A moment of Silence

 Forever remembered, forever loved.

 After 4 really intens days my dear grandfather Grootrob passed away at the age of 91 years old. Although it brings a sadness, it is also better this way.
We were blessed to spend so many years together, i have countless happy memories associated with my grandfather.
Today is not the time to share those memories. Today is my heart full of gratitude and love. I sit in silence, thinking of my beloved ones who lost their husband, dad, grandpa and friend.

We need, in love, to practice only this: letting each other go. For holding on comes easily; we do not need to learn it.
Rainer Maria Rilke

Holiday Countdown

This year school holiday comes late. I must say, especially this year i am longing for Christmas. It is dark outside, literally and figuratively, and I really feel this urge for home-based cocoonen. 2012 will be a year of change for all of us. It won't be easy for a lot of people. 

Althought there is an awful lot of work waiting on my desk, can not help to dream a bit these days. Thinking of warm home made cookies with chocolate milk, the comforting sound of my all time favorite movie Amelie, the every shining light of the church out of our window, the tics of the knitting needles while sitting on the count next to my love, frustrating moments when layering a 1000 pieces puzzle, crackling Christmas Granola in my mouth, the noise of my family sitting at the huge Christmas table, feeling the heat in my face sitting on front of a nice indoor fire............. etc.

So I am counting the days, just 4 days to go! Hope your all have something to look forward to.

A rather blustery day

Take Care!

Opening your heart

Every first (or occasionly second) sunday of the month i sing mantras with a group of woman. It is a beautiful way to start your sunday because the vibrations leave you in a peaceful and meditative frame of mind for the rest of the day. For a couple of weeks now i am feeling stuck in life but i must say Chanting together opens my heart again!

Yesterday i felt after singing mantras the energy flowing again to my spirit. When i came home i felt this urge to sent postcards to all those people in my life who are in pain or joy at the moment. There is so much going on in every ones lifes, happy and sad events. It was time to share, to thank and to let people know i am thinking of them. So i made little wish boats from Jurian Matter and wrote about 10 cards. It was a nice little activity for a peaceful sunday afternoon.

Light my fire

I am addicted to candles. To me it doesn't matters which season it is; whenever i am at home (or at the allotment) i light a candle.  Somehow lighting a candle has to do with gratefulness. One year ago i developed this ritual of going to work early in the morning. My soulfull trip to the Sinai Desert (Egypt) inspired me to look for quietness in my daily life. When i got up at 6 in the morning i lighted a candle to welcome a new day. It brought me less noise, more focus, time to over think what is really important & less stress.

Where did i lost this ritual this year? I have to find the Early Bird in myself again.

Ancient Matchbox from my Granny

Granny finest

Love this new label Granny Finest: Knitwear designed by the young, made by Grannies! It is a great project, destroys loneliness under people and brings Yuppies and Grannies together. But i must say, i am so glad that i just can visit my dear Granny tomorrow in this home for elderly where she lives. Spending real time together is still the best!

Mediaeval Gent

Yesterday we got a gift from Sinterklaas and booked right a way one night in this gorgeous Bed & Breakfast in Gent (Belgium), Myriame's place. 

We LOVE Gent because of the mediaeval car free city centre, the presence of Ecofriendly dinner-places and Design Museum, the cosy little streets with art- & fashion shops..........etc. We try to go there once in 2 years and book everytime a different B&B ( you can find here avaliable rooms). It is our love-city- a place where we relax together and get inspirered by everyday life in this compact beautiful old town!

Pleasurable anticipation, thanx you Sinterklaas!

Be gentle

Now and then i receive a letter from Alana Sheeren, a mother who lost her son and writes about her "journey through grief toward wholeness". I did not lost my son, but in a way, waiting for a baby for so long now sometimes feels like i lost my child. There are days that i am feeling suddenly so sad. Learning to be gentle to myself, but i still find it hard to cancel a party, family meeting or baby shower, just because i am feeling lost.  It is good to find a letter in your mailbox from some one who is able to write what you experience.  Alana wrote in her last letter about grief during holiday time.
" Notice what's underneath the surface. When we don't give ourselves space to express our emotions, they will often come out sideways. If you find yourself getting annoyed with a loved one [....],  ask yourself if what's happening in the moment is the issue, or if your grief is wanting attention".

Her letter helped me this weekend to give myself permission to my feelings. 
Alana, thanx for sharing. This upcoming week i will try to reminder your words.

"Ease Let go of the paddles. Trust. Allow things to come".