That Time I Met Cary Grant--and a Few Other Photos

I have returned from my European travels and am adjusting back to life in Virginia.  I'm trying to reestablish a routine--so far, so good.

When I last posted, I was in Bristol, England visiting Grampaw, some of the family visited, I'd met my newest cousin, and I finally had my photo taken with Cary Grant.  Due to not having my computer, I was unable to post photos, and I promised I would share some.  Enjoy!

Grampaw holding his newest granddaughter

Little Daisy

Enjoying good food and good conversation

Family photo: Mum, Daisy, and Dad asleep in the background

Holding the newest addition!

Ah, Cary!

What's this?  Marmite Gold?

Dear Friday: So Much

Dear Friday, It's hard to believe you've arrived.  Actually, harder than you think.  It seems crazy that I left the States on Tuesday--it doesn't feel that long.

Dear England, I'm here!  I hope you're ready for me.

Dear Family, It is wonderful to have seen you and I look forward to seeing the rest of you very soon!

Dear Paris, Come Saturday and I am yours for 2.5 days.  Cannot wait.  Absolutely giddy with excitement!

Dear Cary Grant, Yep, I took a picture with you.

Dear London, I'm so excited to walk your streets and re-familiarize myself with you.

Dear Wellies I've Yet To Buy, I can't wait to take you home with me!

Dear Mama, Thank you for getting me to the airport.  And rushing me to get my glasses fixed.  And still have time to pick up some shoes (that I wore yesterday!).

Dear Kristy, I get to see you SO SOON!  Beyond excited!

Dear Jamison, That dessert was amazing.  Let's make that our thing.  Gristmill for lavender ice cream and creme brulee!

Dear Amanda, I'm so glad you're in my life.

Dear Life, I have so much to be thankful for.  I am blessed with amazing friends, family, co-workers, community, and so much more.

Cheers!

Rows of Marmite...Am I In Heaven?

Maltesers...Marmite...Marmalade
Tea...Cider...Hobnobs...
British Cheddar Cheese...
...and so much more.

Grocery shopping in England is a treat.
It makes me happy.
The food in England is so much better than in America.

Anyway, have you guessed where I am (if you are one of the people who doesn't already know)?
I'm in ENGLAND!

After a car ride, flight, several trains, and another car, I arrived at Grampaw's.
He greeted me with the offer of a cup of tea.
I love being in a country where tea is held in such esteem.

I fell asleep on the train for a few minutes...only to be awakened by the conductor asking to see my ticket.
Then, I fell asleep and woke up just as we pulled into Reading (which is good, as I might have ended up in Oxford).
Later, Grampaw asked if I wanted to take a nap.
I declined, only to decide that my hurt and needed a rest.
But, I told Grampaw I wouldn't fall asleep.
He retorted, "Those are famous last words."
Um...I don't know how much later...I woke up.

Anyway, except for those little snoozes, I finally went to bed after being awake for about 33 hours.
After eating the yummiest pizza I've eaten in a while.
In the greatest little hole in the wall.

Today was amazing.
Grandma Sue, Claire, Ed, and my newest cousin, Daisy, came to visit.
We drank tea, Skyped with Daddy, went out to eat, and had a lovely time.
Thanks to Claire, Daddy and I now have two jars of Marmite Gold.
And, Daisy is precious!!! (pictures to follow)

Then...
*drum roll*
I took a picture with CARY GRANT!
Yes, you read correctly.
One of my favorite actors was born and raised in Bristol.
There is a statue of him in centre of Bristol.
So, in the rain, I asked a nice passerby (after analysing whether I thought he would run off with my camera) if he would take a picture.
He did.
And gave me the camera back.

Oh, did I mention all the Wimbledon Grampaw and I have watched?
And, may we freak out together about Federer losing??!!
I guess I won't be seeing him at the finals.
So sad.

Tomorrow Grampaw and I are off to the bookshop (ummm, a mini-heaven?).
I'll get lost in the classics room while Grampaw works.

Tomorrow I'm off to London in the afternoon.
It feels a little like I'm going home...to one of my many homes.

Photos may be posted before I get home in two weeks...
But, then again, they may not.

Guest Post From a Dualie Like me!

Hello Lovelies,

A few weeks ago I asked a fellow blogger to guest post for me.
She said yes!

I am introducing to you, Freya from With Love from Freya.
It turns out, we have a lot in common!

Without further ado, here she is (and when you are done, head to her blog)!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Hey, guys! My name is Freya and I am pretty much beyond excited to be here
today! This is my first sponsorship post and, so far, I’m liking the way it feels!

I’ve never been really that good at just coming right out and talking about
myself, so I’ll start at the beginning, with my blog name: From Freya, With Love.
I decided on this name because with everything I send out into the world, my
love goes with it. I’m a firm believer that what you put into the world is what you
get back…so…what you read is from me, with love!

 I started my blog because I was posting way too much on Facebook to an
audience that, let’s be honest, didn’t really care! While I originally started with
the idea that I was going to be a recipe posting, adorable outfit wearing, witty

This is my amazing family on my sister's wedding day August 2011

comment slinging, DIY-ing fiend, I suddenly came to the realization that my
blog is my own and the things I post are deeply rooted in my history.

I, like Kirsten, am a duel citizen of the United States and England. My parents,

one Welsh and one British, moved to the States in the 1980’s, sprouted some
roots and popped out some kids (just two, myself and my older sister, Chelsey).
I am proud to say that I am an Oregonian, through and through! West Coast is
the Best Coast!

I started my life in ballet. I loved the discipline, the beauty, the strength and the
performing! When I hit high school, I decided to ditch the pointe shoes and try
my hand at acting. While that lasted a solid 6 years, it wasn’t until half way
through college that I realized that my lifelong love of writing would take
control. I finished college with a Bachelor of Science in Communication, a focus
on Journalism and a minor Media Studies. Long story short, I speak fluent social
media (and reporter in training!)

I don't know what I'd do without him. (Jake and I)

At this point, I’m 24 years old and still trying to figure out who I am. I’ve spent
the past year and a bit living 3,000 miles away from my friends, family and
anything familiar. Somewhere in there, a transformation is happening. I decided
to spend 3 years moving with my boyfriend as he develops his career. We move
once a year for three years and are currently one our second move. We reside in
Toronto and I love being immersed in a different culture as an Ex-Pat.

 But it’s hard starting over all the time and making new friends. You really get in

My favorite beverage:
Bloody Marys! I even write about them every Saturday!

touch with who you are as a person. And this is where my blog comes into play.
I needed a place to express myself, talk about my thoughts and feelings as well
as share the things I love with a community that cares.

I seriously love the blogging world. Everyone here is so supportive and positive!
While I may have a hard time making new friends in Toronto, I know there are
people out there who would lend me some advise and some positive thoughts.

Eventually I’ll make it back to a familiar place, or maybe I’ll turn the unfamiliar
into the familiar! But for now, I have my blog and the wonderful community that
encompasses it.

Well, that’s me in a small nutshell! Please feel free to come by anytime! And
thank you to Kirsten for sharing me today!

From,
Freya

XoXo

My puppy, Chasey, and I. She now lives with my mom while I become a world traveler.

Like, Like, Like

Hi!

Last night I told you all about my 27 day blog challenge.
Today's challenge is to write about 10 likes.
A little vague, but I can work with that.

1.  Cary Grant.  I like Cary Grant.  He is (was) handsome, daper, English (from Bristol), funny, suave, versatile in his roles, and one of the best actors the screen has ever known.  I will forever be a fan (and will live in denial over any skeletons he may have had).

2.  Christian Louboutin red-soled shoes.  It's a dream of mine to own a pair.  They are gorgeous, comfy (so I've heard), and classy (the pumps).  The red-soles add spice to walking down the street.

3.  My cats.  Rillian and Caspian are cuddly and precious.  They are so sweet when they cuddle together.

4.  Fall in the Virginia mountains.  Fall arrived yesterday.  I'm elated.  The trees have changed shades of green, causing me to believe they are preparing to become hued with red, yellow, and orange.

5.  Diamonds.  I just really really like them.  I don't care if they come in a tiara, a ring, a necklace, a bracelet, or earrings.  I love when Matthew McConaughey says, "Frost yourself."  Yes please.

6.  Laughing.  Forget like, I love to laugh. Till my stomach hurts and tears role down my face.  Or till I hyperventilate (which has happened...and can be a little scary).

7.  England.  Germany.  France (never been, but still).  Europe.  Like the chocolate, countryside, and cities.  I am anticipating moving there.  Oh, that will be a beautiful day.

8.  Earl Grey Tea.  Mmmm, smells scrumptious, tastes amazing, chic.  I am ready for tea with the Queen (just waiting for my invitation).

9.  Chocolate.  The dark stuff.

10.  Pink champagne.  Mmmm.  Classy, chic, and DELICIOUS!

Well, there you go, my ten likes.
Tune in tomorrow for #2 blog challenge.