THANK YOU TOO! / Contest! /

For 8 months now you've had a chance to follow me on my thankful journey, and you've heard it all - from me giving thanks for peanut butter to me being thankful for feeling uninspired... Now it's your time, time YOU tell me what YOU are truly thankful for! So hold back no more! I'm thankful and happy to announce our thankful collaboration with Hugo and Joachim of the Thank You Too project: we've teamed up to provide you with a fantastic thankful opportunity! Tell us about your most thankful experience - it could be something someone said or done for you that made you feel so appreciated and grateful, or it could be something that happened to you and changed your life, making you realize things you're still thankful for to this day, it could be anything, the rule is one - it needs to be a story of sincere and heartfelt gratitude. In 2 weeks time me, Joachim and Hugo will choose THREE winning stories and reward them with a Thank You Cards Booklet each! A Thank You Cards booklet is an amazing idea - it's a set of 30 business card sized cards with words of thanks printed on them. Each card can be taken out and left in a place where it can be found by a stranger or your loved ones. It's a perfect way to make someone smile and feel appreciated, and I believe it could be a great conversation starter if you look to make a thankful connection with someone who caught your thankful eye too!..

To be eligible for our very own thankful stories mini-festival, submit your thankful stories in the comments to this blog post, and this blog post only! Please, include your name and your email address. I can't wait to read your stories!!!

The 'Thank You' Project | Thank You Too
The 'Thank You' Project on Facebook | Thank You Too on Facebook

No Mean Muggin'

When it comes to design, I'm not only crazy abour chairs, showers or even eggs, I've long had a thing for mugs too. My own little collection really started back when at 11 I was presented with a mug that had a face with a sticking tongue sculpted on it by my school bestie. I still have that mug and have been known to be buying loads since... I'm not as crazy now and clearly see that most of those I own are not remarkable at all, but I still love a good mug when I come across one, so this post is to say thanks for mugs and cups designs and for how cheerful drinking from them makes me feel!

P.S. The one pictured is by Villeroy&Boch (the Flow collection) and, unfortunately, I don't own it.

Under My Umbrella

I've just realized I'm thankful for umbrellas!! Actually, I think there's no such person who is not... Or are there some?

Human Nature

Even if not all people I expect it from appreciate it, I'm still thankful for being such an incredibly understanding person, even if I say so myself. But it's easy to see how I'd be that way - I simply take the time to try my best and put myself into another person's shoes and see things their way. I like to be in the know, it's important for me to know why things are the way the are, I just need it for my own peace of mind. And whatever happens, I'll be analazying it until I understand why I was treated one way or another. In the end, it's always obvious it's just human nature, and when it's just that, how can you be angry?

Good Eye

Went to shoot some guns with my brother today, and wow, I must say I've totally impressed myself. It was my first time shooting handguns (I've shot a rifle before), and not only did I show better results than my bro, I've shown some impressive results for a first timer!

Out of 20 shots total (2 sets of 10) I got four 10's, one on the line between 10 and 9, four 9's, three 8's, one 7... And the first shot was always a good 10 then as my hand was getting tired after a few strong gun kickbacks it was getting worse. So yeah, I am kind of proud of me and have to warn you not to mess with me, ha

And with all of that being said, I have to say thanks for my natural good eye. I got it from my father and it's so good that I'll notice a painting on the wall got bended to one side by as little as 1 millimeter - we've checked and measured.

'Thank You's Teach

Some of you surprised me with your 'requests' to help you figure out the whole time managment thing a few thankful posts back. Honesty, I've never been too good at that myself until just fairly recently, and I have to say this blog of mine played a huge role in shaping my own time management skills.

Along with teaching me how to manage inspiration, it somehow made me more organized with my time. I personally think it has a lot to do with my thankful posts being a daily thing - with having to make the time for updating the blog I have to still manage work, play, run errands and whatnot, but for a while now a lot of my life had to revolve around this project somehow. I had to start planning more things in advance and thus learning to be more efficient. Say, if I know I'm having a very busy day at work ahead of me and then right after work I'm going out and I'm not sure I'll be back home this same day (meaning earlier than 24:00) I just have to post before work, which I then do. So maybe that's the secret, or rather one of, but ti's enough for one thankful post. I truly am thankful to my own blog for making me really learn how to manage my time.

Miami Reunions

Having just hosted one of our mini Miami Reunions here in Moscow two weeks ago, I was thinking how thankful I was for each such reunion, no matter how many people were able to make it to one place at one time. The Miami 2007 trip connected so many people from all over the world and even though each of us has their own busy life, it's amazing how we all share something special and stay in touch even to this day. Here's to the many more reunions!

Exploring Moscow

On our way to the SpanishFest expo at M'ARS Gallery yesterday, we discovered yet another super pretty little street here in Moscow - we liked it so much that it actually made us want to pose and take pictures like tourists would. We don't have that many little, narrower than usual, quite streets with buildings like those here, so each time we happen to come across one is a special time, and I'm thankful for each such little street. They just don't look or feel like Moscow, it's like you just fall out of reality for a moment and get to take a break from the big city noise and all that comes with it - an instant tiny travel in culture and space.

P.S. For the content that doesn't make it to the blog check out the official page for the 'Thank You' Project on Facebook. I thought it'd be a good place to share some of the very inspiring videos and quotes I come across. As of now, I post quotes on Monday (to start off the week in an inspiring way) and videos on Saturday (to set the inspiring mood for the weekend).

SpanishFest at M'ARS

The SpanishFest expo at M'ARS Gallery was fantastic! And it's not just the Spanish designers' creations that we loved - the gallery people were so impossibly nice and friendly it felt like we were some place else, the gallery could as well have been lost somewhere in the midst of old European streets. Definately thankful for the experience and definately will be going back again and again. You can practically go alone and still feel like you're there with a bunch of friends, the guys are so amazing!..

P.S. Isn't this chair above by Jaime Hayon just awesome?!.

Time Management

I'm thankful I finally seem to be really learning how to spend my time so much more efficiently. A feeling of accomplishment is always a great feeling and it's hard to enjoy your day if you feel like it was wasted, so yay for better time management skills!..

On My Own

For the most part, someone who's always with somebody else doesn't grow personally as much as someone who's on their own a lot.

And with that being said, I want to say thank you for having to make a decision of parting ways with my then best friend some 8 years ago. I've naturally become more of a loner since, and even though it wasn't easy at first, it allowed me a chance to really open up to the world. I'm not going to get into the details of this mess of a friendship, but let's just say it could be compared to being in an abusive relationship. Thank you, Y., for being in my life, and thank you for making me let go of you too.

Something Personal

You guys seemed to like that picture I posted in my previous thankful post... Well, it was taken in Milan, in my hotel's inner yard (if you go to this post, click on the picture to enlarge it and look carefully, you'll see the sculpture!). So today I thought I'd share another one I took there, and while I'm at it, I thought I'd say thanks for my butt, as I am quite fond of it. I, of course, wouldn't post a photo of mine, so instead, please enjoy this one above! Ah, how clever of me, isn't it?..

Sunbathing

I'm thankful for the times when I get to really take my time with enjoying the sun, kind of really miss sunbathing and all that comes with it, ahhh.

I Burned My Tongue

Back when I was about 14 I burned my tongue really bad at my school canteen. They used to serve us tea that was only a little above room temperature so when I grabbed a glass and downed almost half of it in one go (I remember I was very thirsty) I didn't expect it to be as hot as tea could only get... I burned my tongue so badly, but it's kind of funny how I still remember that episode of my life and how I keep being thankful for this hot burning experience - I'm thankful, because due to it I've developed such great tolerance for hot foods and beverages, and it's kind of useful.

Seeing Flames

We've covered taste, smell and just recently hearing, so it's only natural we talk about vision now, right? The ability to see really is a gift, I can't even begin to imagine what a world is without being able to see the faces and the places you love. So here's to appreciating the incredible gift of eyesight, which is so easily taken for granted by all of us.

One of my most favorite things to look at is an open flame, I can just look at it for hours - love how mysterious it is. I swear some time into staring at an open fire I start believing I'm capable of so many things, it always seemed to have some energizing effect on me. (Talk about the connection of your astrological sign and things... Who knows, maybe it really makes some sense since I am a Saggitarian)

I really enjoyed getting to know your favorite sounds, so what are your favorite things to look at?

Most Inspiring Sound in the World

Warm big city night, the lights are dimmed, the window half open... I spent good half an hour yesterday just lying on my bed and taking in the atmosphere of this intoxicatingly inspiring sound - the sound of the city's racing cars by night through an open window.

I am thankful to have realized I loved this sound so much, and I am thankful for being able to hear, because it's truly heartwrenching for me to think how some people aren't able to hear a thing.

We've discussed taste and smell sensations before, now tell me, what is your most favorite sound and have you ever thought about it at all?

P.S. A very interesting blog on sounds I came across recently - Everyday Listening.

The World Is Endless: Egypt

It just happened so that somehow Egypt's been playing a big part in my life. Back in school I loved studying about its ancient culture, enjoyed watching all the documentaries on it I could only come across and loved seeing real ancient Egyptian pieces in museums. When I traveled there for the first time in the spring of 2003 I had no idea I'd visit 3 times more in the next 5 years, but looks like it was just bound to happen - there's gotta be some wicked connection between me and Egy.

This Egyptian mood of mine was inspired by putting together the above Polyvore set for Wendy Brandes' contest, and honestly, I could write so much more on my epic love affair with Egypt, but this would have to be enough for this blog.

All I have left to say is the world is endless, the possibilities are endless and Egypt is endless to me too... Because I believe in coming back to places that your heart loves. So, today I am thankful for Egypt.

What is the place your heart fancies?

In a Thankful State of Mind

I've mentioned something not so fortunate happening to me a while ago and I've also mentioned being very busy due to it... I also said that I, suprisingly, wasn't that upset or angry because of it all, which, in turn, surprised some of you. Look, there are so many things to be thankful for with this situation! Firstly, I'm grateful it happened now. Now is spring, it's warm and sunny, and it's always better to run errands when the wheather's that good - you're all energetic and full of life. Secondly, I'm happy I have an opportunity to be driven around in a car rather than having to travel from one place to another by feet, metro, buses and whatnot. And thirdly, as the situation at hand is kind of not such small deal, I really understand that it could've been so much worse. Let's just say if I happened to travel out of the country in the last months I might've as well ended up not being let out of the country and that could've been slightly embarassing - I've never experienced such a thing before and definately not planning to ever try.

P.S. I'm not a criminal. All I have to say is I should've known better - laws are not always perfect and not knowing something doesn't make you completely innocent.

Ship It To Me

This is going to be short, but not because I'm lazy or short on time - there's just nothing more to say besides one huge thank you to the Shipito.com team. They're doing a great thing and if you're wondering what that is, you might just want to click on the link!..

P.S. Talk about good service... If you know me, you know I never hesitate to give thanks where due!

Got So Thankful, My Mind Crashed On Me

I'd been thinking about it all the time while getting ready to go to bed yesterday, then I woke up in the morning still thinking about it, and I was still thinking it while having my breakfast too. It had something to do with hearty conversations, time, memories, changes, realizations... And it had something to do with the current visit of my friends from furher lands, which seemed to provoke all the thinking. I remember I felt very thankful while thinking it, but, that's all I remember. So, until I can get it back out of the back of my mind again, I'm going to be thankful for this thoughtfully thankful experience. I take it I felt so thankful that my mind made all else disappear.

No Need to Pretend to Be Busy

When you spend over a week gathering papers from various places and paying your duties where due in order to file documents to be processed at your local tax inspectorate, then wait 6 days, they turn you down and tell you you need to start the whole process all over again, you're supposed to be upset. I'm, surprisingly, not. I mean, it's all fine... At least I have stuff to add to my schedule. It's all about being positive, I'm telling you. This all should be over eventually, sooner than later. I'm learning in the process, thank you.

"Remember, if you ever need a helping hand, you'll find one at the end of your arm..." - Audrey Hepburn

It's the Simple Things In Life We Forget

I've just been thinking lately how the change in my own attitude towards things have changed my perception of the world around me and my overall level of happiness. I used to easily forget about the simple things, simple joys of life, and then wonder why couldn't I feel more cheerful. Then things changed and I started noticing and looking up to the simple things... It's a daily habit now to let myself feel glad about a good cup of tea, to let myself smile at the thought of wearing leopard tights, to allow myself feel happy about sitting on my beloved chair... I'm now able to be thankful for the simplest things.

THANK YOU

For the victory, for freedom and for making this kind of life possible, THANK YOU.

P.S. It's the Victory Day today in Russia - 65 years ago the World War II was over.

Most of My Life Isn't Real

I'm thankful for the days and nights that feel so good and real that all that was before feels just like a haze before your eyes and the bad stuff in your past just really doesn't matter - all that matters is you truly live in such a moment and the future seems so bright.

Visits

I'm having a blast with visiting friends from Europe, so I guess today I'm thankful that they are here in Moscow! Yay!

P.S. There's now a Facebook page for The 'Thank You' Project - it should prove useful for those who asked me if there was an easy way to keep track of thanks without creating a Google account. Another reason I decided to create a page is I saw other thankful pages popping up on FB and thought that effort put in updating daily for over 6 months deserved a page... ha

Only as Far as Your Eyes Can See

I'm thankful for having an open mind. I realize so many people are not even close to being the owners of one, and some are so far from realizing its value, that I really feel blessed.

Inspiration Management

I swear this blog project of mine has helped me learn the art of inspiration management. Sounds unbelievable, I know, but how else to explain some of the posts that were written on the most uninspiring days ever? Never before could I just sit down and start writing because it was time to write something as opposed to obsessively repeating something over and over till I could get my hands on a piece of paper or my keyboard... Turns out, on most days even inspiration can be managed. Or maybe we're always inspired, but we just don't know that. Could this be?

Sea World

I'm not that much of a water person unless we're talking hot tubs and fancy drinking water (I am very into trying new bottled varieties and yes, I do feel how the taste is different), so I can really appreciate the beauty of the sea world once it's so close to the top that one doesn't need to dive anywhere - the picture above was taken standing on a solid surface and looking down on the water before my feet.

Laptops

Sitting here in my bed and thinking how cool is it to have a computer that you can take to bed with you. I'm not that lazy to sit on my awesome chair behind my desk, but when I'm not feeling well at all even this can be painful, so yeah, thanks for laptops!!

P.S. I'm fine, I really am. It's just that I happen to be a woman, and I happen to have some thing the very rough way.

Swimming Pools

I want to say thanks for swimming pools, because it's actually a very clever idea if you really think of it - some people don't have easy access to seas, ponds or rivers, after all.

Desire

You know what, regardless of what THEY say, I am thankful for having desires and for wanting things. We only desire beautiful things when we are healthy and feeling good. Once you get sick, really really sick, all you want is either die or get back to life, but you certainly don't wish for new shoes or a sports car - suddenly all fancy things don't matter any more, and all you want is health. So, all of the aforementioned makes me think that wanting things is healthy, therefore good for you. But just like with any thing out there, everything is only good in moderation though.