Where's there's smoke...

... there's rain putting out a fire.

Catherine came over to teach us how to start a fire in our fire pit.  The branches and leaves we collected cleaning up the yard were going to be put to good use!  (Below: Paul in a box.)

She started off with newspapers, two dry logs (left by the previous owners), and a match (from Ken and Sophie's wedding).

She added some small sticks to the center of it, and sat down to relax and enjoy.  The Brownies had taught her well! 

But, before it could become a roaring success, the sky clouded over, started raining, and put it all out.  Well, as long as the don't protest at the house warming, Fire Mistress Catherine should have things under control.

For her efforts, she was treated to my latest experiment: Rhubarb peach muffins.  They were o.k., but probably won't make another appearance any time soon.

 Together, we flipped through and marveled at the DIY books I borrowed from the library.  I was filled ideas, but of course, there was also a nagging in the back of my head: Where to find the time? 

Well, later that night, I decided to start on that t-shirt rug. But, Coconut, um... got tangled in it.  Silly giant curly lamb.

The Fantasy with More Muffins

Paul: "Cheetos!" 
Lana: "No."

Though, they might be some part of Paul's fantasy, Cheetos did not appear as one of the most powerful luxury brands list in The Age of Persuasion's Luxury Advertising episode.

In the episode, Terry O'Reilly delves into the psychology of those who are attracted to luxury brands, noting two points:

1. A high value placed on the sensory benefits of premium craftsmanship
2. A deep desire to feel distinct and uncommon

Most of my friends don't buy into luxury brands.  Theresa and a number of my work friends like these brands, and seem to fit the bill for both points (at least when it comes to purses).

For me, I admire the glamour, but don't like the cost.  Which is why when knock-offs were mentioned, a little light went on in my head.  O'Reilly was almost aligning those who perscribe mostly to the second point as making a self esteem cry for help!  Was this me?  Does it make it better that I attempt to channel my desire to be special in different ways?

Anyway, looking at the actual adverts in question, there were quite a few laughs.  Some were fairly artsy and random which made me think of Bluebirds in the Spring.  Turns out Paul didn't know about Muffin Films!

A nice surprise when I looked up the webpage - it turns out there are more!  For the 10th anniversary Amy Winifred created another half dozen animations. 

My favourite still is Bluebirds in the Spring:



Oh, and then there's Making Fiends...