Netherlands • Day 3, 4, 5
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Man, this is an enjoyable country.
Yesterday I got to play with Regina & Nita. Regina owns the store Pien's Atelier that I will be coming back to visit in February 2006 (there is a cool link on here site in the upper left corner that lets you view it in English). Our first stop was the Van Gogh museum which was amazing. The coolest thing for me was seeing how thick he layered on the paint. You can not experience that texture when looking at a print. I brought my scrapbook-on-the-road with me and wrote down my impressions as I walked around - totally worked great for recording my feelings as I was experiencing them in the moment. I wanted to buy Van Gogh's book of letters while I was there but they were all sold out of the English edition.
I am fascinated with Van Gogh. About his ability to capture the atmosphere of a place. About his ability to bring something to life with so many tiny strokes. So much movement in each of those marks. So much of the story told through the imperfections of his brush. I love the life that comes through in many of his paintings from the middle of his life.
Not only am I fascinated with his art, but with his words as well. Throughout the museum they had quotes on the walls detailing some of his statements...
After the museum and a nice cup of coffee for Nita and I - Regina had tea - we headed to an open air market with tons of things to see and photograph. Lots of fruit and vegetable stands, cheese stands, clothing, toys, fabric, ribbon and awesome people watching. It was such a nice day. And the weather held on perfectly.
And you know what? Today, I am 30. Pretty cool to be spending my birthday here in the Netherlands. Doing things I never imagined I would be doing in my life. Maybe dreamed about...but boy am I thankful and so very glad.
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129 comments
Birthday wishes to you! Glad you sre enjoying it so much. HUGS!
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Happy Birthday, Ali. :)
I too love van Gogh. I read Lust for Life, which is a sort of fictionalized biography of his life and loved it. Soon after I went to the MOMA in NYC and saw Starry Night and got teary-eyed. His paintings do have so much feeling in them. So much passion. I would love to visit the museum someday.
Thanks again for CKU. I learned a lot and was so inspired. (I'm the pregnant one from your album track.) Have fun on the rest of your trip!
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Happy Birthday, Ali. :)
I too love van Gogh. I read Lust for Life, which is a sort of fictionalized biography of his life and loved it. Soon after I went to the MOMA in NYC and saw Starry Night and got teary-eyed. His paintings do have so much feeling in them. So much passion. I would love to visit the museum someday.
Thanks again for CKU. I learned a lot and was so inspired. (I'm the pregnant one from your album track.) Have fun on the rest of your trip!
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Happy Birthday, Ali. :)
I too love van Gogh. I read Lust for Life, which is a sort of fictionalized biography of his life and loved it. Soon after I went to the MOMA in NYC and saw Starry Night and got teary-eyed. His paintings do have so much feeling in them. So much passion. I would love to visit the museum someday.
Thanks again for CKU. I learned a lot and was so inspired. (I'm the pregnant one from your album track.) Have fun on the rest of your trip!
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I'm such a dork. I can't believe I posted 3 times. Sorry!
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30.....no way....you look good girlfriend! I love the pictures you are posting about your trip. Looks like you are having a wonderful time. Happy Birthday.
Teresa Wilkins
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Happy Birthday, Ali!!!
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My gosh! Lot's of comments! But, I'll leave ya with a hap, hap, happy birthday!
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This is so gonna be the best decade of your life Ali girl! I can personally vouch for the 30's. Loved meeting you @ CKU. I was w/ Danelle... The girl who communes w/ nature. Enjoy your adventure. And such a pleasure to meet your Mom. She's cool!
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Happy Birthday Ali! :) Hope you had a great one and glad to see you are enjoying your trip!
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Hey Ali! Glad you are enjoying your trip. What a cool way to spend your 30th -1975 was a good year to be born.
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Happy birthday Ali :) My other half is from Friesland and he has looked at your pictures and is soooooooo wanting to go back :)
Sue
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Happy Birthday, Ali! I was surprised to find out that we share the same birthday. Life can be full of mysteries but it is sweet!!
cheers,
Shelley
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Happy Birthday Ali and what a way to celebrate it? Netherlands! So cool!
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Happy Birthday!
What beautiful photos- I would love to be there- I have always wanted to travel- i crave the air, the food, the colors, the smells- oh to dream!
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Happy Birthday!
Enjoy the weather there... its coming down like crazy here!! Making up for last year ;)
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happy birthday, ali! us scorpios have to stick together. enjoy!!!
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You had a wonderful birthday I think sightseeing our country :) Anyway I already wished you a happy birthday in you other entrie but again, Happy Brithday Ali :) Hope I will be seeing you in February when you are back in The Netherlands :)
have a nice day
Alette
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happy birthday Ali!!!
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Hi Ali
Wonderful reading about your trip to the Netherlands. Your photos of the market showed brilliantly, also can taste them!! I need an album for travel. Do you have any set up?
Mama Sam
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