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.
It 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
The 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
The 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
Well, 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
That 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
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.
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)
Twelve 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
Sometimes I have a deep-seated desire to live closer to the beach and the sea. Because hey, I find it astonishing myself that I live less than 10 km from Zandvoort, and go there twice a year at most. That, mainly because of the large crowds there. However, my earliest memory of the beach was … Continue reading Sandcastle dreams
Once I read somewhere that it pays to pet pets. Stroking and cuddling at least 15 times a day will make you a lot healthier. Pets increase our levels of serotonin and oxytocin (a hormone associated with feeling good and confidence). I think I can even say that it also saves you a visit to … Continue reading Cuddly
