Icy winterdays

During this busy week we spent a lot of days playing inside, trying to study and typing my .. hands off. Some days were actually quite beautiful, blue skies and a pretty sunshine that peeked through the clouds. We put on our boots and went for a walk outside in between the crazy weather conditions (rain, hail, storm, wet snow, sunshine). I love the coldness on a sunny winters day, hearing the birds in the trees and feeling the cold wind on our cheeks! And suddenly I remembered this beautiful music from a band in Rotterdam called 'winterdagen' (winterdays). Here it is:

I captured the light

These are some random photographs I took during the last few months and I do want to share them here. The plan was to capture light and colors in different ways. Of course, this is what photography always does but I tried to let the light speak and let the colors do their work. So here they are, maybe more next time :) 

I'm back with a message for Elina

It has been a long time since I last posted something here. I have been so busy starting my new studies, I'm learning how to be a primary school teacher. It's been something I have wanted to do for a long time but somehow it never was the right time. But now I'm in the middle of it and I have to organise my spare time in order to keep up with everything. But the fun thing is, some people said they missed the blog and the pictures.. and so am I! So I try to keep up, at least once a week, posting here! Yes!

At least I'm still writing letters and this one goes out to Elina! 

and then there it was

For years I wish for a white Christmas but unfortunately that's pretty rare for the last couple of years. But... we woke up and I opened the curtains and there it was! Everything covered in beautiful white. It's not a thick layer, but hey! Snow is snow! And more special, it is Pien's first snow! 

We went outside and crushed the snow under our feet. Pien was looking at it and when I held her she gently touched the coldness. She pulled back her finger but than she tried again and laughed. 

a poetic beach in december

During the Christmas holidays we spent our days in Brielle and the afternoon on the 26th we drove to a beach just a little more South and we had a great time. It was cold of course but the beach was really beautiful. Long and wide and I loved the change of tides and the big yellow buoy. Also the wooden bench just stands there, waiting for the water to return, kind of poetic. After a walk we warmed ourselves with a hot beverage and in the dark we drove back home. 

yes! Vacation!

After four really busy weeks it is time for one week of Autumn vacation. Just two days ago I bought a waffle iron (heart shaped!). So I decided Pien and I deserved a tiny treat and made us some waffles. I think we'll watch a movie today because of the rain outside.. Let's have a girls day!

Autumn mail part 3

It took me quite some time but I'm happy to announce (:)) that these two are on their way! Happy autumn girls!

goodbye old colleagues

Just two weeks ago I had my last day at work and today we finally said goodbye. We met each other at a new bar in Rotterdam called Wunderbar. One of my colleagues said 'Oh this is so Berlin'. We laughed but I must say I somewhat agree with her because of the building and all the new places in the centre. We had a drink and a vegan sausage and went to see a movie. We wanted to see the last one with Philip Seymour Hoffman (A most wanted man) but we were late so we bought a ticket for 'A ten foot journey'. We had a great time and I also feel unfortunate to leave them but some other good things are ahead of me (I hope). 

mini vacation: Veluwe

This weekend we escaped the city and moved to a more nature side of Holland. We stayed at the Veluwe in a small Finnish cabin. Even though Autumn has just started we had some really beautiful sunny days. We went out for a bike ride, a walk with our red car and we spread our blanket in the sand. It's good to clear your head and become at ease every once in a while. Sometimes it's necessary to take some time and just watch a very hairy caterpillar move around :). Pien became really good at standing and holding on to al kinds of things so she can move while up straight. On sunday M took part in a trail marathon at the National Park de Hoge Veluwe and he did great!! Yes, it was a very nice weekend with the three of us! 

last week's incoming mail

My to-do pile is still growing but when I hear the mailman deliver something for us I'll just pause everything for a quick mailbox check! Last week I received these really beautiful letters by Corey, Anne and Dasha. Singapore, the Netherlands and Russia! Sweet Corey drew me this really cute and beautiful portrait of Pien. This was really special. She also sent me a small birthday card for Pien. Again, thank you thank you thank you!! I'll keep this in her photo album ;). And it's funny because Dasha and I manage to communicate at least once a season due to the slow mail system between our countries. This time she sent me some tea. Thank you all! I hope to get back to you as soon as possible!

autumn mail part II: to Lotte

And yes! A second Autumn letter went to the mailbox this morning. On it's way to Lotte :). 

happy (early) autumn mail

Eventhough the temperatures are not (at all) Autumn-like.. There is a tiny pinch of the colder season in the air though. You can already smell the mushrooms, the old leaves and of course there are lots of spiders creating webs throughout the garden! But nonetheless, within 3 days it'll officially be Autumn. So this one is the first official Autumn letter :). On it's way to my dear penpal Anne!