I have something up my sleeve

Having the Pisces sign, we knew you were going to be a creative mind. You have a good eye for art, music, fashion, photography, design. Sometimes you come up with real clever ideas. Things we would not have thought of. It is fun to watch your creativity grow and see you explore new dimensions. It's been some time now, since you started using those special markers. I had never even heard of them, but you know your ways around on the Net. I'm still astound by the wonderful drawings you make. The talent I lack in life, is patience. I can tell you: you have patience. I observe you making a piece of art in your sketch book, drawing fine lines and little patterns in a flowing way. You are gifted sweetheart. I am so proud of your latest project, you made for school. The school made it into a poster, to be hung all over school, so people would know about the project your class is involved in. You did real well. The fonts you chose, the colors you picked. Your artwork is neat and clean and unique. I like your style. No computer program involved, just your own creative ways..
Looking forward to seeing more of your talent. 

Jump out of your seat

You're a busy and energetic girl. There are always activities to attend and outings to plan. By no means one could call you a couch potato. It's just how you are: full of life and enthusiastic to do things and make life interesting.

You were away on camp, you came home to wash your laundry and pack for the next camp. Still exhausted, you were copying more than 1500 photographs that you have taken from the youngsters you guided on camp. Their parents will be very pleased with the result. Are you sure you don't want them to order copies of those snapshots? I know I would want some!

Yesterday morning, 6:30 AM, your dad and I got up to kiss you goodbye and wish you a great stay in Merksplas on your Krinkel Kamp. You're not much of a morning person and you like to be left alone that early. So we left you to it and didn't bother you too much.

A kiss and a big hug and off you went. Tanned legs, red socks pulled up all the way to your knees, short Chiro skirt and the blue blouse that holds your very special whistle. You didn't look back, but we didn't expect you to. Saying goodbye is always difficult, even at the age of 18. We won't be hearing much of you, since you won't have access to electricity. So no phone charging, no Internet. You'll manage. I'm sure there won't be time for social media. I was told 3000 youngsters would be present to attend this summer camp! That's quite a lot! It'll be a one of a lifetime experience for you and I'm happy you and your friends subscribed. College will start before you know it. Have a ball, sweetheart! You are writing history and stories to be told by the campfire later on.

Freckles and photos

Photo by Lana Joos

Doesn't she look great, our little freckled girl? I'm so happy with this snapshot and I love those lovely freckles.
Lana did a very good job capturing her sister's face on camera. It was the perfect picture to enter this photo contest. Lana would love you to vote for her picture if you like it as much as we do. Don't hesitate to ask your friends and family to do the same or share it on your Facebook account to let the other viewers vote as well.

It would help her finance another lens so she can improve her talent.

Thanks for helping out. It's much appreciated!

Toi et moi

For a while, you had been talking about taking classes in making jewelry. There's this thing between you and your peers that makes you long for wearing handmade jewelry. I thought it was a good way to be creative and make something beautiful.

So I asked Dr Google and he came up with a class in the hood. Fair enough! There was one issue though: classes were on Friday night and you had just agreed on taking care of two young boys on Friday nights on a weekly basis. But you talked to their mom and you were allowed to skip one Friday night.

I was surprised when you asked me to join you to the jewelry class. I liked the idea of doing something fun with you, so I was happy to join you. We had a great time in our first class. You didn't have a hard time deciding what you wanted to make. In no time, you had made a wonderful earth tone necklace. You picked beautiful beads in matching colors. You had doubts about who you wanted to make the necklace for. Grandma would have loved your necklace, but you wanted to keep your first creation. Now you know how to create beautiful jewelry, I'm sure we'll see more of it.

I made a necklace too. My piece of art has fall colors and tiny Swarovski beads. I think it looks amazing and it's very delicate and light.

You're too fast for me. You made a pair of earrings too! I'm sure you thought about the design beforehand, because you knew exactly what to look for in the shop. Once again, your creativity startled me. Congrats sweetie! You did real well! And thank you for asking me to join you. I enjoyed the mommy-daughter time.

Back in time

Photo by Lana Joos

You got a third lens for your camera. It was a good investment, to buy that camera from our friend. So far you have made so many beautiful shots. People are startled that you make these pictures without any schooling at the young age of 16. The results are absolutely stunning. Photographers need this special eye and you have got it.

Photo by Lana Joos

The places you pick out to make photographs, are unique too. This time, you, your sister and her friend found an abandoned house. Full of cobwebs, but the ideal background for the theme you had in mind. Your sister and her friend were more than willing to be your models of the day. Your sister is learning a lot from you and she looks up to you for what you achieve. You give her tips and you take her along on your photography routes.

When you chose economics as your main subject in school, we had no idea what could be your later job in life. You had no specific career in mind at the time. It may be a little early to speculate, but there are some subjects you really like to do. Maybe journalism could be your future? You would love to see the world, explore, see things, write about it, take pictures. Sounds interesting, doesn't it? It may be something to keep in the back of our head, for future decisions. In the mean time, keep doing what you do well: making wonderful snapshots.

Mise-en-place

There's probably not one cooking show on TV that I don't watch. I love those programs! It's a whole lot of fun and entertainment comes along with it. But I also learn a lot from the candidates and their chefs. How to properly use a cook's knife for example. Or kitchen terminology like chiffonade. I knew the technique, but the name was new to me.

Mise-en-place is a lot of work, but it makes cooking so much easier. By the time you really have to start the cooking part, you're totally zen and at ease. I like to chop vegetables and herbs and get ready to cook. Sorting out the spices and the needy ingredients, will keep you from a last minute rush to the store. It is hateful once you're cooking, to realize you're out of cream or eggs. Some things can be left out or substituted, but mostly it will just aggravate and disappoint you, for not having read the recipe properly in advance. I'm not used to following a recipe to the T, but I do try to use most of the star ingredients. I mean, you can't make a proper béarnaise sauce without tarragon, can you?

Worst cooks in America is the show I've been watching lately. I really feel bad for those grown ups, that simply don't have a clue of what cooking is about. They either never tried it or they dislike it or I don't know what their excuse is, but life is so much easier if you know how to cook simple, healthy meals in little time. It doesn't take 2 hours in the kitchen to prepare a decent meal, as many people think. Going out for take away is probably stealing more time from you than cooking your own meal. It all comes to organization, planning and having ingredients in your pantry and fridge. I dare you: what are you going to cook today?

High Tea

I believe the English cuisine not to be the best, but their High Tea can surely please me. The atmosphere, the gestures, the special treats.. there's something that really makes me tick.

Something I make on a regular basis, must be English muffins. They cannot be compared to American muffins (a sort of moist cupcake) at all. They are a type of flat bread, roasted in a dry non-stick pan and split and toasted when you are ready to eat them. I normally make a bunch of 24 English muffins and I keep them in the freezer. Whenever we feel like having one, you just split them open and pop'm in the toaster. Spread some home made lemon curd (another favorite High Tea treat) on top and enjoy!

Lana likes to make scones, although she prefers baked goods that don't need that much time to prepare. When I feel like it, I try to make crumpets or even biscuits. Maybe it's a good idea to invite some ladies for a special High Tea!

There's nothing you can't be

My little girl is growing up so fast.. Sometimes I still see her as the little girl she once was, but then again, I have to let go of that phantasy and come back to Earth, to see the beautiful young woman she has become.

You have changed so much in the last two years. Being in boarding school, we didn't see that much of each other as I wanted to. I'm sure we missed out on a lot of your activities and we didn't always know what kept you going.

You showed me one of your blogs you're keeping. I was truly stunned.. Wow girlie! You are truly amazing! Congratulations! There's nothing you can't be! I had a great time reading your blog and I will be a follower from now on. I'm proud of you! You are very versatile and your talents are worth mentioning: drawing, designing clothes, making great pictures, being a fashionista and a good friend..
I'm so happy to read you and the fact that you let me in to your blog world, means a lot to me. Keep it up sweetie. You're doing a great job! xxx

Photo by Eva Joos

Dog 'O' Nine Tails

I got to know Lisa Rees on Facebook. Just like us, she adores greyhounds, whippets and all sighthounds. Since she has a webshop, I had already purchased some phone charms with little whippet heads as decoration.

Last week, I ordered two new collars and matching leashes for Rebba and Inthe. They are custom made by Lisa and I must say: she does a very good job! You get to pick the fabric and the width and I asked for matching leashes and to my surprise, not even one week later, the martingales (that's how you call those greyhound collars) and the leashes got here.

The dogs went frantic over their new gadgets and they were ready to go for a walk right there on the spot. I'm real happy with the handmade martingales. The dogs will look their best!

Take a look at Lisa's webshop. Or make her your friend on Facebook: Dog 'O' Nine Tails Store. She's truly amazing!

A match made in heaven

Photo by Lana Joos

The two of you are something different. Rebba turned 5 and Inthe will be 2 years old by the end of this year. Nevertheless, it's like you have always been together. You cling to one another so much and you're inseparable. Inthe knows Rebba is the leader and she has to listen to her. It's very interesting to see them communicate. How Rebba teaches her and scolds her when she's not behaving.

Inthe is still very playful. Rebba is more the observing type. But still, Rebba is the stronger one. Inthe cannot win during a race along the beach. Inthe is smart though.. I'll tell you why..

It always starts with a simple neck to neck walk.
Then, all of a sudden, they look at each other and I believe I see a little nod in their heads. That's when the race starts. Normally they race their hearts out, until Rebba signals it's time to race back. At least, that's how Rebba wants to run the race.
Inthe is not very good at losing though.. So she figured out her own plan. She races behind Rebba and right before Rebba signals to go back, Inthe silently turns around and starts to race the other way. It's so funny to watch! Once Rebba realizes little Inthe has gone back, she moves faster than lighting, leaving a crying Inthe behind. It's a neck to neck race, but on most occasions, it's still Rebba who wins. It upsets Inthe, because she wants to win every race. I'm sure Rebba wouldn't mind, but she wants to train Inthe to run faster I guess. She's smart, our Rebba. And she's a wonderful teacher. The two of them are a match made in heaven.

I want to ride my bicycle

A number of years ago - it must have been on Mother's Day - hubby bought me my very own bicycle. He was thrilled by the idea of his wife riding a bike and leaving her car in front of the house..

Well.. at least that was the plan. I'm not very good at hiding my responses to what's happening. I had a very hard time putting on my happy face. Wasn't too sure whether hubby got the message, but his excitement didn't convince me. I just don't like to ride a bicycle. They're a pain in the.. butt! Literally!

But I behaved and we decided to go for a ride. The kids got their bikes, hubby was waiting on his and I took a deep sigh before I climbed my spic and span new bicycle. By the time I got the bike from the terrace all the way through the hallway and up to the front door, I was done with it.. Bikes are so not me.. I prefer 4 wheeled vehicles. I like to sit inside my vehicle, not on some hard saddle. But I wanted to give it a go. You never know what happens, right?

The kids loved the ride and so did their dad. I was not impressed though.. So what?? I don't like bikes! Period! I don't like bikers who think the roads are designed for them. I don't like groups of bikers in the pouring rain. I hate flat tires and non-working lights. Don't even think about those bright yellow vests you're supposed to wear to get noticed in traffic. Sorry hubby, bikes and your wife are not a good match.

Chat 'n Chew

Going out for dinner is always a pleasure, especially in good company. It's something we really like to do: having a chat over a well presented plate of delicious food. The clock ticks away time, but we don't keep an eye on it. Because good times are not supposed to end.

There's this show on TV, called Dinner Date. A single person tries to find his ideal date. Five candidates make their own personal 3 course meal in the hope the single person will pick them. Without having seen anything but the menus, the single person gets to choose 3 favorite dates. He then gets invited into their homes for a romantic dinner date. Some can cook, others are wonderful hosts and sometimes there's no click at all.
At the end of the week, the single person gets to pick his favorite date, based on the cooking skills, the romance and the overall impression of the night. All 3 candidates are supposed to dress up for a night out, but only one gets the chance for a second date, in a romantic restaurant. The other 2 get TV dinners delivered to their houses.

What a great concept! It seems like a lovely way to meet new people. Maybe people should do this in real life too! It would be a challenge. I suppose married people don't do dinner dates?

Delectable

Photo by Lana Joos

Aren't they picture perfect? Trust me, these tarts are just delectable! Crunchy puff pastry, tangy double cream and ruby red and luscious raspberries.. My idea of a great dessert.

I read the recipe on someone's food blog and instantly, I decided I wanted to make my own. I had some puff pastry in my fridge, that was waiting for me to start on that quiche I had planned on making. What the heck.. who cares for quiche if you can have these beauties instead?

There's always double cream in the fridge as well and lemons are just a necessity around the kitchen. The other day I had a day out with a friend and we strolled around the farmer's market. That's where we got those plump raspberries. They were a true bargain. Only 4 euros for 1 kg of delicious red diamonds!!

I think the tarts turned out real well. Too bad Lana's stomach wasn't feeling well (her gastritis is still bugging her), so she only took the picture and didn't have any.
I promised her I would make them again one day. Because they're so easy to make and the result is just superb!

Dancing queen

Wow! What a great recital that was! So many students and 3 hours full of excitement and dance. Grandma, aunties, mom, dad and your sister where there to cheer for you. This year, you choose ragga as your dance style. Since classical ballet is no longer an option (bad knees - remember), you had to make different choices. We had no idea what to expect and we were very surprised by the excellent performance.
I was happy to see the smile on your face. Although you had 3 performances that day, you didn't complain and you looked happy and content. I could tell you had the time of your life and that's so important. You started dance lessons at the age of 2.5 years old. Still a toddler at the time, but you never lost your love for dance. Classical ballet has always been your favorite style and that shows. Your long muscular legs and the slender arms, the grace of the moves you make and the pointed toes say it all.
It's been a hectic day for you and you rehearsed so many times the last couple of weeks. Congratulations sweetie. We're proud of you! xx It's an art to be able to bring joy into people's life by dancing. And that's exactly what you did.