Happy Holidays!

Happy Holidays, everyone! Can you believe 2020 is right around the corner? Thank you so much for such a wonderful year. I can't express how grateful I am to have you here. Also, thanks much for reading CUT and DRY. Very much looking forward to new posts and exciting adventures in 2020.

{I made this Christmas card from one of my photos of Plymouth, Devon, UK. A gift from me to all of you!}

'Tis the season to wish one another love and peace.
For those celebrating, I wish you a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year! I hope you're all making this a Christmas to remember.

Enjoy the holiday season! xx

P.S. I was really moved by the heartwarming John Lewis & Partners Christmas 2019 Ad.
Someone said..."You know it's Christmas when you're crying over a John Lewis advert."
Couldn't agree more.



(Top photo of Alfred Hitchcock.Video by John Lewis & Partners Christmas 2019 Advert.)

1838-2019:Street Photography - A Photo for Every Year

I have never ever posted on Saturdays as my regular posting is every Friday, but this video is really awesome and couldn't wait to share it with you. Compilation of street photography and music from 1838 to the present day.
Enjoy!

Hope you have a great weekend! xx

(Photo by Garry Winogrand. Video by Guy Jones.)

The Boy and The Piano + Have a Lovely Weekend

Hello, everyone! Happy (belated) Thanksgiving to all my American friends! Hope you had a delicious Thanksgiving day with friends and family and much to be thankful for!

As the holiday season has officially begun, I thought I'd share with you the new John Lewis & Partners Christmas TV Advert 2018, The Boy and The Piano. I love the meaning behind it. The advert is about the power of a gift. And tells the true story of how a Christmas gift inspired and influenced the course of a little boy's life. That little boy is Elton John. This is a truly heartwarming Christmas advert; it really had an emotional impact on me. In fact, the last tinkle of the piano brought tears to my eyes.
I think I'll go playing some Elton John.

Hope you have a cozy weekend. xx

P.S. Remember, "Some gifts are more than just a gift."



(Video by John Lewis & Partners.)

Plus: Another inspirational Christmas Advert 2016 for you guys by John Lewis & Partners.

Vivian Maier: The Story of a Legendary Photographer

Have you heard of Vivian Maier? Her photography is truly magnificent! Her photographs elicit so much emotion. Vivian Maier was a genius; she was brilliant, insightful and forward thinking. I never get tired of seeing her amazing work.

Vivian Maier (February 1, 1926 - April 21, 2009) was an American street photographer who worked for about forty years as a nanny, mostly in Chicago's North Shore,  pursuing photography during her spare time. She took more than 150,000 photographs during her lifetime, primarily of the people and architecture of Chicago, New York City, and Los Angeles, although she also traveled and photographed worldwide.
During her lifetime, Maier's photos were unknown and unpublished; many of her negatives were never printed. A Chicago collector, John Maloof, acquired some of Maier's photographs in 2007. In October 2009 Maloof linked his site to a selection of Maier's photographs on Flickr, and the results went viral. Many details of Maier's life remain unknown. She was constantly taking pictures, which she didn't show anyone. (Wikipedia.) 

Vivian Maier was absolutely brilliant! I wish she could live all the fame she deserved.

Hope you have an inspiring weekend. xx

Here's a beautiful short film dedicated to the life, work and wonderful mystery of Vivian Maier.

(Video by VivianMaierPhoto, Photos via vivianmaier.com)

What Is Happiness?

Who wouldn't want to feel happier? But what is happiness, anyway? This video actually made me smile. Then it made me happy!
Over the last few years, I've come to realize that happiness can be attained at any moment that you desire.
So I thought I'd share with you all 5 ways to happier living. These are some tips that I've found helpful, but everyone is different. I know that we all have different ideas about what happiness is and how to get it, but I hope these ideas will inspire you to start creating more joy in your life.

1. Fake it till you feel it.

2. Help others.

3. Practice smiling.

4. Train your brain to be happier by practicing gratitude.

5. Train your brain to be happier by acknowledging the importance of the small moments and little things.

Hope you have a blissful weekend! xx

(Video by Dr. Sood.)

Five Things Tuesday

Painters suspended on cables of the Brooklyn Bridge, on October 7, 1914.

Discovering visually appealing content from around the web.

It's been a while since I posted a Five Things Tuesday post. I decided I wanted to start doing it again so here goes...
For those of you who are new readers "Five Things Tuesday" was started a couple of years ago as a way to sit down and reflect on what the past days have been like for me.


Today is International Women's Day so I thought I'd share this brilliant video with you "100 years of incredible women." I hope you enjoy this video as much as I did.
International Women's Day is celebrated in many countries around the world. It is a day when women are recognized for their achievements without regard to divisions, whether national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political.
International Women's Day first emerged from the activities of labour movement at the turn of the twentieth century in North America and across Europe.

Keeping myself motivated and inspired.

Photographing spring flowers. There is beauty all around us; we just have to learn to see it.

Current food craving.

On those days when I find myself feeling overwhelmed by stress, emotional, and like I can't do anything right, a nice cup of tea and donuts always make me feel better. 

(Historic photo by Eugene de Salignac via The Atlantic. Video via YouTube Spaces.)

Last Week's Best Moments

Friday already? Gosh, what a quick week this has been. It seems like I've hardly gotten anything done...I will happily say, however, that I did manage to get the Christmas tree up (photos will follow soon), so at least that's something! ;)

It has been a very cold past week. Some days it can be difficult to simply get out of bed in the morning. Cold winters call for a cozy night in, sitting by the fireplace, with a good book, and a glass of red wine to warm the heart.

While browsing the internet the other day, I stumbled upon this inspirational video, The Man On The Moon - it moved me to tears. It really did.
The message is simple yet powerful: "Show someone they're loved this Christmas."
I hope you love it as much as I do.

My dears, hope you have a great weekend! Wishing you the magic and love of this season today and everyday. xx

(Video via METRO.)

Say Something Nice Prank

You may already be familiar with Improv Everywhere. Improve Everywhere is a New York City-based prank collective that causes scenes of chaos and joy in public places. Created by Charlie Todd, Improv Everywhere has executed over 100 missions involving tens of thousands of undercover agents.

About this prank. Photo ABOVE : They constructed a...

May Day

Sharing these pretty May tulips with all of you to say...Have a Happy May Day!:)

Here's a beautiful video about spring I really enjoyed watching, I hope you do too.
Such sweet spring scenes!
Music: "Spring" (The Four Seasons - a set of four violin concertos) by Antonio Vivaldi.

Hope you have a great weekend. xx

(Video via magmelb)

A Bit of (Almost) Everything

Unfolding petals of a ranunculus...

Have a Wonderful Weekend

It was much to chilly in my house today, so I'm warming up with my 3rd cup of coffee.

I'm looking forward to a simple and unhurried kind of weekend. So I'm planning on lying lazy and relaxing at home.

A day in New York, New York.

I love  this video for so many reasons. Watching this makes me want to go to New York again. I've been to New York actually. Several years ago, I made my first ever visit to this unique, amazing place. I think I just fell in love with the Big Apple all over again!

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! xx

(Video by JacksGap)

We Found Love (Video)

She paired the dress with a little pink rose. (Re-touched.)

Here's an absolutely awesome and heartwarming video. This video will bring a smile to your face. I promise!



Hope you have a lovely weekend and here are a few great blogs you should check out, read and hopefully follow. (In no particular order.)

Dimi of Aussi Dimi Decoupage

Magda of Magda

Dianne of Here Is My Heart

Pedro of Poesia y Vivencias

Amy of Amy's Awesome Nest

Maria Del Carmen of La Gata Coqueta 

Sky Blue Pink of Sky-Blu-Pink

Chica of Ceus e Palavras

Magia of Magia da Ines

Suzi of  Our Photos

Marijke of Mijn Kleine Paradijs

Ramon of Diseno Grafico con Photoshop

Sandra of Mad Snapper

Lisa of Lisa Gordon Photography

Diane of Desert Colors

Lady Fi of Lady Fi

Mark of Mark's rants and raves

Rainfield of Rainfield

Susan of Meanderings and Reflections

Denise of An English Girl Rambles

Marie of Lejos2

Have a great one! xx

P.S. Check out these inspiring blogs, as well.

(We Found Love Video via Lindsey Stirling )

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Oh Hello, Puppy!

I feel lonely but I am braver than loneliness. (Aww!!)

What your life would be like if you were a dog. Here's an interesting and adorable video "Your Life As A Dog." Enjoy!



I hope that you are having a great week and are in good spirits! xx

(Video by BuzzFeedYellow)

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You, Me and Kitty

Today (Friday, October 4, 2013) is World Animal Day. The mission of World Animal Day is to
-Celebrate animal life in all its forms,
-Celebrate humankind's relationship with the animal kingdom,
-Acknowledge the diverse roles that animals play in our lives-from being our companions, supporting and helping us, to bringing a sense of wonder into our lives.
-Acknowledge and be thankful for the way in which animals enrich our lives.

Happy World Animal Day, everyone!

Oooh, so sweet! Cute baby Alpaca visiting the land of nod!



By BlueDogFilms

"The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated."
Mahatma Gandhi

Have a great caturday/weekend! xx

P.S. This is for you, my wonderful blogger friend Riot Kitty!

Linking to: Camera Critters , Ask Away Friday 

Love

Love is the flower you've got to let grow.

Study in Tulip.

I hope all is well in your neck of the woods! I've been very busy with work, so I'm a bit slow on making blog visits lately. My apologies. (I'm doing great, though, so I can't complain.)

Whenever I look at flowers, it makes me smile. Flowers can make the most simple rooms lavish and fabulous! It's great to have flowers in your house. I like to put fresh flowers on my kitchen table where I can smell them and enjoy them as it is where we spend most of our time. It's always a good go-to spot for me.

Have the flowers been blooming where you live?

Hope you have a beautiful weekend, my dears! xx

And here are a few wonderful blogs from around the Blogland.

Sarcastic Granny

Sylvia From Over The Hill

Joyful Reflections

A Rural Journal

Chatty Crone

Adventure Before Dementia

Our Neck of the Woods

Missing Moments

Desert Colors

An English Girl Rambles

Photos By Senior Hiker

Birds and Nature in the Forest of Dean

Imac-Photos From the Mind's Eye

Craver-Vii

Have a great one! And Happy Mother's Day!

Oh my gosh, what miraculous birds!



Linking to Today's Flowers 
Linking to Floral Love
Linking to Weekend Flowers

(Video by Cornell University and National Geographic)

Have a Happy Weekend!

Everyone deserves a little "me" time every now and then. You know how hard it is to keep up with everything. There comes a point in our lives when we need to take some time off our busy schedules and do nothing. Just be and enjoy everything around us. It's been a bit of a hectic week...to say the least. So I'm going to take a little break next week from blogging-even an Internet pause. Because I truly need and want time to dedicate to myself and my family.
But I just wanted to pop in and try and quickly post something...for Easter's sake!

Last-minute Easter decorating ideas...
A Blog award and a hilariously hilarious video...

Trance State

In San Diego Harbour, California. I was talking to a woman from the Tradition of the Moon-a kind of initiation path for women that works in harmony with the forces of nature.

"Would you like to touch a seagull?" she asked, looking at the birds perched along the sea wall.
Of course I would. I tried several times, but whenever I got close, they would fly away.
"Try to feel love for the bird, then allow that love to pour out of your breast like a ray of light and touch the bird's breast. Then very quietly go over to it."

I did as she suggested. The first two times I failed, but the third time, as if I had entered a kind of trance, I did touch the seagull. I went into that trance state again with the same positive result.
"Love creates bridges where it would seem they were impossible..."
I recount this experience here, for anyone who would like to try it.
(By Paulo Coelho)

This is a beautiful excerpt from Paul Coelho's book, "Like the Flowing River."
I wanted to share it with all of you because I know you will love it.

As promised, I'd also like to share this feel-good You Tube video with you all, showing two guys and a girl holding up signs that said "Free Hugs" in the middle of a crowded downtown street.
I have never experienced the "Free Hugs" experience. I'll be honest...I think I'd have to draw the line at hugging a complete stranger on the street, but I liked this video just because of the positive spirit it has.

I believe that hug, physical contact and intimacy are enough to assure us that we are still loved and that we are not alone...they remind us that we are all connected.

Hugs have healing power...maybe we should think about reaching out for a hug a day!

Hope you have a wonderful, inspiring weekend! xx

Linking to Camera Critters

Have a Huggy Weekend!

I just want a hug!!

I am definitely a hugger. I mean really! Well, obviously, I don't just go around hugging anyone but I love to hug my family members and close friends that I haven't seen for a while; I am not a cheek kisser hello/good bye though. 

I love hugging people I care about (reaching over and heartily pat on the back) as a means of showing my love and affection for them.

Have you ever thought how important hugs are? I know I haven't. The Internet is full of sources to verify how important hugging is. The touch of a hug has a healing effect on your body.

It's good to have physical contact sometimes. It's just feels nice emotionally, it is good for the soul. 

Studies also showed that hugging improves your health. Did you know January 21st is National Hug Day?

Let us not forget to embrace those whom we love. 

Here's a touching real life story about love from newborns! Rescuing Hug. This is the sweetest thing I've ever seen! Literally.

Are you a hugger? 

Hope you have a wonderful weekend! xx

P.S. Ever wondered what would happen if you attempted to hug random people in the street?

Stay tuned.

P.P.S. And remember, hugging is contagious. Big hugs to you all!

(Photo by my friend Kiki)

Google Doodle + Have an Inspiring Weekend!

"Ulysses's Gaze" by Greek movie director Theo Angelopoulos.

"Voyage to Cythera" by Theo Angelopoulos. I really like this scene. It's breathtakingly beautiful and peaceful. Isn't it?

Google doodle (on Google's homepage) just inspired me today. Today, Google is honouring the 77th Anniversary of birth of Theo Angelopoulos- who was one of the greatest Greek filmmakers (the greatest Greek filmmaker in my opinion)- with a beautiful "Doodle" with blue, Greek epsilon (ε) at the end of the word Google, and a figure of a film director behind a movie camera. 

Those of you that have been following my blog for a long time know that I am a huge movie fan. I do love cinema and its magic, so I couldn't resist the opportunity to write this post today.

Theo Angelopoulos was an award-winning filmmaker, screenwriter and producer, with tremendous vision and great story telling ability. His movies look more like a visual poetry.
(He passed away on January 24, in Athens' port, Piraeus, while shooting his last film, The Other Sea. It was not from illness; he was struck crossing a street in Piraeus by a motorcycle.)

Theo Angelopoulos has been likened to a kind of orchestral conductor more than a conventional movie director. "I'd describe myself as a translator," he says. "A translator of a sound, a feeling and a time that comes from far away. When it comes to me, I have no choice but to absorb it."
How inspiring this is!

Here's the official trailer of Theo Angelopoulos movie "To Vlemma Tou Odyssea" aka Ulysses's Gaze.



What's your inspiration lately?

Hope you have a fabulous weekend! xx