This blog is put on hold.

I was writing when I had free time. I have no time for here now. I am busy being happy.

I am getting married. Soon. To the most wonderful man in the world (no, don’t look at Sean Connery, please:).

If you behave I’ll post pictures. Of the happiest bride.

Now I am off to make my own decorations and preparations- I want my wedding to be fab. So it will be!

I wish my happiness to you – near and far, close and distant, accidently visiting…. Look to the one next to you and smile!!!!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Tt8p5AxJn18

 Cheers ya’ol!

Happy Granny Marta’s Day!

Bulgarian tradition celebrates the 1st of March as Granny Marta’s Day. On that day we believe the winter steps away and the new boosting spring life starts. Everyone gets a decoration, made of white and red thread – either as a bracelet around the left wrist or an ornament to pin on the lapel, mainly pom-poms or the small figurines of a boy and a girl in something like the traditional Bulgarian costumes.

The legend says that when one of the first Bulgarian khans (somewhere in the 8th-9th century) went to war, he sent home pieces of white and red threads with a swallow to tell his folks at home that he was victorious and alive and sound.

We believe the red and white represents health and new life and this is what we wish when we make (or buy) and present our “martenichka” to the people we love and cherish. We wear them until we see the first swallow or stork, or the first fruit tree in bloom. And then we either tie them to the twigg of the tree or put it under a stone.

The tradition comes from pagan times. For all those centuries it was kept alive. If you take a walk you can see hundreds of martenichkas everywhere. And here are the ones I got from my friends today:)

I did it. Number one is already in use. I wore it today and the girls in the office liked it.

I found that hemp in a funny store, where cheap stuff is sold. I t was looking really odd and I took it to experiment. Anyway, the result is good. I got the inspiration and now no. 2 is on its way. Here it is, I’ll need some leather for the finish, and metal rings. I hope will be ready by the end of the week.

Fervex. Paracetamol. Long sleep in the morning. No taste in my mouth. Running nose. Tissues everywhere. Flu. Solomon Islands One (doc said).

 I went through the extreme cold and freezing wind with no problems and now, when it is getting warmer and better, I gave up. Shame on you, JenPen! Why am I taking all this cod liver oil?

The good side of being sick is that I can do some things normally I have no time to – like watching the debate on the vote of discontent for the present government. It is amazing to watch the hypocrasy of politicians. Just like a soap opera, with the “small” difference that these rule the state. Made me angry and I went to make another cuppa.

The other good thing is that there are 40 cm ready of my latest crocheting project – a wide hemp belt. Bagira watches the motion of the hook with great interest, Kaya just doesn’t care, but both are willing to climb up the bed where I am.

I woke up today and suddenly realised that two thirds of February are gone. Great. I dont’t like this month much. The only plus it has is that it is shorter than the others, but not on a leap year. And it is cold. The coldest! My rosemary at the veranda froze, so did the geranium. And the border carnations. Disgusting.

I had never went to bed with woollen sock on. Heh, it happened few nights ago, when the wind was so strong and cold that I was afraid I’ll lose an ear or a nose. This was the time when I wished to be a dog like the girls – they simply enjoyed it.

The fact that I was not able to step outside without being frozen brought me back to one forgotten pleasure – knitting and crocheting. For the past weekend I was able to make a sweater for my mug (haha!), a coaster and a new belt for the buckle I had saved when my favorite one was worn out completely. Kinda productive I was;)

I didn’t mention that one of the weird objects I brought back from California, together with the numerous stones and sea shells, was an engraving machine. I bet that all customs officers were thinking “who’s the crazy one that brings all these over the ocean”. What they didn’t know was that my neighbors will turn sleepless in their beds at the sound of polishing and drilling through rock, shells and pieces of amber and that I will be able to overcome my fear of the dentist (the sound of the machine is the same).

I brushed the dust off my old camera and will take some pictures of my achievements of the art therapy.
I just have to mention that it helps and I am able to bear the bad weather, the pressure at work and Peter’s absence with a (almost) smile.

 Sooooo, to go on…

 Where did I finish the last time? The arrival, of course!

We had no luggage. The two monster black suitcases were held at Denver airport, maybe they couldn’t run as fast as us, and we were promised that we will get them the next day. But no clean knickers couldn’t spoil the pleasant feeling when I saw this “decoration” on the wall :

And there was sun, and turkey vultures flying in the sky, and oil riggs…. And new people, and the wee ones – little cheeky elves filling the air with funny noises in the morning. Rabbits that play in the back yard, bluejays, orange trees and snow at the mountain peaks!

 California is not what I expected – California is crowded and deserted, flat and mountaneous, dry and green, a country of contrasts. I must say – I liked it, but sitting on the plane I thought “It is so good to go home” … I missed the “seasons” – the changes in the climate that you don’t notice in your everyday pace, but you miss when you change location.

What I liked the most (not talking about people there – they were the best, the ultimate experience!) was the …. OCEAN!!! The fizzing motion of the waters touching my feet, bringing small flakes of foam from the other side of the world; the shaving wind stealing my skpper’s cap; the seashells and wood pieces moulded by the mighty waters…. I was enraptured with the endless horizons, the millions of birds, the starfish crawling on the iron pillars of the forebridge, the oil riggs in the sea that were looking like the giant Cristmas trees of Neptune….  The ocean had left me speechless.

 I still dream of its  green infinity.

Schlepped back a bag full of seashells, stones, pieces of wood  – treasures found on the beach. I got a new hobby – I make art of everything I find. I call it art-therapy ( hahaha, Lena could use me as a guinea pig for her experiments). Yesterday polished the stolen house of a little crab – it is shiny and pearly today(my fingers are not!). 

Maybe should take a picture when I’m ready…..

It is a shame. I am back for almost 20 days and I hadn’t move a finger to type here.

You know, I have excuses. Reeeeeeeeeeeely good ones. Lots of them. I was never questioned at school when I called sick or had to find an excuse. No, no – serious enough, I had reasons. I was busy. I had priorities.

Those that take the time to read here probably wander how my vacation was. OMG! This was MY vacation!!!! The best one ever (thank you, Sami!). You should see my happy face – the stupid smile I have all the time (who cares??? not me!), the nonchalant look in my eyes and (not quite visible, though) a head full of excellent memories and air:)

I crossed half of the Earth and went to “sunny” California for a change. Although I am a well-educated person I somehow missed the fact that there is winter, too, and quite naive followed what Peter told me about clothes – “take shorts and t-shirts, sweetheart, it is warm there”. Next time I’ll check the weather website – he is not a trusted weather meter, almost every weather in the world is “warm” and “better” compared to the one he has at home.

Anyway, I was pleasantly surprised that California is not what I had read and seen, but a really beautiful, unique and amazing land. No wonder everyone I know wants to go there:) And after the almost 24-hour non-stop flight from Sofia-Munich-Denver-LA we arrived in a small town and were greeted by the nice family of Sami. I must admit I was scared and nervous but it took only couple of minutes to feel that I am welcome and appreciated.

Tomorrow to be continued… (gotta go, have tickets to  the theatre)

a real one.

 I am leaving for a month. I’ll be away having fun and relaxing. this year was hectic, strange, exciting and at moments I felt I was living in a movie. with a happy end, though

Guys, I know my writing here is not the most attractive one, and not the most productive, and maybe I should say “I hate to leave you without my wisdom” (if I was more self-confident), but you should face the truth – I am gone for a month.

Have a nice holidays, stay sober (if possible), make love, have fun, enjoy the snow (if any).

See you next year. A smile for all of you.

Merry Christmas!

Read this in a friend’s blog, liked it, with her permission I mark my list here. Although some of the must_do are stricktly American, here is my imput;)

01. Bought everyone in the pub a drink
02. Swam with wild dolphins
03. Climbed a mountain
04. Taken a Ferrari for a test drive
05. Been inside the Great Pyramid
06. Held a tarantula
07. Taken a candlelit bath with someone
08. Said ‘I love you’ and meant it09. Hugged a tree
10. Done a striptease
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Stayed up all night long, and watch the sun rise
15. Seen the Northern Lights
16. Gone to a huge sports game
17. Walked the stairs to the top of the leaning Tower of Pisa18. Grown and eaten your own vegetables
19. Touched an iceberg
20. Slept under the stars
21. Changed a baby’s diaper
22. Taken a trip in a hot air balloon
23. Watched a meteor shower
24. Gotten drunk on champagne
25. Given more than you can afford to charity
26. Looked up at the night sky through a telescope27. Had an uncontrollable giggling fit at the worst possible moment
28. Had a food fight
29. Bet on a winning horse
30. Taken a sick day when you’re not ill
31. Asked out a stranger
32. Had a snowball fight
33. Photocopied your bottom on the office photocopier
34. Screamed as loudly as you possibly can
35. Held a lamb36. Enacted a favorite fantasy
37. Taken a midnight skinny dip
38. Taken an ice cold bath
39. Had a meaningful conversation with a beggar
40. Seen a total eclipse
41. Ridden a roller coaster
42. Hit a home run
43. Fit three weeks miraculously into three days
44. Danced like a fool and not cared who was looking45. Adopted an accent for an entire day
46. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
47. Actually felt happy about your life, even for just a moment
48. Had two hard drives for your computer
49. Visited all 50 states
50. Loved your job for all accounts
51. Taken care of someone who was shit faced
52. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
53. Had amazing friends
54. Danced with a stranger in a foreign country55. Watched wild whales
56. Stolen a sign
57. Backpacked in Europe
58. Taken a road-trip
59. Rock climbing
60. Lied to foreign government’s official in that country to avoid notice
61. Midnight walk on the beach
62. Sky diving
63. Visited Ireland64. Been heartbroken longer then you were actually in love
65. In a restaurant, sat at a stranger’s table and had a meal with them
66. Visited Japan
67. Bench pressed your own weight
68. Milked a cow
69. Alphabetized your records (CD & movies count, right?)
70. Pretended to be a superhero
71. Sung karaoke
72. Lounged around in bed all day73. Posed nude in front of strangers
74. Scuba diving
75. Got it on to “Let’s Get It On” by Marvin Gaye
76. Kissed in the rain
77. Played in the mud
78. Played in the rain
79. Gone to a drive-in theater
80. Done something you should regret, but don’t regret it
81. Visited the Great Wall of China82. Discovered that someone who’s not supposed to have known about your blog has discovered your blog
83. Dropped Windows in favor of something better
84. Started a business
85. Fallen in love and not had your heart broken
86. Toured ancient sites
87. Taken a martial arts class
88. Swordfought for the honor of a woman
89. Played D&D for more than 6 hours straight
90. Gotten married
91. Been in a movie92. Crashed a party
93. Loved someone you shouldn’t have
94. Kissed someone so passionately it made them dizzy
95. Gotten divorced
96. Had sex at the office
97. Gone without food for 5 days
98. Made cookies from scratch
99. Won first prize in a costume contest
100. Ridden a gondola in Venice
101. Gotten a tattoo102. Found that the texture of some materials can turn you on
103. Rafted the Snake River
104. Been on television news programs as an “expert”
105. Got flowers for no reason
106. Masturbated in a public place
107. Got so drunk you don’t remember anything
108. Been addicted to some form of illegal drug
109. Performed on stage
110. Been to Las Vegas
111. Recorded music112. Eaten shark
113. Had a one-night stand
114. Gone to Thailand
115. Plant a tree
116. Bought a house
117. Been in a combat zone
118. Buried one/both of your parents
119. Shaved or waxed your pubic hair off
120. Been on a cruise ship
121. Spoken more than one language fluently
122. Gotten into a fight while attempting to defend someone
123. Bounced a check
124. Performed in Rocky Horror
125. Read – and understood – your credit report126. Raised children
127. Recently bought and played with a favorite childhood toy
128. Followed your favorite band/singer on tour
129. Created and named your own constellation of stars
130. Taken an exotic bicycle tour in a foreign country
131. Found out something significant that your ancestors did
132. Called or written your Congress person
133. Picked up and moved to another city to just start over
134. …more than once? – More than thrice?
135. Walked the Golden Gate Bridge136. Sang loudly in the car, and didn’t stop when you knew someone was looking
137. Had an abortion or your female partner did
138. Had plastic surgery
139. Survived an accident that you shouldn’t have survived.
140. Wrote articles for a large publication
141. Lost over 100 pounds
142. Held someone while they were having a flashback
143. Piloted an airplane
144. Petted a stingray
145. Broken someone’s heart
146. Helped an animal give birth
147. Been fired or laid off from a job148. Won money on a T.V. game show
149. Broken a bone
150. Killed a human being
151. Gone on an African photo safari
152. Ridden a motorcycle
153. Driven any land vehicle at a speed of greater than 100mph
154. Had a body part of yours below the neck pierced
155. Fired a rifle, shotgun, or pistol
156. Eaten mushrooms that were gathered in the wild
157. Ridden a horse
158. Had major surgery
159. Had sex on a moving train160. Had a snake as a pet
161. Hiked to the bottom of the Grand Canyon
162. Slept through an entire flight: takeoff, flight, and landing
163. Slept for more than 30 hours over the course of 48 hours
164. Visited more foreign countries than U.S. states
165. Visited all 7 continents
166. Taken a canoe trip that lasted more than 2 days
167. Eaten kangaroo meat
168. Fallen in love at an ancient Mayan burial ground (wha?)
169. Been a sperm or egg donor
170. Eaten sushi171. Had your picture in the newspaper
172. Had 2 (or more) healthy romantic relationships for over a year in your lifetime
173. Changed someone’s mind about something you care deeply about
174. Gotten someone fired for their actions
175. Gone back to school
176. Parasailed
177. Changed your name
178. Petted a cockroach
179. Eaten fried green tomatoes
180. Read The Iliad
181. Selected one “important” author who you missed in school, and read182. Dined in a restaurant and stolen silverware, plates, cups because your apartment needed them
183. …and gotten 86′ed from the restaurant because you did it so many times, they figured out it was you
184. Taught yourself an art from scratch
185. Killed and prepared an animal for eating
186. Apologized to someone years after inflicting the hurt
187. Skipped all your school reunions
188. Communicated with someone without sharing a common spoken language
189. Been elected to public office
190. Written your own computer language
191. Thought to yourself that you’re living your dream
192. Had to put someone you love into hospice care
193. Built your own PC from parts
194. Sold your own artwork to someone who didn’t know you195. Had a booth at a street fair
196: Dyed your hair
197: Been a DJ
198: Found out someone was going to dump you via LiveJournal
199: Written your own role playing game
200: Been arrested