It's My Music.....So Bite Me.....

The other day at work I was having a bit of a rare mini-break (my brains felt like they were about to fall out - one of those kinda days), and I was listening to a song on You Tube.

A colleague (who I like and get on well with) walked by and noticed/heard what I was listening to.

Well...... shock horror.

He wanted to know why on earth I would be listening to 'that'.

He said 'How old are you?', and mentioned there must be something wrong with me because that was one of his 16 year old daughter's favourite songs at the moment. I was more grown up than that, surely?

Ahem.

What?

Since when do I 'have' to listen to any type of music because it's age appropriate for me?

I know how to behave like a grown-up. I know how to 'be' within the context of my work and with various people.

If he hadn't walked by my corner of the office world he'd never have known I was listening to it.

It wasn't effecting him badly in any way.

Nor was it effecting or changing me in any way, except for the better.

I am who I am.

I like a bit of daft, pop music now and then.

It makes me happy!!!!

So bite me. :)

The moral of the story is, listen to music that makes you feel happy, because that's what music is for. It's not to put you in a box or categorise you.... it's to make you feel good, or motivate you, or to help you vent your feelings, or whatever the heck you want it to do.

I wanted to feel happy.

So I listened to a silly, teenager type song.

At least when I'm at home in my loungeroom no-one questions my cognitive growth because I'm exercising my inner child a bit!

Oh, by the way, this is the song....... and I still love it. Hah.




Linda. xox

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Raschella Joins TODL

We offer an extensive collection of designer-oriented framed art, decorative mirrors and lamps. Our framed art is MADE IN USA ...

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Who Loves Letters In Their Life? Get A Load Of These....

I do indeed have a great love for typography and all manner of letters and numbers on display.

Something about them is strangely attractive for me.

I found these interesting images over on Fresh Home amongst 24 other photos with great ideas showcasing ways to use numbers and letters in your home.

All images from Fresh Home

That last one above is my favourite by far.... I think it reminds me of the print from one of my favourite books when I was younger.

I want that wallpaper in a room with 100s of beautiful books, a lazy lounge with gorgeous cushions all over it, plus a lush, soft rug on the floor to sink my feet into.

Ooh, and some lovely lamps to provide mellow pools of light while I read my books with tea and chocolate close by.

Just sayin'!


Linda. xox

******

PS: Do you think you might want to be a 'tiny tidier'? The Challenge is drawing near. Find out more about The Challenge and how it can help you here. Stay tuned for developments and announcements concerning the start date!

******

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Kusari Doi Or Rain Chains

I noticed the neighbors two doors away have taken out their downspouts and installed strainless steel rain chains. I am told that when it rains the chains produce a pleasing sound like a wind chime in light rain to the sound of roaring rapids in a downpour.  The chains can be fascinating to watch as the rain runs down the chain or flows down from cup to cup.

For hundreds of years the Japanese have used rain chains (‘kusari doi’ in Japanese).  Wikipedia says “Their purpose of a rain chainis largely decorative, to make a water feature out of the transport of rainwater from the guttering downwards to a drain or to a storage container. (Rainwater is sometimes collected for household usage.)” Japanese temples often incorporate quite ornate and large rain chains into their design. 

Chains for rain come in 8 to 8 ½ foot lengths and in a variety of materials including aluminum, brass, copper, glass, iron and stainless steel. In addition, they come in a variety of styles from linked and double-linked loops to cups with holes in their bottoms to enhance the water flow.

It’s interesting to learn that copper chains prevent the spread of germs.

Research indicates that a copper surface is more effective at preventing the spread of germs than stainless steel. Copper has a 2000 year history of antimicrobial applications in a multitude of cultures. More recent research has sought to determine uncoated copper's effectiveness in stemming the proliferation of infectious disease. At the University of Southampton in the U.K. research studies have shown that many common disease causing microbes such as  E. coli, Aspergillus niger (black mold) and Influenza A, die within hours on copper surfaces.

The only caution I found with rain chains is the possibility of winter ice build up on the chains. Although beautiful, can increase the weight on the gutter.

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A Chick is born!..or rather hatched...

...or rather hatched. A first since moving to The Stone Cottage 2 years ago. A lovely sweet tempered Americauna hen was rather persistent with sitting on the "favorite" nest everyday. So I decided to mark a clutch of eggs & see if she follows through. Well, to my surprise... she has done well, especially for a breed known for their low interest in setting. Add to that I have other breeds KNOWN for being broody and not one has displayed it in the 18 months of their existence.

The first chick hatched from a brown egg early yesterday evening. I assume a Delaware pairing.

As of the last trip to the chicken coop this evening, there is a blue egg hatching with what appears to have black feathers. Could it be from one of the pure Americaunas & Roo Beer OR is it from his pairing with Esmeralda the Barred rock/Americauna mix hen? hmmm. I wonder how many chicks I will wake to in the morn. Or if Peter the rabbit will finally fall into my trap after the continual taunts thrown my way...Is HE really the one eating the apples so far into the trap OR are those pesky little chipmunks treating my garden as their dine & dash?  Who knew there would be days in my life where wild animals would be my entertaining nemesis' and paternity guessing a hot topic... I love my life.

Early dreams tonight for an early rising tomorrow.

Sweet dreams,

~Tammie

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Time For Green Training

We read so much every day about new developments that are LEED certified.  Many designers and architects have taken many hours of training to achieve their certification to design the new buildings.
But what about the 130 million homes that were built before modern energy and building codes were established. Where does the consumer go for qualified advice to bring their home up to the new standards? Where does the interior designer, architect or contractor get the knowledge to add this element to their repertoire?

The Building Performance Institute, Inc. (BPI) offers bpi certificationto those taking bpi training in Residential & Commercial Energy Analysis, Building Performance Contracting, Solar Design a& Installation, Commercial Lighting and Assessment, Facility Energy Management, Indoor Air Quality, and Green Building Design.

In June 2012 the BPI will extend its certifications to energy auditor, retrofit installer, crew leader and quality control inspector. If you want to be involved in the energy upgrade industry, you might consider getting trained. The best part is the classes are offered by BPI and funded by the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE).

By becoming a bpi building analyst, you will be able help homeowners in those 130 million homes improve their comfort and safety and reduce their energy bills. I don’t need to tell you how the rising prices of energy have impacted the consumer’s wallet. Your knowledge will help homeowners qualify for utility incentive programs that range from tax credit, grants, loans and rebate programs.  Here’s a link to the many programs just in the State of Oregon. 

This is the time to grow a new business or add to your existing one

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More Gorgeous Shelves

Image from ooh food on Flickr

Yep.

WOW.

Linda. xox

******

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