Day 236: Celebration of Life

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Today one of my blogging friends wrote about her mother’s celebration of life that is happening this weekend. Her beloved mom died this week and we all felt her pain. We also learned so much about the art of living and appreciating what you have, even in the darkest light, as her mom struggled and fought cancer and in the end peacefully and gracefully surrendered to her calling. This family rallied like no other, and came together to love one another and to support each other through the process, enjoying the gift of unexpected, unplanned time together with sisters and cousins, nieces and nephews, and being thankful for their wonderful mama.

Through their story and journey, I continue to learn and value living in the moment and accepting what is. We might think we have a plan, but really it’s not our own. What we have to do is continually be present, live in the moment while looking forward, loving ourselves and one another, and adapt to what comes our way, with grace.

Life is a mystery…and I’m going to keep on living it up…celebrating life every damn day!

Three people shared this quote with me today at different times… And my daughter took the liberty to make this image my wallpaper on my iPad. It wasn’t my plan, but I guess I’ll accept it with grace.

Namaste… How are you celebrating today?

17Mar2013

Day 235: The Amstel River – aka Where I Plan to SUP

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We had the laziest day today. The leprechaun trap didn’t quite catch us a leprechaun, but he did leave Charlie some Euros, and made quite a mess of our house!

Happy St. Patrick’s Day and wishing you the luck of the Irish!

I love this picture of our littlest traveler, for several reasons. First of all, he still believes in Leprechaun’s and built a trap! Secondly, when we decided to move overseas, we promised Charlie that he could collect soccer jerseys from the places we visited to help him accept the change in his stable living environment. He picked this outfit out last week in Istanbul at the Grand Bazaar and insisted that we stop and get it, waiting for the shop keeper to find just the right one in his size(which I think he obtained by buying it from another vendor for 25 Lira and turning around and selling it to us for 50!). Next to Charlie is a travel book for Dubai. One of our goals moving to Holland was to show the kids as much of the world as possible. They have become pretty good at packing, navigating airports, late night arrivals and early morning departures. Dubai is next on our list and today we were doing some research. They are excited to see the watermarks and aquariums, and to eat American food like Panda Express. I was especially keen on finding a place to paddle board in the sunshine! I actually found a place and it is my dream to paddle on the ocean and find someone else riding a camel on the shore at the same time and snap a picture! I think it’s possible… We’ll see!

Back to our lazy day…while dreaming of warm weather and paddle boarding, I heard about some lakes in Aalsmeer. We all decided to hop in the car and drive around for awhile to see what we could find. What I learned is how small the little neighborhoods are and how they’re so easily connected. We found the lake which is quite large and was choppy from the wind. I wasn’t planning on paddling today as the weather was wet and freezing! Se also saw all the flower distributors. Aalsmeer is known for their flower auction and is also known as the flower capital of the world! Right in our backyard! I want to go see a morning auction before we move back to the States. It sounds really fascinating and highly automated.

But what I loved rediscovering the most today, was the curvy back side of the Amstel river that leads away from Amsterdam and Ouderkerk. The Amstel river and its banks are my favorite parts of Holland and I can’t wait to launch my board there in the next couple of weeks when it’s spring time! Here are some pictures of her beauty, despite the grey skies!

13Mar2013

Day 231: 13-3-13 Wanderlust Wednesday

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Snow day and Sun day. Wanderlust fun day.

Woke up to snow this morning.

People like to talk about weather no matter what the condition. It’s something we all share.

Snow day and sun day all in one.

We brought our car in for servicing today. there were huge fluffy snowflakes falling but my camera couldn’t capture them. The customer service at the Honda dealer was excellent. It’s so nice to go in and out without a ton of fan fare. We had to sign one paper to get a loaner car and pay 30 euros for the rental. I am content and enjoyed testing out a hybrid car.

Afterwards, I went up to A’dam with Jeff this morning to help my friend in the States to get an official copy of her marriage certificate form the Amsterdam city hall, so that she could quickly renew her passport. It was an adventure trying to find a new place, but was easy too. The customer service was quick and polite and efficient and I was impressed. Basically you walk in, tell them what you’re there for and they give you a number. No appointment is necessary. They have an electronic monitoring system that calls out your number when the next attendant is ready to serve you. I think it took me 10 minutes to present my papers and walk out with a paid, signed, official document. I am impressed.

Having two tasks done early in the morning opened up my day to explore. First stop was the marketplace on Waterloo plein. I said goodbye to Jeff and wandered around the stalls, enjoying the swap meet vendors and their wares.

What a beautiful place for a swap meet!

It was an absolutely gorgeous day in the city! I wandered around snapping pictures and then wandered into the Hermitage Museum for awhile. Here are a few more pictures… Check out the sky and the light!! It was clear and crisp and cold, and I loved it!

The Hermitage Museum – flowers and courtyard outside the entrance.

And some beautiful thoughts from the Vincent Van Gogh museum walls…

“To give direction to our lives, we all have to make choices.”

“Practice makes perfect.”

“Getting better must come through doing it and through trying.”

Van Gogh was a master but never saw himself as that. He always felt like he was practicing and studying and learning. I like that idea and can relate that thinking to parenting. Aren’t we always practicing and studying and learning by doing? Hopefully we continue to get better and better.

Namaste. Hope you had a good day! -A.

9Mar2013

Day 227: Istanbul

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If you don’t have a dream or two or three, please hurry up and get one, have one, and/or make one up. I dreamed of doing something fun and different with my husband, and it changed my life dramatically. I was dreaming that we could do something together, and shazam! Welcome to Istanbul! How did I get here?

I didn’t exactly dream of going to Istanbul one day, but I was seeking excitement and something new to learn and experience together besides housework, homework, and take-home-work. And now all these great things are happening. I also have a very, very, good friend that I love to see as often as possible and wherever possible, and she was planning a trip to Istanbul. I like to invite myself to go wherever she is going, if its possible for me to join her, since I can’t live right next door to her anymore.

So Here I Am…on a new adventure In Istanbul with my family and waiting for her to arrive!

Istanbul is a magical city with so much to see and smell and take in. I’ll share some pictures from our first day here. I especially loved all the colors, walking through the Grand Bazaar and Spice Markets, and being on and near the water. What a cool experience! I was only afraid of losing each other and getting pick-pocketed because it was so crowded, but all was well! The worst part was all the vendors trying to talk to us and lure us into their shops. That part was quite repetitive and annoying.

Spice Market where we got some Turkish Delight

Jellyfish in the dark blue water of the Bosporus.

Walking across the Galata Bridge with all the fisherman.

in Asia, looking across the Bosporus with the Kiz Kulesi Tower.

Hagia Sophia at night, in the rain. So spectacular looking and we haven’t even been in yet!

Sweet dreams!

8Mar2013

Day 226: Celebrate Women

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My husband brought me flowers today to celebrate women. I guess it’s International Women’s Day today.

What a great day to be a woman!

There are so many interesting and inspiring and loving and beautiful women in my life. I am so blessed and grateful for all those who share their light and struggles and grace and love and laughs and stories and life with me. I have so much to learn from you beautiful souls. We have so much to share. We are blessed.

I hope you take a minute to say a prayer and acknowledge one or two or three special women in your life.

I love you my mama!
I love you Jubees!
I love you Kimmy!
I love you Tricia!
I love you sister cousins!
I love you my nieces!
I love you girlfriends!
I love you aunties!
I love you little ones!

Namaste.

7Mar2013

Day 225: Water + Yoga + SUP + Friends = Joy

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I look like a frog, but I’m a happy frog. This is what savasna looks like when you’re trying not to touch the freezing cold water.

Can you imagine doing yoga on the water? It’s the coolest feeling.

Imagine your gaze looking softly in front of you and a beautiful white swan is dancing on the water. Imagine looking up at the sky instead of a ceiling.
Imagine breathing in fresh air while focusing on one thing, your breathe.
And when you’re focused on your breathe, you’re not really worried about falling in.
And while you’re stretching and practicing, you get to enjoy the sounds of the water lapping at your board.

Mixing water play with yoga practice is awesome. I hope if this sounds interesting to you, that you will try it one day. You won’t be able to stop smiling.

After we were done doing yoga, we took that relaxed feeling out for a paddle together. I was in the moment, loving life, thankful to Morene for loving SUP and sharing her passion across Amsterdam. I was thankful to Deborah for teaching SUP yoga, and to Jeff for supporting my passion and letting me buy a new Boga board for Holland touring. I can’t wait to put my own in the water!

Namaste.

6Mar2013

Day 224: Running and the Crocus Flowers

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I am so inspired by other people.

Jeff went for a four mile run today. I tried to get out of it. I cleaned instead. I’m good at cleaning and decluttering and procrastinating, yet I didn’t feel good about choosing not to go for a run with him, especially since I had the time.

I called Joseine instead. She told me about her long walk with her sister and how she wasn’t going to go walking today, but her sister talked her into it. She felt so happy afterwards and was glad she went.

Inspired? Yes.

But I found more excuses, I mean piles of laundry to wash and sort and fold, and papers to organize, and two errands to run. And felt the guilt.

At 2:20 pm, my house was really decluttered, and I finally chose to run, before picking up the kids from school. Did I tell you I like to procrastinate until the very last minute?

I just have to say, there has never been a day when I put on my running shoes and actually got out the door and regretted it. So why is it so hard to clear my head and actually get my butt moving? I don’t understand why I procrastinate so much. And I’d think I’d learn by now to just get it over with(I mean enjoy it) first thing in the morning. Isn’t it weird how you know something or how to do something, but the act of doing is much harder than the act of knowing?? Argh… One of those yin and yang things right? Tell me you do this too… Any tricks you practice?

Besides the joy of running 3+ miles, I also got to enjoy seeing these colorful and bright crocus flowers. Aren’t they just gorgeous? I’ve never noticed them before. The crocus is a light and airy flower that is bright and fun. It represents cheerfulness because of its color and texture. Just look at the lines on the petals? And these pictures are taken with my old iPhone!

Do you feel cheerful now? I do. :-). Namaste.

4Mar2013

Day 222: Sunshine, Coffee & Yoga

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Three things made me happy right at the beginning of the day.

First thing this morning, I woke up to find the guest room filled with bright light and the sun was beginning to rise.

Seeing and feeling the sun shine fills me up.

The second thing that made me smile, was a morning ritual. Jeff makes me a cappuccino every morning, so while I’m waking up the kids and starting a load of laundry, I can smell the coffee from upstairs and its ready for me when I come down. I think this is one of the greatest things ever and I am always so thankful that he does this for me. It’s the little things that create huge amounts of joy for me and make me feel loved.

The third thing that started my day off positively after dropping the kids off at school, was my yoga class. I absolutely love yoga and don’t know why I don’t do it everyday. Its especially a great way to start a Monday. When I arrived, I was the only one not speaking (and understanding) Dutch and I felt a little sad to not understand what everyone was saying and sharing with one another. It was only chit chat before class started, but I so desperately wanted to be part of a conversation, yet I couldn’t share anything. I let that feeling go and just focused on relaxing and stretching before class started and had a great practice. Afterwards, during tea with the classmates, a few new friends spoke with me in English and I no longer felt alone. And as I was getting ready to leave, my teacher gave me a hug when saying goodbye, and told me she was glad I came again and that she enjoys having me in her class. She made my day too…another simple and free joy.

I hope your day was filled with peace, love and joy…sunshine, coffee and yoga!

Namaste.

11Feb2013

Day 201: Clara Maria Cheese Farm and Clog Factory Tour

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It is below zero out today! And it feels like it really is freezing! I was standing outside in the parking lot, trying to chat with friends with my boots, scarf, and down coat on but I couldn’t stay outside for long. It was that cold! So when we were looking for something to do today, we weren’t all that excited to be touring the streets of Amsterdam. Luckily it wasn’t raining, because that would have been even worse.

I took April and Steve to our local cheese and clog farm because I could easily park and go inside with them. Luckily the farmer was available today and chose S to help with the clog making demo. I got a kick out of watching her learn and helping the farmer. She got to take home a souvenir, a hollowed out clog trophy with their family name on it.

We learned about the cheese making process and they bought some gifts to take home.

The cheese is made from the dairy cows on the farm.

It was our lucky day as two new calves were born today and yesterday and we got to see the farm animals too.

Cheese, clogs and cows – not a bad way to fight jet lag!

9Feb2013

Day 199: Date Day

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I’ve been wanting to go on a date with my husband, and today the stars aligned. Each of the kids went with a friend for a sleepover. Thank God, for friends.

We got up early and got the house ready for April and Steve to arrive tomorrow and then we headed out to Amsterdam. As soon as we were ready to go, it started to snow!!

I am still fascinated by the snow and am awestruck by it. It also makes me want to stay inside when it snows so I can stay warm and hibernate. But today, I fought past my desire to stay indoors and walked to the tram stop with my honey, wondering what the heck I was doing. It took awhile for me to actually be happy being outdoors, but in the end, I was glad to have ventured out.

We enjoyed exploring a new part of the city and finding a wonderful place for a slow paced, 5 course dinner. It sure was nice to have time alone together without any interruptions. And dinner was fabulous!! I loved the artistic presentation of the food and enjoyed every bite.