The light of the candle burns ever so brightly.

Candles, I like them for a number of reasons. What's not to like?

I have a fresh odor candle in the WC, I have 3 candles on the table in beautiful crystal holders. I have candles outside on the deck on a wee shelf for a cosy feeling while sitting outside. I have special candles for different seasons. Most important though, I have blessed candles I use in times of need and joy!

During my childhood I can't even begin to count the number of candles that were spent after being lit due to a stressful event. When we heard about someone in need, whether ill, in dire straights or hoping for a job, out would come the matches and the flame would light up the wall behind it. Didn't matter what time of day it was. Seeing the flame, one would immediately have the person in mind for who the candle had been lit. Positive thoughts and prayers therefor were constantly zapped to the needy.

My mum was a fervent believer that that flame would somehow be part of the solution. That the prayerful messages to the Heavens would be loud and clear. Not so much her 'wish' be granted, but that the person needing strength, courage, hope or energy would get whatever they needed. A job, good health, a child, a house. For the thankful moments the candle was also lit. The good results of an exam, the desired wish, car, home, child, job etc.

And I've always done the same. It brings comfort - also to me! Makes me feel that I am contributing in some way to the need that has arisen or reminding me that thankfulness is an important facet of and in our existence.

For the past few weeks my special candle has been doing overtime. For a number of people who are listed in my 'special people in my life book'. All of them ill. Some of them terminal, others hopeful for recovery in the not too distant a future. I'm praying their prayers will be answered. The lighting of the candle is a tangible and practical way I can be involved. Funny thing is, that the person of family thereof is comforted by just that gesture of mine! So maybe lighting a candle isn't such an empty action after all.

I looked at my candle today, felt humbled and concerned, and wondered, 'How any people to one candle?'

Change is happening.

Heading: Oxygen is more important than Education

Good morning, it's February the 1st 2019.

I'm not a pessimist. I like think myself as an optimistic realist. I believe the best of everyone and everything till the opposite reveals itself. Right now, I am Optimistic that somehow we will 'handle' and survive the changes - and Realistic in understanding WE NEED TO CHANGE TOO!

After writing 'my piece' on the changing world - I stopped to have breakfast and read the paper. Lo and behold. An article over exactly that subject, AND the participation of the younger generation. Chapeau to them.

For our youth, the new generation and the ones to follow. I am glad they are raising their voices. We 'oldies' should join them.
My optimism is not misplaced at all!

The newspapers and on internet the message is clear. Our weather pattern is being re-written. Our world is entering a stage of renewal.

Here in the Netherlands, my country of birth, we are having an 'On again- off again' winter to date.

Prior to Christmas a wee sprinkling of powder which you could even catch the flakes as the melted down before hitting the ground. Then as the New Year took shape a lovely, pristine white landscape to behold for a few days. Finally my body received that much desired signal. WINTER has arrived. I need that to allow my body that 'cool down' period. To be fair, I don't have to don my coat, hat, gloves, boots and shawl and get to my work in the early morning - but when that still was the case I reveled in it all the same.

After 3 mornings of happiness opening the curtains- the white had turned green and the lawn was visible once again.

A few days ago, while my husband and I were on our return journey home after a few days away- we had a light snowfall. It lasted till we got home. No sign of it in the morning- the temperature was just too warm.

Lo and behold, my winter smile returned this morning. It was white once again. But how confusing. Birds are already gathering their nesting material, buds are appearing on tree branches with the promise of new life in the shape of leaves. The spring bulbs have already shown their hiding places as their green sheaths point towards the heavens. Our winter is extreme in it's absence!

Then, elsewhere, heatwaves so hot they are scorching the earth, annihilating wild- and plant life in it's wake. Roads of asphalt are turning into watery, oily slides and pets are at a loss as to where to hide from the burning sun. Framers of all branches are struggling to do what farmers do best- provide food and nourishment for hungry mouths. Sparks cause damage to forests, homes and parks, of untold and drastic proportions.

The weather patterns are changing at a rather rapid rate. We are aware but not ready for this change. Mother Nature has never stood still, only we haven't travelled at her pace. Our world is changing. Not only in the attitudes in people,  'the Me=Me so let ME be' society where 'only the strong and fittest will survive', but also Nature and all that entails is up for renewal. The balance in the world I grew up in has disappeared.

I am optimistic. We, as a race, will survive. It is the 'shape' of this new society that keeps me guessing as to 'how' this will manifest itself. I am glad I do not have a crystal ball to look into. I may not like what I see. For now, let's stop denying, crying and saying "What can I do? My contribution would be so small it won't make a difference"! Every drop of water helps fill the bucket. Help fill the bucket.

Growing old-staying young

Link to my first blog

In 2012 I started blogging. It was just prior to my 60th birthday. My idea was, to write a wee something each day in my 60th year. Logging 356 days to look back on.  The opportunity to look back on 'a year well done.' A milestone reached.

It was a too big a task. I managed 81 'stories' in that first year. It would be my highest contributions ever on this blog. I was keen to learn. What works for me may not work for others. Do I care whether 80 or 801 people read my blog? My highest reader count is 1469, I was honoured, my least read is 22. The topic wasn't interesting enough I gather. But for me, something I can look back on and recall those moments I found important enough to write about. I'm happy if someone has gained anything at all by reading about my thoughts. I write to empty my head, to discover more about myself and to have this as a record of 'who I was' at the time of writing. In all honesty I can say that I've learnt as I went along. My 'opinions' or beliefs have continued to develop, adjusted themselves due to new insights and some have been confirmed over the years.

I maintain- that one is never to old to learn. And not just new things but also new thinking.

I started sorting my subjects into categories. I am bilingual, my children wouldn't be able to read my dutch blog which I started on the 17th July 2012. Writing, or blogging to be exact, kept me sharp in both languages. Being bi-lingual does mean one has to use both languages to practice the grammer. It is important to me that I keep up my English to be able to communicate with ease with my children, grandchildren and other family and friends. My native tongue, Dutch, is part of who I am, so being more than just capable of expressing myself is also imperative. It keep the cogs spinning.

As I said, one is never too old to learn.

My status as 'oma' provided another soapbox. Since 2015 I also write bi-lingually, about my life as oma. It keeps me on my toes, separates the topics I write about and also explains the reason why my annual contributions to each blog is limited. If I was to add them up, I'd be quite surprised. I don't write for the numbers, but to jot down events, thoughts and opinions that roam in my head. Some manage to end up being processed on my keyboard.

Juggling writing session in my daily and weekly schedule is a challenge- one is never too old to learn.

So I felt ready for another challenge. I've always loved photography on a amateur level. My computer groans under the weight of shots- many which are 'delete-able' and it's a job I've started tackling because I need to make space for my next learning curve.

In February last year ( 2018) I posted my first video on YouTube. Oooooh, was a nerve racking thing that was too. But I perservered and have learnt heaps since that day. Another challenge, another growth spurt and at 65+ glad I am able to challenge my grey matter into a new way of thinking. Not only am I able to express myself in word- I can now leave behind something more adventurous for my children and grandchildren. I'm still discovering new things, scared to try some others, apprehensive about tackling big projects- and enjoying the comments, images and adventures I've now committed visually to 'film' and embarked on this new adventure.


It is 2019 - I recall the moment our calendar changed from 1999 to 2000. It seems like only months ago. Life is 'Like an Hour Glass' with the sands of time spilling away so quickly. I want to make sure I fill the time I have with discovering new challenges and precious experiences.

One is never too old to learn. My opa used to say, "when my time is up I'll be able to sleep for as long as I like, for now, I'll keep busy doing whatever I can".

Great outlook, it obviously made an impression on me, as I was only very young when he died. I too will 'soldier on' and hopefully be inspired to keep challenging myself and continue to believe- one is never too old to learn.