Tuesday, when I got back from course I looked out the bus window and saw a familiair man. I thought: hey, uncle Cor, what is he doing here? I didn't think about it until later that day. Gerard visited us and told sad news. Last Monday uncle Cor passed away very suddenly and unexpected. I was so surprised. I had talked to him and aunt Corrie about a week ago! He was almost 72 (Febr. 8), but very active and always full of plans. He walked and cycled a lot, seemed quite healthy. I didn't see him often, but he was always friendly when I did and he did a lot for mum (and dad). And now he isn't among us living anymore...
Yesterday evening we offered our condolences to aunt Corrie and the rest of the family. Unfortunately there was only one of his two daughters... This morning Joke and I attended the church. In the little chapel near the entrance I lighted a candle for mum and dad, and one for uncle Cor and his family. Who would expect that his little cross would hang so close to mum's..? My heart went out to aunt Corrie, she trembled and looked so frail. It was difficult to be in mum's church again, but I wanted to do it out of respect nevertheless.
Ron picked us up and we met up with Leo, Gerard and Sylvia on Westerveld, the graveyard / crematorium in Driehuis. Uncle Cor was active in the church and a drama club too, so there were a lot of people. They used the small auditorium, many had to stand against the walls. Several people spoke. I admired his granddaughter who spoke with tears falling down her face, but finished anyway. Uncle Henk had written a beautiful poem that he read out loud. Afterwards we said goodbye to aunt Corrie and the family. To take away the pain is impossible, but I tried to say some comforting words to them anyway.
Saturday, February 03, 2007
Thursday, February 01, 2007
TT #27: music preferences
~*~*~*~ Links to other Thursday Thirteens! ~*~ amy ~*~ Chelle Y. ~*~ Gattina ~*~ Jeannine ~*~ Candy Minx ~*~ TopChamp ~*~ Nathalie ~*~ Carmen ~*~ JJ ~*~ Thomma Lyn ~*~ Alasandra ~*~ Karen ~*~ Cheryl ~*~ Darla ~*~ ali ~*~ Vicky ~*~ busy91~*~ Christie ~*~ Annie ~*~ Nancy ~*~ Lady G. ~*~ Wylie Kinson ~*~ JO ~*~ Susan Helene ~*~ Susan ~*~ MissLionheart ~*~ Rashenbo ~*~ Rebecca ~*~ Heather ~*~ Friday's Child ~*~ Alisonwonderland ~*~ Sunflower ~*~ Dragonheart ~*~ Caylynn ~*~ Uisce ~*~ The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! |
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
Cats & dogs
I found a quiz on Nathalies blog that I couldn't resist:
On another note... Today I had to go to my 'working with experience' course again. This second lesson we told about our not-so-good experiences as a client in the mental health care system. We each had about 5 minutes to tell about some of it. I started and told about my bad experience with my GP at the time (20 years ago), who said I had "no right" to have eating disorders and that I wasn't the type to have them. That caused a major relapse and it took time before I had the courage to ask for help again. I also told about the doctor of the centre where I had my last treatment that totally misjudged the situation when my thyroid gland almost completely stopped working. I got compliments about the way I told my story. The rest of the afternoon was filled with the stories from the others. They were impressive, very moving, at times incredible. The stories had a lot of impact on everyone. We closed the meeting positively by telling a good experience though.
| You Are: 60% Cat, 40% Dog |
 You and cats have a lot in common. You're both smart and in charge - However, you do have a very playful side Are You More Cat or Dog? |
On another note... Today I had to go to my 'working with experience' course again. This second lesson we told about our not-so-good experiences as a client in the mental health care system. We each had about 5 minutes to tell about some of it. I started and told about my bad experience with my GP at the time (20 years ago), who said I had "no right" to have eating disorders and that I wasn't the type to have them. That caused a major relapse and it took time before I had the courage to ask for help again. I also told about the doctor of the centre where I had my last treatment that totally misjudged the situation when my thyroid gland almost completely stopped working. I got compliments about the way I told my story. The rest of the afternoon was filled with the stories from the others. They were impressive, very moving, at times incredible. The stories had a lot of impact on everyone. We closed the meeting positively by telling a good experience though.
Monday, January 29, 2007
Paranormaal Alternatief
Yesterday I went to Paranormaal Alternatief in Rijswijk, the biggest indoors spiritual fair in The Netherlands. I had talked about it with friends, but had completely forgotten all about it! They called me when I was just out of bed to ask if I would come too. I called Joke and asked if she wanted to go with me. She did, so I picked her up and we drove to Rijswijk.
We were at the entrance about 1pm, the fair would close at 5pm. There was a lot to see and do. Around 400 stands with all kinds of paranormal and spiritual participants: shops, massage, consultations (tarot, palmreading, iridology, etc. etc.), workshops, lectures... I didn't buy anything, though there was enough I wanted! Just nothing special, nothing you can't buy in an esoteric shop.
We looked for someone to do a reading. We chose a man with the sign 'voluntary contribution'; not to rip him off, but because that's the way to make it possible for everyone. First he did a reading for Joke with fairytale cards. When he was done, I decided to have a go too, but with other cards (Oracle of the Indian medicine men, or something like that). He told me to focus more on reason and less on feeling. That was a surprise; people often say I'm too rational. The man said that is because I'm good at putting things into words. I sound well-thought-out, but that doesn't mean I did think it over by reason. Hmmm.... I'll have to think some more about that.... Interesting....
At 4pm we attended a dreamtime concert by Nada Naga. We lay down, closed our eyes and the music started: singing and all kinds of instruments like didgeridoo, singing bowls, drums. The soundhealing lasted for 45 minutes and I really enjoyed it, very relaxing. I haven't made pics, but this is from another concert to get the idea.
We were at the entrance about 1pm, the fair would close at 5pm. There was a lot to see and do. Around 400 stands with all kinds of paranormal and spiritual participants: shops, massage, consultations (tarot, palmreading, iridology, etc. etc.), workshops, lectures... I didn't buy anything, though there was enough I wanted! Just nothing special, nothing you can't buy in an esoteric shop.
We looked for someone to do a reading. We chose a man with the sign 'voluntary contribution'; not to rip him off, but because that's the way to make it possible for everyone. First he did a reading for Joke with fairytale cards. When he was done, I decided to have a go too, but with other cards (Oracle of the Indian medicine men, or something like that). He told me to focus more on reason and less on feeling. That was a surprise; people often say I'm too rational. The man said that is because I'm good at putting things into words. I sound well-thought-out, but that doesn't mean I did think it over by reason. Hmmm.... I'll have to think some more about that.... Interesting....
At 4pm we attended a dreamtime concert by Nada Naga. We lay down, closed our eyes and the music started: singing and all kinds of instruments like didgeridoo, singing bowls, drums. The soundhealing lasted for 45 minutes and I really enjoyed it, very relaxing. I haven't made pics, but this is from another concert to get the idea.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Holiday
Ron and I haven't had a real holiday for a couple of years. All our extra money goes into the rebuilding of our home. Ron still doesn't feel better and he really needs a break from daily life.
Last week we got the e-mail newsletter of Centerparcs. They are having last-minute winter sales with very interesting discounts and we decided to have a go! We've booked a midweek in February, in a cottage in De Eemhof. We've been there for our honeymoon in 1995. It's not too far from here and the village is great. We are sooo looking forward to it!!
Last week we got the e-mail newsletter of Centerparcs. They are having last-minute winter sales with very interesting discounts and we decided to have a go! We've booked a midweek in February, in a cottage in De Eemhof. We've been there for our honeymoon in 1995. It's not too far from here and the village is great. We are sooo looking forward to it!!
Thursday, January 25, 2007
TT #26: goddess & fantasy art
~*~*~*~ Links to other Thursday Thirteens! ~*~ Nathalie ~*~ Silver ~*~ Sweet Kitty ~*~ Lexa Roséan ~*~ Gattina ~*~ gem ~*~ Darla ~*~ Judy Callarman ~*~ Sanni ~*~ KuanYin ~*~ Christine ~*~ Sparky Duck ~*~ Gabriella Hewitt ~*~ Candy Minx ~*~ Chelle Y. ~*~ Morgen ~*~ practical chick ~*~ Jen ~*~ Raggedy ~*~ Joy Renee ~*~ Ms. George ~*~ DK ~*~ something blue ~*~ Jean-Luc Picard ~*~ Taconcubano ~*~ The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! |
Tuesday, January 23, 2007
Working with experience
This afternoon I started with the course "Working with your own experience". I'm working on setting up an aftercare group for people who have/had BED (Binge Eating Disorder) and I'm a member of a pool with people who use their own experience to help others. My "experience fields" are eating disorders and depression. Last week I had an intake with the two course leaders.
The group consists of 9 people. Everyone has experience as a client in the mental health care system, but with different symptoms / illnesses. The course will help us to put our own experience to good use in different situations. There will be 12 course afternoons from 1 to 4.
Today's theme and aim was to get to know each other. We got several assignments. In one of them I mentioned that I'm a witch. Some people were interested, some tacitly accepted it, but one man clearly didn't take me seriously. He made a 'joke' too. Ah well, there will always be reactions like that... They don't hurt me anymore, I shrug my shoulders and let it be. No use or need to explain it to someone like that, waisted energy. Otherwise it's a nice man, nobody's perfect. ;-) All in all it was a very tiring but interesting and worthwhile afternoon.
The group consists of 9 people. Everyone has experience as a client in the mental health care system, but with different symptoms / illnesses. The course will help us to put our own experience to good use in different situations. There will be 12 course afternoons from 1 to 4.
Today's theme and aim was to get to know each other. We got several assignments. In one of them I mentioned that I'm a witch. Some people were interested, some tacitly accepted it, but one man clearly didn't take me seriously. He made a 'joke' too. Ah well, there will always be reactions like that... They don't hurt me anymore, I shrug my shoulders and let it be. No use or need to explain it to someone like that, waisted energy. Otherwise it's a nice man, nobody's perfect. ;-) All in all it was a very tiring but interesting and worthwhile afternoon.
Thursday, January 18, 2007
TT #25: If you say...
~*~*~*~ Links to other Thursday Thirteens! ~*~ Chelle Y. ~*~ Suki ~*~ Lexa Roséan ~*~ Nathalie ~*~ Darla ~*~ Caylynn ~*~ Christine ~*~ Thomma Lyn ~*~ jeter harris ~*~ Daisy ~*~ Cheryl ~*~ Gattina ~*~ Susan ~*~ John ~*~ Shiloh Walker ~*~ Annie ~*~ Chris ~*~ Candy Minx ~*~ Rose ~*~ Haley-O ~*~ Jessica ~*~ Susan Helene ~*~ Momma Bee ~*~ Sparky Duck ~*~ something blue ~*~ Gabriella ~*~ Joy Renee ~*~ TopChamp ~*~ Jenny Ryan ~*~ The Merry Rose ~*~ she ~*~ gem ~*~ Judy Callarman ~*~ superstar ~*~ Heather ~*~ Sunflower ~*~ elementaryhistoryteacher ~*~ Taconcubano ~*~ The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! |
Monday, January 15, 2007
Druid Animal Oracle
I finally have the Druid Animal Oracle by Philip and Stephanie Carr-Gomm! I've always loved it, but didn't have the money. Yesterday I found it on Marktplaats (a second-hand selling website) for a very reasonable price and it has already arrived. It is illustrated by Bill Worthington, the same one that illustrated their Druidcraft Tarot. The cards of both oracle and tarot are beautiful and the books are very informative and provide good explanations.
Saturday, January 13, 2007
Ara meeting
Yesterday evening Sorcha hosted a meeting in Amsterdam for the women that are working on initiation into the Ara tradition, founded by Phyllis Curott. Unfortunately not everyone was able to come, we were with five women.
The meetings are meant to get to know each other better, but we also want to do something. We planned dates for 4 meetings before the initiation week. We will ask Phyllis what subjects we can work on, perhaps as some kind of preparation. We also want to do a ritual together.
The initiation will take place in October. We have discussed and looked into several locations, but there's one we would prefer. It's in the Belgian Ardennes, private, enough space in- and outdoors and reasonable prices. It will be expensive enough, because it lasts 9 days. In the spring a few are going to visit the location to make the final arrangements.
The meetings are meant to get to know each other better, but we also want to do something. We planned dates for 4 meetings before the initiation week. We will ask Phyllis what subjects we can work on, perhaps as some kind of preparation. We also want to do a ritual together.
The initiation will take place in October. We have discussed and looked into several locations, but there's one we would prefer. It's in the Belgian Ardennes, private, enough space in- and outdoors and reasonable prices. It will be expensive enough, because it lasts 9 days. In the spring a few are going to visit the location to make the final arrangements.
Thursday, January 11, 2007
TT #24: in my past
~*~*~*~ Links to other Thursday Thirteens! ~*~ Bond ~*~ Laura ~*~ JohnH985 ~*~ Nadiah Alwi ~*~ Retta ~*~ Caylynn ~*~ Friday's Child ~*~ Thomma Lyn ~*~ Lexa Roséan ~*~ Daisy ~*~ Darla ~*~ Turnbaby ~*~ Silver ~*~ Raggedy ~*~ Gattina ~*~ Wylie Kinson ~*~ Gina ~*~ Christine ~*~ Chelle Y. ~*~ Angela ~*~ Susan Helene ~*~ Rose ~*~ Debby ~*~ Starrlight ~*~ Uisce ~*~ superstar ~*~ Sueann ~*~ Miss Pink ~*~ Amy Ruttan ~*~ Laurence ~*~ Sparky Duck ~*~ Joy Renee ~*~ Nathalie ~*~ Judy Callarman ~*~ Marcia ~*~ The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! |
Monday, January 08, 2007
Moving Wonder
Last Friday Wonder moved from Breda to Den Haag (The Hague). Very early Ron, Leo (my brother-in-law) and I drove to Breda. Unfortunately we were the only ones there to help. There was a lot of last things still to be packed; that kept us busy for hours. Then all the boxes and other stuff had to be walked to the elevator, load elevator, go down, empty elevator, walk outside, load removal truck and all over again. By the time everything was finally loaded into the truck, the four of us were worn out! The people moving into his old flat had left us something to eat and drink when they went back. The piece of chocolate I got tasted like heaven!
Ron was driving the removal truck and I was with him. It was very special to him. He has his driver's license for trucks, but it's not his daily work. He has fond memories though, because his father was a truck driver and he went with him very often. His father has died in 1996, but he was with us in the cabin. Ron felt it too. I know his father is very proud of him.
First we drove to Wonder's mother to collect a leather couch. She had made vegetable soup and sandwiches for us. Ron emptied a bottle of pop to quench his thurst. By then it was past 4pm, high time to leave for Den Haag. Wonder tried to get some more people to help over there, but we got only one man extra to unload in Den Haag. Not enough by far, but the truck had to be back that day, so there was no choice but to start. The new apartment is on the second floor, first a long straight flight of stairs and then a long one with a twist. I think you get the picture... When the truck was empty we sat down for a while, drove the truck back to Breda and were home around 1am. Needless to say we all were exhausted, empty and feeling like a wreck.
I knew I would do too much during the move; I had taken that into consideration. It turned out to be way beyond my capability. I have gone too far for too long, so now I have to pay. Over the weekend I have only slept and stayed on the couch. Saturday my throat started to hurt and my voice got worse. Since yesterday my voice is completely gone. Today I feel a bit better though. I won't complain too much; I know why I did it and it was my own choice to do so.
Still, the new apartment is a lovely place to live! I had been there before with Wonder, the old occupants are friends of us. It feels good and it matches Wonder perfectly. It was hard for him to leave the old flat, but he will make this his own little paradise again.
Ron was driving the removal truck and I was with him. It was very special to him. He has his driver's license for trucks, but it's not his daily work. He has fond memories though, because his father was a truck driver and he went with him very often. His father has died in 1996, but he was with us in the cabin. Ron felt it too. I know his father is very proud of him.
First we drove to Wonder's mother to collect a leather couch. She had made vegetable soup and sandwiches for us. Ron emptied a bottle of pop to quench his thurst. By then it was past 4pm, high time to leave for Den Haag. Wonder tried to get some more people to help over there, but we got only one man extra to unload in Den Haag. Not enough by far, but the truck had to be back that day, so there was no choice but to start. The new apartment is on the second floor, first a long straight flight of stairs and then a long one with a twist. I think you get the picture... When the truck was empty we sat down for a while, drove the truck back to Breda and were home around 1am. Needless to say we all were exhausted, empty and feeling like a wreck.
I knew I would do too much during the move; I had taken that into consideration. It turned out to be way beyond my capability. I have gone too far for too long, so now I have to pay. Over the weekend I have only slept and stayed on the couch. Saturday my throat started to hurt and my voice got worse. Since yesterday my voice is completely gone. Today I feel a bit better though. I won't complain too much; I know why I did it and it was my own choice to do so.
Still, the new apartment is a lovely place to live! I had been there before with Wonder, the old occupants are friends of us. It feels good and it matches Wonder perfectly. It was hard for him to leave the old flat, but he will make this his own little paradise again.
Thursday, January 04, 2007
TT # 23: 2007
main source: Google ~*~*~*~ Links to other Thursday Thirteens! ~*~ Harley~*~ Joan ~*~ Susan ~*~ Nathalie ~*~ Laura ~*~ Raggedy ~*~ Samantha ~*~ Anne ~*~ Caylynn ~*~ Joy Renee ~*~ Carmen ~*~ Terri ~*~ Skittles ~*~ busy91 ~*~ Sweet Kitty ~*~ Noillirac ~*~ el-e-e ~*~ Thomma Lyn ~*~ pawpads ~*~ Christine d'Abo ~*~ Wylie Kinson ~*~ Bond ~*~ Chickadee ~*~ Chris ~*~ Turnbaby ~*~ Cheryl ~*~ Darla ~*~ Haley-O ~*~ oseas ~*~ Duchess ~*~ Susan Helene Gottfried ~*~ scribbit ~*~ Geekwif ~*~ she ~*~ Sparky Duck ~*~ Judy Callarman ~*~ peppylady ~*~ Heather ~*~ Gina ~*~ The purpose of the meme is to get to know everyone who participates a little bit better every Thursday. Visiting fellow Thirteeners is encouraged! If you participate, leave the link to your Thirteen in others comments. It’s easy, and fun! Be sure to update your Thirteen with links that are left for you, as well! I will link to everyone who participates and leaves a link to their 13 things. Trackbacks, pings, comment links accepted! |
Wednesday, January 03, 2007
LibraryThing
A few days ago I found a website to which I'm already addicted now: LibraryThing! It is an online service to help people catalog their books easily. You can access your catalog from anywhere, even on your mobile phone. Because everyone catalogs together, LibraryThing also connects people with the same books, comes up with suggestions for what to read next, and so forth. If you like books, it is really worthwhile to check it out. I find new features every day.Joining is easy: just a (nick)name and password are required. A free account allows you to catalog up to 200 books. A paid account ($10 for a year or $25 for a lifetime) allows you to catalog any number of books.
Adding books can be done easily:
- adding manually
- search libraries from other members and simply click "add to my library"
- search 80 sources around the world (Amazon, all kinds of libraries, etc.)
- import books (by uploading, URL or source code - for example BookCrossing, Amazon)
I've put a LT-widget in the sidebar of my log, that shows random books from My Library. The covers bring you to the Amazon website, the rest are links to LibraryThing.
I already joined some groups there too, in which I can meet other LT-ers with the same interest. There's even a little community of Dutch people already. Not a lot of Dutch sources yet, but I think that will change.
I hope to see you on LibraryThing!
(and no, I don't get paid for this, I really like it that much!)
Monday, January 01, 2007
Happy New Year
First of all, happy new year to everyone who reads this! All the best to you and yours for the coming year (and after). 2006 wasn't exactly my year. I hope 2007 will bring positive and happy things. I'm all ready for it!New Year's Eve we wanted to stay at home, because it was the first time for Freyja and Bastet. We didn't know yet how they would react to the fireworks. Our former cats weren't afraid or just hid until it was over. Both the dogs are pretty scared. Wonder and his girlfriend took them to the beach in the afternoon where they could walk without the banging of fireworks.
We had invited 6 friends to dinner and to spend the evening with us. Wonder and Ron prepared a delicious dinner. As a starter we had shrimp cocktail (soup for the vegetarians / non-fish eaters). Main course: grilled salmon with mustard sauce (veggieburger / steaks with mushroom sauce), broccoli and baked potatoes. Dessert: Viennetta (ice cake) with whipped cream. Yummy!!
We had a very pleasant evening together. Sometimes I felt sad because of mum. We had our own little routine for New Year's Eve. She always wanted to stay at home alone, but I brought her something in the afternoon, called her and after midnight we walked to her home to wish her happy new year. I missed her and dad so much, but I didn't let it spoil my evening. Whenever I needed it, someone saw it and gave me a hug.
At midnight we hugged and kissed and wished each other a very happy new year. I cried. Outside the fireworks burst out. I put Foofur and Boris in the little hall under the stairs, where it was dark and sounds seemed farther away. Freyja and Bastet weren't impressed. At the most they pointed their ears to the banging. No worries there.
We had no firework, but Wonder had brought his stuff for fire-spitting. He has done that more often, but Ron had never seen it. The wind was tricky and a bit dangerous, but it was spectacular to say the least. The neighbours were impressed too. Afterwards we sat inside and talked. Some went for a walk. When everyone went home (or to bed) Ron and I cleared away the mess so we wouldn't have to do everything this morning. I was in bed around half past 3.
pictures: IJs
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