Owl Things Considered

We're having a bit of a heatwave and it is definitely way too warm for pajama bottoms right now. But I suppose this cute set would work. Ever since last year I found I actually sleep better when I do have sleeves on. Strange, I know.

It has to get really warm for me to ditch the sleeves altogether, so this might just be perfect for most of the summer. Anyway, the set is available at ModCloth, but that should come as no surprise as it fits their style perfectly.

Introducing...

A couple months back a wonderful cat came into my life. It took a while to get everything in order and for him to settle in, but I now feel like I can introduce you to the wonderful feline that has made my first own apartment a real home.

Not only does he look stunning and adorable, he is actually the friendliest cat I've ever met. We had an instant connection, but we still bond more each day. Every morning I get a 15-minute greeting full of cuddles and purring!

He does silly things, like fall off footstools regularly and jump into mirrors, and clever things, like playing fetch. He's very vocal and has different meows for different things. Anyway, I'm sure you'll see plenty more of him soon.

Also, if you have a cool idea for a name let me know! I have something in mind, but I might be persuaded by something that has a really good ring to it or that fits him even better… So feel free to leave a suggestion.

Mixed Shelf #11

Some people read a whole lot over the summer. I don't think I'm one of them. I started Allegiant a while back, and though I did finish two audio books in the meantime, it's been a while since I sat down to read for hours on end.

Wanting: Otherbound by Corinne Duyvis

If you watch any BookTube or spend a lot of time on Goodreads, I'm sure you've heard of Otherbound. And if so, I'm sure you've heard many good things, because it's getting phenomenal reviews. Apparently it's filled with great world building, interesting dynamics between characters, a very realistic queer character, as well as an interesting plot.

goodreads // available here

Reading: Allegiant by Veronica Roth

I have to admit that I'm a little stuck in the final book of what seemed to be wonderful trilogy. It's not that I'm completely indifferent, but everything has changed. Everything I liked in the other books is gone and I'm not quite into the events that replaced them yet. On top of that I'm really struggling with the dual perspective. So we'll see.

goodreads // available here as a set or alone

Waiting: Huntress by Malinda Lo

This is not quite a sequel/prequel to Malinda Lo's debut Ash, however it does take place in the same world and revolves around one of the characters from the first book. It's been ages since I read Ash, but I'm sure that won't matter. Also, my guess is that it's a quick read, so I might pick it up to do some lazy reading in the park after all.

goodreads // available here

What have you been reading? Are you a real summer reader or do you get distracted easily too?

Wishlist

As I love pretty much everything Mark Ryden makes, it was to be expected that I would get very, VERY excited about a brooch like this. Isn't it gorgeous? And yet again, slightly eerie, because it wouldn't be a Mark Ryden if it wasn't.

Anyway, I could maybe get over the fact that this brooch is very expensive. It's a Mark Ryden, so that's no surprise. But to have the slowest option of shipping to Europe already be nearly half the price of the actual thing…? Not to even mention custom fees that will no doubt follow… Consider my dream shattered. But it sure is gorgeous, isn't it?

Lovely Movies: The Wind Rises

Being a huge Studio Ghibli fan I felt very disappointed and slightly embarrassed when I thought I would miss the Wind Rises while it was on the big screen. But thankfully I managed to get myself to a cinema in time to catch it.

It was wonderful. Of course it was. I mean, it's Miyazaki, it is bound to be wonderful. Unfortunately this is also his last film, because he is retiring. He actually wanted to make a sequel to Ponyo, but was persuaded into making this.

It was originally a manga by Miyazaki himself, which was in turn based on a short story by Tatsuo Hori. Anyway, the final product is amazing. Not as magical as most Studio Ghibli films, but still with a hint of magic and lots of dreams.

I always advise people to watch the original version, but I have to admit that the cast for the US version sounds pretty amazing. I can't promise it will be perfect, but if you can't watch the Japanese I'm sure this will be wonderful too!

Have you seen many Studio Ghibli movies? Which one is your favorite? I have seen a lot, but have yet to catch up on a few. I won't rush into finishing them all though, because I love having some left to look forward to as well.

Plans & Goals: July

Honestly, I'm still not quite up for making lots of plans. Instead I'd like to take things as they come, but I suppose that is what summer is about anyway. But just to make a few plans and gain a little structure... In July I really hope to:

• Introduce you to this sneaky fellow.
• Start working out again. But nothing too intense.
• Finish that infamous sweater for real.
• And cast on the next one.
• Learn some jazzy chords and progressions.
• Write some good lyrics.
• Go see the Fault in our Stars.
• Book my vacation.
• And possibly even do a new layout for the blog.

What are your summer plans? Going anywhere nice or are you staying home?