Two Dutch Girls on a Road Trip to Wiltshire

Road Trip 2017 (2) - Richmond to Chawton to Salisbury.

Good afternoon! Would you like to join me for the second part of my road trip in the South-West of England? A long time wish of my daughter...

Showing posts with label #Zen. Show all posts
Showing posts with label #Zen. Show all posts

Saturday, 18 June 2016

Viggo's Blog: Well, How About That? I'll Become a Daddy!

Hiya fans, Viggo here.
It's been a while; I've been busy, see. But today I want to share my HUGE news with you.

I will be a Dad soon!!!
Now, before you start texting me that I am deluded as neutered toms cannot beget kittens, hey, relax, cool it, I knooooooooow!
It is a very modern satellite family thing. In other words, the tiny brat is not mine biologically, but will be very much my son practically and philosophically.

Meet Bowie:


At the moment he is still with his mum, in the middle of nowhere, on a horse farm, but in a month or so he will be joining me in my domain. Isn't he cute?
Oh, I am so looking forward to teaching him all my tricks! Like how to get onto the roof next door, and laugh at the old lady who lives there, who thinks I do not use her garden as my toilet. And how to open every door in the house. And how to drink from Gina's bowl without her noticing. And how to wake up my woman at 5 a.m. without her swatting you.

I told my mates about him last night, whilst we were sheltering from the rain under the big white car with the blue letters on, and they were happy for me. We mostly get along, us cats, not like in my old neighborhood where I was in spats all the time with that ugly Maine Coon.
In fact, one of my friends, Nose, asked me if I could put his photo in this post as well. (I believe he's a bit lonely, he's always outside and I do mean always)


He's a nice guy though, Nose! He greets me and my dog Gina every day when we pass him, although we sometimes disturb him in his meditation. "Remember, Viggo, happiness is not a destination," he then says very quietly.

So, you all can look forward to my next posts, eh? Lots of cutesy kitten photos, and naughty kitten stories.
Do you know, I can't wait!
Tadah! Until next time.







Tuesday, 28 April 2015

Colouring for Adults: Childish Pastime, or Mindful Zen Moment?


Here you have it. The Dutch rage, craze, trend (take your pick) of 2014-2015.

All of a sudden adults were not ashamed to admit they were colouring. And they didn't have to pinch their kid's books or buy childish coloring books either - for someone with a very smart business plan brought special colouring books for adults on the market. First there was one, which you had to search for, and then all of a sudden around Christmas 2014 they were everywhere.
I had a talk with our local pencil supplier and he told me that coloring pencils were a dwindling market (kids prefer the markers) - until recently. Now the luxury 50 pencil boxes fly out of his shop almost as fast as he can get them in.


I adore it.
It makes those chattering monkeys in my head, especially those after a stressful day's teaching, shut up instantly. They go quiet and respectfully watch me sharpen my pencil and start a new zentangle, or mandala, or wallpaper. When one tries to start in with a flip remark, the others hush it immediately. Be quiet! She's creating calm.


So what do I like about it so much?
It's a combination of factors: the anticipation - the choosing of the colours - the putting on of music - the concentration - the being totally in the moment.
Very Zen, in fact!

I must admit my husband looks at me askance and although he doesn't say it out loud, 27 years of experience of living with him tells me what he is thinking: don't you have something better to do with your time?

No, actually.
SSSSSssssssshhhht!