Dumb Pictures Of My Feet

Moving

2012-01-20T14:40:00.000Z

Hey there,

If you are one of the (lucky?) few that read this blog, you can read it somewhere else now! I'm posting my dumb pictures at She Blogs Too Much from now on. I've also set up a Picasa Album and my own webpage www.nabilacruz.com! Hopefully you'll visit all of them! Yeah, I'm optimistic like that.

Thank you for visiting!

Love,

ninavoluminosa.

Bright

2012-01-12T19:32:00.000Z

An update for the sake of it. At the Saatchi Gallery.

Bath

2011-11-07T14:57:00.002Z

I like ancient ruins. They make me feel tiny compared to the history of the world.

Danger

2011-09-03T02:54:00.000+01:00

Just in case you flirt with danger at Land's End on a rainy day.

Spinnaker Tower

2011-08-30T21:32:00.002+01:00

You know that saying "confront your fears and you will conquer them"? Yeah, it doesn't work. I went to the Spinnaker Tower in Portsmouth specifically to cure my vertigo. Amazing, but useless.

Canary Warf

2011-08-20T17:27:00.002+01:00

I like to think these are the shoes all those suited-up people in Canary Warf left behind when they were going to home after tough day at work.

Cornwall

2011-08-15T19:49:00.000+01:00

It was a summer day, so of course it was raining. But I still enjoyed it. Even if I got my leggings wet.

Vertigo

2011-08-12T16:40:00.001+01:00

When I entered Kew Gardens, I knew I had the go to the Rhizotron and Xstrata Treetop Walkway. What I didn't know was that I would feel faint and dizzy all the way. It was still worth it.

Durdle Door

2011-08-10T15:21:00.000+01:00

I just sat there admiring how powerful nature can be. There is nothing we can do against it really. It's humbling to feel so powerless.

Kew Gardens

2011-07-27T22:38:00.004+01:00

I got a free ticket to Kew Gardens yesterday. It was so peaceful that I lost track of time walking around and basking at the water lilies. Next time I'm taking a tent, setting up camp and staying there forever.

Saturday

2011-07-23T14:00:00.000+01:00

It seems like ages ago that we were last together. I miss our crazy outings and never being able to decide where we are having lunch.

Lights

2011-07-18T01:29:00.003+01:00

Maybe the lights will bring some colour to the dark side.

(by Anselm Reyle, Untitled, 2006 at Saatchi Gallery)

Zoo

2011-06-08T23:11:00.001+01:00

I had forgotten this photo. All I wanted to see was the penguins, but when I got inside the smell was too much for me. So I took this photo. I wanted to make a joke about how funny Parks and Recreation is, but then I realised no one really knows about it in the UK. Never mind, Jimmy.

Walls

2011-05-28T21:44:00.001+01:00

This installation was a spiral of walls that grew taller as it spiralled away. It kind of feels life my life now: the more I look for a way out, the more obstacles I find.

(Katrin Sigurdardottir, Boiseries, 2010, at the MoMA)

Red

2011-05-13T16:41:00.000+01:00

I am sorry to be so frivolous as to celebrate having new red shoes and the spring flowers, but that's how I was made, frivolity and all.

Spider

2011-05-10T15:41:00.000+01:00

Itsy Bitsy spider crawling around the tiles

Down came the tourists full of smiles

Out came the train and took them away

Now Itsy Bitsy spider went creeping on subway!

Rock

2011-05-08T17:22:00.002+01:00

You know all that they said about friends being your rocks? It's true all that. But I think sometimes I misplace my rocks and there I go excavating again deep on the burrows of my heart.

MoMA

2011-05-05T16:07:00.002+01:00

Felix Gonzalez-Torres, "Untitled" (USA Today) 1990, Museum of Modern Art, New York.

I like it when artists make their work accessible, either intellectually or physically. Although I don't know what is the meaning of this installation I am deeply attracted to it. After all, one can never have enough candy.

Candy

2011-05-02T16:11:00.000+01:00

This is a sign I wouldn't mind seeing when I die. And I don't even like candy.

Now I know what my stairs will look like when I am millionaire.

(At Dylan's Candy Bar, New York)

Piano

2011-04-30T16:14:00.000+01:00

For someone that watched Big one too many time as a wee girl, this piano is a dream come true.

Coney Island

2011-04-28T16:32:00.001+01:00

So what if Coney Island was disappointing? I still got to eat a corn-dog and lived to tell the tale.

Brooklyn bridge

2011-04-26T23:33:00.000+01:00

Things I saw on the bridge on a Saturday afternoon: countless tourists, some annoyed bikers, a gentleman on a pink fur coat and a bride suffering on her heels.

Rockefeller

2011-04-25T23:55:00.000+01:00

At "The Top of the Rock", Rockefeller Centre. My new favourite place in New York.

Cracks

2011-03-24T20:37:00.000Z

When I think I am walking on the better paved road, I look down and see that I am actually walking on cracks which if left unfixed will turn into potholes.

Puzzle

2011-02-28T23:28:00.000Z

OK, so here is a puzzle: what to do when the steps you take do not fit in with each other? What to do when each feet takes you in a different direction? What to do when you have no idea of what the solution should look like?

Fear

2011-02-16T13:22:00.001Z

When I was little I used to be scared of these stairs, don't ask me why. So when courage failed me, I missed the upstairs exhibitions at this museum. And when I walked them again recently, I could feel the fear once again. But now I know that "the other side of every fear is freedom" as Marilyn Ferguson said. I just wished it worked for my vertigo.

Frost

2011-02-12T14:28:00.002Z

And so I came back to the cold, harsh winter. After all, summer does not last forever.

Ways

2011-01-31T21:34:00.000Z

As it is the end of January, I must follow the footsteps to my next challenge. The holiday is over.

Follow the yellow road...

...or the blue road?

The problem is that life doesn't always show us the steps to the right way, like I found here. I think I lost my way a long time ago and never noticed it. But now I see myself with many choices of steps to take. And I have no way of knowing whether to take the yellow or the blue way, or even another way that is not yet traced. What I realize is that this time I am not afraid to reach the destination I have always wanted. Whether I will get there is another challenge. Right now I will concentrate on finding my way, which might not necessarily be the right or the best one. After all, the is no such thing as a wrong way, just different ways of getting to the same place. Even if it takes longer, the experience is worth it.

Title

2011-01-22T00:11:00.000Z

Oh my! It's been a month of no blogging. I even forgot to check my friends' blogs. My addiction must be cured! Or maybe not, since here I am staring at the screen thinking of dumb words to match my dumb pictures. Some things never change.

Manguinhos

2010-12-19T21:54:00.001Z

I won't lie to you. Though it is boiling hot and I am covered in mosquito bites, I am having a great time. And lying on the beach in Espirito Santo doesn't hurt.

MASP

2010-12-15T22:37:00.001Z

I wasn't expecting much of the Museu de Arte de Sao Paulo or MASP. So I was pleasantly surprised to find a collection with many of my favourite painters. I love when it happens.

Maressa

2010-12-13T00:11:00.004Z

I'm not sure what to write about her. All I can say is that I am glad I know her. She's one of a kind. People like that make amazing friends.

Purple

2010-12-10T14:35:00.000Z

OK. So maybe my love for purple is getting out of hand. I need to dial it down a notch, but I keep find purple stuff to buy. It's not my fault.

Winter

2010-12-01T10:33:00.000Z

I planned ahead and booked tickets to the sun, thinking I could escape winter. But nature is cunning and caught up with me before I could run. Snow, I will not miss you.

Worm

2010-11-23T21:43:00.003Z

Bad feelings are like little worms. They creep into our lives so silently you don't notice them until we see the damage they have done.

Rangoli

2010-11-19T21:40:00.001Z

I don't know much about Diwali, but my little cousin and I decorated our own rangoli at the National Maritime Museum in Greenwich.

Linkin Park

2010-11-15T09:42:00.000Z

My first fan girl moment. When I saw Linkin Park on the stage I could not believe I was actually there (it was my first concert ever). Then a minute later I realized I have been listening to them since I was 13 and I felt instantly old. I can see myself around 50 wearing Converses and still loving their songs.

Longitude

2010-11-04T18:21:00.001Z

Is it crazy that I didn't get this at first? And to think that I actually did Maths and Geography for A-levels (gladly, not for university). Aw, I miss you, my wasted youth.

Ruffles

2010-10-31T12:56:00.004Z

Lesson 171: How to justify buying shoes you don't need

1.Trash some old shoes unintentionally
e.g. walk on the park after it rained

2.Look at your shoes and pick a colour you don't have
e.g. grape (or is it plum?)

3.Go to the shop and happily try them on.

4.Realize your life won't be complete without them.

5.Realize that what you think is bullshit and buy them anyway.

6.Wear them and rejoice at how comfortable they are.

7.Realize that this is also bullshit, but damn it, you bought them already, so learn to love them.

8.Restart from step 1.

Monica

2010-10-27T22:37:00.001+01:00

Every time she disappears I am sure she hopped on a plane off back home. So I'm always pleasantly surprised to see her. My motto is always to be prepared for sudden goodbyes. People come and go, but the memories always stay.

Science Museum

2010-10-22T15:39:00.001+01:00

I tried to take a better picture but there were too many children running around. And who am I to spoil their fun? When you step on the 'water' the fish swim away and the little ones were entranced.

Seeds

2010-10-15T11:44:00.005+01:00

Tate Modern is my favourite museum in London. So when I heard about Ai Weiwei's installation the Turbine Hall, I could not miss it. I love it when art is interactive and we can be part of its meaning. This picture is not so dumb now.

Update: Now visitors cannot walk on then any more. I feel lucky for have been there but also sad because I cannot go again. Disappointment sucks.

Time

2010-10-11T12:15:00.000+01:00

Tempus fugit. When I stop and look back, time has passed too fast and I realize that I have done nothing yet. I must go after the time I left behind.

Penicillin

2010-10-04T17:24:00.000+01:00

Did you know that out of the first 3 patients who received penicillin, only 1 survived? At the Science Museum.

Lake District

2010-10-01T17:20:00.006+01:00

Remember this and this? So after all the hiking and camping, yesterday I finished my qualifying expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh award. I can't believe I actually did it. Thank you Anna, Rachel, Heeta and Emma. Here we were on the last day enjoy the first rays of sun.

London Eye

2010-09-25T13:22:00.005+01:00

I finally went up the London Eye in a sunny day. And it was worth it. Though not very enjoyable for those who suffer vertigo like myself.

Books

2010-09-18T13:56:00.001+01:00

We went to the boot sale, looking for toys for my cousin and shoes for my aunt. I ended up basking at the books. I wanted to buy them all. Now I can't decide if I'm a complete geek or just a bibliophile.

Green Park

2010-09-12T18:55:00.000+01:00

In Green Park, near Buckingham Palace, I saw this monument and I decided it was a good idea to wet my feet. Afterwards, as I was leaving, I saw the plaque saying: "Canada Memorial - as a mark of respect please keep of the monument". Sorry, Canada.

Uriel

2010-09-05T15:29:00.000+01:00

I had a dream with little Uriel last night. He was telling something important, though I don't remember what. This is us and his favourite toy. And now I can't remember what was my favourite toy.

Arrivals

2010-09-02T11:26:00.001+01:00

My aunt and my cousin arrived a few days a go. To introduce them to London, I took them to Greenwich Observatory and they loved it.

Debris

2010-08-31T10:44:00.000+01:00

Some people's junk is other people treasure. At the Museum of London.

Children

2010-08-29T21:34:00.001+01:00

Yesterday we had our last summer barbecue, since the weather feels like autumn already. The children were running around like this was the last time they had together.

Gap

2010-08-26T22:20:00.000+01:00

Mind the gap. A common sight for us commuters, Londoners or wandering fools. At London Bridge Rail Station.

Fire

2010-08-23T15:45:00.001+01:00

I've been meaning to do this for weeks. I was due to burn to all this, but I didn't want the fire brigade to come over. So I decided to burn only the confidential documents and a little bit of my fingers. Ouch.

Museum of London

2010-08-20T18:35:00.001+01:00

Continuing our tour of London, we went to the Museum of London, which in all honesty I was amazed to have never heard of until last year. We were taken from pre-historic to modern London.

We saw how Saxon Londoners lived. They had leather flats even then (fashion through the ages!).

These ruins are showing the decline of the Roman empire in London.

I was so excited about taking these picture that I completely forgot to look what period they are from, but they were right before the Victorians, so they must be 17th or 18th century.

This is a Victorian lamp from the reconstructed Victorian street in the lower floor my favourite section of the museum. I love these little time machines.

Tower of London

2010-08-18T23:03:00.003+01:00

This week I dragged my mother to the Tower of London. Though we've lived in London for 7 years, we still feel kind of like tourists. So I felt I was missing out on history for not being there before. And I was in for a treat. Here's some of my history fix.

The stairs were steep, narrow and nauseating. I wonder how people run up and down them when the Tower was under attack.

We saw some tourists. By some, I mean a lot (not in this photo though, sorry).

This is in front of the Traitor's Gate, where the soon-to-be-beheaded came in through. For some strange reason it was my favourite bit of the tour.

Here's what it looks like. Funnily enough, I wasn't impressed by the Crown Jewels. In the back of my mind they aren't really real. Just a lot of shiny metal and stones.

Chalk

2010-08-16T01:26:00.005+01:00

I've been meaning to get my chalk out and doodle around on the pavement for ages. And all in the name of this blog. But I've been too busy catching up with House (my new found obsession: it's CSI and ER merged into one!) so I was very relieved to find these when walking to a friends house on Sunday. More time to watch House!

Soldiers

2010-08-09T15:20:00.002+01:00

Lisleia decided to go sightseeing at 1am. I was super sleepy but off I went. We stopped near Big Ben and I took this photo in The Battle of Britain monument. I must say that after studying International Relations I came to understand that wars are inevitable and we must honour those that give their lives securing our safety.

Papers

2010-08-07T15:17:00.001+01:00

This is part of the pile of papers I threw away. It took me almost a week to go through all them. The perks of being a responsible adult.

Hairdressers

2010-07-31T14:50:00.001+01:00

I stopped by the hairdressers to get my hair done for my graduation. To be honest, what I love the most about special occasions is the preparation and planning before hand.

Graduation

2010-07-27T14:48:00.000+01:00

This time last week I was sitting on a big hall waiting for my graduation to begin. Afterwards, Val and Vonne came to take pictures with me. But my heels were killing me so when I took them off (what a relief!) Vonne tried them on. Here's to us, new graduates!

Camping

2010-07-10T00:05:00.002+01:00

I was in Wales until yesterday doing the practice expedition for the Duke of Edinburgh award. I cannot say I enjoy hiking (going up and down hills is not my thing) but I enjoyed camping this time. It was almost fun.

Mess

2010-06-22T15:19:00.005+01:00

Before:

After:

Before sorting out my shoes I counted 42 pairs. Now I am throwing away 6 pairs (which are beyond use, trust me) and giving way another 5 (which I love but honestly do not use). This leaves me with 31 pairs. And wanting to buy more. But I won't. Promise.

Bag

2010-06-16T22:01:00.004+01:00

I saw this the other day and decided it was a good idea to see why my bag is so heavy. My conclusion: I carry too much baggage, both physically and emotionally.

Birmingham

2010-06-12T14:00:00.003+01:00

I can't believe that after all these years of visiting Birmingham I hadn't posted a photo here. I was there yesterday with Mel and Ze Jun in my last visit for the foreseeable future. The sun was shining and we had sushi. We better enjoy our lives before we get back to the real world.

Map

2010-06-04T13:18:00.002+01:00

I finished my university degree! Hurray! Now here's a picture of one my posters that will soon be packed away ready to go home. I planner to put pins on the countries I have visited, but never got round to it. Now I will have some extra time. Plus, how cute are those shoes?

Hoover

2010-05-31T18:40:00.002+01:00

It's the last day of May and I thought I better post some dumb picture. So here it is: our beloved blue hoover and my horrid (according to my mom) blue nails. One way or another, these days are always blue.

Sandals

2010-05-22T01:19:00.002+01:00

At last! I bought new sandals, the weather is (too) hot and I had my first exam today. The white flowers are just really a useless addition but I like this photo.

Guests

2010-04-11T23:51:00.000+01:00

We live in a tiny apartment. Yet it seems we always find some space for more people. Here, myself, Monica and Junior, after church, waiting for lunch.

Wheelchair

2010-04-06T15:19:00.002+01:00

I went to a roller disco after many years since I last skated. I was doing well though, I really enjoyed myself. Sadly, I my fourth fall was a major one. I sprained my ankle and ended up rolling in a wheelchair.

Clutch

2010-03-30T12:16:00.002+01:00

I passed my driving test yesterday! Finally I've got something to celebrate! And no, I didn't take this picture when the car was moving.

New York

2010-03-23T22:54:00.002Z

I've been thinking about New York a lot lately. I really want to go back. It's been tree years and the marks are still fresh in my mind. Maressa and I had a lot of fun. I just hope not to go through a blizzard like I did last time, even though it was an adventure.

Craft

2010-03-13T18:37:00.002Z

So as the days go by my love for craft grows. And today I sat on the floor intent on trying out the paints I bought for a charity craft session. What was supposed to be just a slab of paint, turned into a full on 30 minute project.

Silver

2010-03-08T16:26:00.002Z

Yesterday we went for Rosana's birthday and I decided that I needed silver accessories. I spent Friday looking for silver heels and found those two one sale. Of course I went for the stripper heels. And it almost killed me.

Pub

2010-03-03T23:16:00.005Z

Who would imagine I would enjoy going to the pub? You can see Katya and myself in our local haunt. The difference is: we don't drink. On side note, I am tired of wearing boots!

Nail Polish

2010-02-26T14:03:00.004Z

I really wanted dark nails, but I have no motor coordination. Besides, this nail polish looks like coagulated blood when it dries.

Cold

2010-02-18T23:52:00.001Z

This winter is taking a mick with my mood. It's too cold. But hey, I finally managed to take a picture of snowed in feet after I missed all the fun in December and January.

Heart

2010-02-14T22:23:00.004Z

Look closely. Can you see it? It's your heart right there. I saw it on my way home and accidentally walked over it. I guess it was fate. A very unhappy Valentine's Day for you too.

Flats

2010-02-08T10:55:00.006Z

I have too many shoes and not enough feet to wear them on. Last time I counted 35 pairs and that was in September. Since then I've bought a few more. But I've been accumulating then over the years. I've been an size 8 since I was 15, so some of my shoes are really old. But I love them all, specially my flats (this photo is a sample of them). I'm quite bummed that it's too cold to wear them.

PS: Yes, I have two pairs of the same purple shoes, just because I've worn them so much I felt I needed more. Plus, they were on sale.

Shower

2010-02-05T23:20:00.004Z

So back in January, this blog completed one year of creation. To celebrate I tried to come up with the dumbest picture of my feet I could think of. And here it is. In the shower, with a camera. Nice place to be. Wrong accessory though.

Carpet

2010-02-04T00:05:00.004Z

Dear blog,

I've been lacking, I know. I am terribly sorry. But it's not your fault, it's mine. Life has been eventful. Yet, I've had no opportunities to take dumb pictures of my feet (can you believe that?). But if it helps, we've had a new carpet installed and it feels heavenly. Besides, I'm finally wearing the biker boots I bought some 3 years ago. So things are looking up. Hopefully, I'll take stupid photos more often and you won't be so outdated.

Love,

Ninavoluminosa.

Wellies

2010-01-22T13:40:00.004Z

Updating at last! I finally got some Wellies! Black ones because I couldn't decide which pattern I liked best. I feel so powerful though. I even stepped in the mud on purpose. Yes, rainy wet winter, you cannot defeat me!

Hospital

2010-01-08T16:25:00.005Z

3 days, 2 nights, 4 injections and a lot of nurses. That's my hospital stay summed up. There is no place like home, especially with 6 different medicines to take and being force-fed by my mother.

Dog

2010-01-02T15:57:00.002Z

This was taken at Park Guell in Barcelona. A man was walking his dogs and to teach one of them a lesson he gave it a bath with the freezing water of the public taps. It was quite disheartening and I couldn't watch as the tortured pup cried in pain. I called this one way and took a picture. From this angle it looks like it is quite sad. Just like me.

Ryanair

2009-12-31T15:52:00.001Z

So after we left Barcelona, we travelled almost 2 hours to reach the airport and find out our plane was delayed. Whenever I travel with Ryanair I promise it will be the last time. And I keep going back.

MNAC

2009-12-30T14:13:00.000Z

I left my favourite Barcelona photo for the end. This on the way to the National Museum of Catalan Art, or MNAC. It was very beautiful. The Art Deco section left me wishing to have lived during the 1920s. Or maybe wishing to be one of these works of art.

Miro

2009-12-29T15:49:00.000Z

I was so excited to visit Fundacion Miro. I grew up loving loving Miro's work. But to be honest I didn't quite get it. And I still don't, but that doesn't stop me appreciating it. It is quite challenging to find hidden meaning on his artistry. His paintings and sculptures are texts of a foreign language for me.

Park Guell

2009-12-28T15:42:00.000Z

One of my favourite places in Barcelona was Park Guell. The sculptures and the views were quite breathtaking. Everything there looks carefully created to join nature in one. The serpentine benches look at home as if they grow out naturally.

The mosaics in the main terrace benches.

Even the sidewalk stones are arranged in an artistic manner.

Sagrada Familia

2009-12-27T00:33:00.001Z

In Barcelona we paid 9 euros to visit Sagrada Familia, the church designed by Gaudi. I knew it was not finished but I was very disappointed to find it was like a construction site inside. The height of the columns is still quite awe inspiring though. From the top clockwise: EeLyne, EeVonne, Valerie, Me, Emily, Dawoon.

Barcelona

2009-12-25T20:59:00.000Z

I disappeared these days because I went to Barcelona. It was great, but wet. Gaudi is truly a master of architecture.

Gaudi's street tiles

Near Colon with Dawoon and really wet feet

At Placa de Catalunya

Lisa

2009-12-17T09:46:00.004Z

Yesterday I went to the cinema with Lisa. To watch New Moon. And, oh God, I enjoyed it. It is always good to go the cinema with low expectations and come back satisfied. Specially, if it is in good company. And great Converses!

Gardener

2009-12-16T13:13:00.001Z

This was taken way back, at the same time as this. Truth is, our personal gardener has had surgery in her hands and now we don't get fresh vegetables and herbs any more.

But I forgive her, after all she is my mom, eh? Get better soon!

IMAX

2009-12-15T12:06:00.001Z

This was the first time I went to London's IMAX. I was amazed. I forgot I was in the cinema. Also R.I.P. my favourite flats.

Warmth

2009-12-14T13:02:00.001Z

The warmth of summer and the warmth of friendship: two things I have been missing dearly. For the former, all I can do is to wait. For the latter, all I need is a word of support.

Footprints

2009-12-13T12:53:00.001Z

How to enjoy life?
Take only pictures, steal only time, leave only footprints.

The O2

2009-12-09T20:05:00.001Z

We went to a restaurant for my birthday yesterday. And afterwards I tipsily tried to take photos on the lights at the entrance of the O2 Arena. I am glad I didn't wear high heels.

Balloons

2009-12-05T22:16:00.001Z

Everyone has balloons. We fill them up with expectations and dreams. After sometime they deflate. Some burst up because there was too much inside. Others are pricked by the disillusionment pins of life. Unfortunately, none of them lasts forever.

Warwick Castle

2009-11-29T09:09:00.001Z

Our dreams are our reality.

We walk through cobbled streets

and see the world through windows

that are nothing but reflections of life's machineries.

And truly, no flower is real beauty but an image of beautiful possibilities.

Ducks

2009-11-27T13:24:00.000Z

"How does it feel like,/To wake up in the sun?" Walking back home I saw a man feeding the ducks again. "How does it feel like,/To shine on everyone?" I asked him for a piece of bread and managed to take my long awaited picture. "How does it feel like,/To let forever be?" So here I am, with ducky and a feeling of hope. (Let Forever Be, The Chemical Brothers)

Ireland

2009-11-22T14:14:00.001Z

I was going through my Facebook pictures the other day when I found this. It's Mel and I at a famous building in Dublin. I can't remember which though. It reminds of the great time we had in Ireland. Ah, the Guinness, the music, the American marines, but specially the company of four crazy, but amazing girls.