Diddle-e-i!

       

I thought I'd post something extremely annoying today - exactly

16 years from the day I left Finland =) Enjoy the 16 dancing paddies..

       

Not happy with this, but here goes..

So, I played with the webcam and photoshop, but it's so arseways that I'm going to have to do it better someday as it's just annoying me now. My light was on the wrong side, and unless I reorganise the whole attic, there's nothing I can do about it now.. I should have brushed my hair, to get rid of the wavy bits that aren't in the original picture - I'm not going to cut my hair shorter, though! My head is slightly tilted back, which fucks up the shape of the face, and doesn't leave enough hair visible on top of my head.. I couldn't be arsed to change my clothes, either, so that cardigan is kind of too obvious.. My chair is imaginary, and my hand position is wrong, anyway.. However, it was difficult as I had to balance stuff on my lap, so considering I only took one quick webcam snap for this, I guess it's not too bad.. But I'm a perfectionist, so I'll want to do it right, someday.

(Browse back a couple of entries, to see what this is about =)

Cute baby bats from Australia

Bat Orphans
"Trish Wimberley looks after hundreds of orphaned baby bats and rears them until they can be released into the wild. ..."

I must also recommend the Campbell Newman's Bat Shame page, on Facebook. They post the cutest bat photos, and lots of interesting bat information as well.

I'm a time traveller =)

Source: postcrossing.com via Stella on Pinterest

Ellen Thesleff - Thyra Elisabeth - 1892

(Thanks to KK for finding this..)

Posing with Pushy

Pushy was on my lap again =)

Webcam snaps

I tried to snap some hair update pics, but it's difficult on my own. But I had fun with effects, anyway. And here's some tiny attic snaps;

How many cars ARE there?!?

My (or rather, Esmeralda's) NCT expired, and I booked a test online. There was ONE February date available, which unfortunately didn't suit me, and the next soonest date was in early APRIL!!!

So, I'm just wondering.. There are several NCT centres around the country, and I don't know if they're ALL operating the same hours, but at least the one closest to me, is even open on Sundays, and from early morning to at least early evening in general.. Yet, you'll have to wait for over two months for your booking?!?

OK, I know that your car might fail the test, so re-tests could be required, but still.. 12 months, many NCT centres, long opening hours (incl. weekends).. Are there even that many cars?!? =D

Stello's Flea Market - Item 0004 - Wide Peacock Bracelet

Wide Peacock Bracelet

I can't remember where I bought this bracelet (or if it was a present, years and years ago), but I used to wear it a lot, in the past. It no longer fits me! I don't know which metal it is (there aren't any stamps), but it weighs 70 grams. The engraved theme seems Asian, and includes peacocks and flowers. I actually really like it, and if it wasn't too small for me now, I'd still wear it sometimes!

Price Options

Collect from Bray €5.00 EUR Standard Post to Ireland €10.00 EUR Standard Post anywhere else €11.00 EUR

I will occasionally post "Stello's Flea Market" items. You can pay for them securely through PayPal (by following the Buy Now button provided). Make sure to SELECT THE CORRECT PRICE OPTION. If you can collect the item from Bray (Co. Wicklow, Ireland), select "Collect from Bray" (and email me to organise when to collect the item). If you want the item posted to Ireland (Standard Post), select "Standard Post to Ireland". If you want the item posted to any other country (Standard Post), select "Standard Post anywhere else".

Stello's Flea Market - Item 0003 - Papercraft Package

***** CLICK HERE to see ALL contents! *****

Papercraft Package

I originally meant to use this papercraft package for something else, but I'm selling it on my flea market now. If you follow the link below the picture, you will get my older blog entry (from October 2010), which has photos featuring everything that is included in this package. (The items in the last picture are a Free Gift, because selling copyrighted stuff is not OK, but I've packed this stuff well, and I don't want to rip it open, so you'll get those for free when you buy the other stuff.)

List of contents:
30 x B&W 8"x8" pattern sheet
24 x B&W 6"x6" pattern sheet
17 x colour 6"x6" pattern sheet
1 bright blue envelope
4 x deep red blank card (fold)
1 bright yellow blank card (fold)
3 x pink blank card
10 x vellum quote sheet ("girly")
several ready cut "girly" vellum quotes
1 pink card (fold) & envelope
1 salmon pink card (fold) & envelope
1 pale yellow card (fold) & envelope
tiny tags/labels
3 x decorative 'metallic look' card border
Pearly white & yellow decorative flowers
D. envelopes & Mr. B. note papers (free gift)

Price Options

Collect from Bray €10.00 EUR Standard Post to Ireland €15.00 EUR Standard Post anywhere else €16.00 EUR

I will occasionally post "Stello's Flea Market" items. You can pay for them securely through PayPal (by following the Buy Now button provided). Make sure to SELECT THE CORRECT PRICE OPTION. If you can collect the item from Bray (Co. Wicklow, Ireland), select "Collect from Bray" (and email me to organise when to collect the item). If you want the item posted to Ireland (Standard Post), select "Standard Post to Ireland". If you want the item posted to any other country (Standard Post), select "Standard Post anywhere else".

Stello's Flea Market - Item 0002 - Old Lace Pimped Tin

Old Lace Pimped Tin

The visible part of this tin, is pimped with powder blue polka dot scrapbooking paper and old lace. The bottom (inside & outside) is pimped with black/silver star pattern scrapbooking paper. Ideal for storing pens, pencils, brushes, incense sticks, or whatever you like..

Price Options

Collect from Bray €3.00 EUR Standard Post to Ireland €7.00 EUR Standard Post anywhere else €8.00 EUR

I will occasionally post "Stello's Flea Market" items. You can pay for them securely through PayPal (by following the Buy Now button provided). Make sure to SELECT THE CORRECT PRICE OPTION. If you can collect the item from Bray (Co. Wicklow, Ireland), select "Collect from Bray" (and email me to organise when to collect the item). If you want the item posted to Ireland (Standard Post), select "Standard Post to Ireland". If you want the item posted to any other country (Standard Post), select "Standard Post anywhere else".

Stello's Flea Market - Item 0001 - 70's Style Pimped Tin

70's Style Pimped Tin

The visible part of this tin, is pimped with grey felt and decorative blue/red/white ribbon from the 70's (or older). The inside and bottom are pimped with scrapbooking papers. Ideal for storing pens, pencils, brushes, incense sticks, or whatever you like..

Price Options

Collect from Bray €3.00 EUR Standard Post to Ireland €7.00 EUR Standard Post anywhere else €8.00 EUR

I will occasionally post "Stello's Flea Market" items. You can pay for them securely through PayPal (by following the Buy Now button provided). Make sure to SELECT THE CORRECT PRICE OPTION. If you can collect the item from Bray (Co. Wicklow, Ireland), select "Collect from Bray" (and email me to organise when to collect the item). If you want the item posted to Ireland (Standard Post), select "Standard Post to Ireland". If you want the item posted to any other country (Standard Post), select "Standard Post anywhere else".

Vikings trailers on Youtube

VIKINGS TV Show - Exclusive Opening Sequence [HD]: New History Channel...

In this Exclusive clip from the new History Channel original series "VIKINGS" we get to see the official opening sequence. Official Description: The show tells the tale of the epic and violent world of the mighty Norsemen who raided, traded and explored during medieval times. It follows the exploits of historical figure, Ragnar Lothbrok, and the gripping sagas of Ragnar's Viking crew and his family as he struggles to become 'king' of both Denmark and a large part of modern day Sweden.

Official Vikings Trailer -- History Channel

Get a sneak peek at HISTORY'S new original series Vikings. Premieres March 3, 2013.

So, I booked flights..

I will be flying to Frankfurt, and then I'll be flying somewhere else, but I won't say where and I won't say when =D (Not anytime soon, though.)

I'll have to loiter in Frankfurt for over 12 hours between flights, which will be "fun".. (Minimum budget, expensive airport food, boredom..) I'll have to pack my handbag full of Nature Valley sweet & nutty peanut bars.. Would Lufthansa let me carry a crochet hook in my handbag? Maybe if it's a plastic one..? Something to do..

Btw, I was somewhat unimpressed to notice that ebookers.ie doesn't mask your password in the URL.. When you click for the printable version of your booking, you can see your password in the address bar as a part of the URL, and when you print out the booking, your password will be included in the URL as well. There are several ways other people might get your password! If you share computers and don't clear the browser history, anyone using the computer after you, could get your password and change or cancel your flights - maybe even causing charges on your credit card, if you've saved billing info.. Also, if you don't notice the password on the printed out sheets, anyone who sees them, will know your password. (I've mentioned this on Facebook, and tagged ebookers Ireland, so hopefully they'll fix it a.s.a.p.)

Continued collection to help Muzakir's family

I have just updated the Muzakir pages (in English & in Finnish), adding a separate page for Mala's bank account info for donations (with printable versions in English & in Finnish).

As only one of Muzakir's parents can work, at the moment, with Muzakir still needing one parent at home, they can't afford to pay back that €4000 private, interest free loan, given to them by a person who wishes to remain anonymous. So, we will keep the collection going until the loan is paid back.

I really hope that people are still willing to help Muzakir's family, even now that his operation has already taken place. I know who the "anonymous angel" is, and I can say this much: that person is not anyone wealthy, who could afford to write off €4000. They also have a heart of gold - how many people would be ready to risk all their savings to help a child whom they have never even met?!? So, that person really deserves to get their money back - the loan part. (They also made a very generous donation, in addition to the loan!)

This time, I am also asking everyone to email me with their name and the amount donated (all info will remain anonymous!) - you'll find my email address linked on the bank info page. It makes it so much easier to follow up on donations. It was a bit of a nightmare before the operation, trying to find various emails, blog comments, FB comments and private messages - and some people never mentioned their donations anywhere, public or private.

Had to laugh..

Source: facebook.com via Stella on Pinterest

Cute rescued bear video

Peter Egan meets Karel
Actor Peter Egan meets Karel at Animals Asia's Chengdu Sanctuary in China. Karel enjoys a treat of dried fruit and nuts.

These bears have been rescued from a lifetime of torture on the sickening bile farms. Read more about this issue on Animals Asia on Facebook.

Shadow Dancer

I finally saw Shadow Dancer, tonight. Pretty gloomy..


I like this screenshot (above) as our little foursome can be seen on the right;

 

Hilarious Pulp Fiction video (updated 22/1/2013)

Pulp Fiction Kerry Shtyle

Added on 22nd January;


Quentin Tarantino On The Graham Norton Show Full Interview (11-1-13)
This is where Quentin Tarantino sees "Pulp Fiction Kerry Shtyle", and gives them permission to do the whole film =D I'd love to see it done..


Pulp Fiction Kerry Shtyle 2
Vince and Jules having breakfast in Tralee

Tullamore (& Kilbeggan) yesterday

I had the best day (mainly) in Tullamore, yesterday! I'd never been there before, and now there isn't a road or even a small lane I wouldn't have visited, either on foot or on wheels, except for some housing estates! LOL The same pretty much goes for Kilbeggan as well. Would have done Birr, too, but I had limited time as the last train back was at 8pm.

I actually started by getting new shoes (or rather, ankle boots) from the Bridge Centre Dunnes. I needed something less summery as my canvas flats were already glued back together, and weren't the best thing for January.. I am a man: scanned the shelves once, found the pair, tried it on, bought it. €18.

Then, my husband Paddy (haha!) took me for a walking tour, before we had an audition at the Central Hotel. I really liked this square, and actually loved the whole town. Bray is such a kip, and doesn't even have a market square or anything.. Every town should have a market square! A town without one, is like a town without a heart.

I was very lazy with the proper camera, mainly just taking these phone snaps and Facebooking some of them on the spot.. Must go back someday, and spend a few days walking around and taking pictures. Lots of lovely old buildings, etc..

The audition went much better than I'd expected, but my accent will probably be an issue.. Still, I'd never before done an audition with lines, so I'm happy with the first one, even if I won't get anything from it.

After the audition, the Tullamore tour continued on wheels, and we actually went to Kilbeggan as well, although it was already dark! =D I could see the old distillery, though, and it was beautiful.

Eventually, it was time to return to Bray. Oh, I almost forgot to mention, that I also lost my Luas virginity during this trip! =D I took the Luas red line from Busáras to Heuston, and again from Heuston to, this time, Abbey Street, and I'm glad that I decided to hop out there and walk to Tara Street, instead of Busáras & Connolly, because the Dart was just arriving, and I'd never had made that one from Connolly, so I saved myself at least 12 minutes there.

With all the travelling (and not forgetting the brisk walking in Tullamore), I'm cramping all over the place, but the trip was so worth it! =)