Postcard Swap Fun: Here Are The Cards I Received

I like every card I’ve received and together they look like a big piece of art on my bathroom wall. I will enjoy looking at them for some time.

Fun And Creative Postcard Swap

This creative project was started by iHanna from Sweden and in a spirit of the moment I decided it would be a great idea to take part. It got me out of my usual ‘child raising’ routine; a welcome distraction that got my creative juices flowing.

I used image stitching, collage and 3D techniques. Every card has a meaning for me and hopefully also for the people who receive them.

I had lot’s of fun and can’t wait to see all the other cards, and especially the ones I will be rewarded with.

International Movies To Watch: As It Is In Heaven

When I borrowed this swedish movie I was expecting a gentle movie about the power of music to transform peoples lives. I got that, but also so much more. It’s about a man who wants to make people happy through music and pays the ultimate price. It’s about people discovering, that as a unit they can be  powerful  and daring to turn down barriers that keeps them from living a life of their choice. Individual struggles unfold that lead to a path of self discovery and questions on where to go from here.

Also, the music, ‘Gabriella’s song’ in particular is a heartfelt piece of music that has the potential to empower and give people hope. The music is very melodic and the words passionate.

And here is a video with the English translation:

Story clipping:

Breakfast Muesli Slice: It’s crunchy, quick and mmmhhh

Photo by Kemp

It’s a favourite in our home.

Breakfast Muesli Slice
Makes 16
Preparation: 15 minutes + 30 to cool
Cooking: 25-30 minutes

Ingredients:
1 1/2 cups traditional rolled oats
1/3 cup self-raising flour
1/4 cup caster sugar
200g packet dried fruit, chopped (choose your favourites)
1/3 cup sweetened dried cranberries (optional: replace with chocolate drops)
1/4 cup sunflower or pepitas seeds
2 tablsp flaked almonds (again choose nuts of your choice)
60g margerine
2 tblsp maple syrup
1/2 teaspoon vanilla essence
1 egg, lightly beaten

Critical Thinking: Michael Shermers Baloney Detection Kit

Here are some critical questions to ask when confronted with bold claims.

Other interesting reads:

HOW TO DETECT BIAS IN NEWS MEDIA

PHILOSOPHY OF LIFE: CRITICAL THINKING – THE SOCRATIC METHOD

TUTORIALS FOR SUBJECT SPECIFIC INTERNET RESEARCH SKILLS

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10 Questions For Feminist Mothers

I loved reading through the responses to the questionnaire developed by bluemilk and thought I add my views too:

1. How would you describe your feminism in one sentence? When did you become a feminist? Was it before or after you became a mother?

I define my feminism as neither soft nor aggressive. I take the pragmatic approach instead. I pick my battles and only get into discussions with people I care about or that do harm to others. If someone insist on being ignorant about the cause – so be it, as long as they don’t force their Lalaland onto me.

I cannot pinpoint a time in which I realized that I was a feminist. It came to me gradually. Little comments, illogical expectations or plain stereotyping  would make me feel frustrated. Only in recent years did I become a proud feminist. I take not for granted the liberties that courages women fought so hard for to ensure a better future for following generations of women. I see it as my duty and pleasure to help maintain that momentum and continue supporting the cause for equality. How can I say I’m not a feminist when I’m expecting to be treated fairly? For once there is a label I’m happy to adhere. It only seems negative  if you allow others make it appear this way.

I became a feminist well before motherhood.

2. What has surprised you most about motherhood?

The intense feeling of anxiety for my child and my increased vulnerability as a result of this emotion.

UPDATE: Three Effective Left/Right Brain Exercises

blindfolded sculpture

Image by Gastev

Did you know that your brain profits from breaking your morning routine? Left/right exercises change the active half of the brain. E.g. The connections and brain sections normally active when brushing your teeth are resting, while the correspondent sections in the other hemisphere are suddenly dealing with the new task. New connections bring fresh associations.

So you might want to try these three easy to follow exercises:

Shower with closed eyes

Feel for the soap and shampoo for example. Your sense of touch helps your brain creating a map of  your shower. Other senses come into weight when optical stimuli are missing. The smell of your soup will appear more intensive etc.

FACE TRANSFORMER: EVER WANTED TO BECOME A ZOMBIE?

Image by oddcast

Uh that’s a fun one. From Oddcast comes this cool face transformer which easily turns every angel face into a scary zombie. The results you can get are actually more scary than the one above. Set the evil face tab to as high as possible and you are even going to see some frightening yellow teeth. ARGH

Have fun!!!

TRY ALSO:

FUN TOOLS: TURN YOURSELF INTO A CARTOON CHARACTER

TRANSFORM YOUR PICTURE: CREATE YOUR OWN HAPPINESS CARD

MORPHING TOOL: WANT TO KNOW WHAT YOUR KID WOULD LOOK LIKE?

Why This Long Legged Crawler Doesn’t Give Me The Creeps

By unknown artist

When I come across a fat spider or a cockroach (especially the black, monstrous Australian kind)  you can  hear me scream hysterically, with eyes wide open in horror , every single hair on my body raised to the sky and my body shivering in disgust.

In the past, when I managed not to be completely paralyzed, I would spray Hairspray on these creeps.  I tell you now, DON’T DO IT – it only makes them move in slow motion – even more spooky to look at.  The next option is to scream for your other half to fight the beast.

I know, ridiculous behaviour for a full grown, otherwise not made of sugar woman.  I’m working on it.  I have to toughen up, especially when I want to be a brave example for my daughter.  Having said that, that would only apply if there is no one else to sort the creep out.

Book Suggestion: Making Sense – Philosophy Behind The Headlines

First of all, let me say thank you for sticking with me during the last couple of weeks, while I wasn’t writing anything (had a good reason though:-)

Now then, here are the reasons why I like to suggest this book by Julian Baggini to you:

1. If you are sometimes frustrated with the ways the media presents it’s news and would like to learn more,  from a philosophical perspective, about the issues  behind headlines such as ‘Scientists playing God’ etc.

2. It gives you the tools on how to approach shady arguments and think critically.