Tagged!

The wonderful Elizabeth from Pine Cones and Acorns has tagged me! A kind, talented, and avid blogger, Elizabeth never fails to educate, entertain, and uplift with her delicious posts. Literally and figuratively... from the most decadent chocolate creations (she is a master baker!), to the most exciting art and architecture, Elizabeth always provides a feast for all senses. And she is celebrating her one-year blogging anniversary...

Congratulations, dear friend!!

sweetopia.net

And now, for the questions.....

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE SEASON AND WHY?

I really do love all of the four seasons

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Gypsy In Me

I love to feel and see the natural rhythms of changing  seasons...

And I cannot imagine the winter holidays without snow :)

aestheticapparatus









DO YOU PREFER TO WATCH TV OR READ?
WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE GENRE OF BOOKS OR
TELEVISION?

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Books, books, and more books!
I am perfectly content reading 19th century literature, although I do venture out every now and then :)
Actually I just love to read...books, newspapers, magazines, and POETRY




Although.....when in the right mood, I do love to watch comedies, TV or DVD

Here are some favorites... 










 



this really is hilarious and uproarious :)
The French version is preferred, but the American version will do in a pinch
 

a brilliant Mel Brooks classic








memories of childhood...still so very funny









IF YOU COULD STEP INTO A TIME MACHINE AND GO ANYWHERE IN TIME, WHERE WOULD YOU VISIT AND WHY?





I didn't have to think long about this one.
I would go back to Odessa, 1950's....







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so that I could meet my beautiful mom as a child.

ARE YOU A DOG OR A CAT LOVER?

I grew up having the sweetest kitty cats...

these are not my cats :)...I couldn't resist...they're from humorsharing.com

I love all animals!

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE ASPECT OF BLOGGING?

Well, what started out as a need for creative expression, has blossomed into one of the most inspirational, beautiful experiences I could have ever imagined. The incredible, talented, warm, kind, witty, fabulous, dear people I have "met" through blogging are now the number one reason I blog!

Thank you ALL, wonderful friends!

And of course, my deepest gratitude to our spectacular Anita, that shining star, for the inspiration to start my own blog!!! MERCI CHERE AMIE!

Gypsy In Me

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM HOLIDAY?

This is where I was born....

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You can take the girl away from the sea....well, you know the rest!

SWEET OR SALTY? FAVORITE GO TO SNACK?

ALWAYS this.....

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Or this....

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Sometimes I crave a little marzipan filling....

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My name is Irina, and I am a chocoholic.

WHAT IS YOUR DREAM JOB?

This is actually a really hard question to answer in regard to an actual profession.  I have been blessed in that I love my "job" as a parent. I could not ask for a more rewarding and fulfilling pursuit. 

I do love the arts, any creative endeavor, even teaching. When I was younger I wanted to work as a "nose"!  (aka a perfumer) I have a "photographic" olfactory memory. 

Someday I hope to combine some of  my passions to create that dream job meant just for me. 

Wishful thinking? WHY NOT? Might as well dream big... :)

thecolorsofmymind.tumblr

WHO IS YOUR FAVORITE ARTIST?

This is another whopper of a question, because my taste in art runs the gamut.  I am so inspired by visionaries such as Dale Chihuly and Joan Miro. I am always soothed by the impressionists....their work makes me so happy.  The charming art of Tasha Tudor and Jessie Wicox Smith. Truly these, and many others, are ALL favorites. And so many talented blog friends...

How you all inspire me!!!

Joan Miro

“Joy at learning to understand a tiny blade of grass in a landscape … almost everyone overlooks this which is so divine — Everyone looks for and paints only huge masses of trees, of mountains, without hearing the blades of grass and little flowers and without paying attention to the tiny pebbles of a ravine — enchanting.”

~ Miro 1918

Tasha Tudor

Childe Hassam

WHAT IS YOUR FAVORITE CITY IN THE WORLD?

Odessa, because that is my place of birth, and it is exquisite...gorgeous. 

Please see this post to get an idea.

I really like where I am now. Great music, culture, people, nature, art.

If I have to move somewhere, though, only Paris will do. :)

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DO YOU HAVE  A FAVORITE SAYING OR A MOTTO?

There are SO MANY brilliant and inspirational thoughts...so hard to choose just one. 

“There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.” – Albert Einstein 

I think this encompasses just about every aspect of life. It teaches reverence, patience, joy, love, appreciation, humility.....

Thank you for taking the time to learn a bit more about me...

and now, I am choosing these lovely ladies (and a gentleman), to answer the next 11 questions....do visit their wonderful blogs!

Vanna at Delusions of Grandeur

Nathalie at Dolce Dreams

Lisa at Bilancia Designs

Sylvia at Simple Life

Ruben at Heavenly Minded and Earthly Good

Nancy at Fete et Fleur

Dzintra at  Queen of the Armchair aka Dzintra Stitcheries

Penny at Angelsdoor

Marcia at In Stillness and Simplicity

Dawne at Quiddity2

Violet at Create Beauty

And the questions are.....

1. Name one thing not many people know about you.

2.Do you have any favorite smells?

3. What is your favorite cuisine?

4. What is your favorite childhood memory?

5. What is your favorite childhood television show?

6. What is your favorite fairy tale and why?

7. You have been given 1 million dollars. How would you spend it?

8. What is the most daring thing you've ever done?

9. What is your idea of perfect happiness?

10. Who has had the most influence in your life?

11. What made you decide to start blogging?

The game continues as you choose 11 blog friends to answer a new set of 11 questions....it is fun, but please do not feel obligated to play (although we would love to learn more about you!)...

HAVE A WONDERFUL WEEKEND!

xoxo