Sometimes life seems pretty pointless when you look at the news. It is not surprising, because real leadership is about looking ahead, and that is exactly what we miss everywhere – not only in politics, but also outside. Take aging, for example: we knew thirty years ago that it was coming. Yet it hardly seems to have been … Continue reading Carry on…
Category: Up close & personal
Blogging “up close and personal” refers to a style of blogging that involves sharing personal experiences, thoughts, and emotions in a raw and authentic manner. This approach can be very impactful and memorable.
Driving to stand still
Posted on Categories Up close & personalLeave a comment on Driving to stand stillWhen I was a young girl still, I imagined myself buying my first Jaguar at age 50. That seemed to me then to be the ultimate car. No Porsche or Ferrari for me – although I must honestly admit that I once tore down Old Schiphol Road in a Porsche – and spectacular, yes, but not particularly … Continue reading Driving to stand still
Open letter to Kamala Harris, almost soon-to-be-president of the United States
Posted on Categories Up close & personalLeave a comment on Open letter to Kamala Harris, almost soon-to-be-president of the United StatesI think I can speak for the rest of the women of this world population when I say that we are all fully aware of the disappointment that Trump seems to have won the battle again. The weight of this moment compels me to offer you some words of comfort, as well as the rest … Continue reading Open letter to Kamala Harris, almost soon-to-be-president of the United States
Do they know?
Posted on Categories Up close & personalLeave a comment on Do they know?You know, every now and then I can get over that overwhelming silence. I then have to hear some music, if necessary sing along to the noise that determines everything for me. At such a moment I want to dance, swing, and sing along to sounds that move me to the depth of my soul. … Continue reading Do they know?
My rich worlds of experience
Posted on Categories Up close & personalLeave a comment on My rich worlds of experienceSometimes I have enough of my own perception of everything. So much so that I am willing to spend an evening being bored to death. Just to stare into space. Just ‘ins Blaue hinein’. I can’t tell you exactly how that process goes, but I can tell you that it took me 56 years of … Continue reading My rich worlds of experience
How I lost control
Posted on Categories Up close & personalLeave a comment on How I lost controlWhen I finally passed 50, I still felt myself young at heart. I have a thriving social life and am the undisputed champion of weekly potty dating. But menopause proved to be my biggest challenger. One day, during an intense date with my boyfriend, I felt an unprecedented excitement. Not because of an exciting fling, … Continue reading How I lost control
Outsider, me
Posted on Categories Up close & personalLeave a comment on Outsider, meCan remember I used to always think I was a maverick. One of those who had it figured out. As a maverick, in my choice of clothes, in my need to stay single, without wanting children, because imagine if my children inherited those same genes! And did everyone really have to participate in that house-hugging, … Continue reading Outsider, me
What’s in a title?
Posted on Categories Up close & personalLeave a comment on What’s in a title?It crept in slowly. For about 5 years now. Suddenly – especially the youth – address me as: “Madam”. Of course I should be happy about this. After all, everything is better than Miss. And at Christmas I received a Christmas card from an aunt of mine, gracefully addressed with: “Miss I…” Well, how old-fashioned … Continue reading What’s in a title?
Energetic life
Posted on Categories Up close & personalLeave a comment on Energetic lifeThere once was a woman named Pix, who was known for her extraordinary ability to sleep. From the time she was a baby, Pix slept much more and more soundly than other children. Her parents often joked that she hibernated like a bear, but when Pix became an adult, her sleeping habits remained unchanged. Pix … Continue reading Energetic life
Been two years
Posted on Categories Up close & personalLeave a comment on Been two yearsThe loss of a loved one is a painful and difficult experience. My brother died two years ago from bladder cancer. The emotions I experience are often very variable. Sometimes I am sad and want to Wh’app him something, other times I am angry to be left alone as the only child and sometimes I … Continue reading Been two years