tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-84222125297355047852024-03-21T06:54:39.764-07:00Pin FeathersKaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.comBlogger95125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-90768272678841655442014-02-17T08:40:00.000-08:002014-02-17T08:42:15.479-08:00Be Mine, ValentineI have an obsessive love for Valentine's Day.<br />
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Creating homemade cards, sending mail with actual postage, baking, and all of the candy and decorations that accompany Valentine's Day make it one of my top holidays. This can be traced back to my mom. When we were kids, each year we got to take a day off of school to spend creating Valentine's and artwork for everyone who was important to us. This was followed by "Secret Valentine's" where we drew each other's names and secretly did things for each other like making beds, leaving candy on pillows etc.<br />
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Now, my passion for Valentine's Day has evolved to a more grown-up yearly brunch for my lovely friends. This year was no exception, except that I remembered to take pictures!<br />
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Even the simplest of things can make a special occasion, with the right presentation.<br />
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Sweet potatoe, goat cheese quiche... <a href="http://www.coffeeandquinoa.com/2013/03/goat-cheese-and-sweet-potato-quiche/">recipe here</a><br />
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Glazed doughnut waffle bites... a bit hit! <a href="http://sweet-treats-baking.blogspot.co.uk/2013/06/waffle-weekend-vanilla-bean-waffle.html">Recipe</a><br />
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And the weeks leading up to the 14th look a lot like this...<br />
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<br />Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-57167043341518605622012-10-21T10:21:00.001-07:002012-10-21T10:21:31.205-07:00Handmade Christmas gifts<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<span style="font-size: x-small;">Last year I hand embroidered this chevron necklace for my sister, Anne-Marie, using leather tanned by grandpa. A little sentimental, but also funky. I need to start dreaming up some craftings for this Christmas. </span>Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-74065394569110487662012-07-26T15:04:00.000-07:002012-07-26T15:04:02.601-07:00Saying goodbye to Lithuania<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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It's early Friday morning (12:57am) and today is the last day of English classes and the last day of Summer Language Institute at LCC. It has been an amazing month in Lithuania! Because of my new roles this summer (English teaching, discussion group leader, blog) I have gotten to know the students much better and had an entirely different experience. I want to write more, but I need to be rested for the last day of class.<br />
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Until the next post, watch this slideshow of pictures of SLI that I created for our ending talent show:<br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/uN_GKCcE6vM" width="420"></iframe>Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-51672399301465101482012-07-18T14:01:00.002-07:002012-07-18T14:01:18.626-07:00At, In, On...? English Language is Fun!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Doing something a second time made me think I might know what to expect! But this year working as a Summer Hall Director for LCC University's Summer Language Institute has been completely different than 2 years ago! This year besides working as a Hall Director, I am also a teaching assistant in John Ohlson's morning English class, as well as co-leading and evening discussion group on "Relationships" and updating the SLI blog and making videos. Whew... <div>
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The atmosphere is literally buzzing with frenetic energy. I'm always running around in a bit of a haze. Teaching English, and participating in a discussion group has allowed me to get know students a little better than I did a few years ago. It's fun to find out their stories of why they're learning English. Most of them are only 16 years old, so they're learning it because it's a school requirement. But the older adults are a little bit different. I've definitely learned I do not have a solid grasp on English grammar rules!</div>
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Outside of class, the Student Life Team has hosted 2 karaoke nights, movie nights, a barbeque, walks to the beach, and coffee shop, and an upcoming "Pancake Dance Party" on Friday night. Next week Wednesday is our big "Talent Show" which our staff promoted by creating a music video to "Nobody But You" which you can see below. I'm loving it here! And will be sad to leave in a week and a half. </div>
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For lots and lots more photos check out my FB page or the SLI blog: <a href="https://lccslilithuania.wordpress.com/">https://lccslilithuania.wordpress.com/ </a></div>
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<br /></div>Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-48348496192288015712012-07-10T05:29:00.000-07:002012-07-10T05:29:20.677-07:00Summer Language Institute, Lithuania!For the month of July I am working in Lithuania at LCC University for the Summer Language Institute. I'm working as a Hall Director creating extra-curricular programming, but I'm also a classroom assistant for an English class, leading a discussion group and updating the blog.<br />
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Here's a video of my summer RAs:<span style="background-color: white;"> </span><a href="http://youtu.be/ShUbFqJldbg" style="background-color: white;">http://youtu.be/ShUbFqJldbg</a><br />
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And our blog for the summer if you're curious: <a href="https://lccslilithuania.wordpress.com/">https://lccslilithuania.wordpress.com/</a><br />
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<br />Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-41193500456162320762012-07-04T07:00:00.000-07:002012-07-04T07:00:50.658-07:00Prague and GermanyI'm behind on posts - but I do want to write about Prague and Germany because they were such AMAZING experiences!<br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">A view of Prague.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">At a church near the Prague Castle.</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Paula, the friend I met in Prague.</td></tr>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgqwIlnWqe9OzpKpgxA2jmF9iuBPZTlEoZbxzAiOSNtLTevoi8l9aPx3u_GqIeaeKpf1rk2w3ZKgL-n30IH2Wx-ntw5lU9A6Ipg4kB_9QUPRPcNe5YWE3Gsg-FeJO-p-FtM6klsMdp9wU50/s1600/IMG_0615.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><b>Prague:</b> After I left Switzerland I took a flight to Dresden, Germany and the train to Prague, in the Czech Republic. I got lost for 3 hours trying to find my hostel while carrying 50 pounds of luggage... argh!!! At that point, I was crying and so anxious. I finally arrived at my hostel just to bit hit with the reality that I was now a-l-o-n-e and in a large city, which seems to be the worst place to be by yourself. Literally minutes later a German girl walked (Paula) in to my hostel room and said "hi, I'm traveling alone!" We got together for a beer, then ended up spending the entire weekend exploring the city together. She was like a long-lost best friend. Definitely a gift from God in that moment!</div>
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<b style="background-color: white;">Hernnhut: </b><span style="background-color: white;">After Prague, I went to Hernnhut, Germany from Monday-Thursday. Some friends recommended this location as a good place to go where I could be near a YWAM base and at a church-run hostel. Well, the town was much sleepier than I had hoped. In all reality it was like a ghost town. I spent my mornings at the YWAM base which was 10 minutes away and was able to hear 2 mornings of their teachings. The teaching was amazing and worth the very lonely and quiet afternoons I spent in the city of Herrnhut with no one to hang out with. </span><br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The YWAM base in Hernnhut</td></tr>
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I will do a post soon on some of the things God has been teaching me about His love, and what I learned while at YWAM. I'm reading "<i>The Pursuit of God</i>" by A.W. Tozer which is really good if you need a book to read. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Jesus-Haus hostel in Herrnhut</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The Berlin Wall<br />
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<span style="font-size: small;"><b style="background-color: white;">B-E-R-L-I-N!!!! </b><span style="background-color: white;">I spent a quick 20 hours in Berlin on Friday, June 27th. Paula, the girl I met in Prague, put me in contact with one of her girl friends (Thurid) in Berlin to stay at her apartment. This turned out to be one of my greatest travel experiences. I arrived in Berlin while Thurid was at work, but her flatmate let me in (after I confused the 2nd and 3rd floors - silly Europeans calling the ground floor "zero"). Here I am arriving in a city to stay with people I don't know - and they completely trust me! They gave me all of their apartment keys, and Thurid's bike to ride around the city for the day. </span></span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Artwork on the Berlin Wall</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">The cafes in Berlin had cute outdoor seating.</td></tr>
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<span style="background-color: white;">I pedaled around all over Berlin- and then in the evening met up with Thurid to go to the </span><b style="background-color: white;">KW Institute for Contemporary Art which was hosting the "7th Berlin Biennale</b><span style="background-color: white;">." (</span><a href="http://www.berlinbiennale.de/blog/en/" style="background-color: white;">check it out at this website</a><span style="background-color: white;">) It was an exhibit of art installations using artwork as a means for social change. Using what they described as "sub-art" or I might describe as pop art, or accessible art. Exhibits covered issues such as a creating a country for Palestine, alongside the Jewish Renaissance Movement in Poland, to lowering violence in Mexico city, to the power of the church. The exhibit was also hosting the "Occupy Berlin" group in the exhibit. So the occupy movement itself became an exhibit. Hmm...</span></div>
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After the exhibit, Thurid took me all over the city on her moped! It was a dream come true! (Now I want a motorcycle all the more). We zipped dangerously in and out of crazy traffic. Ended out evening with some authentic Indian food. </div>
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Thurid and her roommates were all artists of a sort. She was an architect who had just opened her own firm, and another flatmate did theater sets, while another did cross-stitch art by day and was an extra in a crime series at night. They live in the Kreuzberg neighborhood which was right on the border of East and West Berlin before the wall came down in 1989. The neighborhood traditionally has been the home to many immigrants and the Turkish neighborhoods are very evident. However recently the neighborhood has become more chic and many boutiques and art galleries have moved into the area. I found the area completely charming! It is near the canal that runs through Berlin- and I found and open air market, as well as cafes with complete living rooms set up outside. The artwork, clothes and boutiques are beyond the quality and creativity of anything I've seen in the states or in most locations I've been to. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Thurid's apartment in Berlin.</td></tr>
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I HIGHLY recommend Berlin and hope to return there and it explore it more fully. Thank you Paula and Thurid! </div>Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-25399630037153710962012-06-28T07:30:00.000-07:002012-06-28T07:30:00.796-07:00<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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A girl that I met in Prague asked me this question and it really caused me to think. Am I traveling cause I'm looking for something? I think so... but I have found that life is life no matter where you are. I'm interested in why you travel or what travel has taught you!<br />Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-47073981864324068702012-06-26T02:08:00.000-07:002012-06-26T02:08:47.764-07:00Switzerland: Ich liebe Dich!Here's a recap of my amazing time in Switzerland!<br />
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<b>Day 1 (Friday):</b> arrived in Switzerland where I stayed with Jessica! See last entry. <br />
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Jessica's apartment where I stayed!</td></tr>
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<b style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">Day 2 (Saturday): </b><span style="background-color: white; text-align: center;">Got up early and went paragliding off of Pilatus mountain near Lucern. Mountains were unreal. Spent the evening swimming at Hunenberg-Body, the local lake. All the lakes are so crystal clear and clean. </span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 2: Paragliding<br />
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<span style="font-family: Tahoma, Arial;"><span style="font-size: 15px;"><b>Day</b></span></span><b> 3 (Sunday):</b> Jessica and I went to Stoos to hike. Stoos is a mountain that people ski off of during the winter, but in the summer is great hiking. The neat thing about Switzerland is that although the countryside is owned by farmers they are required by law to leave their property open so people can hike across it. So there are always hiking paths through farmer's field to reach mountain peaks. I got SO sunburnt.</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 3: Hiking in Stoos</td></tr>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 4: The city of Cham</td></tr>
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<b style="background-color: white;">Day 4 (Monday):</b><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">I rested since I'd been going since I arrived. Jess and Mike went to work. I explored Cham, the larger city near Hunenberg. Walked by the lake and read. </span></div>
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<b>Day 5 (Tuesday): </b>Took a morning train to Interlaken which is about 3 hours west. I had to do all the navigating of the train stations/platforms/buses myself. I think it's always good to spend a part of your traveling time, even if it's an afternoon, on your own. It teaches you to figure out directions/locations yourself without relying your your hosts. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 5: Hiking in Interlaken</td></tr>
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Interlaken... a really beautiful place with 2 lakes (hence Inter-laken) in a mountain valley. There are numerous hiking trails, and you can take lifts to the top of the peaks. You can also take a train and lift to the top of Jungfrau the tallest peak in Europe. I went hiked between 4 towns. Took the tram to the first, hiked up for 2 and then down into the valley. There were glacial waterfalls everywhere. </div>
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<a href="http://www.balmers.com/">Balmers Hostel-</a><span style="background-color: white;"> </span><span style="background-color: white;">there is a ring of "famous hostels" in Europe and this is one of them. It has a great lounge, coffee shop, game room, kitchen, movie room, bar, restaurant... everything you could want! I met 4 Aussie guys who let me eat their food and hang out with them so I didn't feel quite so lonely!</span></div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 6: Trip back from Interlaken-view from train.</td></tr>
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<b>Day 6 (Wednesday):</b> hung out in Balmers in the morning cause it was raining, and then caught the train back to Hunnenberg. Showered and got ready to go to Zurich for an M.Ward concert. First had dinner at a vegetarian buffet restaurant called "<a href="http://www.hiltl.ch/">Hiltl.</a>" Amazing food!!!</div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 6: M. Ward concert</td></tr>
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M.Ward - the concert was at an amazing bar/concert venue called <a href="http://www.papiersaal.ch/">"Papiersaal."</a> Since he isn't as big of an artist in Europe the crowd was pretty small- about 150. Concerts always start on time in Switzerland which is so great. We only got there about 30 minutes early but were able to stand directly in front of the stage and be in the front row for the concert. My experience with Ward's music has been that it is pretty mellow and laid back. Live it is SO different. It was crazy upbeat, and rocking - reminded me a little of Elvis' style with a little Johnny Cash mixed in. Folk/rock. I wish I could go to more concerts in Europe- the small intimate venue is so much better. I'm sure the musicians prefer it too. </div>
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<b>Day 7 (Thursday): </b>I went running along the river that is behind Jessica's house and then went over to join Jess and Mike at their international school for a lunch celebrating the end of the year. It was neat to meet a lot of teachers and learn more about the international school setting. The school is quite a bit different than US schools- at the lunch they served margaritas in a bag along with unlimited Prosecco. A lot of teachers got pretty tipsy right alongside the principal... fun times!! After that we moved the party down to the lake for more beer and swimming. You can drink out in the open in public places- there aren't the rules about open containers. Finished the night off with Indian food. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 8: Exploring Lucern</td></tr>
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<b>Day 8 (Friday): </b>I went to Lucern for the day for what I thought was a "hike" above the city. It turned out to just be a quick walk along some historical towers. I was dressed for a hike- with running shorts and jacket. Swiss cities are classy. Everyone is always dressed fashionably and nicely. You don't see people in sweatpants or torn jeans. So I was really out of place and feeling it! So I decided to get a Starbucks so I would stick out even more, and hang my camera around my neck. Then I made a sign that said "I'm a tourist" and put that on my back. Well... maybe not. </div>
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<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Day 8: City of Lucern</td></tr>
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This was not my favorite day in Switzerland. I wanted to spend time in the mountains again, but had to settle for the city cause of time. I did do a 2 hour hike through a forrest outside the city and did get a view over the city which was nothing like what I'd seen before, but still nice. </div>
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I have realized I am not a city girl. When i think of cities all I think of is consumerism and constant spending. What is there to do but go to shops, spend money, and eat? Give me the forrest, and mountains any day. My negative city feelings were just confirmed when I got pooped on by a pigeon in the train station. All over my arm, and some on my face. I just wanted to cry and die at the same time. So I played it cool, and went quickly to lounge. </div>
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<b>Day 9 (Saturday): </b>Took the 3 am train to Zurich to catch my 6:45am flight. Spent the rest of the day in trains getting to Prague. Arrived in Prague at 3:15pm - but the hostel directions were wrong so I spent 3 hours walking around the city lost, carrying 50 pounds of luggage. I cried. </div>
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<b><u>Overall thoughts on Switzerland: </u></b></div>
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<li>Switzerland is one of the cleanest and most storybook-like places I have ever been to. There is no trash on the streets, everything is clean and beautiful. I also didn't seen signs of poverty because you simply cannot afford to be in Switzerland if you don't make a certain income. </li>
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<li>It is expensive! Everyone is driving a BMW, Mercedes-Benz or something like that. I didn't see a single beat-up or rusty car the entire time I was there. It is insanely expensive to go out to eat. Lunch entrees are $15-$35 at a normal restaurant where at dinner they are $25-$50. Add a couple drinks and you are easily spending $50-$75 each time you go out to eat. I had to buy sunscreen while I was there and a small normal bottle cost me $16.</li>
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<li>The language: They speak "Swiss-German" which is a mixture of Italian, French and German. It is not a written language, only spoken. The students learn "High German" in school, and write in high German. This makes it very hard for people moving to the country or visiting. It's hard to learn Swiss-German because it's not written, but the Swiss people don't often want to speak to you in German or English even though they can.</li>
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<li>The people: The Swiss are very proper and refined. Mostly they seemed quite and self-contained. They aren't very friendly, especially to tourists. They will help you and be polite to you... until you break the rules. Then they become very harsh and scolding. Many of the Swiss rules are not written or explained anywhere, everyone just "knows" them unless you're foreigner. Some rules I "broke": Didn't tell the bus driver I had a reduced fare right away- I got a stern lecture. When we were swimming, Mike jumped off the side of swimming platform and got kicked out. Even though there are no posted rules, no lifeguards, and kids were jumping all over each other. The Swiss like to say "think of the children" as a reason to obey the rules- we should be giving a good example for them after all. </li>
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<li>Moving to Switzerland: From the people I talked to it seems it would be difficult to move to Switzerland and feel you belonged. None of the expats have made Swiss friends. They are friends with other expats and foreigners. The Swiss aren't really excited to get to know you. It seems like it can be very lonely living there. The are a lot of foreigners (about 25% of the population), but they are hard to find and the businessmen working insane hours until 10 or 11pm. </li>
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<li>Visit here! If you have the opportunity I recommend Switzerland as a breathtakingly beautiful place. But only come if you have extra cash to spare. Do not stay in hotels unless you want to spend crazy money. Find a hostel, a friend or use <a href="http://www.airbnb.com/">www.airbnb.com</a>. I feel very privileged in the U.S. but it is nothing compared to Switzerland. It is the epitome of luxury. Amazing experience overall!</li>
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</div>Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-17964116768696678182012-06-16T14:57:00.002-07:002012-06-16T14:57:43.226-07:00Switzerland...whoa.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5utIbydx3xQjKdPLgJr9bI6VvbfcBKa0q3aLhGrynPhNYiUL7dZUcnJxqiBkiRqR44gCzIA0POZQ7gEIwqE4p7mWJRmgchxwRQwSMQiKEhVUNYJiwyMJzEIGuoImkijjc3gvxSYP_RYYl/s1600/IMG_0256.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5utIbydx3xQjKdPLgJr9bI6VvbfcBKa0q3aLhGrynPhNYiUL7dZUcnJxqiBkiRqR44gCzIA0POZQ7gEIwqE4p7mWJRmgchxwRQwSMQiKEhVUNYJiwyMJzEIGuoImkijjc3gvxSYP_RYYl/s400/IMG_0256.JPG" width="400" /></a>I often get fairy tale images of places and countries in my head. I think I conjure up these images from books I've read, movies and inspirational posters. When I actually get to these places, those expectations are usually smashed. Smashed by trash, pollution and how close together all of the buildings are.<br />
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Not Switzerland. Switzerland has blown away all of my expectations. That is partially because I didn't have any as I have started training myself not to. But that is beside the point. The point is it is unbelievable here! I'm quite partial to mountains. Not just any mountains, but mountains that are surrounded by green valleys and thick forests. Basically Wisconsin if it had more topographical variation. The mountains here are insane. I can't even describe them. I have finally found in real life the mountain paradise I always imagine in my head.<br />
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Switzerland is like a little fairy tale country. Everything is perfectly clean. The lawns, and public spaces are perfectly manicured. Everyone seems to be doing lovely things all the time - families spending quality time together, couples having picnic lunches, people playing sports, neighborhood barbeques etc. In fact the perfectness of it is a bit eery. I asked my friends that I am visiting about it- and they confirmed that it is not The Truman Show- but this real life here! They said imagine the safest neighborhood in all of the U.S., make it even safer and more perfect, and that is Switzerland.<br />
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The food is amazing. Everything is locally produced (meat, produce etc), and handmade (all the breads). They don't import things to make them cheaper, because the import tax is out of this world. Most things are also organic. If you own a cow, you get 6,000 francs a year. Not because it's producing milk, just because you own a cow and it's a good thing to do.<br />
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The lakes are CLEAN. You can swim in them and see straight to the bottom. There are mountains views nearly everywhere you go. They value people in every type of job - so whether or not you're a bus driver or doctor you are well paid and respected. Whoa. Militarily they believe in defense rather than offense. It's very peaceful.<br />
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Slight downfall... It's insanely expensive to travel or live here. Expect to pay at least $30 to go out for lunch, and that's if you're eating light. Public transportation is great and on-time but costly.<br />
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More intercultural thoughts and pictures to come!<br />
<br />Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-64550452108273007702012-06-15T02:51:00.002-07:002012-06-15T02:51:30.371-07:00En Route: San Diego to Zurich<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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Switching countries, and continents, is like a train transferring diagonally across to another track. The hiccups and bumps of the transition highlight my own cultural norms. </div>
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My flight was screwed up because of an emergency medical landing in Phoenix. Only days ago I had been wondering what would happen if you had a medical emergency on a plane - and of course, as the "collective unconscious" would have it I got to find out first hand. We landed in time to have paramedics take out a man who had been unconscious for a solid half hour.<br />
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So, that has landed me on a detour here in Manchester waiting to go to Zurich. Entering the Manchester airport I immediately noticed the 1990s, neon, geometric carpet in the entryway bringing a flashback of the night I slept in the Liverpool airport 2 years ago. I vowed that night, as I clutched my bags and watched a raving madman off the streets pace the entryway, that I would never again try to save money by taking Ryanair flights and would always taking the direct route.<br />
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Today I gasped as we drove into oncoming traffic in my shuttle bus- only to remember, right, I am in England. The shuttle brought back memories of my ride from Kaunus to Klaipeda sandwiched by two drunk Lithuanian men, drinking vodka out of a huge bottle and trying to get me to join what they had made their own party bus.<br />
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Another little difference that always catches me off guard, no matter how many times and places I've been in Europe, is European men's fashion and style. I don't think I have any European friends reading this blog, so I will just say it... it is far more effeminate. More polished, with little traveling bags and fitted clothing. Pastel shirts, cups of tea, cuffs and collars. A much larger range of hair styles from euro-mullet, to fohawk. The topics men talk about, the way the cross their legs is vastly different than the midwestern-American-man image I have seared in my brain. Currently I am feeling out which I prefer. And surprisingly I'm leaning toward midwestern outdoorsman.<br />
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Since my mom decided to watch "Taken" last night before I left for Europe, I am sitting here in the Starbucks airport kiosk wary of any strange approaching men. I know at the very least, if I feel too unsafe I can go and huddle in the bathroom near the Kimberly-Clark toilet paper dispenser and feel more at home.Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-28456811124827615162012-06-11T20:31:00.005-07:002012-06-11T20:31:44.211-07:00The Grand Adventure... summer 2012<br /><div>
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This summer I am going on a whirlwind trip to 6 locations: San Diego, Switzerland, Germany, Lithuania, Norway and Holland from June 8th- August 12th. </div>
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During the month of July, I will once again be working at the Summer Language Institute at LCC International University in Lithuania. For the other 4+ weeks I will be traveling!</div>
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As I write this, I've already jumped in to the first step of the adventure: San Diego. I'm here to visit my one of my best friends from Iowa newly transplanted to Cali: Makiko Overbay. </div>
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California is definitely an interesting cultural experience. I'm making a list of cultural differences here from the midwest:</div>
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<li>The colors of the scenery are beautiful here... very muted. Light yellow sand, soft greens, light blues. It's like everything was dusted with a soft white mist. </li>
<li>Everyone is in pretty good shape. Not as much obesity. It seems like men having 6 packs are the norm, and every surfer is good looking...hah :)</li>
<li>There are A LOT of marines here. No comment on that. </li>
<li>Wearing a one piece swimming suit will get you more attention than a 2 piece. </li>
<li>Dogs are free to go everywhere with you. Even, apparently, unattended in the grocery store. </li>
<li>Very little grass, or open green space. </li>
<li>Lots of people in a very small space. </li>
<li>People aren't super friendly. I don't know HOW you would meet people if you were new in this town. </li>
<li>People in the "North Country" above San Diego rarely go down in to the actual city of San Diego.</li>
</ol>
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More thoughts to come...</div>
</div>Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-83532957599352155842012-04-29T10:40:00.000-07:002012-04-29T10:40:06.867-07:003 years in the making... Butterick B4790<div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGb6z2mnxpGogFkpKC1iD4YR3RzzjatFVHq-OvzxFpTLAtP3CwTYxADr5KAO7uYn9zMuA-VDZsaiwNGKjsUZX5uMRkGju1ZAg5KPdSJYooD3ojGFUbMtuPm-a6CzpLbI1HFFHqIPxQ-jBJ/s1600/sewing+projects.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="520" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGb6z2mnxpGogFkpKC1iD4YR3RzzjatFVHq-OvzxFpTLAtP3CwTYxADr5KAO7uYn9zMuA-VDZsaiwNGKjsUZX5uMRkGju1ZAg5KPdSJYooD3ojGFUbMtuPm-a6CzpLbI1HFFHqIPxQ-jBJ/s640/sewing+projects.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">While I alter a lot of clothing, I don't often sew from patterns. So although this was a "Fast & Easy" pattern, I started it three years ago and just finished it. I am working on altering the dress in the background too. Thanks Randy for the dress form! </span></div>Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-4416537350441686302012-04-14T11:25:00.000-07:002012-04-14T11:25:24.531-07:00Tired Iron - band poster<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ17XoY0T2YHoKPoA2QdZ4LF_Z6MRW7cQa9DyoHBYfcSfAdrQDIna4MWTstFbL0GkzuN8Y8JBzdzBxBUbK-LyWiIR9XfUcECck-fhdR39nhdVDifEaOU9YNKiu937keoGIejkELNrG7ytS/s1600/Band+Poster1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="412" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJ17XoY0T2YHoKPoA2QdZ4LF_Z6MRW7cQa9DyoHBYfcSfAdrQDIna4MWTstFbL0GkzuN8Y8JBzdzBxBUbK-LyWiIR9XfUcECck-fhdR39nhdVDifEaOU9YNKiu937keoGIejkELNrG7ytS/s640/Band+Poster1.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<span style="font-size: x-small;">Local Appleton post-rock band "Tired Iron." Band poster design. </span>Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-90244879704341359882012-03-07T15:05:00.000-08:002012-03-07T15:05:50.961-08:00Summer on the Baltic SeaCan't wait to be back on the Baltic Sea this summer enjoying 18-19 hours of day light. Toast's Early Spring collection is helping me get in the mood. It seems that 90s fashion will be in full swing this spring. From their Early Spring catalog:<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_zJpyr9K-W9h46loIDCzRnjVo1bs48mdhWA2PM6dAAGdpGUfldLoQ8o7_Z8A3JdKJvEBWnyLw-MLH3Io3tplGjtkSj14gLL7h0VIwyicJv0hfWQv_RYeMEtSCvUKrxPWrZP4Sy1Tqv04/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-03-07+at+5.00.11+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic_zJpyr9K-W9h46loIDCzRnjVo1bs48mdhWA2PM6dAAGdpGUfldLoQ8o7_Z8A3JdKJvEBWnyLw-MLH3Io3tplGjtkSj14gLL7h0VIwyicJv0hfWQv_RYeMEtSCvUKrxPWrZP4Sy1Tqv04/s640/Screen+shot+2012-03-07+at+5.00.11+PM.png" width="436" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7vP-6LbLd4zZZbyuNkgERSBLI6mIGUDwouQCLsHtt22_-5M7slEtyKB9qfus5sEUOL8VdqbMzACB_LnoYWetzM1oTMuVCOyTvFM2LOQO-RpGapc-K2SKVcEisOBz1xzB-nMG3gTbCnp1/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-03-07+at+5.00.46+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="398" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhy7vP-6LbLd4zZZbyuNkgERSBLI6mIGUDwouQCLsHtt22_-5M7slEtyKB9qfus5sEUOL8VdqbMzACB_LnoYWetzM1oTMuVCOyTvFM2LOQO-RpGapc-K2SKVcEisOBz1xzB-nMG3gTbCnp1/s640/Screen+shot+2012-03-07+at+5.00.46+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipq3YM7YZGO1up6BUkOZjL_dgNIXrMAbIK30P3jAf0Huz3xPnaRtbgzDvw0tiKIDcV9u7vxzHawgv6brhek4kIAsvDa85th3XwsrFh74tNcuhwVJqSeGrmpGK3Sbe_WxzZDBcwKwAkbZXo/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-03-07+at+5.01.24+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="414" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEipq3YM7YZGO1up6BUkOZjL_dgNIXrMAbIK30P3jAf0Huz3xPnaRtbgzDvw0tiKIDcV9u7vxzHawgv6brhek4kIAsvDa85th3XwsrFh74tNcuhwVJqSeGrmpGK3Sbe_WxzZDBcwKwAkbZXo/s640/Screen+shot+2012-03-07+at+5.01.24+PM.png" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUTLvHyYyWjvZj5t7FlpgCm6Vo5nseIm26R0uhQbZtNDTbdVO2UQinQeC8xBZ2fAW_IszdqU9Gr_MbWAUbAGfGBoztS-Tr6NkF1cggEqagH3Y-aJRk69l666k2oLPT9tFcTgiwiHRTvXF/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-03-07+at+5.01.53+PM.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjiUTLvHyYyWjvZj5t7FlpgCm6Vo5nseIm26R0uhQbZtNDTbdVO2UQinQeC8xBZ2fAW_IszdqU9Gr_MbWAUbAGfGBoztS-Tr6NkF1cggEqagH3Y-aJRk69l666k2oLPT9tFcTgiwiHRTvXF/s1600/Screen+shot+2012-03-07+at+5.01.53+PM.png" /></a></div>Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-41956491771767473812012-01-08T20:44:00.000-08:002012-01-08T20:45:10.044-08:00moonlight winter walk.<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiX-5WZi7oHLHWwq5FbaHc7PgZ2ib9y9gV9RLqp2BJtZOmPW2AH3T5DSZXkvtGcJDKxgKepnZBrOK-IT7WT88eDIEntbx40WECIvBkjg93cFdyYdCqOqcbz-vhbgG_FHHG5Vqd21DDiJCw/s1600/moonlight+eve+of+2010+024.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="428" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhiX-5WZi7oHLHWwq5FbaHc7PgZ2ib9y9gV9RLqp2BJtZOmPW2AH3T5DSZXkvtGcJDKxgKepnZBrOK-IT7WT88eDIEntbx40WECIvBkjg93cFdyYdCqOqcbz-vhbgG_FHHG5Vqd21DDiJCw/s640/moonlight+eve+of+2010+024.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"></span><br />
<div style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></span></span></div><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: x-small;">"<i>Cercar che giova? </i></span></span><span style="font-size: x-small;"><i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">Al buio non si trova. </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">Ma per fortuna </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">é una notte di luna, </span><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;">e qui la luna </span></i><span style="background-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.917969); color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif;"><i>l’abbiamo vicina.</i>" - La Boheme</span></span><br />
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</span></div><div><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Tahoma, sans-serif; font-size: xx-small;">Photo from: <a href="http://www.pagephotography1964.com/view/sidebar">http://www.pagephotography1964.com/view/sidebar</a></span></div>Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-26922317793051194942011-12-27T08:44:00.000-08:002011-12-27T08:44:54.190-08:00Why I love thriftingHere are two of my favorite thrift store shoe finds from this year. I love leather. It's especially fun when it's one of a kind. The only downfall is that it's sad to watch the shoes wear out and know I can't get more of them!<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1e9jrbzDucw/Tvn1rvtbEMI/AAAAAAAAAXE/PrNtU4npKY4/s1600/Leather_shoes-_May_2011.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-1e9jrbzDucw/Tvn1rvtbEMI/AAAAAAAAAXE/PrNtU4npKY4/s640/Leather_shoes-_May_2011.jpg" width="425" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YS3rngpf40k/Tvn1ww69l_I/AAAAAAAAAXM/LdHDjriFVds/s1600/FRIDAY%2521_leather_shoes.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; cssfloat: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="426" rea="true" src="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-YS3rngpf40k/Tvn1ww69l_I/AAAAAAAAAXM/LdHDjriFVds/s640/FRIDAY%2521_leather_shoes.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-77315884363487103092011-12-16T19:16:00.000-08:002011-12-16T19:16:31.600-08:00Fashion InspirationI love everything about these outfits- dark hair, high waisted pants, leather bag. Inspiration from Amelia Earhardt via <a href="http://fromme-toyou.tumblr.com/">Fromme-toyou.tumblr.com</a><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmnLhIG-ABsWWk1YR-UD4ul9Ec0QJy_4ZFz0NHSoQmLdwmrnM6vmbh6ZolLoEWO5K-ewvc3Z59HuYh4LdWfJJl4xfLkbbJvjR_Zk6W_FmJ9sto-c3hmjfc_IAUA9ZiNpc9fjHkmgbp38j/s1600/6154048120_13efdc5e48_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgSmnLhIG-ABsWWk1YR-UD4ul9Ec0QJy_4ZFz0NHSoQmLdwmrnM6vmbh6ZolLoEWO5K-ewvc3Z59HuYh4LdWfJJl4xfLkbbJvjR_Zk6W_FmJ9sto-c3hmjfc_IAUA9ZiNpc9fjHkmgbp38j/s640/6154048120_13efdc5e48_o.jpg" width="426" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fW8rduRiwZeL1ZLmzBHl9EXjmA5lvP2OQ9m5jUqK_uf5pdowsmQZ3W1PCusG0v5v1CXuaYwdlioYvYzw_aWiOrqSlGRR0Dr5vIQhA1n2ikBLoyTj5YWYLvLBq9FMEjl0KFuRYRDHWmam/s1600/6153503859_4cbfc89e23_o.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="480" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5fW8rduRiwZeL1ZLmzBHl9EXjmA5lvP2OQ9m5jUqK_uf5pdowsmQZ3W1PCusG0v5v1CXuaYwdlioYvYzw_aWiOrqSlGRR0Dr5vIQhA1n2ikBLoyTj5YWYLvLBq9FMEjl0KFuRYRDHWmam/s640/6153503859_4cbfc89e23_o.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-83011662306835007542011-11-14T20:45:00.000-08:002011-11-14T20:45:22.489-08:00The finished illustration<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmfDpz15JkYLU371s5fCyc7ciXTyEcu-YWwr-6GTY2j_ScuwQCBEL5k7MtsdyPTgHkuuSQp-OGPdkVGUc7oALI45PnDAx7TiEqtkXTM0aW8-Z8KrXMOZw0PgVAk7NkGcGVcAp5XVZO-kD/s1600/The+Phoenix.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifmfDpz15JkYLU371s5fCyc7ciXTyEcu-YWwr-6GTY2j_ScuwQCBEL5k7MtsdyPTgHkuuSQp-OGPdkVGUc7oALI45PnDAx7TiEqtkXTM0aW8-Z8KrXMOZw0PgVAk7NkGcGVcAp5XVZO-kD/s640/The+Phoenix.jpg" width="440" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">My finished illustration for the cover of the children's book "The Phoenix" to be printed this fall. </div>Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-75827349065624015432011-11-03T20:26:00.000-07:002011-11-12T16:50:31.819-08:00My most current design project...<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0L8HiUaCKaQpBC5ekNfdSIg1ea4KVzJQlp02Z1WufIoIjUd5zNCVJ8DREQvGrv3xaH9xVg3nQj8GkBhmxbDQ5D8WxhmD6LaWyTBv0He4Phtisy4gEScVCt9Qe8d4SvKAVEDvKAcdRdNj/s1600/Cover+illustration_blue+and+white.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjL0L8HiUaCKaQpBC5ekNfdSIg1ea4KVzJQlp02Z1WufIoIjUd5zNCVJ8DREQvGrv3xaH9xVg3nQj8GkBhmxbDQ5D8WxhmD6LaWyTBv0He4Phtisy4gEScVCt9Qe8d4SvKAVEDvKAcdRdNj/s640/Cover+illustration_blue+and+white.jpg" width="440" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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I've never been hired to do an illustration before. And I wasn't really in this case either. But I was hired to design 4 children's book covers- of books written by children. Here is one work in progress. I'm trying to figure out how to best add color to it in photoshop. I like the hand-drawn look but want it to be professional as well. Thoughts?Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-13717514443595243372011-10-27T21:00:00.000-07:002011-10-27T21:03:35.525-07:00Marc Johns illustrationsI recently discovered Marc Johns and his illustrations when I was looking up mustache art.<br />
I love his series of drawings "What birds do when we aren't looking." Check out his amazing blog of his work.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.marcjohns.com/blog/2011/10/what-birds-do-when-we-arent-looking.html#"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyKR5tXBHw7z9Gxqh_nXpjopAQia-8iltD-pJlqU7Q56LDmgP2sVI1xihToRSQ_j6EfZ8XuNofQO2Q90HDHsVYfsAOScpx6x3qqD9AJ8MFP6RhIercHE9avyzqsoOMDGT3Cwg9XCGk1YM4/s640/bird-bookcover-470b.jpg" width="449" /></a></div><br />
<div style="text-align: left;"><a href="http://www.marcjohns.com/blog/2011/10/what-birds-do-when-we-arent-looking.html#">http://www.marcjohns.com/blog/2011/10/what-birds-do-when-we-arent-looking.html#</a><a href="http://www.marcjohns.com/blog/2011/10/what-birds-do-when-we-arent-looking.html#"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjwRjWf0AT0CQcpV67GK9lq7yTfYyxl7iCkyUbi7URL7LDdhW-NIDEPIbONajGpGA8pcPl6RKgJVuX9eW3qvshuDusg17F0n5dFB-1ho4DxT7bCyYCZiCjE0IAq10mz9HFHFVT6socJ5BM6/s640/bird-reading-proust-470b.jpg" width="448" /></a></div>Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-59621499892447828732011-10-16T19:00:00.000-07:002011-10-18T18:30:58.694-07:00Recent design projects<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEicIj74oOhD-ztjdC6_f0b-d4GYD7M1azbw9gNWf7YaqBYeUFydMqzX5dyAwtD-W_YjYnDNJF0YZUTWDWPpUvy_VzM_IiSvwTlC6lkUa1oxaqmhpHMxFbCNWCWllyreiFY8lYfaYCHphU0e/s640/Page+1.jpg" width="494" /></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Here is a recent <a href="http://www.pfl.org/">website</a> that I was hired to update. <br />
I designed the logo and worked with web developers at Ekklesia.com for the layout. </span></div>Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-15539260611509958632011-10-06T21:19:00.000-07:002011-10-06T21:20:36.919-07:00Falling<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">The dusky colors of fall and spring always capture me. Slightly desaturated but still intense.</span><div> <div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nPS3tTWDPfRpBZL31vyTVG29gI2WziHzqznKPz6HCxqZPIdnWgpruNYEfnBkq2at4kZBfyGdrXdnR4KZACZswJaoiJDE-swvgHzordWP_NMcgcdFJL8XyckZYZiZWHAhV6LSFDwTMcSI/s1600/IMG_8146.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-nPS3tTWDPfRpBZL31vyTVG29gI2WziHzqznKPz6HCxqZPIdnWgpruNYEfnBkq2at4kZBfyGdrXdnR4KZACZswJaoiJDE-swvgHzordWP_NMcgcdFJL8XyckZYZiZWHAhV6LSFDwTMcSI/s400/IMG_8146.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4rjVR7BIWN7chl5_JqfNoAPqDzVxHJVKJd9veUVIwe1x8dch_wMexa876yGcdpU2H4_A1fsmFoP7P9s5RReDCWs80Kqtc2rzT2PmGU0D5uck8a4F8DhkI96HGNG_5LbHH1YJ04n9IowI/s1600/IMG_8169.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="266" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhp4rjVR7BIWN7chl5_JqfNoAPqDzVxHJVKJd9veUVIwe1x8dch_wMexa876yGcdpU2H4_A1fsmFoP7P9s5RReDCWs80Kqtc2rzT2PmGU0D5uck8a4F8DhkI96HGNG_5LbHH1YJ04n9IowI/s400/IMG_8169.jpg" width="400" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-aXqE5qdViKkK02jfqHbWID0sGDNzzOD33Rltt3sIgwCK8acuoYdsyMIFt99eQV9Qn3C8bw1GmT6otRfcO_O6UKRNYiEW4O8wnJ83dRYwdiiPNVshTkjozGETb914pFsIc0562aQNAYL/s1600/IMG_8182.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjA-aXqE5qdViKkK02jfqHbWID0sGDNzzOD33Rltt3sIgwCK8acuoYdsyMIFt99eQV9Qn3C8bw1GmT6otRfcO_O6UKRNYiEW4O8wnJ83dRYwdiiPNVshTkjozGETb914pFsIc0562aQNAYL/s400/IMG_8182.jpg" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_nRmhIsYm02Vv3mzuB1bazYR2wGTz6JsQHVdkyfN7z7wVq3xxls1l8CUTzMdIrShrwgTtuQBij6xdGC_us2utb-5w1uL632DjW-YjYXkXxzcWZrwDUjUh3FLTsGgHdSWGMo-IZ_oU912/s1600/Shoop+Farm.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="340" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEih_nRmhIsYm02Vv3mzuB1bazYR2wGTz6JsQHVdkyfN7z7wVq3xxls1l8CUTzMdIrShrwgTtuQBij6xdGC_us2utb-5w1uL632DjW-YjYXkXxzcWZrwDUjUh3FLTsGgHdSWGMo-IZ_oU912/s640/Shoop+Farm.jpg" width="640" /></a></div><div><br />
</div><div>This past weekend I read "The Secret Garden." It may have been the second time, but it was amazing nonetheless. I love children's novels. Ignore the fact that they say "Ages 9 and up" on the back, they're amazing. Anyway, the books focuses on how creating a garden transformed the children's lives. I can definitely relate, as just a few hours out on the farm today was healing, calming and hopeful. </div></div></div>Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-8913841383474107432011-10-02T17:03:00.000-07:002011-10-06T21:20:36.920-07:00Portland<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYx0S4IOShmvSMxjz3s43FUnvFGvE8mzEv1BZzVePlioA8r1gNb7D7ErIJpBQfggkETMkEHk7g4szGipPui9BX8sxH4ysMXjEjSHDqLfXd25BzToiE00FbcFmkPhWhRifXg7Tv9AuwTHW/s1600/Portland.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjgYx0S4IOShmvSMxjz3s43FUnvFGvE8mzEv1BZzVePlioA8r1gNb7D7ErIJpBQfggkETMkEHk7g4szGipPui9BX8sxH4ysMXjEjSHDqLfXd25BzToiE00FbcFmkPhWhRifXg7Tv9AuwTHW/s640/Portland.jpg" width="340" /></a></div><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;"><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I'm usually disappointed by talked-up places when I finally see them in real life. But Portland has been an exception. It's funny to think that I have been against traveling within the US and then this summer took me to Phoenix and Portland. The states have proven to me that domestic travel does have it's thrills. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Portland is a fun mix of creativity, random nooks and transplanted people. Nearly everyone I've crossed paths with is here from somewhere else. Many have just moved here. That has made it a pretty approachable city for me. People are really friendly and kind. The fashion sense is quirky and individualized, so it's not intimidating. It seems that most people are trying to establish themselves- so it's like the first week of college- everyone meeting each other and open to new friendships. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">Visited McMenamins Kennedy School last night for dinner and drinks. I loved the whimsical air of the school converted to restaurant, theater, pool and community center. I stopped in to several more of the McMenamins locations and all of them carry elements of a child's fairy tale. I love children's books and young adult novels (Newberry award winners) so I was in love with the McMenamins settings right away. I quickly found out the couple I went out shared similar tastes- and we talked about The Fall, Pan's Labyrinth, The Brothers Grimm and other stories. </span><br />
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<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-size: x-small;">I stopped in a bunch of little craft boutiques and picked up some letterpress cards at Powell's bookstore. The hostel I'm staying is a great old victorian home (bottom left picture in collage). So I will leave here tomorrow with plenty of inspiration- and hoping that I can come back, maybe to live! </span>Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-1576995190808290942011-09-21T09:48:00.000-07:002011-10-06T21:20:44.027-07:00Some recent craftings<span style="font-size: x-small;">Thank goodness for artsy friends (Ginger) or I would never be sewing at all. Didn't know these flag streamers were called "bunting" but they are! It's kind of an English thing. They do make good baby gifts. </span><br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6X7MDx8ZrzifDSDKi7I5ZkhrVlL5d3nf2l6F1f5Fe14r1_NQ9GX-FbNLFFF3q_O61y16EUULLlxE8z3miz78LAiZ7qTF3AlH6nBPhuS3Tf_a_LXJjKuu0zrslEnBjsI-jPmqpGEIe0ee/s1600/IMG_7101.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="425" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6X7MDx8ZrzifDSDKi7I5ZkhrVlL5d3nf2l6F1f5Fe14r1_NQ9GX-FbNLFFF3q_O61y16EUULLlxE8z3miz78LAiZ7qTF3AlH6nBPhuS3Tf_a_LXJjKuu0zrslEnBjsI-jPmqpGEIe0ee/s640/IMG_7101.JPG" width="640" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQYCRCCQIexEx_D3j94Jk3bpbHJ9HMaATAI7klwPUtxPe1GQnCsgH2qb_9xXEJ65QN7XU8lQwyRwxTIjjhysHGG-Pym_hWbciE4VL0yHMcz-nFtyPJR4MuKCT7FtM_XBawbjjdVG7QcDC/s1600/IMG_7105.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFQYCRCCQIexEx_D3j94Jk3bpbHJ9HMaATAI7klwPUtxPe1GQnCsgH2qb_9xXEJ65QN7XU8lQwyRwxTIjjhysHGG-Pym_hWbciE4VL0yHMcz-nFtyPJR4MuKCT7FtM_XBawbjjdVG7QcDC/s400/IMG_7105.JPG" width="266" /></a></div><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddzBR-oEetkgmDYBPTh0zouvDA5yc292yLl5qGfVJkKdDedzPUafvBxqmrl2ZGXsln32myATaex7DZ1BmgY7JHLVb9xlxdyXVLBJtgJaf2XsHqb5b238ZAZ5Vk7jCQGqLerc6j3B-cGz0/s1600/IMG_7107.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjddzBR-oEetkgmDYBPTh0zouvDA5yc292yLl5qGfVJkKdDedzPUafvBxqmrl2ZGXsln32myATaex7DZ1BmgY7JHLVb9xlxdyXVLBJtgJaf2XsHqb5b238ZAZ5Vk7jCQGqLerc6j3B-cGz0/s400/IMG_7107.JPG" width="266" /></a></div>Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-8422212529735504785.post-76017169840772243762011-09-18T15:03:00.000-07:002011-10-06T21:20:52.660-07:00RecentlyI love fall and all of it's flavors. When I found plumbs for only 20 cents a pound, I bought a bunch and then realized I had never cooked with them. So I experimented with a few recipes and came up with this combo: Blueberry + plumb tart. It was amazing (I was told!).<br />
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWiPOOKqGjdccPsUqwVdOGiCjDXeQLKkUqGlCbUzJsaXeRLd0QgkkBrXREa16Jx2eLyDSal7KKl6w_0uxQBmJxeZtQmJF0crtp7FFBKWeASjHsm1N80Z1Slpwte1A5Ngq40PfHccllWAML/s1600/IMG_7524.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="252" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjWiPOOKqGjdccPsUqwVdOGiCjDXeQLKkUqGlCbUzJsaXeRLd0QgkkBrXREa16Jx2eLyDSal7KKl6w_0uxQBmJxeZtQmJF0crtp7FFBKWeASjHsm1N80Z1Slpwte1A5Ngq40PfHccllWAML/s320/IMG_7524.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>Kaitlyn Cooperhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/10799041336495562672noreply@blogger.com0