Facial expressions: a smile or a tear; I absolutely don’t want to miss them. I can’t afford to miss them. For me, it is a matter of survival. Because in the unlikely event that I could not hear you – as a hearing impaired person with Philips earrings – then before this perilous period without … Continue reading Expressions: show them to me
Blogs
Discover your spot
Posted on Categories Up close & personalLeave a comment on Discover your spotThis morning I woke up before the alarm went off. No wonder, because when that thing goes off the whole neighborhood would awaken, and I gladly prevent that. My first appointment is with the physiotherapist this morning. At precisely 8 o’clock. And the good man immediately gets to work, pushing, pulling and massaging. Every now … Continue reading Discover your spot
Choices
Posted on Categories Up close & personalLeave a comment on ChoicesIt is early this Sunday morning when I drink several cups of coffee and open up Facebook. That first photo is promptly that of the canine adoption group, with of course a sight of the most beautiful dog in the world, looking out into the world, oh so, eagerly. Recently I became also a loyal … Continue reading Choices
I want to live in a bookstore
Posted on Categories Up close & personalLeave a comment on I want to live in a bookstoreThe vacation was over. Slightly nervous about a new school year in a similarly new seventh grade, I shuffled into the largest bookstore here where I would receive my school books. The smell that met me upon entering was unmistakable. It smelt like a candy store. Intriguing and inviting. I’ll never forget that first time … Continue reading I want to live in a bookstore
Space-caking
Posted on Categories Up close & personalLeave a comment on Space-cakingThe first joint I smoked was when I was invited to a neighborhood party at the time, where we ate mussels together. I – was already used to cigarettes – smoked the joint almost entirely on my own. And I should have noticed that everyone was eagerly awaiting the result. Me, who didn’t drink too … Continue reading Space-caking
Anne made me wanting to write
Posted on Categories Up close & personalLeave a comment on Anne made me wanting to writeWell, I don’t know about you, and your ideas about your writing antics, or where that sense comes from at all? My first memory of my will to write dates back to the time when ‘Anne Frank’s Diary’ was compulsory reading at school. I was twelve at the time and we were taught about World … Continue reading Anne made me wanting to write
Train treat
Posted on Categories Up close & personalLeave a comment on Train treatThat morning I caught that train in the nick of time. The whistling started, and at the last moment I was able to free my trenchcoat from clogging doors. It was busy. So busy that people were forced to stand everywhere. The heat still hung around everyone. Slightly thin scents immediately penetrated my nostrils, the … Continue reading Train treat
Be kind. Always.
Posted on Categories Up close & personalLeave a comment on Be kind. Always.Yesterday I ran into him again. The primary school kid from two classes below who now towers above me for a meter or so. The kid is now married to the woman who was once engaged to another boy next door of mine. They have produced two girls who invariably belong to the iPad generation. My God, how … Continue reading Be kind. Always.
Not a girlish girl (tomboy material)
Posted on Categories Up close & personalLeave a comment on Not a girlish girl (tomboy material)All my life I have had few friends because I am not a girlie kindish girl. I am more of a tomboy who has not grown up yet, or does not want to grow up and grow into a girlish man. I’m the kind that used to be allowed to play soccer with the boys in … Continue reading Not a girlish girl (tomboy material)
The little feather that brought me to tears
Posted on Categories Up close & personalLeave a comment on The little feather that brought me to tearsTwelve years ago a photo was taken of you while on vacation. A flying seagull appeared above your head. You died two years later. Exactly today, now 8 years ago. We chose – not thinking about this photo – a flying seagull on the funeral card. Only later did this ‘coincidence’ strike us. It was … Continue reading The little feather that brought me to tears