End of the road

Ladies and gentlemen, it is with regret that I have to inform you that this blog has reached the end of the road. After considering all my options I came to the conclusion that it just can’t be done. Two jobs, a family, two blogs and a guestblogger position to keep afloat is just too much of a good thing. There is no turning back. I will keep my Dutch blog because it’s just a little easier to keep it going. There is no turning back for this one though. I will keep on visiting each and everyone of you by adding your blogs to my feedreader.
Thank you for your support, your witty and sweet comments. I really appreciated them.

Out of action

As you can see, I am having a very, very bad cold at the moment. More activity then moving from the bed to the sofa and vice versa is not possible.
It doesn’t seem to be contagious but I’d be careful anyway if I were you.
Mail and such is greatly appreciated though…

A drink with someone from history

If you could have a beer with someone from history, who would it be? Graham asked his readers in general and me in particular. History never really was my favorite subject. In fact I hated the amount we needed to stamp into our heads from an early age. Boring names and dates. They would leave my brain immediately after we had been tested on a certain era.
I spend all weekend thinking about this challenge and I did come up with a few people I would love to sit down and have a drink with

Oscar Wilde would be my first choice. Over a glass of wine I would ask him what possessed him to marry and then coming out of the closet by writing The Picture of Dorian Gray. Its implied homoerotic theme was considered very immoral by the Victorians and he must have known how it would be received.

Sir Francis Drake would probably have a beer with me. To sail to unknown parts of the world being part slave trader, part pirate he must have many a tail to tell. I would love to know what drove him to set sail for the new world.


Marilyn Monroe I would invite for a martini. A women envied by many, loved by even more and died way too young in such a tragic manner . I would love to know if there was more to her then that supposedly dumb blond exterior most people got to see. Of course her alleged affair with John F. Kennedy and how she died would be part of the conversation

Truth or dare

It’s easy to dare me. Ever since I can remember I accepted challenge with open arms and plunged into the deep end without looking. But..I also know when to admit defeat and tell the truth if something is just out of my league. Dale (who is starting to show up here on a regular basis) pushed my button by asking his readers to follow his example and to start pod casting. As much as I hate to admit it, even podcasting for dummies is one pod too deep for me.
I did however manage to record the first episode of self reflections and saved it as MP3
Enjoy

Party!

Come on in,take a seat and have a piece of cake. No,no, don't count the candles. There are to many.

Blog Action Day!

In the seventies I became aware of the perils that threatened our environment . At that time acid rain and ozone depletion was being brought to our attention on a regular basis. I didn’t become active until I settled down and started a family in the mid eighties. Becoming a mom made me want to secure a future for my children and a clean and healthy environment was a priority. I did (and still do) whatever I could to safe energy and to stop wasting water and gas. We got rid of our second car, installed double glazing and made sure our children learned from an early age not to waste water and turn of lights and appliances as soon as they left a room. Even today I still rather take my bike then a bus (even though in Arnhem we have environmental friendly, electric busses) and we use the car only if there is no other option.
I feel that we are heading for disaster and that Im still not doing all that I can. If you see and hear about the melting of the poles, experience the strange weather conditions we seem to have, seasons no longer the way they used to be. It would help if the world leaders, especially the US and China would start giving the environment priority over economic issues.
I would applaud and be active in a new and better organized environmental movement to make our leaders listen, because it might already be too late.

Blog action day II

Just a reminder. Have you written your piece yet?

Indifference

She and I never got along. She could push all the wrong buttons like no other, made me want to quit my job on several occasions. Still, you would think that I would at least feel a little sorry for what happened to her , I would for any other human being.
The small circle of people who really know me would agree if I told you that I am a friendly, pretty open, in your face kinda person. I am distraught when tragedy strikes, where ever, when ever. I cry when my children are sad, I grief when loved ones pass away, I get angry when provoked and I love to laugh. Why then is it impossible for me to feel anything but indifference when told that this co-worker was very seriously hurt in an accident?
Am I really this heartless ?

Action day

October 15, just one day before my birthday a special event is going to take place in blogworld. On that day bloggers around the web will unite to put a single important issue on everyone’s mind - the environment. Every blogger will post about the environment in their own way and relating to their own topic. Our aim is to get everyone talking towards a better future.
I’m game, are you?
Watch the promo video and be inspired.

Found at Ellen's site

Shooting stars

Wishing on a star will never be the same again. Shit happens.

Expiration

Is there an expiration date for jobs, and if not, should there be? More and more I find myself feeling unhappy if not ill at ease where I used to be so very, very happy for a long time. Almost 8 years ago I got hired as a substitute and from the start I knew this was the place for me. During those years I got promoted from sub to one day a week employee to part timer doing 22 hours. I loved every minute and ever change was accepted with open arms. Those days seem long gone. Being part of the workers council gave me a look behind closed doors, that I’d rather not have seen. Little irritations are starting to become obsessions and I feel myself getting pulled deeper and deeper into a feeling of discontent.
Time to put my resume out there and move on?

Men are wimps

Is there anything more annoying then a man who is bedridden for whatever reason? Yesterday they lasered one of his legs to get rid of a very bad varicose vein. Yes, with laser technology. Not stripped like they used to. Some tiny injections to numb the leg and within one hour he was back on the ward. With one heavily bandaged leg (he didn’t give a sound as the nurse expertly applied the bandage) he insisted on driving home himself (and I am such a good driver). As soon as the injections started to wear of the moaning set in. To make matters worse the bandages started to slip and yes, he decided to take them of and asked me to put them back the way they were. Hello! I am a woman of many talents, but a trained nurse I’m not. Not a clue as to how much pressure is right I started to tight, then it wasn’t tight enough. And all the while he groaned and moaned.
Now he drops his pants every five minutes to inspect his upper leg because he thinks it is way out of proportion. “Look” he said ”This is way bigger then the other one. Do you think we need to call the doctor?” He moans when het walks, sits down, gets up or even if he just changes positions on the couch. No man has ever suffred the way he does right now. If this continues he might have to call the men in white coats….for me

Autumn

Autumn to winter, winter into spring,
Spring into summer, summer into fall,
So rolls the changing year, and so we change;
Motion so swift, we know not that we move.
Dinah Maria Mulock
Long before it’s time I feel my body settling into autumn mode. There is a dull pain in my bones that tell me summer is definitely over. I hate autumn. Drab gray hours flow into early darkness long before the day is done. I might have a moment of joy on a sunny day when the park shows it’s full blazing colours from yellow to deep amber brown and fiery red, but most of the time I just wish I’d live in a warmer climate. I need the warmth of the sun to make me sparkle. The feel of a summer breeze on naked skin is like a soft caress. Autumn brings gloom, cold feet and scowling people hiding under umbrella’s that are to big to let you pass safely on a sidewalk.
Autumn, too depressing for words.

Lost

I blame Dale, he posted his image with the link and (being who I am) now I can’t stop playing around with my 3d image.


Please help..I'm lost!

Odd couple

While looking for a soppy Tom Jones song (no, don't ask, just accept it) I found this jewel. Tom and Janis, 1969, priceless

Shameless promotion

To be honest, I have no idea if this is the right way to promote my blog, but you don’t know if you don’t try is my motto. I first was introduced to this interview by Bonez. Being a co host at his site he admitted my name and I got invited to participate. So, dear readers of Double Dutch, click the link and vote for me please? I really would like to see my ratings go sky-high.
(No worries,being delusional is painless)

Memories

Mesmerized I watch the screen. Strings of joy, but also pain tugging at my heart as pictures of yesteryear unfold in front of my eyes. Grandparents, aunts, uncles, all long gone. And there is my mother. Always my mother, so elegant, smiling at the man behind the camera. Her pretty face not yet distorted by the lines of discontent that were formed in later years. My mother as I want to remember her. Happy, young, beautiful. My brothers, sisters, so young. Family outings, the vacations spend at the seaside. The building of our house. Christmas at my grandmothers. Seeing all the familiar faces, the pictures on the wall, the little traditions that we had. I cry for the for the love that was lost, the happiness that disappeared but once had been so obvious.
Four precious DVD’s with images of my youth, my hometown, the street where we lived.
Just for a little while I am back where I belong

Second life

In January 2007, a man named Molotov Alva, disappeared from his Californian home. Recently, a series of video dispatches by a Traveler of the same name have appeared within a popular online world called Second Life.

This is the beginning of the first episode of 'My Second Life', a documentary shot entirely in Second Life. I was fascinated by the voice and the way the story was told but even more by the concept. Not once have I set foot in second life, scared it could suck me in and take over. Could I have been right?
See for yourself..

Thoughtfulness Award

It’s the day after, and still I’m speechless. Ces, who’s writing and artwork I so admire gave me an award. A true honest to God award for thoughtfulness. In her words:
Thoughtful bloggers are those who take the time to acknowledge their visitors and respectfully pays them with a visit. These bloggers just don't visit to leave a "Hello" or "Nice" comment. They are thoughtful and genuinely expressive of their opinions, agreements or disagreements without ever losing grace.

Although I am not sure I deserve this, I am honored and proud that she choose me, of all those that come to her blog on a daily basis, for this award.

Bullets

No words, no explanation necessary, the video says it all

Self reflections IV

It was late, very late. She sat on top of the steps that led to the crew cabins and smoked a cigarette. Thinking back she smiled as she remember the festivities that had taken place to celebrate her 24th birthday. Too much booze, as always, but still not enough to wash away the loneliness that engulfed her from time to time. As she took another drag, a door opened in the corridor below. He stopped when he noticed her sitting there. So forlorn, almost childlike. “You still up?” he asked as he approached her. “I just wanted to have one more smoke before turning in” she answered” I was thinking about home and wondering if they remembered my birthday” Suddenly she felt very vulnerable. He had seen her in her nightgown a thousand times before, yet now for the first time she felt exposed. She pulled up her knees and hugged them with her arms. “Move over” he had said as he came up “I’ll keep you company for a while” Later she didn’t remember what they talked about. Nothing important, her birthday probably or her family. She did remember the laughter in his eyes and the way he smelled. The warmth of his body next to her on the narrow staircase. As she finished her cigarette and got up to clear away the ashtray she half turned and there he was. His face only inches away from hers. As if it was the most natural thing he took he face in his hands and kissed her. “Happy birthday again” He smiled, looked into her eyes and at that moment she knew that this was the moment her life would never be the same again

Part III

Serenity

This is my favourite time of the week. Early Sunday morning not a soul in sight, as I take the dog for a stroll through the park. A thin soft layer of mist hovers between the trees. Pearls of dew turn cobwebs into works of art. I love the way the willow tree reflects in the water, its beauty never seizes to amaze me. There is solace in its sadness. Ducks on the tiny island squabbling over who sits where, breaking the sound of silence. A heron, standing perfectly still, is waiting for breakfast to pass by.Breathing in, breathing out. This is the time I become one with the world around me. My eyes absorb colours, my nose inhales pure oxygen, just a hint of early fall in the air. My ears tuned to the singing of birds. Far away geese are starting to gather for their morning flight. Excitement clearly audible in the amount of sound they make. As I slowly make my way around the pond I am thankful that I am able to see al this beauty and to enjoy this serenity.

Battle with buffalo

Not only is Twitter a great way to keep up with friends, it also is a great way of sharing news and the latest finds on the www. Today one of my contacts found this video on Youtube and since she shared the url on Twitter I can now share it with you.
It's an amazing video where a group of buffalo come to the rescue of a calf that is snatched by lions.Once again it shows what you can do if you close ranks and go for it.
Some extra info, the guy (Frank) talking the strange languagein the background is actually speaking Afrikaans. A language that evolved from Dutch as it used to be spoken in the 17th century. I can understand most of what he is telling his mates on the radio.

Loneliness

I took a peek into the future today. Not a pretty sight I can tell you. My husband is away for a few weeks, child number one is in Portugal, number two is either at her own place or at her boyfriends and number three is (if not asleep) away at work most of the time. As Wednesday is my day of I had the house to myself and no one to talk to but the dog. He is starting to avoid me.. It’s a good thing all my limbs are still in good working order. At least the dog had a field day. Three lengthy walks where normally one is the norm (plus a few short ones, before you take pity on the mutt). I didn’t get a call all day. I tried phoning my friend, but she wasn’t at home and it wasn’t until late afternoon that someone came to the door and that was not even for me either, but the contractor for the house next door, picking up a key. I’m not counting MSN conversations nor the one-sided one-liners on Twitter or Numpa.


For the first time I could understand my mom a little better, how she couldn’t be bothered to get dressed anymore those last few years. Why she just sat in that comforting chair zapping from station to station, getting lured into participating in those stupid games that never brought her anything but huge bills. Why she would call me at the silliest of times just to say she needed to hear my voice.
So…if you have a family member out there that you know is all alone, pick up the phone. Not tomorrow but right now and ask them how they have been. Give them a few minutes of your time and make their day. I was on their wavelength more or less for just one day and I can tell you loneliness is an ugly feeling

Back in business

As with all good things, also vacations must come to an end. The streets in my neighbourhood are quiet, schools are still closed. Just a little less traffic on the road to my right as I drive my bike into the city. The beauty of the nature reserve on my left unchanged. Only the huge flocks of geese seem absent. It feels strange to enter the all familiar building after 5 weeks of recreational bliss. The youth ensemble is the only group present. New dancers approach me with reserve, there are too many this year, it will take a while before they are integrated in my system. ‘Old’ ones come in with arms opened wide. Talking excitingly about where they spend their vacation and with whom. They seem happy to be back. The main group is still absent, they have one more week before they need to get back into shape. A few colleagues are present, most office employees are still away. A slow start makes a huge difference. This way I can take my time getting back into the office routine. A new season, a new start.

PS I still owe you a detailed description of my time in Italy, if all goes well I’m going to post it later this week.

Tuscany part 1

The great thing about living in Europe is that within a few hours drive you are in a different country with a different language, culture etc. As we live in the east of Holland it takes us even less time to enter Germany and thus my “I’m on vacation’ feeling sets in almost straight away. For the first time in years and years it’s just the two of us in the car. No whining kids in the backseat, no questions about how long before we stop, no fighting, no crying and no car sickness. Bliss.
The first day we drive as far as Wassen in Switzerland where we arrive around 7.30 in the evening. Swiss hospitality, a room with a view that takes my breath away and great food. Before we even started this trip we decided not to use the Gotthard tunnel, but the take the road that leads to the pass. Good choice, as we later find out that there is a huge line of cars waiting to get into the tunnel with more then 3 hours delay. We whistle all the way to the top.

The Italian border at Chiasso is another hurdle that we take in our stride. The last stretch as usual takes the longest. As we arrive in Colle di Val d’Elsa late in the afternoon we first get hit by the heath and secondly by the friendly hotel and its staff. Time to take a long shower, change and take a good look around the place where we will spend the next 7 days. Already the pace is slow, the wine a must and the centre square exactly as I imagined it would be. Groups of males watching the girls who are watching the males watch them. We lean back, enjoy our wine and watch the show. Our vacation has begun

Internet crash

Yes I'm back and not a moment to soon I believe. Old-fashioned surfing brought me to this site where I was informed about the all over internet crash. If this isn’t a living nightmare I don’t know what is…

Goodbye

Operator 11

The world has gone mad. My first week of doing absolutely nothing has come and gone and yet I have less time then normal. Husband dearest needs more attention then a toddler, a daughter on her way to Dublin with a list of last minute things longer then my right arm and two boys who come and go as they please. Enough to drive an already not so normal mom insane. On top of that I am finding myself spending more time on Twitter and, even better, participating in the exciting world of Operator11. A free television network that enables you to host your own show, single-handed or with others.

Last night I was part of a Dutch show called Zomaargasten. We were asked to share what we thought was the ultimate pop song. This is your chance to see me in action for the very first time.

Addicted

Who?...me?....naaahhhh

71%How Addicted to Blogging Are You?

Do the test

Time is on my side

As if my brain needs time to get used to all this leisure time I still hop around the internet as if I don’t have a minute to spare. Last night I had a great time watching a new venture come to life. This new gadget being more of a Bonez thing I wrote a log and posted it there. Today Walter invited me to join this new community called Bumpzee and I jumped. I really would like to attract more visitors to this site but as I started to read I got lost halfway through the first page. Never mind, I did adjust the gadget and as you can see it’s there (on your right) being integrated in my page. No idea whether it will make a difference. On and on I go from page to page chased by the notion that time is running out.
The same applies for my household activities.. I still run up and down my stairs as if I have to leave any minute. I fly through my chores with the same zest as always, not taking a minute to rest and catch my breath. Mind and body are tense, not able to grasp the fact that I have all the time in the world. I am now beginning to realize how uptight I have been these last few months. It's time to relax and smell the roses

Face your pockets

Most men think that women carry the whole world and its content in their handbags….and they are right. Although, some really can overdo it. Why anyone would want to carry around a spare pair flip-flops is a complete mystery, even to me. I’ve never spilled my guts, nor my handbag content on the www. I’m sure no one is interested in my collection of agendas dating back to 2001. Nor are you waiting to see the package of Kleenex that is so old you can hardly read the cover, but for this project I might make an exception. Fill your scanner, close your eyes…and press start.

What's another year?

In these last few days before the company comes to a complete standstill, time already seems to slow down. In the ballet world the year starts in August and stops somewhere between the end of June, beginning of July. This is the right time to clean out drawers, file old messages, throw out everything that is no longer of any use. Filing contracts for the new season in alphabetical order gives me time to reflect on the year that more then ever took me for a rollercoaster ride. A conflict with a co worker almost drove me insane. The stress of being part of the work council I dragged home with me, causing me to loose sleep. Sometimes it all upset me so much that the thought of leaving entered my mind more then once.
But I do love this job; from the first day I started as a sub in ’99 I knew that this was the right job for me. The people, the diversity of the workload and last but absolutely not least being part of this cultural world I always so admired from afar.
When I return in August, I will no longer be a member of the work council and I have set myself a goal. I have given myself minimal 6 months to maximal one year to re-find the joy I used to have in doing this job. I think I owe myself that much.

Self reflections III

The quietness of the house reminded her of the times when it had only been the two of them. Children’s laughter had only been a wish, a possibility for the future and not even that was certain. The fact that she had gotten this far was already something that amazed her from time to time. As if it had all happened in the blink of an eye. She remembered vividly the thought that shot through her mind the first time she laid eyes on him. “Wow.. what a man”. Instantly her mind froze as she absorbed his image, aware that every fibre of her body tingled in anticipation. She had just as quickly discarded the thought and the emotion. She had a job to do, a mission to accomplish and he was probably married. The one thing she had always vowed. Never get involved with a married or even a divorced man.

That year had been the one where she had stopped chasing love. Trying to find commitment in giving away her body to boys who lost interests in the chase the moment she had surrendered. She was no longer fair game. For the first time she was focussing on a future that had nothing to do with anyone else but herself. She was going places, proving to herself that being on your own wasn’t scary nor sad. Liberating her mind from stereotypes spoon-fed to her by her mother. She’d had only one relapse that year. The man she met in the bar, an American in Amsterdam, passing, just as the ship he was about to sail back home. This time she had known this wasn’t going to be the happy ever after. Not once during the brief affair had she lost her independence. A victory that had made her stronger. She said goodbye without looking back.

At that precise moment the man, the one that had made her body tingle when they first met, that man would change her life forever

Part one
Part two

Long days.

No,no….there is nothing wrong. At least nothing that a few weeks of R&R couldn’t fix. Work is taking up all of my time and when I finally get home I’m too tired to read my mail, let alone visit all those logs on my favourites list. Two more weeks to go, just two more weeks of unbalanced days, different schedules, and long hours before I can finally close the door behind me for 5 weeks of doing absolutely zilch, nada, niente. One of the perks of working in the cultural world, long summer breaks.
My husband and I are going to Italy for two weeks of sun, sea, and sightseeing. For the first time in I can’t remember how long, it will be just us. No children, no pets, just him and me. Bliss! As soon as I have a little more time I will give you a preview of Tuscany, yet to be discovered by us and I’ll introduce you to Marina Romea. The weekend resort for Italians and a place of peace and quiet for the few foreigners who love to do as the Italians do.

Dark blue(s)

Long before I could see it birds already told me there was another storm brewing. Somehow they feel before we see. In loud short exciting bursts of sound they let me know something is about to happen. From the window in my room I can see it approaching from afar. Dark blue, almost black the clouds that move in fast on winds that make the branches of the birch in my garden almost double over. Like my mood, dark and looming, it hangs over our house. The first drops hit the window with force. Soon I can’t see from the water pouring over the glass. They match the tears on my face. The storm subsides as fast as it came and now I hear a blackbird sing. His job as a messenger of doom is done. Joyously he announces the return of the sun. If only I could switch my moods as quickly.

Be aware, nudity!

This is hilarious in my view. It involves nudity so for the fainthearted, please do not, I repeat, do not click the movie if you can’t stand the sight of bare boobs.
Men, take a look at yourselves...

Euphoria

Every now and then I surprise myself by writing something that is so brilliant it almost takes my breath away. The work related letter I had to work on over the weekend was exactly as it should be. Sharp, to the point and not leaving anything to the imagination. It thrills me to bits when things come together. All the right statements made, every i dotted. Leaving no room for improvement.
The adrenaline it releases makes me feel on top of the world. I would love to be able to write like this all the time. Getting addicted to the euphoria of the moment.

Distraction

It’s so easy to distract me its almost embarrassing. What bothers me the most is that in the end I can’t even remember how I got where I end up in the first place. Take this morning for example, surfing along my own merry way and suddenly this sign pops up: Show us your appreciation and vote for us. Being the way that I am of course I click on the sign and I get to vote …not just for this site, euhu…there are plenty more. Some categories mean diddly squat to me so…I need to explore a little further. Take for instance , game sites, being a Zylom player myself, I never even heard of “You don’t know Jack” well..as a mater of fact it seems I don’t . I (again) can’t resist the challenge and end up playing, scoring $ 4.020, big bucks in my book, but apparently loser fee in theirs. I might as well get my score up there in highlights, so I register. You still with me? You are the only ones, because by now I have totally forgotten what I was looking for before I got here and I end up writing this blog

By the way, I skipped voting for mobile and productivity, they really left me flabbergasted

Self reflections II

Last nights thunderstorm had not cleared the air at all. She had not been able to fall asleep, humidity wrapped around her like a blanket. She had tried to clear her head of all the things she needed to do, but somehow thoughts kept returning as if on a merry go round.The loud voice of the women down the road didn’t help much either. She knew that she came from a large family so maybe she had to be loud to be heard. When she finally managed to fall asleep dreams played havoc on her mind. She had woken up once or twice, not able to make sense of all she had seen and heard. Images too blurry, voices to far away. She heard him call out again. Sometimes she thought he only called out to make sure she was still around, not needing anything, just reassurance. As if she would be able to disappear. Slowly she made her way down. Stopping by the hallway window looking out over the front yard she noticed the blackbird sitting at the windowsill. One curious beady eye watching her. “Good morning my friend” she said “will I get another serenade today?” The bird didn’t move. She slightly moved the picture hanging on the wall and smiled at the instant memory that shot through her mind.

Part one here

NB feedback is much appreciated. Even if , no ..'specially if you think it stinks.

The living years ~Mike and the mechanics

I stumbled onto this video today and I thought you might like to hear it . I have no idea how old this song is, but it keeps hitting this little button deep down in my stomach that hasn't completely dealt with losing some of the most beautiful people I have ever known.
Listen and learn

Familiar places

Time does have a tendency to fly when you’re having fun. A room with a view, the all familiar seaside resort, the little white church, the lighthouse and all the people I care most about around me. Walking up and down the beach, getting used to the cold water. Loving the feel of the sand between my toes. Watching children building castles with deep moats at the flood line, naked babies with buckets trying to catch the outgoing tide. Shells just waiting to be picked up.
Great company, wonderful music and good food and wine. Singing Happy Birthday at twelve which is also the end of the party. In this part of the country Sunday rest is still respected. The long line of happy people walking along to boulevard on their way back to the hotel. Youngsters up front, eager to find a spot still open for them to enjoy just one more drink. We, the older ones, sauntering, enjoying the cool breeze, deeply inhaling salty air.
I will have to hold on to these memories for a while, the next time we are going to meet is at the end of summer. I don’t have a box big enough to lock them all away.

Magical moments

This girl with long braids is my oldest sister. The picture was taken in Katwijk, a seaside resort where we used to spend our summers when we were kids. It holds treasured memories and probably is the reason why I love the sea so very much. The first time in years that we all went back as a family was to celebrate our mothers 80th birthday. It was also the last time we were complete. Since then our brother in law and our mother passed away, our brother is married to wife number three and our oldest niece has had a baby. Today we come together again, to celebrate my oldest sisters 60th birthday. She has rented the same beach club she and her husband used to celebrate their 25th wedding anniversary. We will all stay at the same hotel. This weekend will be about family and sharing magical moments once again.

A room with a view

I promised Jenn a look in my kitchen. The biggest difference between hers and mine is that I can’t cook. Now there’s a meme you can chew on for a while. My mother never took the time to teach us how to, because she just didn’t care for cooking at all. Although she could whip up a wonderful meal if she set her mind to it.
From the windows I have a wonderful view of the street we live in. This picture was taken a few winters ago. I can never get enough of views like this. It makes me feel very peaceful.
There used to be a wall between the kitchen and the living room, but we tore it out when we bought the house. I wanted to be able to watch our children while cooking or washing dishes (nope, no dishwasher).
This post actually gave me a new idea. I will, over a period of time, post pictures of more rooms in my house, so you get to see how the Dutch live. Mind you, I might skip the bedroom, there are limits to my exhibitionism.

Self reflections

She hears him calling out to her. The woman in the mirror looks familiar yet different. The roots in her hair show more grey then she cares for. Deep lines run from the side of her nose to the corners of her mouth. The fire in her eyes is missing. Tired, she looks tired. This is one of those days that she wishes she could just curl up on the couch and disappear in the book she happens to read . Days like today remind her that she left her youth behind. Her body starts to ache. A dull pain that penetrates her bones. Looking back, there are no regrets. Nothing she would do different. Well…maybe she would have had more children. The one thing she knew she excelled in, raising children. She lived her life with a passion that was all consuming. Now, at this age, not a day goes by that she doesn’t have a moment of self reflection. Enjoying the little things become important. A song that brings back memories, an unexpected letter or just the warmth of the sun on her face.
Turning away from the mirror she answers the man downstairs. The light in her eyes slowly returned.

Sitting down to write a blog, my mind started to wander and I wrote this text. I have no idea if this is going to develop into a story or if this is just the one of.
Sometimes I just surprise myself.

Do you read me?

This is what my bookcase looked like after having saved each and every paperback I bought through the years. Up until last week. When I found Jenn crying over the price of books in the Netherlands a while ago. Finding a new home for my precious' paperbacks was all the encouragement I needed to finally dive in and clear out. My bookcase hasn't looked this organized in ages.
Today my husband drove me across the country to deliver two large boxes filled with reading material. Meeting Jenn was wonderful and I instantly fell in love with her kids. Thank you Jenn, for your hospitality, your delicious coffee and equally delicious scones. I’m sure we will meet again soon!

Spool.fm

Tony send me the link to Spool .fm and ever since that moment I can’t stop playing with this amazing new tool. Starting out I only typed in artists I knew, but slowly I’m beginning to discover that searching while using single words is much more fun. I already tried blue, white, love and angels so far. The last one made me discover the song that I also found on you tube, so you can enjoy it as well. .If you get as hooked as I do, don’t forget to drag and drop the songs you like to the left and save the play list. By clicking on the date on top of the tab you can erase the date and give each list its own name. Spool also has the possibility to allow someone to synchronize on songs you are listening too. Try it and find little treasures as this one.

Cocooning

Under my eyes in my own backyard.

Suburbia

The city is ugly and smells of exhaust fumes and decay. Buildings waiting to be torn down, boarded up, sinister. Dragging my tired behind home I start to breath lighter as I cross the river. Just a slight slope up before I race downhill, taking the bike path that has a sharp bend, into the tunnel underneath the busy road and inhaling deeply at the exit. Green pastures come into view. The dyke on my left and a nature reserve on my right. Huge amounts of geese enjoying their evening meal, while the ones on look out loudly announce my arrival, trying to out do traffic noise. One more steep little hill and I am on top of the dyke. It gives me an even more spectacular view of the reserve. Wide bodies of water, green trees, and bushes as far as the eye can see .The traffic noise on the left still in my ear. At the end of the dyke I turn again, one more downhill ride. Like a child I take my feet of the pedals and let my bike run free. As by magic all the city sounds disappear. Blackbirds joyously announce my arrival. As I continue through our suburban park, passing the pond, the allotments, and the pancake restaurant the only sound I hear is the singing of birds, the quacking of ducks and occasionally a croaking frog. Shedding the city as if taking of a cloak that wears me down I instantly forget how tired I am. Life is good

Lurking?

The past week was anti lurk week on web logs in Holland. I only caught on last night, too late as usual. Still…maybe I can get my readers here to leave me a line.
Come out, come out …wherever you are…

Reflections

From the bathroom across the landing I watch her as she types away. Her fingers flying over the keyboard as if they are in a race for fastest typist in the world. In between lines she lifts up her head to read reactions from the other side of the monitor. A wide grin on her face, laughing out loud every now and then. “If he could only see how happy he makes you” I think while I observe this one way conversation. With all our mod cons, getting to know each other seems to be no longer down to secret dates in the park or sneaking a kiss in the schools bike shed. We bare our souls in front of a 15 inch screen. Facial expressions have been replaced by emoticons. Saddened by my own thoughts I turn away from the smiling child that doesn’t seem to know how much better it is to have this conversation while sitting opposite the other person, holding hands and seeing your own laughter reflect in his eyes.

Home sweet home

The southern hills, green countryside, wide open views, people with sing song voices. Even though I left it more then thirteen years ago, it still is my home. Today I went back to meet up with my brothers and sisters, to celebrate our youngest nephew’s first communion. The moment I pass the sign that says “Welcome to Limburg” I leave the homesickness behind and my spirits soar. The bond I have with my family is strong and although I never said it out loud, I love each and every one of them. Unconditionally and with a strength that could move mountains if need be. They know, as I know the feeling is mutual. Time, as time goes, didn’t stop. The hour to leave approached and I felt my heart grow heavy. Saying goodbye, one more hug for the little ones. Sharing just a few more titbits of information before we head for the door.
The first weekend in June, when my oldest sister celebrates her sixties birthday, we will all meet again. I can’t wait.

Days long gone

I’m working full time this week and once I come home, the only thing I want to do is crash down on my sofa, remote in hand and a drink within reach. Most of the time I don’t even manage to stay awake for the eight o’clock news. Where are the days that I could hit the town after a long week and stay out all weekend, dancing and drinking the nights away, turning up bright and cheerful for work again on Monday morning?
Those were the days.

Mothers day

Mothersday was special when the children were young. Little poems learned by heart at school, hand made presents. I saved each and every one. Breakfast in bed with more food then I would normally eat in a week. Their exciting faces watching me open the presents. Wonderful moments of motherhood. The moment they became aware of the commercial site of mothers day I put a stop to it. No expensive gifts, no huge bouquet of flowers could ever replace the exciting innocence it used to have.
All of you who still have little children at home. I wish you a wonderful day today!

Nightlife

The Chinese restaurant just around the corner is where we were supposed to meet, but when I got there, it wasn’t the place I knew. There were strange men who all spoke my language. The menu was a mixture of Chinese and Russian and something I couldn’t identify. Although I felt like a complete stranger everyone seemed to know me. They even made me serf the only couple that was sitting at a table in the back. Somehow I knew the drinks I was bringing them and who had ordered what.
When finally my date arrived it wasn’t my husband but it felt right. The walls around us disintegrated, people I didn’t know kept asking me about the age of my son. No one questioned me about the man who was holding my hand. As we left through a very small corridor he bent over and I thought he was going to kiss me, but he only straightened my collar.
“Let me show you my favourite part of town” I said although the surroundings where totally unfamiliar. Beautiful old houses with gorgeous flowers in their windowsills. A very steep alley with cobblestones that led to a wide square. A young boy with a puppy came running up to us and greeted us as if we were his parents. “I need to go” He said “I wish I could stay, but I need to go” I watched him leave and just as I thought that the pain I felt was my punishment I woke up. I feel weird ever since

Diino

While searching for new blogitems I found this advert here. One can never have enough storage space.

Diino is a secure online storage service with advanced (but still very easy to use) file sharing features. The software also includes a user friendly online backup tool, a secure e-mail client, a personal blog tool, an integrated mp3 player and much more. Access or share your data from your PC, your mobile phone, or your web browser. Sign up now and get 2GB free.

Tell it like it is

I have always liked Tori Amos, with this song she stole my heart. Way to go Tori!

Decline

There is a huge age difference between the man in this house and me. Sixteen years to be precise. This has not been a problem and it never will be either. Now he is slowly going towards 70 his mind is as sharp as ever, but his body is showing signs of physical decline. After dinner he needs to hold on to the table to steady himself. His energetic pace is slowing down and if he sits for too long a period in his favourite chair he has trouble getting up. Small deficiencies are showing up. His hearing is deteriorating, ill-fated for a man who is already 100% deaf in one ear. Pain in his right leg covered with varicose veins. Trouble cutting his fingernails because he no longer has control over his right hand. Last week, after a special intimate moment I noticed for the first time that his chest suddenly has disappeared. That broad body that I could always hide behind, the strong arms that would hold and protect me. They all seem to have disintegrated. With one extra kiss and a strong embrace I said goodbye in silence.

History part two

There I was 17 going on 70, lost in a world of my own. Flunking high school because they didn’t teach what I needed, wanted to know, drifting from job to job until my mom decided to take me away for a vacation. The first time I set foot in Israel and I fell in love instantly. The warmth of the people, the country and last but certainly not least Avi. A blue eyed blond soldier that could pass for anything but Jewish. I returned to stay only a few months later. Settled in a kibbutz just of the Gilboa mountain, I had the time of my life. Trying to learn the language, picking olives at the wake of dawn, serving in the dining room I made heaps of friends and never, not for a moment was I ever aware of being in danger.

Returning home almost a year later I found a place to live and for a while I seemed to settle down. It wasn’t for long though. The add for stewardesses on a river cruise gave me a second change to escape. That was the point of no return. After the season I went to Portugal and Spain with a colleague. Three months of exploring and drifting from place to place until my money ran out. Not wanting to go home again I called in some favours and took the train to England.
London, what is there not to love? Starting in Wembley and slowly worked my way into the inner City. Kings Road had a famous night club called Wedgies and they hired me as a receptionist. About 8 months down the road the club was losing it’s members to Annabelle’s, the new place to be and it was time to move on. By now I had developed a taste for travelling so I went back to Holland to work as a river cruise stewardess once more. My aim was to safe up enough money to make the giant step across the ocean. America here I come but fate had different plans for me.

Just a note

A great new gadget for people who really don't have the time to blog!

follow DoubleDutch at http://twitter.com

Magic moments

While I was enjoying myself last night at Paradijs Poesjkin my (blog)friend Marina went to a concert in one of the best known venues in Amsterdam, named Paradiso. At least I can still enjoy what she saw on you tube, Paradijs Poesjkin was a once in a lifetime experience. After May 20 it will (probably) never be seen again.

Map my name

A few students think it is possible to map all internet users within 19 days. I'm game.





This came Koosje her through madam Mikmak.

Sweet tooth?

Somehow I must have missed al the commotion, but luckily he had this video on his site.

Buy only at Tony's Chocolonely!

PC-TV

Most of you probably know about this program already, but not me . Once again through MyBlogLog I found an invitation on his site and from now on , thanks to Adrian, I can watch TV on my PC. I am impressed by the amount of channels and then there is more, so much more.
I am not able to invite others to join, but If and when I do I will let you certainly let you know. In the meantime, Adrian still has some invites for grabs. Wouldn’t it be fun to know we are all watching the same channel and at the same time to be able to chat even if we are miles apart. The word “Groovy” comes to mind…

Personal Closet

Through Mybloglog I found this really great site. I know I would make a nice bit of pocket money if I cleaned out my overstuffed wardrobes. Unfortunately for me, the package costs will probably exceed the asking price

History part one

On october 16, 1955 I was born as my parents fifth child (fourth girl), two more children would follow. One girl one boy. Their firstborn Emma had died at a very young age of cancer.
My parents met and fell in love during ww II. She was the oldest daughter of a family with high social standing in the small coalmining town in the south of Holland. My father an only child of simple but solid parents who settled in the south later in life. He worked as an engineer at the mine so that would make me a coalminers daughter.

I remember waking up early in the morning and watching the men from the early shift make their way to the mine. They would joke and swing the blocked towels that held their food and metal flask filled with tea or coffee, on the rhythm of their steps. Helmets slightly askew on their heads. Soon after the men from the nightshift walked by going in opposite direction, silently, black rimmed eyes. Dragging their feet and coughing up pieces of the air they had inhaled all night. And still it was a good life. Southern communities, separating themselves from the rest of the country by the singsong way of talking, easygoing warm-hearted, finding reasons for celebrations in the smallest things. Held together by their faith and the catholic church. Everyone knew everyone. Family was all that mattered. The mine the bond they all shared.

My recollection of my early years are fairly happy. Summers spend at the seaside, a luxury not given to many, a loving father and a mother who seemed to dote on us. Little did I know. I can’t remember when the laughter stopped and the screaming began. It is not important anymore anyway. My rebellious puberty had a lot to do with these unhappy years. Wanting to break away. Trying so hard to find love but looking in the wrong places. Giving my body to easily and breaking hearts in the process. I did a lot of things I’m not proud of. It took me a while to realise that true love can’t be found on the surface. Call it growing up the hard way.

National Holiday

On 30 April 1980, Queen Juliana signed the Act of Abdication and Princess Beatrix succeeded her as Queen of the Netherlands. On the same day, her investiture took place at a special plenary session of both Houses of the States General in the New Church in Amsterdam. Since then, the Queen's birthday has been officially celebrated on 30 April. Apart from being the day of her investiture, it is also Princess Juliana's birthday. The Queen's Birthday is an official national holiday.

Money

Women are very curious, we all know that. We are also very fond of money. Nothing new there either. The first brought me to this site and the second got me a nice little logo telling me how much this blog is worth. Not a lot apparently…

PS My Dutch blog is going to bring in the big bucks, California here I come..

Lonely

Not even May and already my face and arms have a tan from the ever present sun. There is nothing I love more then summer so I don’t question natures strange behaviour, I just enjoy. The children are away from home and husband and I have dinner for two. After almost 28 years we don’t need words anymore. A sign, a gesture simple chitchat. Not touching the subjects that hurt. Taking the dog out for a stroll, through the park into the small forest. At a shady spot I hold still, spread my arms and feel the soft breeze touch my naked arms, play with my hair. Closing my eyes I feel one with nature and lonelier then I have ever been.

Those were the days

A semi heath wave, girls in skirts, legs the colour of winter. Men in denial, heavy coats hiding their sweating armpits. Huge fields of tulips are already in bloom somewhere in the west.
I wish I could take the car and drive to the coast. Days like these are for burying you feet underneath the sand. Penetrating the dry surface with ease, digging harder when hitting the wet solid layer. Listening to the sound of the waves crashing the beach, trying to reclaim land, pulling back in slow motion. Screaming seagulls and the laughter of a child carried away by the ever present breeze. Remembering how it used to be. Childhood vacations. A father, a mother, brothers and sisters. Endless days of playing in the shallow pools, trying to catch shrimp left behind by outgoing tide. Searching for special shells, thinking each one was more unique then the other. The taste of salt on your lips. Sand in your hair, ears and between your toes. Hide and seek in the dunes. Those were the days.
And here I am, typing away my nostalgia in the boss’s time while outside girls in skirts pass by, legs the colour of winter.

Privileged

Every year the director of our company selects a few promising new talents from the pre academy school. He enrols them in his private training program. His aim is to get them ready for the big stage in a shorter period then the academy. They get his undivided attention and he gives them his expertise. Under his guidance you can almost see them grow. At this moment they are working hard on their end of the year presentation. They use a studio which is just around the corner from my desk so I am in the privileged position to watch their progress and in the meantime enjoy the beautiful music that they use.
I so love my job

Kenny Rogers and the First Edition - Ruby

Aimless surfing does sometimes pay of. This is the one song I can still sing by heart.

Restless

A winter that wasn’t, followed by summer skipping spring. Could that be the reason why I am feeling restless, on edge? Nothing can hold my attention for very long. Surfing aimlessly, like in the old days, but everything seems to be about ratings and attracting visitors. Who cares. I can follow the soccer game on TV from the room next to mine without seeing it. The men in this house need to get headphones. Through the open balcony door I can hear a blackbird serenading the slowly vanishing sun. His song joyful. From across the water another one answers. All of a sudden the air is filed with the sound of singing birds, instant competition. The sound of a train crossing the bridge takes over for a few seconds, vanishing as fast as it began. High up in the air a flock of geese flying by in v formation. Destination unknown. Slowly I feel the tension leave my body.Another day comes to an end.

What Be Your Nerd Type? Your Result: Literature Nerd Does sitting by a nice cozy fire, with a cup of hot tea/chocolate, and a book you can read for hours even when your eyes grow red and dry and you look sort of scary sitting there with your insomniac appearance? Then you fit this category perfectly! You love the power of the written word and it's eloquence; and you may like to read/write poetry or novels. You contribute to the smart people of today's society, however you can probably be overly-critical of works. It's okay. I understand.
Social Nerd
Drama Nerd
Gamer/Computer Nerd
Artistic Nerd
Science/Math Nerd
Musician
Anime Nerd
What Be Your Nerd Type? Quizzes for MySpace

Although I have no idea if this is a good or a bad thing I thought you might like to know. I found this at AJH site this morning.

Nightlife

This is one of my older Dutch logs. Some of them are very precious to me. I would like to share them with you even if they do lose some of their strength or character due to translation.

At the end of the night, just before dawn awakes they come to visit. Using the emptiness in my well rested head to let me know they are still there. During the day the space is too filled for them to have a high profile. Friends and foes (old and new) family and vague acquaintances, all of whom, despite their vagueness, somehow seemed to have left a lasting impression. Alternately they make their entry. Sometimes a presence startles me. Banned from my life a long time ago, but still lingering in my mind. Some manage to bring back tears. Goodbyes said but I still did not come to terms. Anger about those that irritate me, keep hassling me, even at night. One thing they all have in common. They wake me up. In the stillness of the bedroom I sometimes try to hold on to the feeling by not opening my eyes and to keep the image moving as if projected forever in my brain. Only sounds penetrate. The breathing of my husband. Extensive scratching of the dog, despite the limitations of her basket. The child on the other side of the wall turns around in his sleep.
For a short time I am alone with my thoughts. The sound of the alarm slowly wakes up the rest of the house. The pace of life takes over once again, to be followed by yet another night.

Music

If there is anything I like as much as reading and writing, it’s listening to music. I have a huge collection on my pc (mostly 60’s and 70’s stuff) I wanted to share some of my favourites with my Dutch readers and I created a poll so they could let me know what they would like to hear. If you want to have some influence, go to my Dutch site and vote. This weeks choice is already out, so without further ado.Ladies and gentlemen …Leonard Cohen

PS Somehow I can't get the link to work. You can get the song from the Dutch site. My apologies.

Departure

Her room looks empty even though she has tried to cover the spots on the wall where her posters used to be with pages of a fashion magazine. No clothes thrown in the old chair, no more makeup on the little white cupboard that she had decorated herself with blue stars. Gone are the little boxes with jewellery, some too childish to be worn but to valuable to toss out. Her mirror no longer covered with flowers, cards and little elves. No more books and papers all over the floor. Not for the last time she carries the heavy bag downstairs. A lot of her stuff will need to be moved in the coming weeks. One more glance around as if to say goodbye. I follow her down the all familiar stairs. She adds half a loaf, a jar of peanut butter and a carton of breakfast cereal to her already overstuffed bag. She declines my offer to drive her to the station. She has her student’s pass that enables her to use public transport for free and the bus is just as fast, if not faster. Dreading the moment to come, she kisses me again and again. “You can call me tonight if you like.”
I watch her until she reaches the end of our street. Out of sight, but never out of mind. At least I know she will be back on Wednesday for a babysitting job next door. Holding back the tears I think of all those parents that will never ever get the chance to watch their children walk away ever again and I thank god that guns are still forbidden in this country

Sissy day

I come from a family of 6. Two brothers and three sisters and my place is somewhere in the middle. The oldest from the three youngest, if that makes any sense. By the time we totally unexpectedly lost our dad in 95 we were all married and all living in different parts of the country. Taking care of our mother became our main target. At her 80h birthday party (spend in our favourite place on the coast)we girls decided that we should really see more of each other and sissy day was born. Also included was the one sister-in law that had been a part of our family for so long she was more of a sister then an in law. Twice a year we spend a whole day, just us girls, in a different city of our choice, doing fun things. A little shopping, good food, some drinks, a little culture thrown in and you have the recipe for success. During the years our sissy day has turned into an even bigger event as two cousins and the wife of one of our nephews decided to tag along. Tomorrow will be the first one in this year. We are going to meet in Utrecht. The weather forecast is great (it seems we skip spring to jump right into summer), some money in my pocket and this day will be another huge success.

The Rasterbator

Reading my favourite magazine I found a link to this cool program that helps you create posters from your own pictures. It’s going to cost you a whole lot of paper and ink, but imagine the fun you can have by sorting through your pictures and putting them up all over your house.
I used one of my old pictures to show you what the result looks like. For this picture alone I would have to use 25 A4 sized sheets.
The Rasterbator, kinky name for a funky program

Unpredictable

Sick and tired of being pre-menopausal. I seemed to be doing ok for a while and then, wham! it hit me again. Headaches’ so bad they made me want to hit my head against the wall. A feeling of dread, total misery and hot flashes that seemed to come out of nowhere to set my head on fire. My female readers are going to crucify me for saying this but I do honestly understand men that want to trade in their wife’s during this phase for younger models. I’m not saying they should, heck no. They are heroes for sticking it out, but I do understand. Nothing so unpredictable, so nauseating emotional as a pre-menopausal women. I spend most of this gloriously beautiful weekend on the couch, zapping the day away and crying my eyes out over for instance an image of a crying child, a memory flash from way back when and The sound of music. Maybe it is high time to get some treatment….The sound of music, for crying out loud!

Happy Easter

Just in case I don't get to post anything during the weekend, I would like to wish all my readers a very Happy easter!

Ashes to ashes

Bonez log about Keith Richards snorting his father's ashes made me raise an eyebrow . What on earth did he think he would get out of it beside a very dirty nose? The biggest buzz ever? the ultimate high? However, there has been a case in Holland that might have escaped your attention. Andre Hazes, a very popular singer of what we call the “tearjerker” genre passed away a couple of years ago. Before his widow blasted his ashes into orbit in giant rockets, (he had always wanted to travel in space) she had bits of his ashes tattooed in her and their children’s bodies (an 11 year old girl and 7 year old boy!) . Ashes to ashes is starting to get a whole new meaning.

Bug

I found this bug in my mail today...see...right here...

Feeling good

I found this video on Anna Maria's blog. One of my favourite Dutch Blogs.
A wonderful project by a young guy with a good sense of what life should really be all about.
Here you'll find more information and here what Matt is all about. My kinda guy!

Bits and pieces

This must be my tenth attempt to write a new blog and I fear it will end up in the virtual bin as well. Keeping up a second blog in a different language is much harder then I care to admit. I have been blogging in Dutch for so long already, it feels like I’m copying my own words. To be interesting enough to get (and keep) your attention I feel like I have to pull out all stops. I have no easy witty banter, there are no amazing stories about my life. Ordinary woman, no great adventures, no inventions that rocked the world, nothing out of the ordinary. I cry when I hear beautiful music, I smile when I hear a child’s laughter and I get mad when someone steps on my toes. Proud of my children, still in love with my husband after all these years. Embracing life with a force that sometimes frightens me. Death and spiders the only things that scare me. I have my frustrations, my doubts, my insecurities , would love to be able to leave something of substance behind when my time has come.
There is more, much more and maybe if I find the right rhythm I will be able to share all that with you.

Sadly beautiful

Slow lane

My days in real life are non stop but not on the net. There I opt for the slow lane, taking a detour, a rest here and there. Young wiz kids pass me by, right left and centre. I really don’t care. Somehow I will end up in the same destination, maybe a week, a month a year later but hey! I at least enjoyed the ride. My Virb page has had my attention for the last few weeks and slowly I’m getting the look I aim for. Not having had any experience with CSS I find it takes me longer to adjust then it would have a couple of years ago. Starting out in ’99 I mastered basic HTML really quickly. I even did a basic course online to make my own homepage (not that I ever did. There are too many, easy to work with options to be found all over the place).
Now somehow the idea of finding a course to master CSS just doesn’t appeal to me. I just can’t be bothered to invest time to learn a whole new ‘language”. I think I’m going to stick to the slow lane from now on and enjoy the view

Refreshed

Every time I came to this blog I was getting more and more depressed by the drab brown wallpaper. So not me at all. I love vibrant clear colours, sparkling yellows, summer sky blue, and minty green. I spend most of yesterday trying to exchange the ready to go stuff with something I made myself. The background code was no problem. I even managed to get the background colour of the middle table changed, but not inserting my own header. After hopping from blog to blog I only found a few who managed to get their own self-made headers in….in three parts? What’s up with that? Somehow old fashioned HTML has been replaced by something I don’t understand. After a lot of (under my breath) cursing, uploading a lot of tiles to be discarded again, I opted to use a different template instead. Still not my own work, but at least this one makes me feel a lot happier..

The promise

The sun feels warm on the back of my winter coat. A couple of magpie’s are adding a new layer to their already giant nest high up in the still leafless poplar. The sound of birds singing and or calling out to each other everywhere. Excitement fills the air. Our park is unusually busy on this Sunday afternoon. Couples with kids, youngsters on inline skates and people on bikes. Lots of activity on the pond too. Drakes chasing after a female who doesn’t seem to be in the mood yet. The unpopular intruding Egyptian goose claiming the little island for him and his mate to breed, nosily chasing every other water bird away. Japanese cherries already in bloom, showing vibrant pink, bushes coming to life sprouting soft green leaves. Yellow the colour of the weeping willow. My senses are on full alert. I feel, see, hear and smell the promise of spring in the air. The dog on my side oblivious to everything, her eyes fixed on the ball on my hand

Pulling away

She is pulling away. A little more every day. It seems like just a few months ago that it was something she was thinking about, now she’s on a serious search for her own place. She already checked out a few available rooms, but up till now the one she is looking for wasn’t among them. I’m sure it’s only a matter of time. She wants it so badly. All of a sudden she is out every night. Not in our own town but somewhere out there. Her student travel pass makes it too easy. The last train back is the rule, not the exception. The last part of her journey home, on her bike, alone in the night.
The last couple of weeks I have seen her die a thousand different ways in my imagination and every time I die a little too

Virb

Stro ( a fellow Dutch blogger) was kind enough to offer me a beta account for the new and upcoming Virb. The people behind it are Unborn Media. This great program will outshine MySpace and Hyves by far. I’m having a little trouble getting my layout right, but I’m sure that you youngsters out there will have this stuff licked in no time
I have 15 beta accounts to give away. If you are interested please let me know and I will send you an invitation

WWW

Weekend, infinite piles of washing await me. The renovation of the bathroom finished, which means that I finally can remove the dust that has settled. First things first though. Email. A quick visit to my blogs, a reaction here, there, everywhere, more mail. I find a new challenge and since I can’t resist anything that sounds, looks, smells like one I apply.
I do a little cleaning, change the sheets, more washing added to the pile. In passing I surf for the perfect hotel in Tuscany, our destination this summer, and of course, new mail
The infinite pile of washing can wait. The www needs my attention much more.