Yesterday was a magical day.  It wasn’t particularly a good mood sort of day, but at least I can boast that I kept myself open to the little amazing pleasures the day can bring around here.

As it turned out, my 20th century history professor had surgery  a few of days ago and decided to come teach anyway.  It could fall under the category of “Amazing.”  Let’s just say there were a lot of F bombs dropped, eye rolls and words invented.

It was amazing.

I had on one of my (current) very favorite sun dresses on…even if the “boho” trend dies, let’s just say I’ll wear it anyway. It has one of those flowy layered skirts that catches the wind and make me look more ethereal than I actually am (*note, actually means not really ethereal at all). Plus, it has a hugging plunging neckline that only works on the smaller chested ladies and reminds me why I’m A-okay with the “classy ‘nice collarbone’ neckline.”  If you don’t know what I’m talking about, you’re either (A) a guy or (B) one of those women with huge breasts (either purchased or real and you think it’s your only positive attribute so you display them to to an …unnecessary degree…)  It gives the gift of: even on your frumpiest feeling day you put it on and feel …pretty.  That’s a pretty amazing dress (watch me step on the end in the midst of a gratuitous twirl and tear it …or something way more positive than that …but let’s face it, I tear and/or stain most textiles I own).

So the “twirly” dress made the day better (or at least my outlook), as did my eccentric history lesson …then I see what you see above: Charlie Chaplin (ish) on my red line.  I couldn’t stop smiling at the sight.  Yes, I know he was probably on his way home from a day of working the tourists outside of the Chinese Theater (nothing wrong with that …that has to be a hard day’s work). He didn’t say anything, but he did tip hit little hat at his stop and walked off along his way.

That was amazing.

Okay, maybe not as amazing as seeing the real deal …but since that’s not an option, this was just great.  It’s not something I’d see living in most other places.  Whenever I get stir crazy, it’s nice to be reminded of the little wonders in my current back yard.

Why?  Just …WHY?!  I don’t even know how I came across this.  Funny things come up when browsing images that might have nothing to do with what you get.  It’s amazing really.  There’s not much to say about this.  It speaks for itself.  There are worse things people can do to a dog.  This dog looks fed and cared for …too groomed, that’s for sure.  So I wouldn’t say “worst” dog owner or “cruelest” dog owner …though this is just cruel in it’s own way.  I’ll just leave it at “idiot” dog owner.

Dogs:  The most inherently good natured creatures I know of.  If they love you, they’ll go along with anything and just deal.

I’ve been working on becoming better at drawing this past year.  One form of practice has been drawing a couple things for Frankie Marathon show posters…sure, it’s from a couple months ago, but I like it so I’ll share anyway!  I fully expect them to get better and better.  I’m taking classes now to  help hone in on whatever raw ability is there.  I used to beat myself up over the fact my drawings always looked cartoonish, but after my two dimensional design class, my professor (who has an opinion I value) pointed out it’s a “distinct style” and that I should just work on developing it.

Will do! Comic books are the coolest, why look at that style as a bad thing?!

This doesn’t exactly need a write up …read the description!  As much as I hate the company itself, I’ll keep giving Trader Joe’s  money with that in their store (and some shrimp gyozas…and ends and pieces…and their hummus…for whatever reason it’s just better than all other brands…damn you TJs!)

The dark chocolate truffle bar is my other suggestion if you want something utterly rich but more stripped down from the bells and whistles of the caramel and black sea salt …I personally keep mine in the butter compartment of the fridge (easier to forget it’s there) and a square or two is enough to satisfy.

So go try it if you haven’t already …it’s a close your eyes and smile experience.

File this under “How have I not seen this before?!”  Seriously, how have I not seen this before?!

Gene Wilder‘s (as in directed, wrote and starred in) The World’s Greatest Lover.  This quickly made my list of very favorite Wilder films.  It’s good comedy when someone can put it on 35 years after it was made and still laugh all the way through.  It’s like Mel Brooks and Woody Allen had a baby movie and this was it.  That sounds like a super annoying baby, I know this, but trust and watch it anyway …it’s hysterical.  (except you mom, you’d just call it “obnoxious” or some other such name ..it’s just not going to be your cup of tea).  Wilder is a genius.  I already knew that, but I felt like I was watching the best he had to offer here.  Well, better late than never coming to that party!

That’s all, just wanted to share the tip.  I always have a candle burning, so needless to say, I’ve tried a lot of different kinds.  While I’m on the subject, if you are into vanilla scented candles (one of the more basic aromas but surprisingly seldom done well) Seed makes a great soy vanilla bean scented candle and it’s not that much money (compared to, say, the candles where you’re paying for the box/tissue it comes in more than the candle) and it’s heavenly.   You’ll feel like cupcakes are in the air, but not too heavily.

Both brands make other scents, of course.  For Paddywax, I’ve tried Poppy and Paperwhite.  I wouldn’t get Poppy again (despite some very positive reviews I’ve read) but I’d certainly get Paperwhite again.  It has that clean and fresh scent you can’t put your finger on, but it’s pleasant.  I found the Seed brand by accident at the grocery store of all places.  I’m generally not a big fan of the grocery store candle purchase (Glade just isn’t my thing).  But it looked different.  The only scent offered was Crisp Cotton.  I figured it would offer than clean smell I was just speaking of.  It wasn’t bad …it just smelled like Ivory soap.  No thanks.  However, the candle itself was great and worth trying a different fragrance.  It burned very clean & evenly and the scent was of quality.  I liked the vanilla scent so much I’m contemplating vanilla coffee next (mmm).

You can find the Paddywax candles at Urban Outfitters.  HOWEVER, it should come as no surprise that they will over charge you.  Save about $5. more or less and get yours on Amazon.  Seed is available on good ol’ Amazon as well…with tons of choices.  I’m sure a lot of them are great since it’s a surprisingly high quality candle.  If it sounds good, it probably is.  If I can tear myself away from this exciting new peony discovery, I’m excited to try Paddywax’s Library Collection …I’m most interested in Jane Austen smell-wise ….now there’s something that sounds odd to say.  However, I really liked TokyoMilk’s “Poe’s Tobacco” (you wouldn’t think that’s very pleasant, but low and behold it is!)

Mmm, candles…

Oh how I wish this story were false.

This could easily set off my rant on how ridiculous priorities are in this world, blah blah blah …but you get it …unless you’re reading this on your iPad, in which case, go away.

There was been a lot of hype about the Masterpiece Classic show Downton Abbey …it looked like something I might enjoy.  Dame Maggie Smith is in it, that was enough for me to try it out.  As always, Netflix conveniently has made the first seven episodes available on their streaming service.

It is absolutely beautiful to look at in terms of costumes, sets and cinematography.  Dame Smith is fantastic as always.  It is set during an interesting turning point in time (early 1900s).  Well, I guess most times are turning points, but still …it’s not a Jane Austen adaptation which is half of what I was expecting.  However, I am not finding it very compelling.  Granted, I am watching it while I’m working on my Adobe Illustrator project for school (fun, fun times all around) so my focus is not 100%  But yeah, it’s soothing to have on but not something I’d say I’m hooked on.  I get hooked on shows easily when they are well done original programming, and this is well done original programming.  Hmm.  Oh well. I just feel like I’m missing something because people REALLY like it.

Then again, a lot of people REALLY like the Kardashians …no accounting for what people are drawn to.

(Let’s just make it VERY clear that I am NOT comparing the two in actuality …that’s comparing an organic apple to a plastic orange …with massive false eye lashes and a bandage wrap mini dress …now there’s an image).

But you know what I am looking forward to from Masterpiece Classic?  Their adaptation of Great Expectations …a very eerie interesting story that, I feel, has yet to be captured on film properly.  This version has me interested and optimistic.  The second part airs in a couple of days.  I’ll just hold out for the inevitable Netflix streaming.  Time will tell.