LIFE: Eight Photos Of Happiness

Sometimes you see a tag post come across your blog reading and you actually think, wow that isn't half bad. Then you tag yourself and away you go. Which is what I actually did when I spied Kerri's version of eight photographs of happiness. 

It's one of those nice tags where there's no silly pointless questions, it's not got that feeling of being done to death and you can just ramble to your hearts content. 

I'm easily pleased like that. 

So here goes, eight things that not only bring me happiness but are pretty important things in my life.

 

Cross Stitching

Not only is it my oldest hobby - I've been cross stitching since I was about five, but it's the one thing that's sure to take my mind off of things. So having stitched on and off for 24 years, it's a big part of who I am. It was actually something I was bullied for being able to do growing up so I abandoned it for a good couple of years, but i'm having a second wind these days. It's relaxing, I love creating, I love still how it all comes together. Plus now I've taken a hand to designing some pieces too, the fun just keeps adding up.

Cats

Picking out my first kitty Bertie is one of my earliest memories. Being an only child I guess Bertie became my closest companion growing up. I'm a self titled cat lady and share our house with Ed (pictured) and Smokey, I love hearing their purrs, getting kitty snuggles, having them walk all over me even if I'm trying to stitch ... 

 

Fall Colours

One of the best best reasons (aside from being with the love of my life after all) is being in a state that offers some of the most incredible fall colours once September rolls around. There is nothing like those burnt reds, crisp oranges and vivid yellows. It takes your breath away .... (although having to rake up all said leaves is another matter). 

Being Mr & Mrs

Joe, well he's my best friend. I'm not sure how I came to deserving him but I'm so glad he's decided to spend the rest of his life with me. But our life together is the one thing I don't really share on my blog and I like it that way :)

Detroit

I sound like a broken record, but most people write Detroit off, even locals. Which annoys me to no end. But I love having the motor city on my doorstep, I love exploring it's areas, it's food culture and getting around to sharing them here on the blog. My fault is that I can get a little bitchy about it - like if you say you're going to get murdered, mugged, attacked, hijacked just because you went three meters south of 8 mile you'll feel my wrath. #SorryNotSorry 

Trains

My geeky love is certainly for trains - big trains, train tracks, incline trains (as above with the Monogahela Incline in Pittsburgh)  model trains. I love them all. In fact for my 21st birthday, aside from all the partying at university, my big highlight was taking another ride on the North Yorkshire Moors Railway.

Travel

More often an not I love exploring what's on my doorstep. Growing up with staycations far before it was cool, I'm a fan of keeping my nose to the ground which the how and the where's about things to do. When time and money allows, I love getting to explore new places. Finding those fun local places off of the beaten track. 

Zoo Trips

One of the favorite things in my purse is my zoo membership card. I love being able to pop in as and when. Plus it helps having those discounts to reciprocal zoo's around the country - especially the Cincinnati Zoo which is my favorite I will be honest. Moreover the Detroit Zoo is often considered one of the greenest zoo's and it's making great strides in helping endangered creatures, building new exhibits and spreading the world about being green.


While I managed to pick of eight, I probably could have featured about 80 more (including say reading, Pittsburgh, photography itself, gardening, butterflies ... the list is endless). But I'm sure they give you a general impression!

What would be in your eight photographs of happiness?!

LIFE: Some More Questions and Some Answers Too

Continuing from that other Saturday tag post a couple of weeks ago and my mission to get around to answering all those tag questions. Here's the second bunch of questions is from Debi for the Sisterhood of the World;

1. If there was nothing holding you back, no lack of money and no fear, what would be the first thing you would do tomorrow?

Pay off all our debts - all the credit cards, the mortgage, the student loans, the car repayments. All of it. Just to have the financial freedom of having more control over our earnings and then to be able to have our own money to spend on doing the things we want to do - doing up the house, travel more etc. How extremely grown up of me.

2. Where is the on place that you've always wanted to visit but you just haven't gotten around to it yet?

Falling Water in Pennsylvania, we get so, so, close when we're visiting Pittsburgh but it's always at the wrong year or we just don't have the time, or money. That and Washington DC.

3. Who is your hero? Why?

I guess I should probably explain my answer to the same question previously and my lame answer. I'm basically of the mind that I'm of my own person and don't tend to see any particular person as inspirational. I find elements like being kind, open minded, being emphatic etc - I find having characteristic I want to have under my belt to be more inspiring that someone has a whole.

4. When you picture your future, what do you see?

Me, Joe, our house, our cats and probably a dog.

5. How would you describe yourself to someone who had never met you, in five words?

A creative sarcastic, day dreaming stress(ed) head. Okay that's only four but you get the idea.

6. If you could be better at one thing or skill what would that be?

I'd love to be better at embroidery or knitting neither I can get my head around. Or being able to send emails on eBay without sounding so passive aggressive.

7. What would you like to have accomplished by the end of 2015?

A proper veg patch, a lovely wildflower garden and at least some of the house improvements ticked off and a bit more financially secure, ya know boring grown up stuff.

8. If you were to write an autobiography what title would you give it?

I actually have no idea ...

9. If you could live anywhere in the world for one month, where would you live?

Chicago most likely, I loved visiting that city and there's just so many places to visit, drink at, eat that that we just didn't get the chance too.

10. What is your favourite thing to do to pass the time? Do you do it often enough?

Cross stitching is my biggie. I neglected it during my teenage years after starting when I was bout 6/7 with chicken pox. It's my go to thing if I have a half hour spare and I try and do some most days, sometimes that doesn't work out but I certainly got back into the swing of things. Save during the spring through autumn when I juggle it with working in the garden.

I'd love to hear how you'd answer the questions! Let me know the the comments below.

LIFE: Eleven Questions

I've been tagged in a couple of posts lately, I thought I'd share them as and when over the weekend(s). I know tag posts are a bit like marmite, you either love them or hate them, but I'm using them as a chance to answer the questions and perhaps give you an insight into things you might not necessarily know about me, the blogger behind this blog.

First up is a tag from Samantha. I thought I'd mash up her 11 questions from the Libster award and make it more of a here's 11 random things about me you might not know about me kinda post. 

So here goes,

1. What is the most embarrassing that that has ever happened to you?

Hmm I have an excellent talent for walking into things in front of people - traffic sign, pillars in Target. You name it. Always somewhat embarrassing at the time.

2. Do you have any experience that were utterly life changing? What happened?

I guess meeting Joe changed the direction my life was heading in. Dealing with an international long distance relationship for two years, moving countries to be with him and making a new country my home certainly changes me as a person, my perceptions of the world and what I do with my life for sure. 

3. What did you study/major in when you were in school?

I have a BA in (human) geography and an MA in Sociology and Social Research both from Newcastle University (or as it was named when I started University of Newcastle Upon Tyne - there was a bit of a who-ha at the time about why). 

4. What did you want to be when you grew up? Are you doing it right now?

Everything from being in the RAF to a journalist, and I'm certainly not doing either now - although I did do work experience at my local newspaper. You can find out more back in my September 2014 post.

5. What is one bit of advice that you would give your younger self if you could go back in time?

Honestly, to have gotten more tattoos while at university. It sounds pretty vain but I was super tight with spending money even though I had savings from working during the holidays and I had a super great tattooist a bus ride away, so I wish I had made more use of having it right there. That and spent more time adventuring around Newcastle and the area - day trips, museums and the like while I lived there.  

6. Tea or Coffee? Why?

Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon. Why? Probably because I need something strong on a morning. Although I'm very partial to a coffee at night with something stronger than milk it in if you catch my drift.

7. If you could change your first name to anything you wanted, what would it be?

If I wasn't named Rachael I was going to be called Lydia. Which I always wanted my name to have been. Too many people spell my name wrong (they always spell it Rachel) and it's a sure way to annoy me even though after 28 years I should be use to it. I'm NOT. Lol.

8. Have you ever spent a few days binge-reading a blog? Whose was it? Why?

Today is My Favorite is one I re-found a couple of months ago. I'm the first to admit I'm not a super spiritual or baby centered person, but Nicole just writes everything so magically that I'm hooked in. 

9. Who is your biggest role model? Why?

Errr - pass?

10. If you could spend a day with anyone from Friends, who would it be and why?

Pass, I'd rather hang out with Will & Grace. I say that because I've never seen a full episode of Friends in my life and never intend too - I just don't find it funny (controversial I know).

11. What is the very first thing you do every morning?

Honestly, after checking the time, checking social media and eBay notifications while in bed still. Sad but true.

How would you answer the questions?!

LIFE: Lebister // Travel Q's // Tags

Over the last couple of weeks I've been was tagged in a couple of tag posts, so I thought i'd lump them together and use them as an opportunity for you to learn a little bit more about me. 

First up, Danielle over at ChicaDeeDee (another excellent expat blog if you enjoy hearing about worldly adventures) tagged me in the lebister award, I love how these questions are travel based and a little different from the norm that people tend to come up with this tag, so I thought why not.

1 // who or what has inspired you to travel?

my granddad always wanted to emigrate to Australia in the 1950's but never got the opportunity (I actually have a post about this kicking around somewhere, probably should post it hmm). Knowing this, and knowing how similar we are, I guess has particularly fueled a fire in me. That and just my need to get out of the rural going nowhere fast town I grew up. Granted I don't get to do lots of traveling, but i love local exploration, that's something that often gets overlooked. And actually growing up in a small, rural town where everyone knows your business and everyone seems a little on the small minded side, that in and of itself is a big reason to just get out and explore the wider world.

2 // backpack or suitcase?

backpack - I don't really have much luck with suitcases. The day before I left for Heathrow to catch my flight to Detroit the wheels broke off my suitcase which lead to a last minute run to York for a new one. And then generally I just loose things in them. 

3 // song that epitomizes travel for you?

err I actually don't think I have a song(s) for travel, anything by Maximo Park reminds me of my running away to university days and anything from I Am Arrows/Andy Burrows just takes me back to the whole starting the visa journey process.

4 // what period of time would you most like to visit?

1930's America - while it was the era of the depression, it was the era of my favorite movie stars, fashion and authors. To have the chance to see what Detroit was like in its heyday with all the hotels and theaters, that would have been amazing. It was that era that got me into my love for vintage treasures after all.

5 // what's the strangest food you really want to try?

I can't think up anything strange as such. I would love to try lots of southern foods, proper Cajun dishes, because of which I'd love to visit New Orleans. 

6 // beach, mountain or jungle?

pass and opt for a city? I have terrible problems just sitting all day on a beach and not doing anything and i'm probably not fit enough for a mountain. As for a jungle, I'd get eaten alive, hell I get eaten alive in my own garden. 

7 // what is your best piece of travel advice?

actually something I blogged about earlier this year - eating in the local places rather than the chains. best way to find the local dishes and flavors for a great price.

8 // how do you like to unwind after a day on the road?

If we're traveling, and only done this once mind, but I did enjoy the little motel room we got in Mackinac City with a hot tub, I could get use to that. Otherwise, or at least normally curling up in bed with the TV remote, or if I'm home kitty snuggles and kitty purrs. Kitty purrs are magic.

9 // if you had a superpower, what would it be?

time travel - both back and forwards in time

10 // what do you feel has been your biggest achievement in life so far?

because I'm right on the verge of finally paying it off, my Sociology Masters. Being the first in my family to complete a degree, yet alone an MA personally it's a big achievement. I was the working class girl that got into a good university who managed to prove herself wrong twice with grades. The year was a challenge and pushed me so much that I learnt a lot about the world, sociology (which is probably a good thing seeing that was the course) but about myself.

I was also tagged in the one lovely blog away by Jessica (highly recommend her blog The Pyreflies) so I thought i'd throw everything all together here and share seven random facts.

7 Random Facts
Seeing Razorlight back in 2005 was my first ever concert
If I was born a boy, I was going to be named Richard
I was a tomboy growing up
People spelling my name wrong is a huge pet peeve
I believe in past lives
I'm allergic to amoxicillin

So far I've visited five US states

Told you they would be random ...

Seeing it's a Friday, lets have some fun - come share a random fact in the comment box!

BLOGGING: The Writing Process

Today I'm sharing my unworldly experience when it comes to blogging. After being tagged Kelly who's blog Adventures in Tea and Cake always makes me hungry! I was actually surprised how much these questions got me thinking. As a hobby blogger I don't necessarily really think about my blogging, writing process call it what you will, so it was interesting to take a step back and think through it all. 

What are you working on?

There's always posts in the working on phase and I constantly feel the struggle to try and find my voice, have my personality spilling out the computer screen. But for whatever reason it's so hard for me not to write formally - at least that's how it comes over when I reread my words. Some see the light of day long before others. I have a couple of posts from our short trip to Bay City lined up - historical homes to former train stations. Digging up old photographs for more snapshots, more expat themed posts and room tours. There's even some old Detroit and Pittsburgh posts that have been sleeping in my draft folder that need finishing. They'll get done eventually. 

How does my work differ from others in the genre?  

Aside from sitting under the lifestyle blog umbrella I don't think my blog necessarily just fits one genre. I'm not a typical expat blogger (I don't get the chance to jet set around the country/world like many in that "niche") but since joining in the expat revelations link up I do like the challenge both myself and the conceptions that expat life is all merry and happy.  

While I might not be a stand out blogger on anyone's reading list, but I do hope to show Michigan and particularly Detroit in a new light. Michigan is never a stand out place on anyone's must visit list when it comes to the US and Detroit is always seen in the wrong light so I love trying to challenge those perceptions. 

I guess I like having my fingers in lots of different pies when it comes to topics and the longer I blog (five years plus now) the more I throw caution to the wind and just share what I want regardless of the stats.

Why do I write about what I do?

In short because it's me.

My blog has always reflected my life - the adventures, the everyday, the good and the bad. Life happens first, the blogging comes afterwards. Topics, themes they've always shadowed what's surrounding me - whether it was being in a long distance relationship, getting a visa to being that Yorkshire lass in the US. 

But it's more than that, blogging is just one of my hobbies, the hobbies fit and feed content be it tackling the garden, DIY, collecting vintage compacts or listening to records. I always want to keep this space real, personal and me, and the only way I know how to do that is to share my everyday life and adventures. For me, that's my freedom when it comes to writing. 

How does my writing process work?

In short - things happen first, blog post comes after. I tend to work off and around the photographs as I find them the best way to stimulate the words. For tags, questions or posts about a particular place I often work out of my notebook before I can even think about typing. Jotting down words, emotions, things I need to fit in for me I find that more productive than staring at a screen and hoping the words come to my fingers. 

Like I said before, sometimes a post will get worked out and published within a day, sometimes they sit in draft form for months. I don't like to rush my posts out just because something happened there and then. Sometimes they need curing, they need going over to get the feel just right. Sometimes I have the pictures and not the words to express the emotions behind them. 

As I'm not one big on organisation that's as far as my process as such goes. Blogging fits in around everything else - a spare 30 minutes here, and hour or two on a Sunday as and when. For me, that seems to work best, those are the ways that keep me energized to keep blogging rather than forcing myself.

*               *               *

It seems like everyone has more than likely been linked into this hop by now - but if not, consider yourself tagged. Either way i'd love to know how you get around to writing up those blog posts, while you're at it, i'd love to hear what you love, or even hate (play nice) about this blog of mine!

LIFE: The Summer Tag

After being tagged by Sam (a Michigander don't ya know) it would be rude to not tag (haha get it) along. Nevertheless with moving, this summer has been weird - the weather which is a little colder than normal, but still in the high 20's all the same, is throwing me off my mark. 

What's your favorite thing about summer?

Although we haven't had any - I love BBQs and summer shandy, being able to sit out into the evening, all the light for crafting. 

Do you have a favorite summer drink?

I wouldn't say I necessarily drink anything more because it's summer but I do enjoy brewing my own iced tea, adding in some lemon juice. Even adding some rum into on an evening. Oh how the Rachael ten years ago would frown at me for even thinking about drinking iced tea. How things change. 

Is there a location you prefer to go in the summer?

Back in the UK I'd say the beach, here it's more anywhere indoors with AC when it's a proper hot day. You can't really do too much when summer hits it's height. Saying that summer is the perfect time for hitting yardsales plus estate sales are everywhere on a Saturday during the summer which is always fun because you never know what you might find! 

Favorite make up look for the summer?

Makeup-less, is that a look? Urgh make up + my English heat levels + Michigan summer = not an attractive look.

Dresses or skirts?

Neither ... shorts at a push

Sandals or ballet pumps?

Actually normally shoe less in and around the house and garden, estate sales/work/gardening doesn't call for sandals, plus I hate seeing toes ewwww. 

Do you prefer to wear your hair up or down for the summer?

I vary between both - summer nights means I dry my hair naturally and it's natural curl kits back in which makes it nice enough for keeping down. But if i'm working and, or outside, it normally ends up being up, in some messy sort of way.

Deep smokey eyes or bold lips?

Even at 27, me and make up don't go well together, pass.

Favorite perfume for summer? 

Perfume actually tends to give me a headache so I stay away from it a lot of the time, but Daisy is always a winner if needs be.

Last but not least, favorite music for the summer?

Motown, summer is the perfect time for hearing those 1960's soul tunes.

I'd love to hear what your answers would be!

BOOKS: Goodreads Tags

If there's one resolution for 2014 that I've been pleased with it's outcome already is refinding my love for reading - some books out of my normal comfort zone - a couple of science ones, a memoir and some fiction I wouldn't normally have picked up without winning them through Goodreads. So when I saw this Goodreads based tag upon Sarah's blog, while I'm not necessarily all over tags, I'm somewhat all over books. So let's jump into the deep end!

1. What was the last book you marked as 'read'?

Last week I finally finished reading Carl Sagan's book Cosmos - a book which originally accompanied a TV show here in the US back in the 1980's. I'll be the first to admit I wouldn't of picked this book up without meeting Joe and knowing that Sagan was one of his favorite scientists but it's nice to try something different for a change. Broadly speaking the book narrates how science and civilisation grew up together and therefore how we can explore the planets, space and ultimately the future of our own planet (there'll be a full review come March in my February book round up).

2. What are you currently reading?

Speaking of books I wouldn't necessarily reach for prior to to 2014, Mermaid the memoir of Eileen Cronin who was born without legs after her mother took thalidomide during the 1960's. It's a heartfelt and heartbreaking read. 

3. What was the last book you marked as 'to be read'?

The Hollow Ground by Natalie Harnett which is inspired by the true events of Pennsylvania underground fires in coal county (Centralia and Carbondale). An 11 year old girl whose family is forced to seek refuge with estranged grandparents after the underground fires ravaged the town formerly known as home. Even today, fifty years later the fires still burn away. 

4. What book do you plan on reading next?

Hard decision - I have a couple of books on the American independence and the role of pirates and George Washington biographies, it'll probably end up being one of those but I can never tell until I put the book I'm reading down.

 

5. Do you use the star rating system?

Yeah, but it's hard at times, especially without half stars - then it's always a dilemma - do you round up or round down?! I mean a book might be good, but was it that good - or even that bad?!

6. Are you doing a 2014 Reading Challenge?

That I am, I challenged myself to reading 30 books, apparently I'm already 4 books ahead.

7. Do you have a wish list?

All the books that I don't already own in my to read pile i'd say were on my wishlist. I certainly wouldn't turn a book down.

8. What book do you plan to buy next?

I don't often buy books in the sense of going to a bookstore and/or a website and treating myself - mainly because i'm really tight with books and I always grew up buying second hand ones from charity shops. These days I'll pick up a couple each week at an estate sale or two but you can never tell what you might find or come across which is half the fun.

9. Do you have any favorite quotes, would you like to share a few?

I don't really "do" quotes.

10. Who are your favourite authors?

Too many to name and in no particular order - Melvin Burgess, Daphne du Maurier, Charlotte Bronte, Christian Wolmar, H. G. Wells I guess they would always be at the top of my list.

11. Have you joined any groups?

Nope, I spend too much time online to feel the need to be drawn into anything else. 

12. Are there any questions you'd like to add?

Not really - but anyone can feel free to ask me any book related questions if they'd like.

I'd love to hear how you'd answer any of these questions!

On Goodreads? Add me. 

CHRISTMAS: Festive Tag

The lovely Jess tagged me in a festive Christmas tag over on her blog so I thought I would share all my festive favorites!

What is your favorite Christmas film?

The 1985 film Santa Claus (with Dudley Moore) always use to come on the BBC, most often than not on Christmas Eve and it always use to be a tradition with my mam to watch it (or parts of it) around getting food ready for Christmas Day.I don't think it gets the attention is deserves against more contemporary Christmas movies which I would admit have somewhat passed me by. 

What is your favorite festive color?
Hmm, going by our tree I do like a bit of sparkly red and a dash of purple!

Do you open your gifts on Christmas Eve or Christmas Morning?
My first Christmas in the US we opened one small present - normally a stocking filler each on Christmas Eve at bedtime, it's a tradition that's now into it's third year. The rest we leave for the Christmas morning whenever we happen to wake up. 

What is your favorite winter fragrance?
Can't say i'm one to change my fragrance due to the seasons, but if Christmas baking was a fragance with all the spices then i'll go for that!

What is your favorite Christmas scent?
I do love the smell of a real Christmas tree, sadly the boy is allergic to them so we have to do with a fake tree these days. Might have to get around to buying a Christmas tree fragrance so I can get that smell back!

What is your favorite Holiday drink?

Certainly not Eggnog - tried some of that after moving to the US and just, yeah nasty. Normally I'm not one to go and buy coffee out, although we did treat ourselves to a huge Peppermint Mocha from Biggby - which if you're local to one, it's well worth trying.

Candy canes or gingerbread men?

Gingerbread man everytime, as soon as Christmas rolled around I baked some although they turned into being some headless zombies as the mix was rolled out a little thin. Yummy all the same. 

What is your favorite Christmas song?
Can't say I have a favorite, years of retail work means being over exposed to Christmas songs that sadly a lot annoy me. The Johnny Cash Christmas Carol is worth a listen if you want to get back to basics, we picked it up on vinyl months ago and only just got around to playing it.

Have you ever made a snowman?

All the time - we use to get some great snow in East Yorkshire when I was a kid, certainly up to my knees that made some great snowmen over the years. I should probably go outside and build a snowman was the dumping of the white stuff at the weekend but i'm more likely to complain about how cold it is these days!

What is the most important thing to you about Christmas?
Being an expat has certainly changed my view on Christmas, it's made be back off a lot from all the gifts and after spending so many apart from Joe when we were LDR, to me Christmas is certainly about family.

How would you answer the questions? I'd love to know how you spend your Christmas!