DAY 34

Today started with a beautiful sunny morning and my sister discovering an enormous ice crystal on the cap of one of the frozen sauce containers. It was amazing, I couldn't really catch it on the camera but I had no idea sauce containers could be so beautiful.

The weather deity was really indecisive today. One minute it was raining, the next, there was blinding sun. I decided that I spend most of today inside and not studying. Since its Wednesday - middle of the week I figured I could afford a day off and get started on some of my art projects.

 I chose to rejuvenate one of my old, eaten by clothes moths, cardigan. I've wanted to try this technique for a long time, but never got a real chance, or an excuse. ^^ I started by  stretching the cardigan over  a disassembled shoe box, then drew a line in the middle and then 2 more lines to limit my cuts. At first I was going to use a knife but after some tries, scissors proved to be more practical. I then used the twining technique, that I learned here. I then started making more cuts, so I could fill up the whole back side. The hardest part for me was keeping things as symmetrical as possible. I ended up with 5 loose ends. In tutorial the girl just tied them together, but since I had 5 of them and I wanted to make sure they stay in place, I used a sewing machine to secure them in place.

 I also learned how to drive a Yikebike with my brother. It's powered by electricity and weighs only 14 kg. My dad brought it home from some conference and I haven't been able to try it till now. At first it was quite difficult, but its not that hard to stir once you reach higher speeds.

I will now go watch X-men with my brother (have to watch the first ...3,4,5? if I want to see the latest one in the cinema). ^^

DAY 33

Today's quote : "Life's more amusing than we thought." -Andrew Lang
Today I didn't do anything huge, just a bunch of small nice things. I finally took the postcards to the post office and sent them, took Tyra for a walk, crossing meadows filled with dandelions. I then improvised a hairdo, quite successfully I must say (used only a decorating comb). Then I set out to study in Ljubljana, at Boršnikov trg. Upon coming there I found out that it was closed. I changed my destination to NUK. I couldn't enter the grand reading room without a registration and my parents' signature, so I settled down in the basement public studying rooms. It was quite nice to actually achieve something studying-wise. Since I was closed in a room full of people studying, I couldn't allow myself to slack off. I finished, I believe, half of my chemistry book and then went home for a warm cup of cocoa and a good movie.

DAY 32

Lately I have been spending quite some time on ThtFreeDictionary website (preparing for CAE). And I discovered that I could get an account, collect points, ascend to higher levels, get badges... It does sound a bit nerdy, but playing hangman, matching words and just being part of a community while learning really does make a difference. Another thing is that I can see my rank in Ljublnana or Slovenia..or in the world :). Apart from this, they even have a charity set up. They donate money for meals in schools (collaborating with  World Food Program's school feeding program), as I learn and get points. Anyhow, I regret not signing up earlier, but I enjoy experiencing the site now.
Today's quote "The devil can cite Scripture for his purposes." - William Shakespeare; an explanation that helped me ^^.

DAY 31

Sketching my classmates. I found some pictures form our class and this years spiritual retreat. This is not necessarily my best work, but I had tons of fun drawing them. Wonder if they can recognise themselves^^.

DAY 30

Today I went to the movies with my wife. We both needed something to bring a smile to our face...and this film definitely did. Its just nice girly comedy. The three main actresses are just amazing, each in their own way. Well we had fun :)

DAY 29

It goes without saying that today was a happy day (Friday before vacations!!). Anyway I saw this guy on the bus. It was one of the old buses and in it was torrid. I have no idea how he was surviving it dressed in that costume.
Next thing that brought a smile to my face was a pair of gloves. LEL. Beautiful packaging XD
Later I went to visit my wife. + This spring's first ride with Soruru - my electric motorbike. :)

+some art experimentation - Alex Annie Alexis Ann - SPN s9 ep9 - Iwas just absolutely fascinated by her eyes ... its not my best work, but it was a quick sketch and I had fun drawing it. I'm probably going to fill the rest of the paper with different magazine cutouts or write a poem ^^.

Sending Postcards

I have been a member of an online post-crossing community for over a year now. It's basically a site that gives you an address of a random person, their description... and you send them a postcard. For every postcard you send, you get one back. So far I have sent 28 postcards and received 31. It has really been amazing so far, I have cards from Russia, China, South Africa, USA ... I have been inactive for about half a year, but started sending postcards again just a couple of days ago. Today I'm sending off these 3. One to China, one to USA and the handmade one to Taiwan. Again drawing Cherry. It seems to me, she is just an infinite source of inspiration and she is really fun to draw.

DAY 28

Update on my sketchbook and more of Cherry. I'm also using the last picture as today's happy moment :)
 1. Just a collage (its a shame that the sharpie bled through and ruined the face.














2. Cherry - word: Hanger (when I'm out of ideas I like to ask my classmates for a word, and then draw inspiration from it, its not always direct and logical, but it helps with getting out of art-blocks)















3.Cherry in a kimono. It is not completely transparent, it just looks like it because of the weird lightning ^^'' - platforms from one of my favourite movies, Memoirs of a Geisha.














4. Drawn during history class, while listening about WW1. Firs I decided to draw something connected to Germany, hence the colours, but later I decided to go more towards Russia, gave a nod to the babushkas (her bustier) and drew her a traditional Russian hat (bottom of the picture).













5. The special thing about this one is, that I coloured the background with fresh orange peels. I wanted it to smell nice. It gave an unexpected light orange colour, but no smell. Oh well experimentation.
















6. This is actually my favourite Cherry outfit. I love the colours and how different fonts from the newspaper worked on the dress. Pockets <3

DAY 27

Today a bunch of really awesome things happened.
In the morning I was able to present one part of Scientology to my class. Having worked on this presentation for a really long time and getting involved in the subject, I was super excited to talk about it. Even though my prezi presentation didn't work for some reason, google was a good enough source for all the things I needed. Thank you Scientologists for making really pretty LRH life-timelines with pictures. I've always been a perfectionist, but lately it has been showing more and more. If I decide to do something, it has to be good. It not only for the sake of others, but mostly for myself. And I feel that through spending hours and hours researching for example Scientology or Switzerland or any other matter, you just become much more open to new interesting ideas and information...the sheer knowledge absorbed in this kind of self-initiated learning is just amazing. Everything is in the mind. If you trick yourself into loving something, eventually you will start to actually enjoy what you do. That's what I did with French. No one can help you but yourself. Having been told by teachers, parents, friends...how important knowledge is, nothing changes until you tell it to yourself.
Anyway, after school, me and Vida were supposed to go for a coffee for her birthday (my treat), but we ended up going on lunch first. The salads were amazing and I really had a great time just talking to her and enjoying her company. She ended up paying for the lunch and Ii still owe her a coffee. Oh life. After that we had some time to kill, so we wondered the streets of Ljubljana, looking for nothing in particular. We stumbled across a photography exhibition, hidden in the first floor of an inconspicuous old building. There were some works that we really liked, like photographs by Roberto Kusterle, a Slovene photographer, living in Italy.  The idea behind his work and the execution were just astonishing. Later on I spotted a pair of unusual flats in a display window. It's structure reminded me strongly of the Lo Res Pump by United nude, a shoe that I have been obsessing over about a year ago. We went to the store and there they were. The shoes I have only seen on the internet. The reason why I was so startled and amazed is because this has been the first time i saw a designer shoe that I loved in a Slovenian store (there are no Jeffrey Campbell stores here D:). unfortunately they did not have them in mint colour, or my size, but I still tried them on. <3

Next thing was attending a recital of chosen  haikus in Slovene and English language and receiving an award for writing one of the best haikus in French. They even printed a book, publishing the haiku.

C'est tôt le matin

je suis partie avec mon chien

la calme nous plaît.

Rough translation, Its early in the morning - I left with the dog - the calm pleases us. Even though it was not written in a really emotional state or on an actual quiet morning, it was really amusing to read editors comment on my haiku, explaining it. They just made it sound much more deep and thought through, even though it was just a scribble during a period of French.
My last happy thing today would be obtaining a collection of 6 old Russian postcards, dating back to 1977. I bought them 50 cents each in a local antiquariat. They each represent a different flag of the Soviet Socialist Republic accompanied by their national patterns and symbols. I thought they were really beautiful, and I will definitely be able to use them in my Postcrossing project.

DAY 26

Today, I was jut happy to eat shugar all the time. 3rd period, a cupcake from Nataša - just like that :D, 4th period, birthday cake made for Vida with blueberries, whipped cream and some other unidentified stuff, 6th period Vida's home-made snickers bar. After coming home - tea and potica with Neža. Nom <3

More Cherry

 More Cherry, this time traditional. Copic markers + sharpies.
1. Inspired by the pink dress with white lace top from 2 days ago

2. A request to draw something cat related =^.^=

DAY 25

-Yaay already passing 1/4 of my 100 days of happiness-
I'm super excited, because I was able to incorporate this adorable, slightly archaic Slovene word 'začenši' in my project work - report on Scientology for my Religion and Culture class. //goes back to work

DAY 24

New source of inspiration - Studio Killers, more specific, their character Cherry. I juts love the style, overall vibe, colours, animation...in this video. After doing some research, I discovered that Cherry even has her own tumblr style page and facebook. I was just really intrigued by her outfits, make-up, body ... While listening to their songs on repeat, this happened. I hope I get to colour it, but right now I have to get back to work. Taking an hour off to sketch and have fun is always a good idea ^^.

DAY 23

Today I had a classical girly shopping day. I really needed it, after studying and doing school-work most of my free time. Some time-off with my wife (best friend) really made a difference. It's funny how some people cheer you up just with their presence.
I didn't get a chance to panic or work myself over everything that I still needed to do, I could just forget reality for some time and enjoy the moment.
I just can't help but be incredibly thankful for the friends I have. Friends that I can trust and discuss anything with, that will help me no matter what and will always be there fore me..okay shit no I'm getting all sappy. Awesome things today: My wife, shoes, necklace that I can actually make at home, heart-shaped bags, sales, switching dresses, switching candy bear heads and pigeons.

WIP - DreamsNightmares

I just couldn't wait any longer. My old computer is still being fixed. I miss digital art. I decided to install SAI and drivers for my tablet on this computer. Inspired by this, I just couldn't not draw. I returned to my wife's story and her wonderful characters, since they have been one of the main sources of my inspiration, since...well since I became aware of their existence. Thank you Twigi for providing me with an endless amount of stories, characters, inspiration and ideas. I really hope I finish this at some point.

DAY 22

Today I stumbled across a youtube video of my wife and Jack in my subscription box. Since it featured my best friend I decided to check it out. The video itself was a react video to some brony video (check out Jack's channel) ..it was okay, maybe a bit long. But after the video, I started scrolling through the comments. Oh my god...all I could see were mentions of black nail polish. Everywhere. When jack was here (in Slovenia), Twigi coloured his nails black, because it just looked cool (We did it to TIm and Jan when they were here as well...because why not). Well these people apparently were not even interested in the react video but Jacks nails.
>Jacks fingernails are black... what the actual hell. >Love the hair jack, but why your nails black? Are you now Emo? >Why is jack wearing black nail polish? >Love how jack is wearing nail polish.........
This amused me in a way, so I decided to make a wordle (on a site that takes given text and makes a collage of words, their size resembling the frequency of occurrence) and test my theory. It has proven true since after their names, black, nail and polish were three of the most popular words.

DAY 21

For about three weeks I haven't been able to attend art school because of my trip to Spain, difficult math test, sickness... Well, art school is always more than just drawing, its the people you are with, the atmosphere, the silly jokes, little talks...everything just makes it an invaluable experience. Today I first drew a portrait(charcoal -1,5h) of the girl that posed as our model (I love it when we get to draw living people instead of just dead objects). Anyhow, after 2 hours of standing up I got pretty tired (whole weeks worth of work and sleepless nights) ... so I posed as a model for some quick sketches, since the first girl left. I enjoyed both to the fullest, drawing and being drawn. I hope next time I get a bit more time to do a full body figure drawing.

DAY 20

Here we go again with experimentation, this time with shoes. Today, the third years have gone to the theatre to watch a Slovene drama by Ivan Cankar, Kralj na Betajnovi.
I already knew, in the morning, that I wanted to wear heels, I just couldn't decide on a pair. Excluding the ones I couldn't or didn't want to wear, I was left with my killer leather boots and my ( I'm not sure how to call them), thick-heeled-bitofplatform-simple-black-laceup shoes.
Because of the colour of my sweater, I thought of a fabric I had had lying around my house for about 2 years now. It was originally bought to make an Alice Madness Returns costume (its a computer game, and it's really pretty, if you haven't yet, CHECK IT OUT! :D). Anyhow I never ended up making the costume.
My initial idea included complicated pattern-making and sewing, but after a couple of minutes of staring into the shoes, I just went with my gut and chose a simple, yet still effective, option. I cut (actually ripped - some fabrics only need a small cut, and than if you pull 2 parts apart, it will rip in a perfectly straight line) 2 strips. 7 cm wide and 120 cm long (standard fabric). Since I was working with 100% polyester, all I had to do was warm up the sides of the strips with a lighter to prevent loose threads. Then I wrapped them around the heel of the shoe and my ankle, tied a bow in the back and...they were ready. I combined them with black leggings, a short fitted black dress - that in this case functioned as a skirt, pink-ish pullover, dark blue leather jacket and dark blue shoulder-strap bag.

DAY 19

Today during the lunch break, Vida offered me something really delicious. No, it was not a potato chip, it was actually a dried piece of mango.
Oh my gosh, I had no idea this thing even existed. Well long story short, I fell in love with the taste. I'm familiar with the mango-flavoured bubble-tea bubbles, but I have never actually had a fresh mango.
Changing the subject. Having been lectured on food additives and their possible negative consequences earlier today, I scanned the label and was happy to see it only contained mango. Nothing else.
Well today's post doesn't really have a proper point. Mango is great.

DAY 18

When I woke up today, my hair was a complete mess. I was working on a project 'till 1 am in the morning and then of course spent time on Skype, so I gave up on washing my hair. Well in the morning I had to find a solution, so I experimented a bit, went through my mom's closet and found this old small square scarf (I'm not sure what it's called) and tied a know on top of my head. At first I wasn't sure, but then due to my lack of time and other options, I just went with it. Topped it up with a coloured lipstick and voilà.
In the end I quite liked how it looked + I found it quite practical. It was not falling off (though I did secure it with 2 bobby-pins - just to be sure) and it kept the hair in place.
This was a simple example of how restrictions and problems can actually be good. They boost your creativity and originality. Its hard, or probably you don't even think about it, to come up with new ideas, creations, drawings....when all the options are available. With just a little direction and a challenge, I think we can all achieve more.

DAY 17

Huge 5-kg Nutella. Enough said. <3

DAY 16

After a long and exhausting day, spent studying physics and French, a relaxing evening is just what I need.
Fruit salad with yoghurt-honey sauce and an episode of Suits.
I totally did not notice the folded cloth on the last frame, until I have already made the gif. Oh well, better luck next time.
P.S. 16 is my favourite number--> one more reason to be happy :)

DAY 15

Today I met up with my classmate Teja and my ex-classmate Monika, who I haven't seen I a really long time. Since I haven't seen her for ages, we had a lot to talk about; her new school and awesome classmates, personal life, hair, nearing applications for matura exam... We strolled alongside the Celovška street and ended up in Mercator center in some cafe. Monika had a chocolate cake, Teja coffee, and I ordered my all-time favourite hot chocolate topped with whipped cream.
The hot chocolate was amazing. It was not one of those watery ones, prepared in a minute with instant powder. It almost had a density of a custard.
Anyway, just one more thing about hot chocolate. So far, Slovenia has been the only country, I have found white hot chocolate in McCafe. They don't have it in Spain (Seville), Paris or London. Its surprising that Slovenia, despite its size, offers a beverage that amazing. :D //cheers

DAY 14

Since studying for tomorrow's math test has taken up most of my day, taking an evening break to relax and eat chocolate was a perfect thing to do. The chocolate banana had been left for me on my pillow by my sister, I don't know when or why ..it just came with a little note 'za Meto' ^^ . Thank you Mojca.

DAY 13

 Today was quite a happy day in general. Our school ends early on Wednesdays, it was sunny and warm, and I got to go to an evening workout.... (lately I have been trying to be active more. I'm noticing that it really improves my mood, my studying and of course my health. Even though I sometimes feel like I don't have the time, 20 min outside vs. 20 min on the computer really makes a difference).
Well the first picture has been taken in Ljubljana (Celovška cesta). On the bus, I ran into an ex classmate from primary school. I got so caught up in the conversation that I actually got off the bus 2 stops too early (I was heading to my orthodontist). At fist, I was a bit annoyed, but the sun and some good music made everything just perfect.
On my way back home, I just couldn't resist taking some photos of my street, with the apple trees blooming and sun shining. This time of the year, for some reason, always reminds me of one of my favourite movies, Spirited Away, so its soundtrack was perfect for the short walk home.
perfect.

DAY 12

Today I spent 2 hours in the best place in - or should I say on -  my house. The roof. I find it to be the best place to study, provided that there is sun and not too much wind. No one is bothering you, you can not be distracted by any electronic devices and after you get bored of gazing into the distance, you just have nothing better to, do than to study and be productive. Basically utile dulci (hooray for actually using latin in real life^^).

DAY 11

There is a tradition in or class, to bring sweets, preferably home-made, to school on your birthday. We sing him a happy birthday song (sometimes more than once a day^^) and we each get a small gift. That's basically what happened today. One of my classmates had turned 18 the day before, so today he brought some home-made chocolate muffins to the geography lesson (the geography professor is also our home-room teacher). They were absolutely amazing. I am positive that I could taste Nutella, chocolate crumbs and banana...I really have to ask for the recipe. The picture was taken by my classmate Teja, sitting beside me.

DAY 10

Today I went running for the first time after returning from Spain. My goal right now is to run at least 3 times a week. Two times during school PE (if possible) and once each weekend. It was really nice to take a break from studying and tiring my eyes with the computer.
Having Tyra (my dog) with me and new music on the phone just made things even better. :)
The colours were actually really pretty with the spring grass and corn (I think) growing on the fields, but my poor excuse for a phone couldn't really capture that.

DAY 9

It was really nice to properly talk to Tim again, since I have been away for almost a week. I mean this guy is really something else.
My vocal chords are totally messed up right now so it went from me sounding like ...hmm an adolescent boy with a voice mutation problem to Tim almost eating his camera. Anyhow it was (wait no I'm still in a call with him atm)..it is really nice.

DAY 8

Yesterday I had a sleepover with my friends in Ljubljana. The apartment has this amazing disco ball on the ceiling and a reflector that changes colours. The atmosphere created by the tiny rays of light circling around really felt magical. :) -note to self: get yourself a disco ball and install it in your room-

DAY 7

Basically, our school has many class projects and competitions like singing festival, the nativity scene (of which I wrote here) and also a drama festival. We have been feeling like Leonardo DiCaprio for the past 2 years. Always nominated, but never won anything even though we were 110% confident in our projects.
We had been working on this play for a really long time, we had had our own original script, talented actors, 2 directors and me, taking care of the visual aspect.
When we were waiting for our flight to Venice, I got a text from my classmate, saying that we won. I was ...euphoric. We won a reward for best play, best male actor in a leading role, best male actor in a supporting role, best group character (3 classmates playing the committee in court) and last but not least for the best costumes and make-up, basically what I was working on. I was really happy for the class, because things like this just make you feel proud and happy at the same time. I know its not all about winning, but having people recognise your effort and reward it, really feels amazing.

DAY 6

Well this was my first time having frozen yoghurt ;) I tried it with fresh strawberries and it was really  refreshing, sweet just amazing... NOM. I will definitely eat some more in Slovenia!

DAY 5

I don't really have a proper picture for today..but I think this one will do. We were playing volleyball (like every evening). And there was a lot of wind so whenever I tried to spike (is that the right verb? ^^'') the ball, I had to take huge steps back to get it. Well anyhow, there was this French guy that I thought was kind of cute and when I was trying to start a conversation by saying Il y a beaucoup de vent..re...- I wasn't sure about the word and I basically said there is a lot of stomach x/////x...but then he just smiled at me and corrected me by saying vent.