Nice Melons

"Nice melons SKF", said nobody. Ever.

Spotted these crates at my neighborhood Marqt. Now I need to sweet talk a clerk into selling me one...

Do not despair H.G. Wells...

"Every time I see an adult on a bicycle, I no longer despair for the future of the human race."

H. G. Wells

Confession #345

I thought it may be easier to wave goodbye with a delft-inspired manicure for the party...

Confession #344

With the best of intentions I tried to get hooked on vampire juice from blendbar to replace my chai latte habit. Unfortunately I was only half successful.

I may need to add another cup holder to my rig.

Confession #343

These cuties may tempt me into breaking a sacred promise I made to myself, to avoid the overall trend.

Farewell

We don't leave Amsterdam until mid-August, but once school lets out for the summer (next week) our friends all dissipate for various summer adventures and so we are having a farewell fete tonight. A chance to get friends together is always something to be excited about, but saying goodbye is never easy.

Hard to believe our Portland send-off was 2.5 years ago! I am feeling so much deja vu. Those goodbyes were so hard. But somehow, in that case, they were softened by the security that we'd return. See you all soooooooooon!!!!

Tonight's goodbyes are different. Not only is it unlikely that we will return for more than a visit, it is unlikely that most of these pals would be here if we did. The expat crowd is a transient bunch. Tonight is the start of the end of this chapter. Sniff..sniff...

Sidenote: If you are reading this and didn't get the invite, please know it is because I am unorganized not because it is exclusive. Let me know...the more the merrier!

Goedemorgen

I was up and out early, for the first time in a long time. My run was slow. I've been struggling to motivate lately. And when I do go, I don't feel any speed from my legs. Today reminded me that I do love the wee small hours of the morning, and I also love to run.

Running: you never regret going.

Not running: different story.

Full Frontal

You guys, you guys, you guuuuuuys. It has taken YEARS to bring you this post. Countless early mornings. Countless missed opportunities.

One thing I promised myself I would do before I ever leave Amsterdam...is capture this photo. And it was not easy. It was HARD, really hard. But...I am no quitter. Each morning I get up at a stupid early hour, hoping, just hoping, that today will be the day. I get out of bed, and go hunting. Sometimes with the girls. Sometimes alone. Always on the hunt.

Finally, about a week ago, the stars aligned.

Without further delay, I present, the full frontal shot....

If you are late to this party...click here and then keep clicking...

Market Beauty

The market down the road is one of the most photogenic places in Amsterdam

Confession #342

Even by my standards, this looks like a bit much. A bit much...but I still want to give it a try. After I try the stroopwaffel version, obviously.

Happy eclair day...

Some News and a Sweet Suite

In the very near future, our Dutch dream will wrap up. We will move home to Portland. There, I said it.

I was having a hard time sharing the news, because, we are pretty happy over here.

Of course, there are lots of things to be excited about in Portland. Which I can should will focus on...

When we go back we will return to our old home, which we love. But after nearly 3 years away, she will need some TLC. As we prep her for our re-entry, and as we wait for our shipment to arrive, we will need to stay in temporary housing of some sort.

I'm super simple. I think this suite would work just fine...

Banksy in the Hood

I popped into the Lionel Gallery this week, because I could, because it's right out my door...

10!

Z$, my sweet niece, is ten. TEN! HBD Z. See you soon to celebrate! Save a seat for me on that boat...

Edam Bikeventure With My Girls

I love a good bikeventure. Last Monday, we dropped the kids a l'ecole and pedaled our way to Edam (2 of us were on bakfiets). It was a long way to go for a short lunch. Memories were made. This ride was different than last year's ladies bike mission, but just as lovely. 

Note: 1h15min on a normal bike = 2 hours on a bakfiets. Round trip was 4 hours. We rolled back into the city just in time to get to school.

Rijks Love

The new exhibit at the Rijks was a lovely way to procrastinate this morning. I cycle under that tunnel so many times per day, it would be rude not to stop when they launch a new exhibit. New For Now chronicles the origin of fashion magazines. Time well spent. 

Word Love

There a few dutch words that either don't translate well or just don't sound as special in English. When we leave holland, I hope we take these with us.

• Gezellig and Gezelligheid
• Eet Smakelijk
• Lekker
• Ja, Hallo! This one means what you think (yes, hello) but when pronounced with the right intonation, something I love to practice and must say I am pretty good at, it can mean WTF or, dude you are an idiot, or get out of my way...clearly it is a very useful bit of lingo
• leuk - which I think means cool, at least that is how I use it

Photos du Jour

So much to love about this sweet mermaid

Only 1 thing to love about our chilly June weather and that is our ability (need) to keep rocking fur...

Monday morning run and gab with HB

The walls of the Rijksmuseum speaking to me about my future, a reminder that my career is not finished...

Painting progress