I want

This gorgeous nail polish from Chanel. Black pearl... does it get any better? I think not.

Writing Challenge - 10 Questions

Thanks to Denae D'Arcy for the writing challenge. If you try this as well, please post a comment here and link us up so we can all share answers!


1. If you have pets, do you see them merely as animals or are they members of the family? They are animals but also a part of the family.

2. If you can have a dream come true, what would it be? That Jamie gets approved for family immigration to live here with me in Norway.

3. What is one thing most hated by you? Animal cruelty.

4. What would you do with a billion dollars? I would give a lot to my parents, and then donate a big chunck to various humane societies around the world. I'd invest in a house in Norway and one in America. And of course - pay off all my debt. Then I'd like to travel the world for ages.

5. What helps to pull you out of a bad mood? Animals! How can you be in a bad mood when you look into a furry face?

6. Which is more blessed, loving someone or being loved by someone? I think they are equal. Love is unconditional, and ultimately connected between two people.

7. What is your bedtime routine? It varies. I usually like to read before I close my eyes, but lately I have been watching CSI reruns. Something about blood and bodies are very sleep inducing to me. Go figure.

8. If you are currently in a relationship, how did you meet your partner? I first talked to Jamie when we worked at Jamesons in Eugene. We established further contact via MySpace. Yes! It can happen.

9. If you could watch a creative person in the act of the creative process, who would it be? Good question! If possible, I'd like to go back in time and watch Gauguin paint his amazing interpretations of island life on Tahiti.

10. What kind of books do you read? I have a very wide taste in books. Lately, I've been more into non-fiction, such as travel narratives or memoirs. When it comes to fiction, I tend to prefer the old classics instead of more modern books. I love reading about weird things, history, sub cultures, extraordinary people and animals. I also like philosophy and American transcendentalism. Lately, I'm rediscovering Voltaire. I'd be happy to live in Barnes and Noble - books everywhere and fresh coffee. Yumm.

Reunion after 5 years

Last weekend my friend Anne came to see me. We met while we were both exchange students at the University of Oregon. She's from Singapore, and probably one of the coolest people I have ever met. She's fierce, outspoken, gorgeous, intelligent and has impeccable style. My first memory of her is a bit blurry, but I remember hanging out with her and some other friends at the then Cafe China Blue in Eugene. It was September 2005. From that day on, we hung out at least every week. Thursdays were drinking days at Rock'n'Rodeo. I would crash at her dorm after hitting the bars, and go to class Friday morning, a wee bit hungover, and still wearing my party clothes.

The last time I saw her in Eugene was on my 24th birthday. I had a little B-day party at my house, and some girls stayed the night. Anne was going back to Singapore because she had already finished her studies. I was going back to Norway for the holidays.

Fast forward to 2011.... I am back in Norway, and Anne is studying in Paris, France. We're on the same continent again! We agree - we HAVE to meet. But can one weekend make up for 5 years? No. But we can sure as hell try!

Of course... we didn't get nearly as much time as we'd want. But it was wonderful to catch up and hang out again. Next time we'll be meeting in Singapore!

Halloween in Eugene, 2005

Anne and I in Seattle, Dec, 2005

Together again in Bergen, Norway, 2011

Good friends make the world go 'round

My lovely friend Heidi got me a little present to cheer me up. I was so happy when she handed me this gorgeous owl necklace. I absolutely adore it. Thanks so much, sweetie!!!!

Digital Art 101

I've been using Photoshop for many years now, but the thing is... if you don't use it regularly - your technique gets rusty. I use it daily for work, and sometimes I have to stop and think, "wait, how did I do that again?"

I came across this tutorial site that contains several "how to"-videos for digital art. Brilliant! If you're a newbie, you'll love this.

Check out the site here.

Image from Deviant Art.com