Words of Wisdom

Mother Teresa knows whats up

Sun and Snow

Yesterday our letting agent (leasing agent?)

Told me that there are rumors of snow coming,

and then I curled up in a fetal position and cried while she did our flat check up.

A post on seasonal affect disorder coming soon.

(get excited)

So I am going to try and soak up this last bit of sun,

because i feel the temperature dropping a little,

and the wind picking up..

which means self hibernation is fast approaching again.

While I am out begging the warm sun to stay,

I am going to leave you with the younger version of myself..

Darly

(the girl who gave away that awesome holga camera on this blog)

and who happens to have grown up blocks away from where I did in So-Cal..

then met the love of her life in Europe..

married him..

and now resides in Germany.

She is awesome.

*******

My name is Daryl, and I blog over at Roots, Wings & Other Things.  I'm a loud, enthusiastic and slightly crazy Southern California girl who actually spent the majority of my life living just minutes away from the lovely Megan without ever knowing it or crossing paths. Now, we both live in Europe and have sexy men. Men with accents. And beards.  I met my man while working as an Au Pair in Germany - *cue Julie Andrews singing The Sound of Music - minus the Nazi's and the seven children and the fact that I didn't work for him - actually, yeah, my story isn't like The Sound of Music at all. Dangit* - and a whirlwind romance promptly ensued, taking place in two different continents over the span of year we spent together before we tied the knot. Oh, and did I mention I was only 17 years old when I met him?

I know. I will take this moment to refer back to the previous paragraph in which I mentioned I was slightly crazy. I totally am.  This reflects in most of my major life decisions - but you know what, I must say those decisions are working out splendidly thus far. And, I mean, look at how cute he is:

My Man in Montpellier, France 2011 

  My husband and I have developed a huge passion for traveling and have been lucky enough to visit places like France, Denmark, Greece, the Czech Republic, and Turkey. This year we have trips planned to Malta, Spain, Italy and Morocco! 

I named my blog Roots, Wings, and Other Things for a specific reason, and that reason is this: I refuse to accept the notion that if a person wants to settle down - to put down roots, so to speak - they must let go of their dreams and settle for something less satisfying. People told me that by getting married so young I was sacrificing the fun and the freedom that I apparently needed and deserved, and frankly I find this idea completely preposterous! The past two years of my life have contained more fun, adventure, and learning experiences than perhaps all of my previous years combined - and my blog is a place where I share all of those experiences with you. 

Each day is an adventure as I try to find my wings. 

Join me? 

BLOG

Differences

Kilts and TGI fridays. two worlds coming together.

Almost every day I am introduced, 

or re-introduced,

 to the differences between the UK and the USA.

I write about some of them in my "conversation" posts..

where Stephen and I awkwardly struggle to reconcile and understand these differences.

But often times I forget to write them down..

But today i was reminded of one..

One of the biggest is the question of "nationality"

A woman came to my door today to give me some papers to fill out for council information

(government stuff for voting etc.)

She asked me "what nationality are you?"

And I  had to pause for a moment and remember where I am..

Because, when asked what Nationality you are in the USA, usually, 

and by usually i mean 99% of the time,

 we would answer with our heritage..

"Oh, I'm Russian, German, Scottish, a little bit of Italian, and 1/16th Choctaw Indian"

But here, when asked your nationality,

you answer with where you were born..

If you were born in America, you are American,

if you were born in Northern Ireland, you are Northern Irish..

If you were born in Scotland, you are Scottish..

Which makes a lot more sense actually..

Stephen cannot understand for the life of him why Americans don't say "I'm American"

when asked their nationality..

because to him, being American is something to be proud of..

and if you and your parents were born in America..

that makes you American..

not, Scottish, Italian, native American, and German..

But can you imagine if someone came up to you (in the states) and was all,

"hey what nationality are you?"
And you answered 

"I'm American"

duh.

they would probably turn and walk away muttering "a-hole" under their breath.

But here, in the UK, 

if someone came up to me and was all "hey whats your nationality?"

and i said "I'm Russian, German, Scottish, a little bit of Italian, and 1/16th Choctaw Indian"

they would laugh in my face and be like 

"no, you are American"

However, no one is usually walking around in the USA going

"hey, what is your ancestral background dating back to your great great grandparents on both sides?

Which is the question we are actually answering.

There is a reason we ask this question,

and answer it the way we do..

I'm sure.

And it's not wrong (to us)

Just make sure you don't do that over here..

 unless you know for sure they want to know your heritage..

and not where you were born.

 What is your nationality?




*this post is a by- product of me having to wake up before 9 am. my apologies

Hunger Games...I am ready to share

tulips ready to open

chili olives

view from our living room window

view from our living room window

Yesterday was the day..

Hunger Games day.

I havnt talked about the Hunger Games much online..

because I didn't want people to feel bad about how I am more of a die hard fan..

But now i feel the time has come to share my Hunger Games heart with you all..

I read the books before I moved to England..

that would be over 2 years ago now.

I know.

Told you..

real fan over here..

I worked for a family in Laguna beach for over a year..

they had three teenage daughters..

the youngest being 12 when I started.

It was, to this day, the best job i've ever had..

I hung out on their private beach,

drove their golf cart and cars,

gossiped with the girls,

borrowed their clothes,

went to the movies,

ate fro-yo almost every day,

and read almost every book on the 12 year olds shelf.

We would go to barns and noble and just browse the teen section.

It's how I stumbled upon Twilight..

And then later..

The Hunger Games.

I am a sucker for tween fiction.

I cant stop myself.

Needless to say..

I LOVED the film.

Thank you hollywood for picking actors that can actually act..

::side eye Twilight casting director::

Stephen was hesitant to go after the fiasco that was his first Twilight movie experience..

(he still hasnt forgiven me for that)

But he loved the Hunger Games.

And thus concludes my public display of affection for the Hunger Games.

*on a totally unrelated note, there are some new pieces up in the shop..some limited edition. Take a gander.

Wild Animal Safari and Adventure Park

just out and about for a stroll

i did my 7th grade science report on Penguins..so naturally I know them

this would be me..not helping stephen peddle.

Necklace: by made me      Blazer: Zara   Top: F21 (like a decade ago)  Sunglasses: Topshop   Bracelet: c/o Jenna

So apparently the Scottish were not being dramatic by calling a zoo a wild animal safari and adventure park..

because it was like a safari..

where you drive in your car through wild animal reserves.

it was awesome.

But note the word adventure..

because we also got out of the car and fed some animals,

watched a sea lion show (i got so excited my eyes filled with tears..its okay..that's a normal reaction for me)

went on a peddle boat,

and another boat to gorilla island..

ate some ice cream,

saw some more wild animals,

and enjoyed the 70 degree weather..

SEVENTY DEGREE WEATHER.

The highlight of Stephens day?

When the giraffe came over and licked his hand.

sluts

Sneak Peek

Yesterday my arm skin saw the warmth of the sun for the first time in 6 months...
that is not me being dramatic.

I got to help my fellow American expat living in Scotland, Jillian,
with a styled Bridal shoot.

The weather could not have been anymore perfect.
It is amazing how the sun turns me into a functioning human being..
and lets be honest,
 A lot nicer of a human being too..
(Stephen nods his head)

With this quick turn of the weather,
I felt the sudden urge to buy some pastel items of clothing..
now I just need a tan to go with them..
because good lord..
I put on a pair of my new high waist yellow pastel shorts..
and was blinded by the glow of my pale white legs..
and personally shocked to even see them taken out of the comfort of long pants for a brief moment in the changing room..

it was one of those OH MY GOD I HAVE LEGS moments..

you know what I mean?

no?

At least they were shaved..

partially.

from the knee down.
baby steps.

While I take advantage of the weather today and pet some baby animals..
here are just a couple snaps that Stephen took from yesterday's shoot.
(he carried me across the lawn so the dress wouldn't get dirty..feel free to gasp and aawwee)

Weekend Plans

I am PUMPED for the weekend

(pumped as in excited..NOT as in sexual vulgarity ::side eye Scotland::..)

On Sunday I will be doing a little bridal inspiration shoot..

babies are involved..

Stephen is coming to watch..

this may or may not be an evil plot to get him to see me in a wedding dress holding babies..

I'm just going to say it.

GENIUS.

Then Monday we are going to a wild safari animal park..

which is Scotland's dramatic way of saying Zoo...

Let's be real,

I am going for the petting zoo.

I LIVE FOR A PETTING ZOO.

I'm 5 years old.

And now I am going to turn you over to my girl Nicole,

who, like me, got a fancy degree (hers in Law)

and opened up a jewelry shop online.

What are the odds..

(pretty good when you are a blogger..)

and her man has a beard..

like mine.

nuff said.

"Hola my friends! I’m Nicole over at ‘I don’t claim to know much’ and the name of my blog pretty much says it all. I’m twenty-something (key word being something), newly engaged law school grad living it up in Portland, Maine! Don’t let the law school thing fool you- I’m the least lawyerly person you will ever meet. I’m sure as hell not serious, boring or book smart. So, if you enjoy reading about my public humiliation, freakishly weird pets, random rants and my serious overuse of “yo” and “wtf”, then you will enjoy my blog- Seriously, tons of public humiliation. I have no shame. I also just started an Etsy shop with a good friend, The Key and Sparrow (-http://www.etsy.com/shop/thekeyandsparrow) turning something old into something new is our thing— a la our vintage clock hand earrings and skeleton key necklaces.  Hope you swing by!"

BLOG

******

little things

The other night Stephen took me out to a "shop opening celebration dinner"
at one of our fav Glasgow Restaurants, Bovine.

I have to be honest,

I was sorta sweating the whole introducing the new blog, shop, and fb to you..

it felt like a lot of exposing.

Like being caught in a room with your pants down

(which to Stephen, pants means panties/knickers, a conversations that took way too long between him and I when I asked him yesterday where he put my pants (i was talking jeans and he thought i meant underwear and kept telling me i left them on the bathroom floor...)

This is going to come as shocking to you all..

but I sometimes have a hard time putting myself out there..

I know.

you are all going, Meg, did you not read your post from yesterday about moses tampons...or the many posts before talking about your personal life...

and this is all true.

Liz and I had the same conversation..

where she asked me what it was like being so open on my blog..

and I said for as much as I share, there is just as much that I don't.
(if you can even imagine)

okay maybe not JUST as much..but there is still stuff I've held back..

naturally..

we all need to have things left for just us.

I love being open on here..

sharing my life..

to document it..

to remember..

and in hopes that it will either brighten someones day

or make them feel less alone in this big world.

ALL of that to say..

Opening up a shop seemed like a big deal to me..

it was something totally new, totally different (for me..not for the blogging world in general)

and even though my past years were spent working in fashion..
my recent years have been dedicated to academia..

it this was pretty far from anything neuroscience related..

But I wouldn't expect anyone else, including Stephen,

to think it was that big of a deal..

but he made it one.
(and so did all of you)

and it makes my heart so happy to know he cares enough to celebrate the little things

as if they were huge things.
Which is one of the many reasons why I love him.

(and love all of you...ya..I said the L word to you...too soon?)

*this tender moment brought to you by my softer side

Conversations

Warning: This post contains accidental inappropriate language. viewer discretion is advised.
(you know things are getting serious over here when i have to start putting warning labels on my blog)

S: do you think you're going to be Moses and part the red sea today?

Me: what???

S: you know, get your lady time..

Me: I don't even know how to respond to that..

S: That would be a good Tampon name...

Me: .........

S: Moses Tampons

Me: I wouldn't suggest trying to market that

******

S: :::laughs out loud::::

Me: what?

S: your brother spelled St Patty's day wrong on facebook

Me: really? how did he spell it?

S: P-A-T-T-Y

Me: uhm. that's not wrong?

S: are you serious?

Me: yea..

S: it's P-A-D-D-Y

Me: but his name is Patrick...

S: yea..

Me: err...so Patty is short for Patrick?

S: Patty is short for Patricia..Patrick comes from the Gaelic Paedrig 

Me: oh...

S: you should tell everyone

Me: It would be impossible for me to tell the entire united states of America..sorry. 

*******

:::::watching the new American TV show Awake, woman says she just found her sons old soccer cleat::

S: What was that she said?

Me: what?

S: She found his what?

Me: oh, his soccer cleat

S: What is that?

Me: its like a type of shoe that people wear for sports like soccer or football..it has those things at the bottom that dig into the dirt ground so they don't slip or whatever (obviously this is the exact definition)

S: oh a football boot

Me: sure. we call it a cleat.

S: hm clit. weird.

Me: no....that is NOT right..

S: .....

Me: ClEEEt

S: oh...

Me: glad we cleared this up prior to our visit to the US.

******

read other conversations :

 one, 

 two, 

three 

 four 

five

six

Custom Blog Design Giveaway!

With the revamping of my blog,
(thank you Brooke)

what better way to pay it forward then to have a custom blog design giveaway!

Bobbi from Today, I'm Bobbi

has offered to do a custom blog design for one of you.

Bobbi is an amazing woman,

smart, kind, hilarious and incredibly talented,

basically a dream to work with.

samples of her work:

More samples found here.

For those thinking about blog design,

but not ready to throw down the cizash

this is a great chance to get the blog-lift you've been wanting.

       Winner will receive:

• One-on-one concepting
• custom header and navigation links or images
• social media buttons
• two grab buttons for easy sharing
• welcome image styling and text
• Full installation
• and "And probably lots of lame jokes from me but really any of your readers are open to those for free"

To Enter (separate comments for each one you do)
*Mandatory to enter: must be a follower of Across The Pond

1. Leave me a comment letting me know you want to win!
2. Become a follower of Today, I'm Bobbi
3. Follow Bobbi on Twitter
4. "Like" me on Facebook

good-luck!


*******CLOSED*******

WINNER

 

Changes

Warning: obvious statement about to happen..

Some of you probably noticed some changes around here...

I contacted Brooke a few months ago about blog design for spring,

but at the time she wasn't currently taking on any projects..

I think she was just playing hard to get.

so for the next couple of months I proceeded to harass and bribe her

until she finally couldn't resist my charm anymore.

What can I say..

I'm obnoxious persuasive..
 

Once Brooke said yes,

I contacted Debbie,

whose art I had seen on a friend's blog,

and asked her if she would do a little sketch for me..

within the next couple of days she sent me the above sketch.

and I died.

So blogger and the sketch mated and boom

magic.

And this is why I stalk Brooke..
because I LOVE working with her..
she is sweet, patient, and does exactly what I want
(qualities I look for in a friend...)

A couple new things you will notice:

1. SHOP. 

I know. 

I promise next I will have a baby... to keep the circle of blog life moving forward.

But really this shop has been in the works since December, 

when I had the idea and my little brother laughed at me.  

what now Shane..what now?

Special thanks to Emily for helping me with the self deprecating tagline. 

2. FACEBOOK. 

With the GFC widget crises of 2012, 

I figured it's time to take this blog to facebook.
This is where I tell you to "like" the page to get updates right?

I'm still learning...

I hope you like the changes and additions!
(if you don't, please don't tell me or I will cry)

Sponsor and St. Patricks

photo of Stephen and I by Liz

Happy St. Patrick's Day!

For those who asked, or are curious,

Yes,

St. Patrick's Day is an actual holiday that is celebrated over here.

St. Patrick is the patron Saint of Christianity in Ireland

(Christianity meaning both catholics and protestants)

And they honor him by getting trashed.

Information brought to you by Stephen.

And now something that has nothing to do with St. Patrick or getting drunk..

(sorry)

I am now holding spots for April sponsors.

If you think we are a match made in heaven,

shoot me an e mail at Megkristine@gmail.com

or click the contact tab above (same thing)
for more information.

I have a lucky charm...

just sayin.

Preparing

Happy Friday!

Today, and the rest of the weekend,

I am working on some new and exciting things that you will see on this blog soon!

I am nervous..

and excited..

anxious..

but mainly excited.

It's been in the works for a long time now

and I can't wait to share it all with you.

 

 

cliffhanger.

To distract yourself from the excitement you are now feeling,

here are some awesome ladies that I know you will love.

*******

Melissa is the hilarious mind behind CupcakesOMG!

(exclamation point included in title)

She has me in tears with her witty and sarcastic one liners..

I just re-read her "about me" below and I lol'ed again.

go.

laugh.

 

 

"I'm Melissa, but you can call me CupcakesOMG! If you start reading my blog, I will call you a member of the Cupcult (the name I've given my readers). I will also call you "awesome," because that's what you'll be. CupcakesOMG! is really just a shrine to myself, but it masquerades as a cooking blog (with a paleo focus), beauty and fashion blog, and occasionally a "Be a Better Person" blog. Hahah, jk, it's definitely not that last thing. So if you're really into yourself and people call you things like "superficial" and "snarky", you'll feel right at home. Can't wait for you to meet me!"

 

BLOG

*********

Daliene is the sweetest thing ever,

her kindness mixed with sarcastic charm flows through her ramblings of her daily life.

And she has an Edward Cullen Figurine,

I mean,

enough said.

"Hi Everyone! I’m Daliene from Happydally blog.  I began this blog as a personal challenge to share the positive things in my daily life. Teacherbarbie by day, and Just Dance 3 Champion by night, I love photography, cooking, crafting, and making people laugh (or gag, depending on the story). My dog Sherman, my South African Farmboy, and LOTS of good food are what make me Happydally. I hope you'll stop by and say hello!  :)"

 

BLOG

*********

Bobbi-Jo is freaking awesome..

and I dont use my southern california american verbage on just anyone..

she is smart, hilarious, witty, and talented.

(look for an awesome giveaway from her coming at you next week).

AND she wrote her "about me" below in third person..

that just screams amazing.

"Bobbi-Jo is a Florida girl with a Southern name (don't let it fool you, she's Jamaican). She doesn't have enough pretty skirts in her closet to be a fashion blogger, but she does write about food (read: bacon), life, and travel with a bit of snark and all her heart. She's spent the last two years living Down Under, being chased by kangaroos and various poisonous animals and she's thankfully Stateside again soaking up the Florida sun before her next adventure. She's into writing, blog design, and making fun of people who wear tights as pants."

BLOG

The Good, Bad, and Awkward

Last round of photos from Edinburgh (for my blog..Liz still needs to get on the posting train)

Some of the good, bad, and awkward photos...

which is usually what you'll get hanging out with me.

photo by Liz

look how ripped my arms look..thats what happens when u wear a sweater and a blazer under a coat.

photo by Liz

the guy in the corner was probably thinking.."that girl is so smart"

photo by Liz

photo by Liz

photo by Liz (and in response to yesterday, yes, i made it to the top..thank you..)

Hiking Arthurs Seat-from MY point of view

I knew hiking Arthur's seat was going to be inevitable at some point..

considering I live in Scotland..

45 minutes from Edinburgh..

and Arthur's seat is the "YOU HAVE TO DO THIS OR YOU ARE LAME"

tourist attraction.

So naturally Liz and Corey wanted to do it..

and i was like YES totally!

that's a lie.

I was all "you know how the British say its a leisurely stroll? well they are liars.."

Needless to say my argument about how hiking a mountain is hard, failed.

Clearly I really enjoy outdoor activities.

Up until we reached the bottom of Arthur's seat, no one was really sure if i was even going to do it..

but we did a whiskey tour right before and i felt a bit braver..

aka slightly buzzed.

(after one whole shot of whiskey..I'm so hardcore)

I didn't even complain or curse.

That's another lie.

As the wind picked up towards the top

so did the F bombs.

insert cuss word

don't be fooled..she was cussing too.

yes. all the way up there. piece of freaking cake.

(below)

Me on Arthur's seat..

just kidding.

This was halfway up and I  needed a break..

When i was all "I'm sweating and winded"

Liz was like, "hahaha megan..sure.."

and i was all "hahaha..no really i'm going to die"

i sat while they stood and stared at me and took photos..like i was an out of shape circus freak.

okay so circus freak isnt totally far off..

I'm sure it was hard for her to take me seriously..but I'm sorry, the wind was PUNCHING ME IN THE EARS

photo by Liz

It's been three days and my calves are still sore.

I have a problem.