The Reed Warbler: March 2013

Sunday, 24 March 2013

The smalllest things take up the most room in your heart..

It's been a week since my birthday.... and it was a week where much has happened , good things.... and sad things.

A lot of preparations because our first son will be soon moving out. A big step for him but also for his mum (and dad of course)

This Friday he gets the key of his own flat, how exciting is that!

And sadly a friendship for over 25 years has come to an end as it shows now.... don't ask me why but sometimes life can be very complicated. For some people this is the only way to get out of a difficult situation. I truly hope that time will mend and at some point we can continue where we left...

I had some doubts to share this in my blog, but as I decided to share my thoughts and whats on my mind with you, it felt right to include it.

This all makes me even more convinced that we've got to enjoy the little things in life.

That brings me back to my birthday and the presents I received. It's always nice to get a present but even more so when people take the time to get you something with a (personal) thought .

A few of the gifts I received

My husband isn't a very regular buyer of flowers but at
days like these he certainly knows how to surprise me.
This time with a beautiful bunch of white Parrot tulips

Another family tradition is a birthday card from my
loved ones with mostly very funny anecdotes regarding
the past year and sweet wishes for the year to come

From my eldest son David this lovely notebook
as a little help to capture my thoughts for my blog

And from a dear friend this box filled with "happiness"

This quote says it all....

Wishing you lots of little things.......

Anita xo

Sunday, 17 March 2013

Looking back on the past year...

As it is my birthday today this is a good time to look back over the past year. Why would you think...well I turned 50 last year, so in many ways a memorable birthday! Previous at "the event" I warned my family that a big party wasn't my kind of treat. A few years ago I already decided, if possible, I wanted to make a dream come true when I turned 50.... a trip to England with my loved ones.

Talland Bay, Cornwall

When I was a young girl I went with my parents for a holiday to South England. I was overwhelmed by the beauty of the country and the kindness of its inhabitants. I just wanted to share this with my family taking into account that things might have changed after so many years.
Just the opposite was true, it felt just like 35 years ago, just amazing!
It was wonderful.... the nature, the people, the lovely shops.... I felt at home, it gave me such an inspiration.
It was a great experience and quite as together with my husband and our children.
Think it is no exaggeration if I call myself a real Anglophile by now....

Once I was home I had a strong need to stay connected with the country. I would almost say, thank god there's facebook ;-)
So I "follow" a lot of English pages and made some "friends" and so I became acquainted with some blogs.
It has therefore led me many of my hobbies that I through the crowds of family and work had neglected have picked-up.
The "journey" on Facebook has even inspired to start my own page.......... The Reed Warbler...... it gives me so much pleasure and I enjoy all the response I receive.
I love to read the web-blogs of Carole Poirot and Jane Day and they inspired me to take the next (for me big) step..... start my own blog! Mind you.... as a beginner. Because these ladies are real pros and I have to write a whole lot of blogs before I ever can match their .
I find it scary but fun at the same time.

All this means that I can say becoming 50 has brought me an inspiring year but also feels like a new beginning where I am grateful for.

What a trip to England can do.....

Before I end my first "blog" I would like to share some pictures from our trip and hopefully we'll meet again soon...

Anita xo