Within a couple of blocks.

I have this theory that there is far more fascinating things within a few blocks of one's house than one realizes, until you walk around it on foot.

Driving doesn't count.

You're never going to find flowers growing through cracks in the sidewalk while you're driving.

You're not going to talk to the fat old dog who seems so anxious to prove that he's still tough and intimidating that you reassure him that you'd never come in his yard, mostly just to soothe his feelings.

You're not as likely to wander down a sidestreet, following a yard sale sign on a whim, and finding a pair of gold(ish) elf slippers, which fit perfectly, for a mere $0.50.

Or to notice that plastic duck statues in the neighbor's yard are the size of labradors.

Or make the aquintaince of a nonsensical little blue that sprawls over the side of a hill with no rhyme or reason, just like houses in your dreams.

Or that half of the oranges on a neighbor's tree are plastic. What exactly are they trying to do? Show off?

Or that Luca is always happy when he recognizes home, but seems entirely turned around and confused that you're approaching the house from a different direction that whence you left. "How did the house get over HERE?"


What's within a couple blocks of your house?

Nothing like yellow carnations to brighten up a grey day.

Life is short. Buy yourself flowers.

You don't sit around and wait for someone else to buy you cds or cute shoes, do you?
Besides, it's a great way to let those around you who might want to buy you flowers now and then know what your tastes are.
And it's not expensive. The above bouquet cost me around 7 or 8 bucks. The little white ones that look like paper lanterns (no idea what they're called) were only 3 or 4 dollars at Trader Joe's, and white roses were only 4 dollars at Albertsons. The vase on my desk is a sort of evolving bouquet, as one type dies, I take them out, and replace them with whatever new flower I've picked up at the grocery store.

And it does wonders for your state of mind.

How Long After The Holidays Can You Keep A Poinsettia On Your Desk?

I want him to stay, always. Mostly because he's so pretty, and only partly as an advertisement that I've managed to keep him alive.
Besides, he's keeping Marta company.

I Love My New Camera Almost As Much As I Love My Lobby.

My itsy-bitsy desk tree. Her name is Cassandra.
Flowers I bought and arranged myself.


The beast, my phone. It's like playing the piano sometimes.


Eek! A mouse!


It's almost like getting to work outside.


Some flowers (not for me, just waiting to be picked up) and my poinsettia, Captain Josef.