Sunscreen & Popsicles

 

I have just spent the most wonderful summer of my life taking care of 3 little boys in Canada. I've explored Toronto, I've been to Niagara Falls. I've had an awful lot of adventures, and it has changed me forever. But I must admit... When I'm old and grey, my fondest memories of my summer as an au pair in Toronto will be of sitting on the porch in the sun licking melted popsicle off little fingers and laughing and telling stories about frogs and balloons and Thomas the Tank Engine.

Sunscreen & Popsicles Playlist

Smile Bright- Letters & Lights

Rollerblades- Eliza Doolittle

When I Grow Up- The Beach Boys

One Thing- One Direction

Three Little Birds- Bob Marley

When I'm Gone- A Rocket To The Moon

Gold Rush- Ed Sheeran

Does Your Mother Know- Abba

Follow Me- Uncle Kracker

Brighter Than The Sun- Colbie Caillat

Never Grow Up- Taylor Swift

Dear Friday

(My blog is set to Irish time, but it's still Friday here in Canada!)

Dear Zach, painting with you is so much fun, kiddo. We can't tell what the future has in store for you, but I can guarantee you will do something with your wonderful creativity. :)

Dear Mr Caterpillar, little Liam and I had a lot of fun playing with you in the back garden. Liam has been asking for you quite a lot ever since.

Dear Pretty Purple Phone, thanks to you and your wonderful photo-taking abilities, I have become one of those people who takes photos of absolutely everything, including their lunch.

Dear Kina Grannis, I cannot believe you replied to my email!!! Proof that you are one of the sweetest musicians in existence. :)

Dear Ants, Zach was not very impressed at you guys eating his Goldfish crackers. He doesn't like to share food, even if it falls on the ground.

Love always,
Orla

PS~ I would love it if you would check out my newest YouTube video :) And I would love it even more if you could subscribe to me! Thanks :)

PPS~ I just realised I'm wearing the same blazer in the photo with Kina Grannis as I am in the video. Just a random bit of info there for ya. 

The Man Who Changed The World

Last week, I went with the family I work for to Niagara on the Lake. We stayed in a beautiful house with 15 people for 5 days. It was crazy and wonderful and all that's in between. :) And I got to do a lot of reading by the pool... Yes, I have a pretty tough job. 

One of the books I read was 'How Shakespeare Changed Everything' by Stephen Marche. I sat with my feet dangling in the warm water while the kiddos were swimming, and turned page after page til I was done- what an interesting read! 

An extract... You should really read this, it's long (and I will try to shorten it), but had me in fits of giggles! 

"If you cannot understand my argument, and declare "It's Greek to me," you are quoting Shakespeare; if your lost property is vanished into thin air, you are quoting Shakespeare; if you have ever refused to budge an inch or suffered from green-eyed jealousy, if you have been tongue-tied, hoodwinked or in a pickle, if you have knitted your brows, insisted on fair play, slept not one wink, laughed yourself into stitches, had short shrift, cold comfort or too much of a good thing, if you have seen better days or lived in a fool's paradise- why, be that as it may, the more fool you, for it is a foregone conclusion that you are (as good luck would have it) quoting Shakespeare; if you think it is high time and that that is the long and short of it, if you believe that the game is up and the truth will out even if it involves your own flesh and blood, then- to give the devil his due- if the truth were known (for surely you have a tongue in your head) you are quoting Shakespeare; even if you bid me good riddance and send me packing, if you wish I was dead as a doornail, if you think I am an eyesore, a laughing stock, the devil incarnate, bloody-minded or a blinking idiot, then- by Jove! O Lord! Tut tut! For goodness' sake! What the dickens! But me no buts- it is all one to me, for you are quoting Shakespeare." 

Well, I hope I didn't bore you to tears. If you read this whole post, then I hope you enjoyed it as much as I did. :) Or maybe I'm just a dork. 

Summer Soundtrack

If it's possible, I feel even more musical during the summer. :) I go through moments of inspiration and contentment, followed by buzzing euphoria. And as always, I need music to set the right atmosphere. I want to give you a shortened version of my Summer Soundtrack playlist, and also some recent photos of my summer in Toronto. :) 

1. Bucket by Carly Rae Jepsen

2. Without Me by Kina Grannis

3. Count On Me by Bruno Mars

4. Strawberry Swing by Coldplay

5. I'm Yours by Jason Mraz

6. What Makes You Beautiful by One Direction (For Kate!)

7. One Love by Bob Marley

8. Rhythm of Love by Plain White Tees

9. Brighter Than The Sun by Colbie Caillat

10. Under The Sea by Shaggy

11. 5 Years Time by Noah and the Whale

12. Gone In The Morning by Newton Faulkner

13. Walking On Sunshine by Katrina & The Waves

14. Put Your Records On by Corinne Bailey Rae

A little glimpse of my summer, and its soundtrack. :) 

Love always, 

Orla