100 Happy Days: 9 - Pink Rhododendrons at Arlington Court

The 9th happy day of my 100 Happy Days was spent wandering around Arlington Court and the National Trust Carriage Museum. Whilst strolling along one of the paths that wind through the grounds of the house, a large rhododendron tree caught my eye. Beneath its gnarled branches lay a spectacular burst of fallen pink petals, against emerald grass and brown soil. The fresh scent of spring gardens was in the air, with everything set to the tranquil soundtrack of songbirds and trickling streams. Beautiful.

100 Happy Days: 8 - Birthday Cakes for Friends

Today was my best friend's birthday, and so naturally the entire day was a glorious occasion! However, as I had to select just one thing in particular to write about here, I chose the cake. I ordered a vegan cake from Fair Foods (they no longer make cakes for postal delivery, but they were kind enough to fit us in before they discontinued that service) for him, and added a ridiculous amount of decorations on top of that. These included: a mini-candelabra, mini-birdcage filled with edible black roses, and two giant fountain candles! Quite fittingly, the lettering on top read: "Ridiculous Rah!". (It's something of an in joke between the two of us ;D)

 8 days of 100 Happy Days and still smiling!

100 Happy Days: 7 - Elizabethan Cat Pins

A little memento of the Totnes Elizabethan Market that I visited on the 16th of May. Traders man their stalls in full period costume at this weekly charity event, selling all manner of wares. The Elizabethan-themed market takes place every Tuesday from May - September in the main Market Square of Totnes and has a friendly, light-hearted atmosphere. 

Kitsch and cats. What more do I need? Teehee. Day 7 of my 100 Happy Days!

100 Happy Days: 6 - Mr NyaNya

Mr NyaNya

A friend made a custom character for me in Soul Calibur V, combining my two favourite characters (Voldo & Ivy) with my personality. The result of his random concoction was the delightful, winged, ghostly being above. The character was named Mr NyaNya and uses Voldo's moveset - hurrah! My 100 Happy Days needed to include Voldo in it somewhere, so thank you to my friend for making that happen, haha.

100 Happy Days: 5 - Aristocratic Feline Scholars

Countess Winifred von Scary

Another day of 100 Happy Days, another photo. This time, I was afforded the opportunity to take rare glimpse of the noble-blooded Countess Winifred von Scary - Countess to her friends - busily deciphering an ancient manuscript! How could such a momentous occasion not bring happiness to me?

100 Happy Days: 4 - Finding Fantastic Dresses

Hell Bunny Dress found in Revival, Totnes

Day 4 of my 100 Happy Days and here is my materialistic side, being made to pull a ridiculous face of amusement, in the wonderful halter-neck dress I bought earlier this month. The brand is Hell Bunny, but I found it by chance in the second hand shop, Revival, in Totnes. That shop has so many lovely vintage clothes packed in, as well as being home to some newer items now and then. The 50's style cut of this particular dress is flattering and the print brings to mind a meeting of Dia De Los Muertos with 1920's silent film - wonderful!

100 Happy Days: 3 - Mythic Sculpture Garden

A pensive little bull at Stone Lane Gardens

With this third day of my 100 Happy Days comes a photograph from my visit to the Mythic Sculpture Garden at Stone Lane Gardens, Chagford. This charming sculpture of a little bull lost in contemplation is one of the first you see after entering the garden, perched - quite naturally - upon a moss covered rock. His serious visage and quirky proportions set against the backdrop of such a stunning place brought a smile to my face, as did the whole area. However, I shall leave my full account of the Gardens for another time.

Oh, and if you're wondering what this little dear was staring so intently at...

Giant spider!

100 Happy Days: 2 - Kitty Snuggles

Snuggles with Pumpkin

Day 2 of the 100 Happy Days posts brings hugs with Pumpkin, my huge, fluffy, ginger tom cat. Despite having various incurable health issues, he loves attention from anyone - human or friendly cat - and will purr adorably all the while.

100 Happy Days: 1 - Alien Eye Trees

Philodendron bipinnatifidum at Torre Abbey Gardens

For 100 days, I am going to post a picture of something that makes me happy for the 100 Happy Days challenge. 

Today's picture is of a Philodendron tree, which I took inside the greenhouse of Torre Abbey Gardens. The leaf scars on the stem together with the tree's winding roots had the look of an alien creature with million staring eyes, climbing up the greenhouse pillars on tentacles. 

Alien Eye Tree beings definitely make me happy!

Hello There...

This paracosm is my world as I choose to see it. 

Feel free to stroll through the secret gardens & haunted castles with my strange dears and I.

Perhaps you won't see any of these lilies, but you can always imagine your own.