Saturday, January 30, 2016
1) What's something that seems to fascinate everyone else, but you just don't care about?
George Clooney is in the country.
People are all oh and ah's.
I don't know the guy. Maybe he's nice, maybe he isn't.
I'm not part of his world and it's best he stays out of mine, I think.
2) The lyrics refer to "the times we cried and laughed." Which did you do more recently, cry or laugh?
Laugh.
I was so happy the working week was over.
3) In the song, our hero seems surprised that his girlfriend doesn't believe him. Are you more believing and trusting, or suspicious and skeptical?
I'm more believing and trusting, and I'm often paying for it.
4) This song is just over two minutes long, which seems short for a song but awful long when Sam is waiting for her chicken soup to heat in the microwave. What's the last thing you heated in a microwave?
Oops...A meal.
5) This week's band, The Buckinghams, was one of the first acts to perform at Chicago's premiere summer festival, The Taste of Chicago.* Let's think ahead: Have you made any plans for Summer 2016?
No. not yet. Maybe I should.
6) In 1967, when this song was popular, Rolling Stone magazine published its first issue. What magazines do you subscribe to? Do they arrive in the mail, or do you read them online?
I get some professional magazines in the mail.
7) Country star/American Idol judge Keith Urban was born in 1967. Are you watching the final season of American Idol?
No, we can't see it here.
8) In 1967, the average cost of a movie ticket was $1.25. By 2015, it had risen $8.60. What's the last movie you saw in a theater?
Star wars. Took a nephew to see it because his parents didn't want to. We pay a lot more for a movie. It was 12 euro, that's about 13 dollars.
9) Random question: Sam's taking everyone out to dinner and she's buying. Would you prefer the steak or the lobster?
Never had lobster. Maybe I'll try.
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Friday, January 29, 2016
- How would you describe your sense of direction?
It's rather good.
Most of the time I can find whatever I want to find without a car-thingy. - Whose sense of humor is most like yours?
My niece's. The whole family can sit listening to us at a birthday and we won't stop. Like stand up comedians. - What film’s or novel’s sense of place really impressed you?
Some of those action movies have car pursuits. I always wonder how they know what they are doing and where they are going. - When did you most recently and accurately sense danger?
A few weeks ago I was visiting an aunt.
I didn't sense danger, I smelled it.
She was sitting in the room, not aware she had still something boiling.
I smelled something strange and was just in time, because the handle of the pan caught fire. - How would you describe the scent of your car’s interior?
It's not my car. I use it. It smells like cleaning liquid. Don't like it.
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Thursday, January 28, 2016
Tuesday, January 26, 2016
Monday, good morning dear bloggers.
Laane asked:
Have you ever been kept hostage by a virus?
Yes.
About 10 years ago we were ready for a vacation of 14 days.
My parents had booked bus and hotel, trips at the foreign location and a friend who had to water our plants and keep a watch on the house.
I was not very happy with the trip, but I adjusted my opinion and agreed to go with them.
The day before I got a nasty fever.
Within a few hours I was sitting sweating on the couch, crying from feeling bad.
Then I got red spots and a huge headache and my mom got almost a panic attack, she thought it was meningitis and called the doctor.
he said it was just a bug, but I wasn´t allowed to travel and had to stay home.
But there was no need, according to him, to cancel the trip.
The family could go and the friend could keep an eye on me, he would visit me the next day and then decide if he would visit again or leave instructions for the friend.
So there I was± home alone without the fun, with the friend visiting me 4 or 5 times a day during long hours... with the telephone on stand by. She cooked and was very nice...
After a week I was recovered, but wasn´t allowed to go to a party of friends, because she didn´t know if my parents would be OK with it.
Yes.... I was kept hostage by a virus.
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They're celebrating their anniversary soon and I wanted to create a real surprise.
So first we talked to the children and asked if they would be willing to create a huge surprise for the anniversary and if they were able to keep it a secret.
Then we had to find a way to have the children, so I could take them shopping.
Another friend helped out.
She's celebrating her birthday this week and the kids were asked if they wanted to come and help baking cakes.
The parents were OK, the children loved to bake and there they were for a whole afternoon.
One of my friends took us by car. She works in a neighbouring town and we decided to go shopping there.
The only thing I was afraid of was that one of the kids might walk somewhere alone.
So we pointed out where important buildings were and where we would come when they got lost.
And then we went shopping.
We found them all a lovely outfit. Ofcourse we knew that mom had bought them something already, but the grandmother told me in confidence she didn't like the clothes at all, and mom had her doubts.
Well, we had more time and collected more money between friends and family, so we could buy a bit more expensive their mom and dad would certainly like to bits.
Then we went for a present.
It was surprising that the children all knew precisely what they wanted, so we went to a few interesting shops and even found a large present all were able to agree with.
After an icecream we went to my home to hide the presents and then went to our friend's and baked some cupcakes to take home and to get some dough and powder on their clothes.
Just after we told them that a secret means you have to forget all about it and say nothing at all, their mom came to collect them and the cupcakes.
Mission accomplished.
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Monday, January 25, 2016
Unconscious Mutterings is one of the longest running memes.
Each week a list of words is given, and the blogger ads as soon as possible free associations, giving the reader an insight in his thinking.
Here you go.
- Woke :: aware (learned that one from an online friend.)
- Postcard :: Stamp
- Blizzard :: Snow in America
- Pooch :: pouch
- Constipated :: stand still inside traffic
- Pastel :: soft colours
- Edge :: auch!
- Mother :: Earth
- Linger :: Dwell
- Header :: Starter of an online site
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Saturday, January 23, 2016
1) In this song, Glenn explores one of the great romantic conundrums. This week, Saturday 9 is confronting it, too. If you had to choose, would you prefer to be loved, or to be in love?
I think one without the other is a lonely experience.
To be loved and not to love back gives a very uneasy feeling.
Being in love without being loved back, even without the other knowing, is a bit better, because there's no need to hurt another person.
So my choice is clear now....
2) The song describes an awkward moment: an old boyfriend calls when a woman is on a date with someone new. To whom did you last say, "I can't talk now?"
To a collegue who wanted a relationship and I didn't want one. To be honest to you...there was no one in the room with me at that moment, but it worked.
3) The lyrics talk about heart vs head. When you find yourself in that predicament, which usually wins -- heart or head?
Heart.
4) This song was from Glenn Frey's solo album, No Fun Aloud. What fun stuff are you looking forward to this weekend?
Preparing for the anniversary of friends. I'm taking their children shopping without mom and dad knowing.
5) Glenn Frey was born in Royal Oak, a suburb of Detroit. The Motor City is known for car manufacturing. Is your car domestic or foreign?
The car I drive in sometimes is a shared car. It's foreign.
6) The popular 1990s sitcom Home Improvement was set in Royal Oak. Are you handy around the house?
Reasonable.
7) Glenn Frey co-founded The Eagles in 1970. What's your favorite Eagles song?
What Do I Do with My Heart"
8) The Eagles helped define "California Rock," but in recent years Glenn and his wife lived in Tribeca. Have you ever been to New York? If so, did you like it?
No...too far away.
9) Glenn wrote "Smuggler's Blues" and "You Belong to the City" for the iconic 1980s TV show, Miami Vice. What else comes to mind when you think of the 80s?
The way people dressed.
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One of those conversations that have no end and either explode into a very strong and loud discussion or fade away into a quiet being together.
What sparked a good lough was the news that the producers of the largest ice creams have plans to make them smaller.
Smaller...into 250 calories. To provide people a more healthy choice.
Haha!!
I can advice you how to make a healthy choice with the old amount of calories: don't take the icecream! Don't look at it at all! Don't sniff. Keep your ears closed so you won't hear the mumbled "yummies" and other exclamations of delight.
250 calories!!
That's more than a whole healthy meal!
A couple of days ago I read a report about restaurants in America... in Boston I think it was.
It was discovered that 92% of meals from large-chain and local restaurants had more calories than a person needs on a daily basis.
I know we get here less on our plates, but I bet it's still too much for one meal.
Here in The Netherlands we cook ourselves, most of the time.
When I'm in doubt I ask online a question at a search engine and I decide to cook or bake the stuff or leave it alone.
In fact I'm quite simpel when I cook for myself, but cook more elaborate when it's for others.
The past years I skipped creams, sauses and ice cream more and more. I also used less butter to bake, and I take the fat from minced meat.
So gradually I've learned to eat less calories and I'm happy with that.
But to end the meal with an icecream of 250 calories???
NOOOOOOOOOOOO!
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Friday, January 22, 2016
- When opposing forces in your life pull you in different directions, how do you recenter yourself and find balance ?
Sometimes it's a struggle not to let the emotions win.
I have set myself a couple of goals and they help me finding the path I want to walk. Maybe I make a clear choice, or maybe I walk the middle way. That depends. When I've made a choice I feel relieved.
- What are often the greatest threats to your overall balance?
Bad moods of others aimed at me. I can deal with morning moods of others, but when people stamp into a room and throw their stuff on the table with an angry face I feel stressed.
I have also problems dealing with the expectations of others when they're opposite of my plans. I want to please them, but at the other hand, I don't want to do what I don't want to do.
- If you could add just a little more of one thing to your life and have a little less of another, what would they be?
Add more unconditional love and a little less pressure from society.
- What are pluses and minuses of hanging out with mercurial people, and what are pluses and minuses of hanging out with even-keeled people? Which tend to populate your social groups most?
I think most of my friends are even-keeled people. There's no reason to be over the top with positivity one moment and being depressed at other moments, even though I have some manic-depressed and borderliners between the lot. I can deal with them, but sometimes they make me feel uneasy, because I want room to be myself too.
- What’s your greatest challenge in maintaining a balanced diet?
The irregular office hours are a challenge. One day I can eat lunch at 12.00 a.m. and other days at 1.30 p.m.
Sometimes work is finished late and when I have to be somewhere in the evening there's not always time to eat properly.
And I love fries..
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Thursday, January 21, 2016
I completely lost track of the days of the week.
Thought it was Wednesday today,
but it's already time for the Thursday Challenge.
So I went through the photos on my computer.
No chair, cups, or other everyday things clearly photographed.
I always tried to escape from them, and I succeeded.
Except when I was at the beach last summer.
We stood in front of my favorite place downstairs.
The woman keeps a little shop and the toilets.
She's very kind, talkative and has the talent
to remember people.
So when I pass her place I always take some time
to have a chat with her.
That day her little place was closed.
My mood was different from other times
and I noticed the long double row of bins.
We have those ugly things at home too.
one size smaller and in green.
But I hate them.
They don't belong in my garden.
Nor do they belong at the entrance of the beach.
But that day they became an art object.
All were standing rather straight,
like they should.
But these two had created their own world,
or the world had created them to stand in the sand.
Kind of two old people, willing to walk towards the sea,
but contemplating too long to take their shoes off,
so the sand covered their feet and even more.
People had tried to digg them out,
but the wind blew the sand back again.
When will they disappear?
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Tuesday, January 19, 2016
They predict a 62% increase of dying from a house fire in the elderly by...eh..2020 or 2030. (Sorry I can't remember).
More old people live alone than decades before.
This is due to cutbacks in the subsidies for old peoples homes.
Last year many of them were closed and the people had to move into their own home again. Those who didn't have a home anymore were forced to rent or live with family.
Only those with huge medical problems were allowed to stay in a home.
In the sixties we had a huge discussion here in The Netherlands about old people living at their own home.
It was not right, was the conclusion.
People needed all sorts of care and where better could they receive that than at a home for the elderly.
The availability of nurses at all hours, centrally cooked dinners, no need to fetch groceries, control of medication and all sorts of other care could be given as cost-effective as possible.
All this was combined with a geriatric doctor in the house, a hairdresser, religious services and a lot more.
Quite some old family members lived that way.
Some having their own room, kitchen, shower and toilet behind a closed door with a doorbell at an outside corridor, some in a room with a kitchinette, toilet and shower, with a door that could be opened by the nurses, at an indoor corridor, and some at a multiple occupied room when they needed daily hospital care.
I[ve seen it all.
In case of a fire people were warned by the fire-signalling service, told what to do, and when they needed help to get outside there were well trained people available and even a warm place to hide. The firefighters had a direct automatic warning signal from the home so often they were already there before the fire was inspected.
Now people have to take the responsibility for everything themselves.
Last year there was a fire in an electric circuit of a restaurant at the ground floor of an apartment building.
The fire spread rapidly and when the firefighters arrived part of them tried to extinguish the fire and others tried to evacuate the building.
That was a huge problem.
Even though the fire was retained in a compartment of the building, the smoke was everywhere.
The old people were simply not quick enough the be away before the smoke penetrated everything.
4 people died, some where hospitalized for smoke inhalation.
It will take longer than a year before it's possible that people return to their home. So most decided to live elsewhere.
If the building had the same facilities as an old people's home those people wouldn't have died.
It's so sad to see that the government refuses to take responsibility. It's all about money and where to save it.
When I'm old the care for old people will be so low that maybe we have just a small room to live in and we'll be very poor. When we haven't died from our diseases, because even in the health care the cutbacks are enormous.
How is it possible that after WW2 people were able to built a successful economy and a well functioning society and now all is disappearing?
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Monday, January 18, 2016
Monday, good morning dear bloggers.
The question of today is:
Would you help the medical profession to find a cure for something by volunteering in medical substance research?
Laane explained at her blog the different stages of medical substance research.
So when research is at the stage of trying potential medication on humans it's supposed to be relatively safe.
When people volunteer they get a good explanation about the dangers of the medication, and often there is a special insurance to secure the test person against financial problems due to the possible healthconsequences of the research.
At any time a person is allowed to withdraw him or herself.
In the past I took part in research as a test person, but it was psychological research. So they didn't mess with my physical health and they were not supposed to mess with my psychological health either.
The tests were for instance reading with different colours of light, to see if that makes a difference. The standard student test that is done at numerous universities: does normal coloured beer taste the same as green coloured beer.
And many more.
I enjoyed doing it, but sometimes I left with an ill feeling that I didn't do the test well enough. Once I had a very nagging feeling for several days because I was too tired to take part in the first place. I should have slept better the night before. The outcome of my test might have been different when I had been fitter.
But trials of medication?
The substances are supposed to work against symptoms of a disease, not against no symptoms in a healthy human being.
So it might work completely in an unwanted way.
Take Ritalin.
In normal human being it's speed. Can't say it different.
But in the brains of people with true ADHD something chemical is going on that can be altered with Ritalin in a good and positive way. It doesn't act as speed at all, it calms a person down and make that person able to control his impulses far better.
So I feel that medical experiments on healthy subjects might cause harm.
As long as I don't walk in my nightgown outside tonight (temperature of minus 10 expected here) I'm not going to harm myself in any other way than getting tiny holes in my ear for small earplugs.
So the answer is clear I hope: No!
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See you with this meme next week.
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Unconscious Mutterings is one of the longest running memes.
Each week a list of words is given, and the blogger ads as soon as possible free associations, giving the reader an insight in his thinking.
Here you go.
- Holiday :: Sleeping in
- Timeframe :: Limited time
- Initiative :: Activity
- Grinding :: Milling (is that a verb?)
- Shouting :: Loud noise
- Liver :: Alcohol
- Extension :: Enlargement
- Taxes :: Lawful bill for nothing
- Obnoxious :: Sick
- Ten minutes :: to drink coffee
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Saturday, January 16, 2016
1) In this song, David encourages his partner to "put on your red shoes and dance." When did you last dance?
Last week, at a party to celebrate the engagement of friends.
2) Mr. Bowie recalled that he and choreographer Toni Basil developed a dance step now known as "the moonwalk" for his 1974 tour, nearly a decade before Michael Jackson performed "Billie Jean." Can you think of something you should have gotten credit for, but didn't?
Yes, it has happened that I made a felt hat for someone. Two years later she found it again and then told me she had bought it a few years ago at an expensive shop in town.
I've never told her I made the hat, with a piece of felt of about 5 euro. :)
3) Similarly, the band Roxy Music was upset because Bowie copied their "catsuit look" for his own stage wardrobe and made it famous. What do you usually wear, Monday through Friday?
Not a catsuit....far too inconvenient.
I usually wear denims with a blouse and cardigan. At work the temperature changes at times so the cardigan goes on and off.
At home I like a t-shirt with sports trousers.
4) David Bowie was particular about the aftershave he wore, and one of his favorites was by Guerlain. Do you regularly apply cologne or aftershave?
No. Some people are allergic to perfume and I work with people so....
5) In school, David's best subject was art. Think back to your own school days. In which class did you excel?
Geography.
6) In addition to art and music, David Bowie displayed a keen head for business, leaving a fortune of more than $600,000,000. Would you describe yourself as "good with money?"
NO!!!!!!
7) Bowie also appeared in a variety of movies from The Man Who Fell to Earth to Zoolander. Who is your alltime favorite movie actor?
Don't know.
8) One of Bowie's hits is "Life on Mars." If you had the opportunity to travel into space, would you take it?
Yes, I think so.
9) The creators of SpongeBob Square Pants are huge Bowie fans and were thrilled when, in 2007, he appeared in an episode. Sam suspects that she may be the only person who hasn't seen that cartoon show. What about you? Have you ever watched an episode of SpongeBob, start to finish?
Oh no!
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Friday, January 15, 2016
When in April a series of horrible earthquakes shook Nepal and a large area around Katmandu more than 8.000 people died, and more than 21.000 people got injured.
The damage was tremendous, ranging from minor damage to houses, to complete demolition of houses and large buildings, like tempels.
In the mountains villages couldn't be reached, which meant that food and medical help couldn't get to the people who needed it and many had to live without any shelter.
Ofcourse I'd seen the TV programs and countless photo's of friends who live in the area.
Today I saw a documentary about the first earthquake of 7.8 on the scale of Richter and the large ones that followed.
I saw the horrible film about the shaking of Katmandu, the falling apart of houses and other buildings, heard the cries of terror and fear. Even saw a friend walking around, knowing how he felt at the moment: completely disorientated, afraid he would die, lost. He didn't think, he just walked to one side of the road, then to the other side, and back again.
His world had become just a feeling and two legs that walked and a body that followed.
I saw him in a way I've never seen him and probably never will see him.
The moviemaker went on to show a temple in crumbles.
My friend finally was taken by the hand by a tiny old Nepalese woman, with deep wrinkles in her face, and eyes that caught his and finally touched his brains. He felt drawn back into human contact and then reached out to hug her and her grandchild that clinged to her skirts. He's spend the rest of the day with them. Trying to find some shelter for the night, and some food.
They became family. He is still there, trying to make her a new house, and we know where to send our money.
The movie went on with the terrible avalanche on the Mount Everest.
reality is that the media have forgotten about this terrible force of nature.
The people still struggle.
The damage was tremendous, ranging from minor damage to houses, to complete demolition of houses and large buildings, like tempels.
In the mountains villages couldn't be reached, which meant that food and medical help couldn't get to the people who needed it and many had to live without any shelter.
Ofcourse I'd seen the TV programs and countless photo's of friends who live in the area.
Today I saw a documentary about the first earthquake of 7.8 on the scale of Richter and the large ones that followed.
I saw the horrible film about the shaking of Katmandu, the falling apart of houses and other buildings, heard the cries of terror and fear. Even saw a friend walking around, knowing how he felt at the moment: completely disorientated, afraid he would die, lost. He didn't think, he just walked to one side of the road, then to the other side, and back again.
His world had become just a feeling and two legs that walked and a body that followed.
I saw him in a way I've never seen him and probably never will see him.
The moviemaker went on to show a temple in crumbles.
My friend finally was taken by the hand by a tiny old Nepalese woman, with deep wrinkles in her face, and eyes that caught his and finally touched his brains. He felt drawn back into human contact and then reached out to hug her and her grandchild that clinged to her skirts. He's spend the rest of the day with them. Trying to find some shelter for the night, and some food.
They became family. He is still there, trying to make her a new house, and we know where to send our money.
The movie went on with the terrible avalanche on the Mount Everest.
reality is that the media have forgotten about this terrible force of nature.
The people still struggle.
- When did you last wear a lei (or something similar)?
A lei is a flower-necklace that is used in Hawaii etc to welcome you, isn't it?
I've never had one. - What are your thoughts on organically grown produce?
I'm still struggling with my first meeting with organic vegetables. The worms in and on them and fly eggs on them...ugh.
Now I think all is organically grown, because it's all nature, isn't it? It's what we do with it. So one should say: produce without toxic human interference.
Well, the produce here is as much from the region as possible, and that's clearly on the label. I know quite some farmers and they're OK. So I'm convinced their produce is as good as the far more expensive stuff. - Which Goldie Hawn movies have you seen?
Butterflies Are Free.
I have seen more, but can't remember the titles. - What’s something you’ve recently and reluctantly flown solo on?
That means going alone, doesn't it?
I almost always go alone. But right now I'm not a arty animal, so it doesn't matter. - What experience do you have with BB or pellet guns?
None.
But I took a pellet gun from a boy, some years ago and gave it to the police with his address. It's forbidden to use one here, and the ten year old targetted the face of a little girl.
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Thursday, January 14, 2016
....and then a dear friend who lives at the other side of the world said:
"I so long for the summerflowers,
the large skies, broken by a few trees and a windmill."
So I found the perfect place for the perfect picture for her,
made by a cheap phone-with-camera,
because I didn't have time, nor money, to buy a good camera.
It's her favorite photo.
And one of mine too.
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Wednesday, January 13, 2016
Today a group of schoolchildren and a teacher ignored the black label (signalling the most difficult level of skying should be expected) of a piste in the French Alpes, called Les Deux Alpes.
Not only that. The piste had been closed because of lack of snow and wasn't re-opened yet, even thought a large quantity of snow had fallen during the past days. This had caused a firm avalanche risk, so the piste, The Bellacombe Piste, on a north-facing, easily iced slope of the mountain, was still closed.
In the area warnings had been issued to stay on the open pistes, and stay away from areas that were not clearly marked as open. It was also told to stay informed about changed weather conditions and be aware of increased risk.
The group of French schoolchildren and their teachers, and an not connected Ukrainian and some others ignored it all.
They were caught by the force of nature. A large avalanche struck, killing 2 schoolchildren and the Ukrainian, and leaving 2 pupils in cardiac arrest and a teacher unconscious. These 3 were seriously injured taken to a hospital.
A massive rescue operation including more than 60 rescuers, dogs and 4 helicopters resulted in the recovery of all other people.
It makes me wonder why those teachers decided to enter the closed piste.
Didn't they know what they were doing?
Didn't they know they had the responsibility for the lives of all the children and the rescuers?
Questions that will never be answered.
The traumatic event will always stay in the memory of the people involved.
When I was 13 we were preparing a fair at school.
I was not present when a large beam fell on top of one of the pupils. He died.
The impact it had on all of us was immense.
So not only do I feel deeply for the family and friends of the people who died, but also for all those others who are going home without precious friends and a teacher.
Unconscious Mutterings is one of the longest running memes.
Each week a list of words is given, and the blogger ads as soon as possible free associations, giving the reader an insight in his thinking.
Here you go.
- Harbor :: Ships
- Mattress :: Bed
- Experience :: Life-event
- Seminar :: Lecture
- 2 million :: Feet, walking
- Scarf :: Sjawl
- Stacked :: Saw a large pile of christmastrees
- Flowers :: at christmas 2015
- Bowling :: Stinking shoes
- Husband :: Hubby
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I'm kind of silenced.
My blog disappeared and I don't know why.
I can only guess why they called me a spammer.
I only visited a friend and a few blogmeme-sites, because I love blogmemes. One I used a few years ago still exists and the owner was late with posting, so I visited quite a few times.
And I wrote a few posts, of which just a few were really meaningful, like a blog about the mob attacks in Cologne and one about a friend who gave me a nice present.
I feel silent.
Starting a new blog should be fun and one should feel lots of enthusiasm and plans. All I feel is tiredness and blown away.
Well, Let's set this up and see if they let me keep this.
In this case the action of removing my blog doesn't say anything about me.
But people are always ready to have opinions.
They even can't accept the funny name my parents gave me.
Well, let me be clear: I'm not a spammer and I certainly am not a fake person.
Read this blog, and you'll start to know that..and maybe...maybe even learn a bit about what I have learned about life.
So maybe...maybe something good will come out of this.
We're living is a difficult time and a little green leaf in the dark, even when it's cold, always represents life.
Monday, January 11, 2016
Monday, good morning fellow bloggers.
David Bowie is the subject of today's meme.
He died two days after he gave the world a new album, with some macabre video's.
He was on a bed, wrapped up like a messy mummy. Cloth around his face...loose... with iron pinned circles, so he still had a very small look at the world, which seemed to be rather dark.
Maybe the symbol for the diminished and limited world of a dying person.
He knew he was dying.
His family and friends were told to keep that hidden.
So he staged his own death and was able to live his own death, far away from all worldly drama of fans who didn't know him as a person, but who were in for a lot of grief-display. The modern game of theatre, in which people don't even know anymore which is true emotion and emotion fed feelings based on their old pain and the contageous behaviour of the modern video glued fans.
It didn't take the media long before they claimed his death and flooded the world with his music.
Maybe the astronauts at the International Space Station could see the cloud of memories circling the earth
I for myself I was a bit silent.
He was born in 1947 in Brixton, as a blonde boy Jones, with mixed Irish-Welsh blood.
In 1953 he moved to Bromley, and when I was there I must have walked the same streets as he did.
His artistic talents were recognised at school, and he enjoyed them, by learning to play all sorts of instruments, like young people in those days. And like many young people in those days he formed his own band...at 15.
The rest is common knowledge.
One of my most favorite numbers is Ground Control to Major Tom.
Maybe that number sparked my interest in space...I don't know.
But I made a booklet with all sorts of images about space, travelling in space and a photo of Bowie my uncle managed to get from a friend in England. I listened to the record while reading the science fiction books I urged the library to find and buy. I must have been the most expensive member.
David Bowie, a theatre man, who loved to live the person he was investigating and representing in his songs.
Why?
Because he could.
Because he was able to hide himself behind the facade of the translation of imagination.
I'm happy for him he was able to step back into the person he wanted to be and die as himself.
So many don't.
Do you want to take part in this meme, click the image in the sidebar of the MGM 2016 bloggers.
Do you want to read more entries? Click the image below.
See you with this meme next week.
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Saturday, January 9, 2016
1. Think back to Friday. Did it fly by? Or did you find yourself checking the clock and wishing it was 5:00?
Time always flies when I have to work. And now there's so much in the news that worries me it also flies when I'm at home.
2. This song refers to the 5:00 whistle that signifies the end of the work day. What's the last whistle, alarm or buzzer you heard?
Someone at my work yesterday had a kind of buzzer at his phone.
3. In the 1960s, the Vogues often appeared on TV variety shows to promote their record albums. Do you have the TV on now, as you answer these questions?
No.
4. "Vogue" means "popular or fashionable." Tell us about something that you feel is in vogue today.
Large black hats.
5. Vogue magazine reported that the big Fall/Winter trend was brocade. Describe the latest addition to your Fall/Winter wardrobe.
New denim and short boots.
6. Vogue editor Anna Wintour is such a difficult boss that disgruntled employees nicknamed her "Nuclear Wintour." What qualities do you think make a good boss?
Good social and communication skills.
7. Ms. Wintour was rumored to be the inspiration for the character of Amanda in the book and movie, The Devil Wears Prada. Did you receive any books or movies for Christmas 2015? Did you receive any gift cards that you then used for books or movies?
No. But I got a book at Sinterklaas. A cookbook.
8. "Vogue" was also a dance, made famous by Madonna in her 1990 hit by the same name. Can you name another Madonna song?
Material girl, Don't cry for me Argentina, La isla Bonita.
9. Random question from a Sat9-er: How organized are your clean clothes? (Stacked in piles, folded neatly in drawers, still in the dryer....?)
Was, dry, fold and put away. That's how it works here.
Friday, January 8, 2016
- What’s something you make that takes a really long time to cook? Bread. I love to bake bread and put something extra in it, like an egg, or cheese and ham or a bar of chocolate.
- Of books you’ve completed, which took you the most time to get from beginning to end? The Hobbit. One way or another it took me ages. Maybe because everyone was reading it and I wasn't called everyone.
- What’s a movie that seemed much longer than it was? I don't often see a movie. But sometimes I can't skip an invitation and then I have to be careful not to fall asleep.
- Who was your partner for your first slow dance? Vincent. Mrs Brpwn would say: "that was nice."
- What decision are you dragging your feet toward making? They want people to buy a house. As long as I don't know where life leads me I don't want to buy a house.
Graphic by Laane with graphics from Alevtina. Thanks!
Today was a rather busy day.
Work took most of the time and energy and when I was trying to get some chores done at home a friend visited.
That was great!
Not only could I sit down without feelings of guilt that I was not cleaning and doing the laundry, it also meant a good conversation and.....
some nice chocolate to eat.
I never had those. I imagined there were those little bubbly balls inside that cause a strange sensation in your mouth, but that was not the case. It was good plain milk chocolate, the way I love it best.
He works near the english shop that sells them and we don't mind to extend the christmas season as long as we can.
Officially the 12 days of christmas start here in the Netherlands at 25 of december, so ...noop....we're not in those days anymore. LOL!
But some old local ways define christmastime until the 12th of february, so he wants to bring me some more next week and I didn't say "no".
Finally it's freezing outside...so "bye bye" to crawling visitors!
Maybe I should start my own theme meme. LOL!
Work took most of the time and energy and when I was trying to get some chores done at home a friend visited.
That was great!
Not only could I sit down without feelings of guilt that I was not cleaning and doing the laundry, it also meant a good conversation and.....some nice chocolate to eat.
I never had those. I imagined there were those little bubbly balls inside that cause a strange sensation in your mouth, but that was not the case. It was good plain milk chocolate, the way I love it best.
He works near the english shop that sells them and we don't mind to extend the christmas season as long as we can.
Officially the 12 days of christmas start here in the Netherlands at 25 of december, so ...noop....we're not in those days anymore. LOL!
But some old local ways define christmastime until the 12th of february, so he wants to bring me some more next week and I didn't say "no".
Finally it's freezing outside...so "bye bye" to crawling visitors!
Maybe I should start my own theme meme. LOL!
Thursday, January 7, 2016
About 25% is about sexual harassment some media state; the BBC and other media report that about three-quarters of the filed reports are about sexual assault.
According to newsreports between 11 and 19 of the men are known to the police.
Some people said today that the police has done great work by finding the attackers so soon, but most have a far more realistic view on the situation.
All women involved report that they were attacked and groped at intimate parts of their body by more than one person.
So the amount of attackers identified is minimal.
Now more information is made public we get a view on a more than terrible situation.
Not only were women raped and sexually attacked, some got burns, because fireworks were deliberately put in their clothes. Men who were trying to protect their wifes and daughters were restricted in their movements.
Not only were these mob attacks in Cologne, there are also reports about attacks in Stuttgart, Hamburg(30) and as was said this evening: München. These attacks were on a smaller scale. About Düsseldorf it's reported that women were robbed after they were forced into bodily contact.
When it's true what some people say, that the police knew about the danger of mob attacks on the integrity of women, there will be even more turmoil about this terrible evening than at the moment.
People don't realize yet that this situation could have been prevented by warning women not to go to the area of the railway station that evening. The new media, like Twitter and Facebook, would have reached many of them. Others could have been reached by TV, radio and police cordons around the area.
Women could have been advised about creating evidence other than using their cellphones, which often were stolen or demolished when people tried to use them or before the women were attacked.
The whole problem is just what right wing politicians needed to stir the hatred against fugitives.
Far too many people are quite willing to leave their positive attitude about people who fled their country, not realizing that this way of attacking women is a fundamentalist issue.
Many years ago I read a book about this way of intimidating and forcing women into the sharia in muslim cities.
I never thought this violation of human rights would come so near.
In the meantime a few arabic women has taken a stand against what has happened.
I think that the fugitives that want to be asylum-seekers should realize that the law in European countries stands above religion.
Tuesday, January 5, 2016
Kids had a lot of fun and even grown ups took their skates and went skating on the roads.
At the moment it's freezing in the north of the country. Some ice skating contests are planned and one of the ice skate rings, the one in Noordlaren is prepared for natural ice, as we call it here.
Maybe tomorrow there's enough ice for some real good skating on natural ice. The temperatures are far below zero, as some places more than 11 degrees.
A week ago we asked ourselves if we'll ever get frost this winter. LOL!
Monday, January 4, 2016
"We can see it at the insects", some people said.
Well, I wanted to believe it, but all we saw were above zero temperatures, grey skies, a bit of rain, and little flowers everywhere.
Nature got nuts.
No cold nights meant that trees started to blossom.
A farmer nearby had a second harvest, which had never happened before, but he sowed a second time, was ridiculed because of it by the other farmers, and in the end he earned for the second crops quite some money.
Finally... in january.. nature knows what to do.
So today we had our first winter weather warning for the north of the country.
Icerain for the north... code orange.
Tomorrow here we'll get icerain too in the middle of the night... if nature doesn't change it's mind.
So I've taken my gloves, sjawl and a few other warm items, and my wintercoat.
I'm sure that I'll moan tomorrow evening, but right now....
I'm excited!!
Monday Good Morning!
This year I was trying to find a nice bird to put on a christmas present for a friend.
Those I found were beautiful, but far too expensive.
We walked through a very large garden... shop is too small, hall is not appropriate. But it was la-a-a-arge.
When we ended the last part I was very tired, and found a blue bird. Nice... not special...nice.
And then at christmas we forgot the present. Imagine! We went through so much effort!
Then a few days after christmas, we went to shop for some groceries and found the most wonderful red bird.
It fitted the present in the most perfect way.
Problem is: I can't get hold of my friend to give her the present.
Life is so strange.
Want to take part in the meme too?
Click one of the graphics in this post and you'll get there.
The bird to all those who wrote today,
the woman to the member's list.
I'm the first, so join me so we can have some fun this year!!
Working at a practice for psychology I work mainly with children and their parents.
It's a privilege to get a glimpse in their lives, to receive their trust and to be able to help them to make a little step in their lives. Sometimes they could have done this step themselves, maybe later, or maybe with a different person, but sometimes the trust makes them tell me things no one else will ever hear and this will enable them to move on.
The job has consequences.
Not only do I have to keep a very strict agenda. We have 3 locations and I have to go to all three at different times. But I also deal with a few collegues that are very different. Just as different as my clients.
More difficult is the fact that some experiences of people go very deep into my heart. It's not done to vent unless it's towards a supervisor, who has taken a vow of confidence, just like me. But when it's time for me to vent that person is going home too, unless I've made an appointment during office hours... but you know, it's like going to the dentist, at those hours I'm OK and there's nothing to vent.
Another consequence is that it's hard to have a private life.
People watch that I don't feel like them, that I don't make their mistakes. I have to be a kind of person that is worthy of giving support and advice.
But I'm a human being. I make my own mistakes and I love to be online.
My collegues too.
And because of that we're asked by our boss never to post our own photo online. Not asked - ordered.
And I'm fine with that.
A friend made me a wonderful new me to look at.
So I can be myself, because the inside tells more about a person than the outer shell.
I hope you don't mind.
I don't...not really.
I'm just me.
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