In fall and winter Amsterdam can often seem like a drab city with its dark grey skies, row upon row of dull brick buildings, and canals that mirror the bleakness of the clouds.
But in the summer, even with no backyards or front lawns to landscape, the Dutch manage to create colorful bits of beauty out of the tiniest of spaces.
Like this gorgeous rambling rose bush planted in a teensy square of dirt less than one foot square.
Or these hollyhocks, ferns and vines planted in a sliver of space only a few inches wide.
I love those perky pink geraniums set on the windowsill and those lush vines clambering everywhere.
And this is one of my favorites, my upstairs view of our downstairs neighbors balcony. Such a gorgeous spot to sit and have morning coffee while looking out over the canals.
Today my brother got the last of his plants delivered and this weekend we get to all pitch in and make the rooftop terrace a stunning oasis. I promise to share pictures with you next week. 🙂
After nearly a solid week of rain, we were so happy to get out in the sunshine yesterday evening for a walk through the neighborhood.
The air smelled wonderfully fresh and clean and window boxes overflowed with blooms that glowed lush and brilliant in the setting sun.
I love this neighborhood. It’s both quiet and companionable, cafes and restaurants filled with locals chatting away over Italian wine, Dutch beer, and scrumptious food.
We met up with our Bulgarian friend Diliana at De Italiaan, a bustling spot known for wood-fired thin crust pizzas and high quality ingredients shipped directly from small farms in Italy. I love the lighting and convivial atmosphere and was especially charmed by the stacks of cheery red blankets scattered about for the use of chilly guests.
Most of our group ordered their favorite pizza, but as soon as I heard the Special – handmade ravioli filled with Dutch cheese and asparagus and topped with a pesto cream sauce – I had to have it.
We eagerly tucked in and happily swapped a bite of this for a slice of that until we were thoroughly stuffed.
We strolled home as the sun set over the rooftops, lamplight dancing across the canals.
What is your favorite neighborhood to stroll through? What do you love most about it?
In less than five hours I’ll be on my way to Amsterdam, starting my journey to Australia by way of the Netherlands. It doesn’t seem real. 🙂
I’m excited, nervous, and already miss my dear ones here in the States and Canada. And I’m really, really happy.
It’s been a very difficult and painful year, and I’m looking forward to starting over with a clean slate, putting all this wretched stuff behind me.
There are so many good things to look forward to in the months ahead: seeing family and close friends in Italy for my brother’s wedding, meeting up with dear folks all over Europe for good talks and new adventures, and taking a lot of time to rest and heal up before I start my new life in Australia.
As soon as my torn ligament heals (a few more weeks yet), I’ll be heading out to explore Amsterdam. I love this city so much and am very excited to share it with you.
Now I must fetch that last load of laundry, finish stuffing my bags, and get started on this grand adventure.
Much love to you all. I will write to you soon from my new home in Amsterdam.
The last two days have been cold, dark and rainy, but it’s felt so cozy and lovely because I had new Poirot murder mysteries to watch and decadent Baileys creamer to put in my coffee.
With such bleak weather, it’s marvy to be able to linger over these sunshiny shots I took in the mountains this weekend when my friend Jenny and I went up to gorgeous Nooksack Falls.
I hope you enjoy them and have an absolutely WONDERFUL weekend! Much love. xo
I don’t even know what street Canada is on. Al Capone
In a world darkened by ethnic conflicts that tear nations apart, Canada stands as a model of how people of different cultures can live and work together in peace, prosperity, and mutual respect. Bill Clinton
When they said Canada, I thought it was up in the mountains somewhere. Marilyn Monroe
A Canadian is sort of like an American, but without the gun. Anonymous
For some reason a glaze passes over people’s faces when you say “Canada”. Maybe we should invade South Dakota or something. Sandra Gotlieb
When I’m in Canada, I feel this is what the world should be like. Jane Fonda
I write to you today surrounded by towers of boxes, bins, and plastic bags filled with all my worldly possessions.
I see a framed picture I’ve had since I was a little girl, dishes I’ve served many a meal on, books I have loved, and I’m feeling sad because none of them can go with me when I move to Amsterdam next month.
It’s like saying good-bye to old friends as I sort the boxes Robin and Nicole set next to my “invalid chair”. We’re getting ready for my moving sale on Saturday, the day I send my comfy old armchairs, beautiful iron bedstead, and sturdy bookcases to new homes. It is both emotional and exciting, but when tears threaten to spill over, I remind myself that all these little sacrifices will be worth it. They’re making it possible for me to start a new life – and that is a wonderful thing.
I found out today that my badly sprained foot is actually much worse than originally thought. It’s either fractured or suffering the effects of a completely torn ligament. So I am officially off my feet for the next while, with a strict regimen of icing, soaking, and elevating. Hopefully one day soon the black will disappear and the swelling and pain go down, but until then I’ll be hobbling about on the splendid crutches my friends Cameron and Robin got for me. They’re nifty little things, shiny and bright burnished metal, and my friend Marie says they match my earrings. 🙂 My arms aren’t thanking me, but my foot is shouting WOOHOOHOO!! 😉
Being unable to walk, let alone lift anything, I was anxious and stressed about how to move, sort, haul, pack, and sell my belongings before my big move in 3 weeks. I worried in vain though, for my dear pals Michael, Cameron and Robin, Darren and Nicole, Jenny, Kat and Ed, Dylan, Mike, Eric and Marie not only helped me move out of my apartment, they moved everything again this week, helping me sort through it, AND are standing by to put on a garage sale. They are absolute treasures and I’m all teary just thinking of the amazing love and kindness they’ve shown me. Love you guys so much. 🙂
As I think about all that needs to be done, it’s so nice to take a break for a bit and simply reflect with gratitude on the blessings in my life. To linger awhile over these peaceful pictures of driftwood, grasses in the wind, and a sea cool and dark as slate.
A friend and I were talking today about the myriad trials that have monopolized our lives recently. Our health, finances, and vocations have gone through massive upheaval, stirring up fear and uncertainty in our hearts. Yet in spite of it all we still feel fortunate for one reason: we are loved.
Thinking on that makes me smile through constant pain, surprise expenses, and monkey wrenches tossed straight into well-laid plans.
