December 30, 2009 - 10:03 am
I pondered writing an introspective post about the many events of 2009.
I considered writing an ambitious post about the many plans I have for 2010.
Instead, I’m posting the last photos I am taking this year. Next year, I begin my first attempt at Project 365! To say the least, I’m eager to get started. 
The same shade of peonies in my wedding bouquet, with paper sheep that symbolize the hubby & I … but which one of us is the black sheep?
Coming Soon from Nature: Floral Fireworks!
Tis the 1st time the underside of a flower has been more enchanting than the bloom.
[Images taken by Victoria Klein]
December 22, 2009 - 9:45 am
How did you spend your Winter Solstice? I had a delightful time with my husband, mum & her fiance. Amidst all of the family frolicking, tree decorating, cooking, & baking, I found time to snap a few photos.
This tiny triptych doesn’t really give justice to the detail in each of the photos, but they look so good all together 
Drumroll please … welcome Peanut & Little Dude back to the blog!
Peanut is as gorgeous as ever & a wonderful model in her winter coat.
Little Dude just keeps on growing, now 3 1/2 months old. He’s so lanky & has oddly large paws, accompanied by a super-long tail. We think he’s going to end up being bigger than Peanut, but only time will tell.
[Images taken by Victoria Klein]
December 20, 2009 - 7:48 am
Roughly 2 days after our first 2009/10 snowfall arrived, it had all melted away. Thankfully, the snow has returned … and brought some extra!
Taken @ 6:22 am
Taken @ 7:05 am
Unfortunately, we here in northern Connecticut didn’t get nearly as much as folks in VA/DC/MD .. etc. Those lucky buggers.
[Images taken by Victoria Klein]
December 9, 2009 - 8:20 am
A meager dusting arrived a few days ago … but a paltry amount of it stayed around.
Today, our first REAL snowfall in Connecticut has arrived!
Now, I am truly in the holiday spirit. 
[Image taken by Victoria Klein]
December 3, 2009 - 2:09 pm
Though I’ve been intrigued by it for many years, I haven’t dabbled much into self-portraits. The main reason for this is that, well, most of the pictures I take of myself make me look ugly. Simple reason, no?
Inspired by the exceptionally unnatural weather in Connecticut today (almost 70 degrees in December!), I grabbed my camera & took a few pictures. At first, they were of things around the house … stuff I get really sick of taking photos of over & over. With a sharp, unobstructed stream of sunlight coming in through our skylight, I took a seat on the floor & put my past perceptions aside.
The result? A side of myself I haven’t seen in years – a side no makeup or expensive wardrobe could replicate. I miss you, Victoria, & I hope we can spend more time together.
Sunlight always brings a smile to my face & a warmth to my heart. That notwithstanding, I’d like some snow this December.
Even glasses couldn’t help me see inside. A visionary crutch.
The light brings tears to my eyes & clarity to my mind.
Reconnecting with the shell I reside in. Taking care of the body that shelters my soul.
When was the last time you saw yourself through your own eyes?
[Images taken by Victoria Klein]
November 13, 2009 - 11:28 am
Another shining example that life is nothing if not full of surprises.
While dropping off my husband at work last week, I spotted something strangely attractive in the trash can nearby. On top (not swimming in garbage juices, mind you), I found these 3 ceramic bowls.
First off, aren’t they cute!?
Secondly, who the heck throws out perfectly good ceramics!? Yes, two of the bowls have small chips on their rim, but come on … you can still eat out of them. Plus, they are downright charming.
As expected, I gathered up the bowls (despite my husbands’ minor disgust) and took them home. Fast forward to yesterday & I finally had time to wash and take some pictures of said bowls. In less than 30 minutes of internet research today, I’ve found out more about the origin of my new beauties.
The stamp on the bottom of the bowls says “The Old Curiosity Shop”, which is a line of various colonial-style patterns manufactured by the Royal China Company of Sebring, Ohio (my connection to the Midwest never ceases!). The company began in 1934, was sold in 1969, and went bankrupt in 1986. These particular bowls were likely manufactured in the 1950s. They were sold as soup bowls, are 8 and 1/4th-inch in circumference, and designed by a man named Gordon Parker.
If you find yourself enamored with these darlings, then you’re in luck! I’ve found two websites (Big Ed’s Royal China Dinnerware & My Granny’s Attic Antiques) that have them for sale at just $10 each (chips not included, haha). You can also find many of the other patterns in the Old Curiosity Shop line in green, blue, brown, and pink.
[Images taken by Victoria Klein]
October 26, 2009 - 10:00 am
Since Friday, my husband has been in Florida, attending his mother’s 3rd wedding. Due to time & money constraints, I wasn’t able to go with him. Instead, I spent a quiet weekend with Monster (my cat) & doing lots of college homework.
Saturday was spent indoors all day, due to consistent rain. With a partly cloudy Sunday, I had to get out of the apartment. What better time to try the new bakery in town?
I’ll be posting a detailed review of West Hartford, Connecticut’s A Little Something Bakery later on. Until then, enjoy some pictures I took of the treats I chose for myself (& a few extra snapshots). Note to self: finally invest in a tripod since you use only natural light.
There’s something about bakery boxes: simply chic & functional.
The terrible twosome.
10am, treat #1: “Dirty Bomb” muffin/donut – in essence, a large version of the French breakfast puffs my mum & I have made since my childhood.
1:30pm, treat #2: chocolate cupcake with chocolate icing
My cuddle-worthy companion, Monster. (Yes, he’s been sleeping with me every night.)
The tree next to our garage is finally starting to change color for autumn.
[Images taken by Victoria Klein]
October 20, 2009 - 2:11 pm
Work, school, errands, chores … I hate having to do so much when my hubby has his one day off a week, but there’s no avoiding it. No matter the schedule, we always find some time to goof off and mellow out. These are also perfect times for me to practice my photography.
My Halloween cat, Monster. He’s terrified to go outside, but he’s jealous when I stand out on the balcony – what a goober.
Monster, looking regal & totally squeezable.
1/3rd of the ingredients needed to make my best friend, Matt’s jambalaya crock-pot recipe.
Whole Foods hot bar macaroni & cheese never lasts long around me.
A well-loved glass of water.
WHERE ARE THE KITTEN PICTURES!? :: Good question. Little Dude (still no official name) is back living at my mum’s house with Peanut. He’s learning to eat solid food (which he is doing wonderfully) & how to use the litter box.
There is a good chance that my mum & her fiance will be keeping Little Dude. My hubby & I are 100% OK with that – having 3 cats in 1 apartment made us appreciate our Monster all the more. <3 Little Dude is growing quickly! I’ll have some new pictures of him within the next few weeks.
[Images taken by Victoria Klein]
October 8, 2009 - 10:07 am
“Good things come to those who wait.” Ain’t that the truth!?
After my dismal photo results from this past weekend, I know a good opportunity when I see it. Peanut has been partially behaving, so we open the door to the bedroom she & Little Dude are staying in for a few hours at a time, giving them a chance to explore the rest of the apartment & mingle with Monster.
Yesterday afternoon, all the kitties decided to pow-wow on the couch with me. It was quite adorable, I must say (& made it difficult to focus on working). This also gave me a priceless chance to snap some photos of them all together.
From left: Monster (our 5-year-old male cat & father of Peanut’s 1st litter); Little Dude; Peanut
Blurred amusement (note to self: never work as a pet photographer)
Almost 5 weeks old & Little Dude still has those painfully cute blue eyes.
Note: Even though Little Dude looks A LOT like Monster, Monster is NOT his father (he was “fixed” almost 3 years ago). Crazy resemblance, no? Monster is very “fatherly” with Little Dude, which is also very adorable.
[Images taken by Victoria Klein]
October 6, 2009 - 11:49 am
Little Dude is officially one month old – and a major spaz! The older he gets, the less he holds still, which is why I was only able to get one barely-decent picture of him this week.
Speaking of which – it’s a boy! My hubby and I have come up with a few names, but none of them feel right yet. He’s a big fan of climbing on things & can already get onto our couch. Unfortunately, we’re not sure if he is actually using his litter box & he definitely isn’t eating solid food yet. His mum, Peanut, has been a major pain in the ass & we are very ready for her to go back home when my mum returns from Kuala Lumpur this weekend.
[Image taken by Victoria Klein]
