tree Hugger by Kimya Dawson - all about being someone else...

 

 

 --Fortuitous Observer

New Year's Resolutions - Go Small, People

Photo:  Calvin and Hobbes, from inquisitr.com

I adhered to a fast and hard rule (with a death grip) for many years:  Do not make resolutions for the new year.  Why?  Because I, like many, chose to go for broke.  I will be at the gym 5 days a week.  I will cut down on my frivolous spending and put more money in savings.  I will be nicer to people.  I will give up diet soda because I don't want to be drinking formaldehyde.  I will live greener.

Like most humans, I'm doomed from the get-go because these are vague, broad and H U G E promises I'm vowing to keep, predetermining my failure.  The inevitable breaking of these resolutions leaves me feeling more like a walking emotional implosion than ever!

Having realized this, yet still possessing the urge to continue on my never ending journey of self-improvement, I have resumed with the resolution making, only I am keeping my goals modest and obtainable.

We can stop beating ourselves up.  It's simple...we over-commit.  Nearly 90% (I got that statistic from somewhere, but for the life of me, can't remember where) of those who make resolutions, fail.  Let us all change that stat!  Think big, sure (as in the big picture the future), but go small.

For example, I am fairly certain I will not give up diet soda (I don't mind a little formaldehyde in my blood)...but I can cut down.  I can say with certainty that you will not see my behind in the gym 5 days a week this year, but I've been running an average of 3 days a week, and I can maintain that.  I know I will not cut out all frivolous spending this year, but I can choose to allow myself a new pair of jeans for maintaining my weight!  Me being nicer to people in general is never going to happen, but I will promise to go out of my way to be nice to those who don't piss me off.

Happy 2012 everyone.  Do your best!

 

--Fortuitous Observer