Dutch in Translation

"Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom."  Marcel Proust My First 3 Months in the Netherlands I wish I had started writing a journal back in those days. I have a terrible memory, you see. From what I remember, I was excelling at being a housewife, studying Dutch every day, and enjoying my new social life. On the other hand, my sweetheart and I were figuring out how to be with one another, and I too was unrestful figuring out what who would I become.  Month #4 I got my first job as a postbezorger, and that was quite a ride as you know... (If you don't, read " Finding a Job in the Netherlands: PostNL and I .") Month #5 At the taalcafe, I was asked if I had been a teacher. When I said  yes , this beautiful Russian lady expressed she would love having a teacher like me.  This took me completely by surprise! Some days later, I contacted a language school in Eindhov...

          It is the end of the year, and one starts thinking of what has been accomplished and what one desires for next year. Oh, dear!  I hadn't reflected on it until a cheerful friend of mine asked me about my 2018 goals. Then, and to follow up on my top priorities , I settled on a plan of action. In it, I pursue and select activities which bring me excitement, joy, and that in a certain way, provide nourishment to my brain and soul, as for me, like knitting or visiting museums.  What is at the top of my list?      The  Museumkaart ! It  is a personal card that gives you access to more than 400 museums in The Netherlands and it is valid for one year.   If I had asked Sinterklaas for a present, it would have been this! As you can tell, I didn't ask for it so...I will give it to myself as a New Year's present. Yeah!         What will I do in order to foster personal growth...

"Today you are You,  that is truer than true.  There is no one alive  who  is Youer than You." Dr. Seus             Birthdays are what one wants to make of them. For some, it as an ordinary event. For others, it can be a beginning or an end. Some more might view it as an opportunity to reflect on what has been experienced. And then there are the loud and cheerful who take it as an extraordinary occasion worth sharing. For me, birthdays are unique and unreplicable.      I must confess I am shedding some tears as I write this. On one hand, I am healthy and have been blessed with family and friends that love me and celebrated with me in the same way I approach life, with laughter, joy, and extra pampering. On the other, I wish I had mastered the art of letting go, of being in control. I wish I could embrace certain feelings in order to later let them go. I wish I could ...