Santa's Spirit at Swansons

Yesterday my mom was feeling well enough to go for a drive. We hit the road and over the hills we went to Swansons, an amazing "hidden" gem on Seattle's northern side. I had no idea what I was in for - how great can a nursery be? As an admitted dirt-phobe, it made me want to "play in the dirt again" and break out my spade - and, it really got me in the mood for Christmas!

First stop, the reindeer pen, where two full-sized reindeer were taking a little nap before waking for their afternoon snack. Their hairy noses were so cute, and we got buttons with their likeness in exchange for a donation to the local humane society. Next up, the holiday train set. Then inside for a peppermint mocha and some Christmas shopping. It was pure bliss! If only my local Pike's Family Nursery would take some notes.

Vampires that Don't Suck...At Least I Hope Not

It's been a while since I've blogged - there's not been much happy news to report despite my attempts to keep a bright, shiny outlook on things. But at last, something comes my way that inspires my creative juices to flow again. And what is it you ask? Vampires!

Twilight HD Trailer


Twilight, a new vampire movie out in theaters on Nov. 20, looks good enough to take me out of my repressed childhood sheets and blankets covering my head every night for fear of getting bitten by a vampire phase. Every 10 or so years vampires have their day in the sun (er, moonlight) and this year's version features a British import in the title role, pegged as "the sexiest vampire" by People. I don't know much more about it yet except that it also features a new Paramore song that I like -- a lot. I'm going to check it out. After all, it is the first movie since Sex and the City that has piqued my interest this year -- and it'll be a fun outing after I'm full of Thanksgiving turkey.