Liesel's Garden Party

One Amazing Woman

2011-08-16T13:48:00.000-07:00

Irena Sendler

1910-2008

A 98 year-old German woman named Irena Sendler recently died. During WWII, Irena worked in the Warsaw Ghetto as a plumbing/sewer specialist. Irena smuggled Jewish children out; infants in the bottom of the tool box she carried and older children in a burlap sack she carried in the back of her truck. She also had a dog in the back that she trained to bark when the Nazi soldiers let her in and out of the ghetto. The soldiers wanted nothing to do with the dog, and the barking covered the kids’ and infants’ noises. Irena managed to smuggle out and save 2500 children. She eventually was caught, and the Nazis broke both her legs, arms and beat her severely. Irena kept a record of the names of all the kids she smuggled out and kept them in a glass jar buried under a tree in her backyard. After the war, she tried to locate any parents that may have survived and reunited some of the families. Most had been killed. She helped those children get placement into foster family homes or adopted. Last year Irena was up for the Nobel Peace Prize. She was not selected. Al Gore won- for a slide show on Global Warming..

Words of Wisdom St. Teresa of Avila

2011-08-16T01:55:00.000-07:00

Lord,
Thou knowest better than I myself
that I am growing older and will someday be old.
Keep me from the fatal habit of thinking
I must say something on every subject and on every occasion.

Release me from craving to
straighten out everybody's affairs.

Make me thoughtful but not moody;
helpful but not bossy.

With my vast store of wisdom,
it seems a pity not to use it all;
but Thou knowest, Lord,
that I want a few friends at the end.

Keep my mind free from the recital of endless details;
give me wings to get to the point.

Seal my lips on my aches and pains;
they are increasing, and love of rehearsing them
is becoming sweeter as the years go by.

I dare not ask for improved memory,
but for a growing humility and a lessening cock-sureness
when my memory seems to clash with the memories of others.
Teach me the glorious lesson that occasionally I may be mistaken.

Keep me reasonably sweet, for a sour old person
is one of the crowning works of the devil.

Give me the ability to see good things in unexpected places
and talents in unexpected people;
and give me, O Lord, the grace to tell them so.

Amen.

To Bake: Double Chocolate Raspberry Pavlova

2011-08-10T14:07:00.000-07:00

Gorgeous gorgeous double chocolate raspberry pavlova (the name alone makes me swoon!) recipe from Katie - A must bake!

See for the recipe What Katie Ate

To Cook: Salt and Vinegar Broiled Fingerling Potatoes

2011-08-09T07:07:00.001-07:00

One of the great pleasures in life is vinegar. The smell alone makes me swoon and tingles my tongue in anticipation. Here's a recipe that's written 'for me'!

See for the recipe Umami Girl

Liesel's Reading Habits

2010-06-16T05:38:00.000-07:00

Liesel's Reading Habits

Do you snack while you read? If so, favorite reading snack?
Depends what time of day it is! As soon as I wake up, and when I go to bed I will read for a while and obviously won't be eating anything then. But when I read during the day I do snack - right now it are raspberries Also Goij berries are quite addictive!

Do you tend to mark your books as you read, or does the idea of writing in books horrify you?
It horrifies me! My books are sacred!

How do you keep your place while reading a book? Bookmark? Dog-ears? Laying the book flat open?
My family and friends always give me bookmarks which I love, but I always lose them and up sticking any piece of paper I can find in the book to keep my place.

Fiction, Non-fiction, or both?
Mainly fiction, although I have been reading a lot of non-fiction books about cancer lately

Hard copy or audiobooks?
Text. I do have one audiobook which I love to listen to while travelling long distances.

Are you a person who tends to read to the end of chapters, or are you able to put a book down at any point?
I try NOT to read till the end of the chapter because the last paragraph of then end of the chapter always makes me want to read further! (does that make sense?) So I usually stop at the end of a paragraph. That is, if it's a fiction book. Non-fiction I will read till the end of the chapter.

If you come across an unfamiliar word, do you stop to look it up right away?
Most of time, if I can't garther out of the sentence what they mean. If I don't look it up straight away it will bug me to no end!

What are you currently reading?
This is really bad but I'm reading three books right now!

Baby Love by Catherine Anderson, The Victoria Secret's Catalog Never Stops Coming by Jennie Nash and The Bad Beekeepers Club by Bill Turnball

What is the last book you bought?
The Seven Dials Mystery and Murder Is Easy, both by Agatha Christie

Are you the type of person that only reads one book at a time or can you read more than one at a time?
I can read more then one book at a time. One for every mood

Do you have a favorite time of day and/or place to read?
When I wake up in the morning, before I go to sleep at night and outside in the garden when the weather is hot.

Do you prefer series books or stand alone books?
Both. Most books I read are stand alone but sometimes I like it when a character turns up again in later books

Is there a specific book or author that you find yourself recommending over and over?
Being a detective fan I would recommened Agatha Christie! She is a master in creating murder mysteries where you can never guess 'who done it' and has some great and surprising twists!

How do you organize your books? (By genre, title, author’s last name, etc.?)
By colour and then by author! I love how a whole row of yellow/blue/pink book covers look nicely organised on my book shelves.

I know, I'm a geek

Love, Liesel

Marianne Faitful

2010-05-31T04:05:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been rather addicted to Looklet where you can create and style fashion looks. It's right up my alley! A few days ago they asked me make a look inspired by Marianne Faithful because they loved my looks And now it's featured on the front page! Now I have to say it's not the best look I created (afterwards it looks rather boring, but I do think it captures the essence that is Marianne Faithfull - knee high boots, boa, mini dress). Anyway I guess I just wanted to show off

I really enjoyed this assignment and feel I now practically everything about Marianne now. Her biography is now on my To-Be-Read list and I love her song "As Tears Go By" ♥ (listen here)

The inspiration collage I made

(click on the picture to enlarge)

To me Marianne Faithfull is:

Big floppy hats
Knee height boots
Fur coats and shawls
Mini skirts & dresses
Featherd boa's
Huge sunglasses
Dashing, Bohemian, Sensual, Florid, Stylish

My First Look: (the one they choose)

Maybe the most that you can expect from a relationship that goes bad
is to come out of it with a few good songs. - Marianne Faithfull

Look 2: (which I prefer!)

The article page: http://looklet.com/article/369

And for those interested in my other looks, here is my portfolio page:
http://looklet.com/user/259258

Does anyone else here have a Looklet account? I'd love to add you as a friend! And if you don't have one yet - join!

Love, Liesel

Monday's New Look: Sweetheart

2010-05-10T10:42:00.000-07:00

Spring Song by Robert Browning
The Year's at the spring
And day's at the morn;
Morning's at seven;
The hillside's dew-pearled;
The lark's on the wing;
The snail's on the thorn;
God's in his heaven --
All's right with the world!

Inspired by Cath Kidston's style. Styled by me =)

Love, Liesel

Monday's New Look: Miss Jazzie Grey

2010-05-03T03:52:00.000-07:00

Styled by me

Love, Liesel

If you could visit anywhere in the world, where would you go?

2010-05-02T13:51:00.000-07:00

What do I answer to that? I want to go everywhere! Where do I NOT want to go would probably be a better question

That said at the moment though I especially would LOVE to go to Sweden.

Explore Stockholm

..see the Iron Ore mines in Kiruna

..go to an icehockey game in Globen Arena

..hike through hike the beautiful nature

..visit a Sami village

..sleep in the ice hotel

..see the mysterious Northern Lights

..and go dog sledding in lapland!

Oh if only..

Where would you go?

Love, Liesel

Monday's New Look: Sapphire Summer

2010-04-26T06:34:00.000-07:00

A friend of mine, Stacey, asked me what my plans are for summer but I've nothing solid yet. Like most summers I probably will work all through it and hopefully go away on holiday to greece in the September! That doesn't mean I won't have time to go down to beach and the swimming pool which reminds me..

I really need to go shopping for a new bikini but it's so difficult to find the prefect one. The one below I just love so I'm very tempted.. I love this beach look ♥

Look created by me

What are your summer plans?

Love, Liesel

April 5: Monday's New Look

2010-04-05T14:02:00.000-07:00

Probably not something I'd wear everyday, but really why not? Well apart from the mask that is :p I really love this look!

Created by moi :o)

Love, Liesel

A Mum's Story: Adopting Older Children

2010-04-02T11:20:00.000-07:00

Adoption is something very close to my heart and God willing I will be able to give an child an loving home to grow up in. I was blessed with my upbringing and I want to something back to those less fortunate as me. I read this story a few years ago but I think this is so important I'm reposting it. It is quite long, but if you can make time to read this. It's rather special!

Liesel

~*~

By Kate McKee Robertson, reprinted from Adoptive Families magazine
At first, we envisioned welcoming a baby into our home. But we soon discovered that adopting older children was right for us.

Adopting Older Children
We thought we wanted a baby. A tiny fist wrapped around our fingers. The smell of talcum powder. A coo, a cry, a cuddle.

But after trying, unsuccessfully, to conceive -- including an attempt at in vitro fertilization -- my husband, Kevin, and I decided to explore adoption.

Overwhelmed by the prospects of international adoption and the costs and risks of independent domestic adoption, Kevin and I decided to sign up to be foster parents. We could help a child, we reasoned, while trying to decide the best way to get one of our own. We imagined a toddler, delivered to our door, longing to be loved and nurtured.

That's not what happened.

Special Needs
In Louisiana (where we lived), couples who want to become certified foster or adoptive parents first take a nine-week course, to learn about parenting and about the children who need homes.

The faces of waiting children look much the same in every state. They are six and 10 and 12. They are children with difficult histories. They are not infants or toddlers. They are not blank slates. Some have emotional problems and learning disabilities and even serious health concerns. But like all children, they need permanent families. A place to call home, a place of safety and guidance today, a place to bring the grandkids for Christmas tomorrow.

Kevin and I looked through photos of Louisiana's waiting children. The faces haunted us. They were smiling for the camera, like puppies in a pet store window wagging for a home. We were overwhelmed with sorrow and regret. Regret that we couldn't adopt them all. The question of whether to adopt one of the children in these photos became, "How do we adopt one?"

A social worker helped narrow our search. Would we consider a sibling group? We had two extra bedrooms, Kevin pointed out. With bunk beds, we could easily take three.

Special needs? Here we hesitated. Older children in the foster care system would likely have emotional problems, we reasoned. Could we handle learning disabilities, as well? Medical conditions?

We decided that we could handle "moderate" disabilities, but that, as first-time parents, we did not have the skills or confidence to handle severe problems.

And so we continued with our classes and waited for a call. It didn't take long for our children to find us. A friend was the temporary foster mother of a sister and brother, 8 and 10, who were on their sixth foster placement. They were not yet available for adoption, but were expected to be shortly. We saw their pictures, talked to their foster mother, and arranged for a visit. Three weeks later, our family grew by two.

Special Firsts
Those first few days were a bit uncomfortable for us all. Kevin and I tried to help the children settle in. They were polite houseguests, busy with a new school and picking out new clothes and toys. The process of becoming a true family unfolded in the months to come. Couples who consider adopting older children often worry that they will mourn having missed the firsts: first step, first word...first grade.

But parents of older adopted children have their own set of firsts. The first time my son, Derek, stopped calling me "Miss Kate" and called me Mom. And how he liked the sound of it, and for the next few days liberally sprinkled every sentence with it.

"Mom, what's for dinner, Mom? Mom, can I go outside to play, Mom?"

Or the first time my daughter, Arielle, blurted out "I love you" as she ran off to catch the school bus.

Or the first time my son felt safe enough to whisper in my ear a painful secret -- a hurt he'd never told anyone -- trusting that I would help him heal.

Or the first time someone passed my desk at work, noticed the photographs of the children, and asked, "Are those your kids?" And I said, "Yes, yes they are."

Special Challenges
Our children, like many older adopted children, face challenges resulting from the losses they experienced moving from the home of their birth parents to homes of various relatives, to foster homes, and finally to our home. Their home.

We have had some behavior problems, anger outbursts, and nightmares. But we have also had plenty of laughter, love, and a growing trust.

One challenge faced by families who adopt older children is the birth family. In our case, a teenaged brother and maternal grandparents the children adore -- and an aunt and uncle who are temporarily holding up our adoption as they wage a legal battle over custody, an honor they abused and lost long ago.

Each day we journey further into uncharted waters, as we find ways to bring some members of the birth family into the fold of our family while acting as sentry against those who can only do damage.

Special Support
The children's health needs are completely covered by the state, as is counseling. And we receive a monthly check to help cover the costs of room and board -- a far cry from covering all the costs of GameBoys and karate lessons, but a help nonetheless. Once our adoption is final, state financial support will decrease, but not disappear. In Louisiana, full medical coverage continues, as does room and board payment, though at a reduced rate.

Derek and Arielle now have a home. As I hold my children's small hands in mine and breathe in their smell of strawberry shampoo and Sweet Tarts, I know I have the babies I was meant to have. And so, as the adoption moves forward, we wait for a judge to say what we already know: We are a family.

Kate Robertson is a freelance writer. Since writing this article, she and Kevin have adopted Derek and Arielle, as well as a baby girl, Courtney. They recently moved to Texas, to a new home with more bedrooms to fill.

Picture Survey

2010-03-31T04:54:00.000-07:00

Thanks to my friend Brandi ^_^

Use pictures (from Google Image Search) to answer the questions of this survey.

1.
Where do you live (city, state, country, whatever)

2.
Do you have any pets?

3.
What is your favorite color?

4.
What is your favorite movie?

5.
What was the last TV show you watched?

6.
Last song listened to?

7.
What color are your eyes?

8.
What's your favorite animal?

9.
Favorite store?

10.
Favorite food?

11.
Favorite board game?

12.
If you could have any car, what would it be?

13.
What month were you born?

14.
What kind of shoes do you wear most?

15.
What was the last thing you had to drink?

16.
What was the last restaurant you ate at? (not fast food)

17.
Do you collect anything?

18.
What is your favorite sports team(s)?

19.
What is your favorite magazine?

20.
How is the weather right now?

21.
Where is your favorite place to vacation?

22.
What would be your dream destination?

23.
What are this weekends plans?

24.
Any upcoming events?

25.
Anything else you're excited for?

Drinkin' From My Saucer; a poem

2010-03-30T14:45:00.000-07:00

Drinkin' From My Saucer

I've never made a fortune
And it's prob'ly too late now;
But I don't worry 'bout that much,
I'm happy anyhow!

And as I go along life's way
Reapin' better than I sowed.
I'm drinkin' from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed!

Haven't got a lot of riches,
And sometimes the going's tough;
But I've got loving ones around me,
And that makes me rich enough!

I thank God for His blessings
And the mercies He's bestowed.
I'm drinkin' from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed!

I 'member times when things went wrong,
My faith wore somewhat thin;
But all at once the dark clouds broke
And light peeped through again.

So, Lord, help me not to gripe
About tough rows I've hoed.
I'm drinkin' from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed!

If God gives me strength and courage
When the way grows steep and rough,
I'll not ask for other blessings;
I'm already blessed enough!

May I never be too busy
To help others bear their loads.
I'll keep drinkin' from my saucer,
'Cause my cup has overflowed!

by Jimmy Dean

Mar 29: Monday's New Look

2010-03-29T05:40:00.000-07:00

I am just in love with this coat! Isn't it just stunning? ♥*♥*♥ It's from Odd Molly, my favourite fashion brand atm Ü

Styled by me Ü

Love, Liesel

Scenic Sunday & Flowers Today

2010-03-28T06:37:00.000-07:00

Pretty lake-side flower

A pretty English Church

The flower above is a campanula and one of my favourites. I think it's just so beautiful in it's simplicity and I love this purple hue. What a pretty flower to be growing on a graveyard.

Please do not use these photo's without asking my permission first. Thank you!

Saturday Shopping: Celebrating Easter & Spring

2010-03-27T08:13:00.001-07:00

Easter spells out beauty, the rare beauty of new life.
~ S.D. Gordon

Vanessa (from Designs by Vanessa) posted her spring loves - a really neat idea I think! So my question to you as well, what are your spring loves?

Liesel's Spring Loves
the warm kiss of the spring sun
spring flowers!
flipflops
buying new plants for the garden
birds collecting twigs for their nests
enjoying a beer in the pub garden
apricots
going outside without a coat
bees humming and buzzing in the garden
chirping birds
longer days
dreaming of the summer holidays
new sprouted buds
icecreams

-click on the image to enlarge-
1 Eastery Upcycled Earrings by Jupita
2 Orange and Spring Yellow Poppy Bowl by MarciG
3 Genevie the Bunny Knitting Kit by Yarnigans
4 Tip Toe Thru the Tulips Cloth Baby Shoes by Burkeheart Baby
5 My Heart Belongs To Jesus Fine Silver Necklace by Silver Garden
6 Easter Basket by Felted Easter Eggs by Art of Felting
8 Pastel Cupcake Liners by Kat Eyez Co.
9 Handpainted OOAK Golden Rabbit Skirt by NYhop (so cute!)
10 Peonies in a Blue Vase, Note Card by Judy Stalus

Sorry I've been so quiet lately, life's been very busy! Hope you've all been well :o)

Love, Liesel

Going Down Memory Lane (2)

2010-03-25T05:33:00.000-07:00

Ah the memories
A friend asked me today if I had ever hitchhiked..

The memories make me smile. Laura and I were looking at the ferry options to go from Crete to the Peloponnese when we saw that the the fery made a short stop in a little island called Kythira and so we spontantously decided to stay there for a week. The boat on came to island two times a week (wed & thu I think), you see. After a calm few hours on the sea we arrived on Kythira. We were only a handful of people getting off. As we looked around us there was not much to see: a parking lot (which is were we got off) and cafe/car rental.

The port in the middle of nowhere

We read on a website that during the summer a bus drove through the island, but when we asked locals they told us was no bus! The only way to get around was by tpo renta a car or go by taxi. I (stupidly) hadn't taken my drivers license with me, and Laura didn't like to drive on the right side of the road (she's English you see), so we decided to take a taxi to a place we had seen on the internet and which was were the toiurist office was located. Not. When we arrived there the building of the tourist office was still there, but looking in sicde there hadn't been a lot of activity for a long time judging by junk inside. Okay so where is this going you wonder.. (I'll skip the part how we found our accomodation). We asked the lady (Frieda) of the hotel about the bus and she said that because the tourist season hadn't come to full start yet they buses (during the year used as school buses) didn't drive just yet. She said that the best way to explore the island was to rent a car, but we didn't want to that. We had read in the guide of the island about a small market town that we would like to visit and asked Frieda how far away it was to walk and I think (I can't exact remember exactly) she said 4 km. That's not too far really as 1 km is approx 12 min walk, we just forgot that it was up hill the whole time! Anyway Frieda said "Why don't you hitchhick hike? Nothing has every happened here so it's relatively save." :lol: Now we are both rather shy so standing on the road putting a thumb in the air we didn't do, so we walked.

-the never-ending windy road on our way back-

About a quarter of the way - hot and aching legs from the climb- a car stopped! Inside two Albanian boys (about 23ish) asked us in broken English we were going and if we would like a lift. We looked at eachother and then to long windy road in front of us and decided to take Frieda's advice and we so we hitchhiked to the market town. They offered us a cigarette (which we declined because neither of us smoked) we talked a bit, but there English wasn't really good so they turned up the music, windows wide open we drove the (longer then we though) way to the market town. Eve was really paranoid though during the whole drive and was so relieved when we got out of the car when we arrived at the town! After our visit we walked back to our hotel and hired a car the next day *g*

A back street from the market town

You know this reminds me of something that I totally forgot! I though I only hitchhiked only once but we did one time on Corsica as well. Actually now I think of it when someone offers you a lift do you call that hicthiking as well? Because while waiting at the busstop to go to Ajaccio a lady and her husband asked if we would like a lift down to Ajaccio because they were going that way anyway. This time I was a more paranoid then Eve, eventhough they were the nicest people you could meet. In short I don't feel that comfortable hitchhiking, but I have done it :o)

Love, Liesel

Monday's New Look: She's Got It All

2010-02-15T02:12:00.000-08:00

One of my favourite fashion brands at the moment is Johnny Was by designer Biya Ramar. I especially LOVE this dress. Feminine, colourful and fun. My kind of outfit Ü

Love, Liesel

Going Down Memory Lane

2009-12-22T09:45:00.001-08:00

It's been 1,5 years ago since Eve and I had our backbacking adventure but only last week I finally started on putting the 700(!) photo's in an album. Or albums I should say. I probably need about six! You know I realised how wonderful photo's can be. Going through them and sorting them out brought back so many memories and transported me right back to all the wonderful places we saw and adventures we had. Things I forgot but looking at the photo's remembering the stories behind them

~*~

We had a budget we tried to stick too, but like most budgets we went through it pretty fast! For the first 6 weeks we stayed at Bed & Breakfasts, hostels and apartments but if we wanted to travel further we had too make a compromise on our accomodation. And we did: we traded it for a tent. In the burning heat going from one part of Alghero to the other in search of a tent only to find them closed for their siesta. We passed a supermarket earlier which was open so we decided to spend the half hour browsing and mainly cooling *g* their untill the camping shops would open. In Florence we saw scouts with these strange round rucksacks which I was told where tents and that's what we bought! Not too heavy, very easy to put up and handy to carry around seeing as our backpacks where already filled to the brim.

Eve cycling back to our apartment with our brand new tent

When we got back to our apartment we had to see the tent up!

To find out it was the same size as our small double bed!

That would be promising seeing as we already kept bumping into eachother at night!

Yes well that might be a problem as we found out on our first campsite

We had so much luggage it took up half the tent. Oops!

So after an uncomfortable night squeezed between all our baggage we went back to the camping shop to buy another tent for all our luggage!

More to carry but at least we could have a good night sleep *g*

Love, Liesel

Look what I received in the mail!

2009-07-31T05:37:00.000-07:00

Thank you Gisela for my present! I love my mug too bits!

If your jealous and want one of your own , visit Gisela's shop
http://arwenita.deviantart.com/store/

or blog
http://www.giselejaquenod.com.ar/blog/

Self doubt

2009-07-13T01:59:00.000-07:00

As always struggling with what to do with my life. I know the lifestyle I want, but how to fit my career around it?

I want a dog

Keep ducks

Plotter in my vegetable garden

Paint, sew, make pottery

Read

I guess you can say that I'm a romantic at heart :o)

But most of all I want a dog. Badly. I love the company and comfort adog gives and it always great to come and be greeted with so much love. To go on long walks, and play catch. Also a dog makes me feel safe. She will guard the house and me. But to have a full time job and work full time seems egoïstic. The poor creature will be stuck home alone all day. Thankfully there are dog walking services who will walk your dog when you're not home, but still.

I've always been struggling with my self confidence, or lack of it. I'm usually very enthusiastic about a college/university course I really want to do but after a while the doubts start to come in. Is it something I really want to do? Am I good enough? Can I find work in it? Even the bad 'what will other people think if I did this?'. It's get's be nowhere except in a big muddle. Perhaps I'm just unconciously scared to go back to school after such a long time. I don't like big crowds and I'm always worried about my memory and that I want's remember what I've been taught at exams. It took me four times to pass my drivers license. Not because I was a bad driver - I was good in the lessons- but during the driving exams I would totally black out. I had to go to an special examination office where they took more time with you. Fear of failure is what my driving instructor said. I would LIKE to go to college and learn -I always want to learn new things. Andf to be realistic, where are you nowadays without a proper college degree? Behind the till at Tesco? A factory worker? Nothing wrong with those jobs, but it's for me. I know I can do more then that.

I will write more later.

Liesel

Oh my goodness!

2009-07-03T13:16:00.000-07:00

I won something!! A while ago I took part in a contest (see here: http://lieselsgardenparty.blogspot.com/2009/01/my-contest-entry-d.html) and I'm the first winner!

Look at that!

Liesel's Ambitions: Work

2009-04-08T03:01:00.000-07:00

What to do with oneself?

I finished secondary school, went to college after which I started at my summer job which lasted 5 years before I quit to go travelling and to be quite honest to get away from everything. A year later I have three part-time jobs and, to be frank, I'm just going with the (slow) current. I'm quite happy but really someone of my age (25) I should have a full time job and be able to provide for myself or, at the very least, study. I don't do either. Which really stopped me is that it's scarry to go back in 'society'. I have lived a sheltered life after college and have become a homebody. Oh I go out shopping and walks but nothing really sociable outside my family and work. I KNOW have to do something with my life - especially after my cousin's young death I have become aware that you shouldn't take life for granted and vowed to life by the day. Most of the times I do enjoy the little things; a cat sleeping in the sun, birds gathering twigs to build their nest, the glowing stars at night and I'm happy I can see and appreciate those things because I know many people don't and they miss out on so much! My parents quite rightly dispair of me and keep nagging I should do something. My mum has been telling me to become a secretary for years now but no longer is she saying to me to the course but she's telling me I am. It's one year course and even in this time secretaries are in demand which is a good thing to know. I just can't see myself as one. Then again I can't see me doing any job. I keep going in circles. I have so many interests that I find it difficult to choose one study because it means not doing another one that interests me as well. Of course now I'm letting them go all by not chosing any study. I'd love to study history but I'm very sensitive and honestly don't know if I can deal with the horrors of the death penalty and wars. I love art history but could you make a carreer in it? Thelogy, because I'm intered in different religions and I think I'm make quite a good Theologist. I suppose you could work in a museum (doing what?) or a teacher and one thing I am certain about is that I'm not teacher material! I have difficulty enough to make the dogs listen to me, let alone children. Something I will have to learn may I have my own children one day. I'd love to make a difference. That's always the first thing that comes to my mind when I think what I want to do with my life. I enjoy taking care of people but I could not be a nurse (I'm too skittish). I'd love to see the world but to work in the travel world I'm afraid it will rub away the fun out of it and being a vegetarian/vegan brings some problems along. So secretary doesn't sound too bad although a bit boring perhaps? A friend of my sister's is a secretary and she enjoys her work and being only 20 she just bought her own home! I'm a girl who likes her luxuries; getting my eyebrows plugged, going on holiday a few times a year, more expensive clothes like Oililly & Ted Baker (although I don't buy them too often and also love shopping at Primark & TK Maxx). If I have well paid job I could work part-time (4 days a week or only mornings) which would be ideal and like mum always says you can do fun things in your spare time. I've always wanted to learn riding, keep bees and make pottery and I would have time and energy to those. I have to say if you have read so far I'm impressed! It must be quite a bore to read about my ramblings but appreciate your having read everything so far. Now my question is what do you think I should do? And what would you do in my situation? Don't worry about sparing my feelings, I want you to be very honest and frank.

Thanks, Liesel

Too much? Liesel's Ambitions

2009-03-27T09:26:00.000-07:00

Liesel's Ambitions

Too much energy. I sometimes feel like doing cartwheels right on street, to run just for the fun of it around the block, to go kickboxing! Just to release energy. For a twenty-five year old girl I live a very simple life and monotome life. But I want to do things! Take sewing lessons and make my very own Jane Austen dress (and wear it!, learn to run a marathon (or at least a half one to start with), go linedancing! Jazz ballet! I think I have rhytmn but the how should I know? I only dance when noone is watching. All this energy bubbled inside me must be put to a good cause. I care about animals and my heart just breaks when I see an animal in pain. I always say that's the reason why I can't work with animals, but perhaps that's the very why I should do it! To fight for your cause and to put all your energy in it saving those lives! But can I live with it? Will I still be able to sleep at night without breaking out in a sweat in middle of the night because of nightmares? I don't know. Nelson Mandela once said that a strong will can go two ways: very bad or (thank goodness) in his case to be ultimate good. You can choose where you put your energy in. I feel like I have all this energy bottled up inside me, wasting it away while I good do good things with it. But what is that good? Perhaps I'll never know, or perhaps I do but just don't take the time to sit down and reflect and see things clearly. Not an easy task for a scatty brain and someone who has great difficulty to sit still and do one thing at a time. Who knows where I'll be in another five years. Hopefully up to something good :o)

I learned that courage was not the absence of fear, but the triumph over it. The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.
- Nelson Mandela

Liesel

Shopping: Saint Patrick's Day

2009-03-17T12:52:00.000-07:00

I love Irish Blessings. They are so cheerful and full of good homour you can't helpbut smile. Ah Ireland. You know I've never been to Ireland, that is to say not yet ;) Irish whiskey, pubs, castles and legends.. it's a fascinating country. My uncle lived in Ireland but I have never visited him there. Anyway enough chit chat :p Here are some of my favourite Irish Blessings and underneath my favourite Saint Patrick gifts. Enjoy!

May brooks and trees and singing hills

Join in the chorus too,

And every gentle wind that blows

Send happiness to you.

May God grant you many years to live,

For sure He must be knowing

The earth has angels all too few

And heaven is overflowing.

May the Irish hills caress you.

May her lakes and rivers bless you.

May the lick of the Irish enfold you.

May the blessing of Saint Patrick behold you.

Irish Toast

When we drink, we get drunk.

When we get drunk, we fall asleep.

When we fall asleep, we commit no sin.

When we commit no sin, we go to heaven.

So, let's all get drunk, and go to heaven!

Happy Saint Paddy's everyone!

-click on the image to enlarge-

1 Irish Pirate Elf Boots by Super Fay (I absolutely LOVE these!)
2 Green Flower Cowl by PhylPhil
3 Cuddly Cat Snuggle Bed by Craft Smith
4 Clover Wall Stickers by Shannon
5 Legendary Luck - Felt Brooch Pin by A Beautimus Hodgepodge
6 Green Beer Earrings by Button Divas

Sorry I've been so quiet lately, I just didn't feel very inspired. Hope you all been well!

Love, Liesel

The Watered Lilies

2009-03-02T12:39:00.000-08:00

Poetry Monday

The Watered Lily's

The MASTER stood in His garden,
Among the lilies fair,
Which His own right hand had planted,
And trained with tend’rest care.

He looked at their snowy blossoms,
And marked with observant eye
That the flowers were sadly drooping,
For their leaves were parched and dry.

“My lilies need to be watered,”
The Heavenly Master said;
“Wherein shall I draw it for them,
And raise each drooping head?”

Close to his feet on the pathway,
Empty, and frail, and small,
An earthen vessel was lying,
Which seemed no use at all;

But the Master saw, and raised it
From the dust in which it lay,
And smiled, as He gently whispered,
“This shall do My work today:

“It is but an earthen vessel,
But it lay so close to Me;
It is small, but it is empty—
That is all it needs to be.”

So to the fountain He took it,
And filled it full to the brim;
How glad was the earthen vessel
To be of some use to Him!

He poured forth the living water
Over His lilies fair,
Until the vessel was empty,
And again He filled it there.

He watered the drooping lilies
Until they revived again;
And the Master saw with pleasure
That His labor had not been vain.

His own hand had drawn the water
Which refreshed the thirsty flowers;
But He used the earthen vessel
To convey the living showers.

And to itself it whispered,
As He laid it aside once more,
“Still will I lie in His pathway,
Just where I did before.

“Close would I keep to the Master,
Empty would I remain,
And perhaps some day He may use me
To water His flowers again.”

- Author unknown

Saturday Shopping: Down at the Farm

2009-03-01T07:26:00.000-08:00

Down at the Farm
There's nothing much better then grass under your feet and the smell of the farm. Hiding out in the haybarn, watching the cats chase the chickens and mother goose happily trodding along with the cows making there way to the milk shed. Oh, the good life!

Saturday Shopping

-click on the image to enlarge-

1 Felted Pink Pig Ornament by R. Parnell
2 Mother Goose Bookplates by Boy Girl Party
3 Mother Goose and her Goslings by Kooyman Designs
4 Farmyard Donkey by Mamma 4 Earth
5 Red Farm Tractor by Kooyman Designs
6 Bernard Bunny and Little Beau Blue by Mrs Kwitty's Cottage
7 Another Dashshund With Hat Print by Poor Dog Farm
8 Card Milkshake by A Punkin Card Company

Cherish this sunday, Liesel

Saturday Shopping: Home Sweet Home

2009-02-21T06:44:00.000-08:00

Saturday Shopping
~*Home is where your heart is *~

Where we love is home,
Home that our feet may leave, but not our hearts.
- Oliver Wendell Holmes, Sr

Love begins at home, and it is not how much we do... but how much love we put in that action.
- Mother Teresa

Every house where love abides
And friendship is a guest,
Is surely home, and home sweet home
For there the heart can rest.
- Henry Van Dyke

-click on image to enlarge-

1. Bird House Clip On by Lilla Lotta
2. Blue Birdhouse by Gypsy and Twink
3. Our House In The Middle Of The Street Ring by Hilde Groven
4. Brooch Pink House by Intres
5. My Chimney Blows Birds Pillow by Olive
6. Oops! I forgot number six. 25 yo and I still can't count to 10 *Ü*
7. Bird House Handcrafted Stamp by Craft Pudding
8. Miniature Clay House by The Little Red Door

Have a great weekend,

Liesel

p.s. Irma I finally send your parcel! Sorry about the pine needles *Ü*

Saturday Shopping: Love is a cupcake

2009-02-14T06:16:00.000-08:00

Saturday Shopping

One of my favourite things to bake: cupcakes. They say the love of a man goes through his stomach so if that means I can entice him with my baking skills I'd bake every single day *Ü* Here are some of my favourite (non eatable) cupcakes on the net. What is your favourite?

1. She Loves Cupcakes Print by rkdsign88
2. Original Art Wood 8 x 10 Plaque by Jenny's Bakeshop
3. Larry Lemon Cupcake Softie by Michelle Heaume Designs
4. Cupcake Fingerless Mitts pattern by Karendipity
5. Red Velvet Cupcake by Paola 72
6. Cupcake Child's Apron by Gagie Pagie Pudding Pie
7. Sweet Set by rkdsign88
8. Berrylicious Cupcake Purse-let by Arkitek Tonika

Thank you for visiting on this sunny Saturday!

Liesel

Show & Tell Friday: Tea cups & Saucers

2009-02-13T08:48:00.000-08:00

Some bits and pieces I inherited from nan Elizabeth. I'm sorry for the poor quility of the photo's, the light at this time of the day is terrible. (as is my photography)

If something reminds me of nan Elizabeth it certainly is her white and pink teaset. Sleeping over at nan and grandfathers house we would drink tea together in the morning with biscuits before starting breakfast.

These are by Villeroy & Boch

I love these pretty cake plates. They are quitessential 'nan' :o)

Bouquet by Villeroy & Boch

As are these by Mason's

My angel biscuits

My weakness: flowers and birds <3>

Phoenix Blau by Villeroy & Boch

I don't particular like this cup and saucer, so I think I might give it to my best friend Henry who will love it =) I do love the spoon! Notice the the little priest?

Also if you have the time I'd greatly appreciate if you'd read my post below and hopefully have some advice or tips.

Thank you for visiting my garden.

Wishing a wonderful sunny weekend, Liesel

Help! How to choose?

2009-02-13T02:35:00.000-08:00

I blame my sister. She adopted her dog (Ollie) from Spain, saving her life. Now that I'm starting to look for a dog of my own she twisted my mind to adopt a dog instead of getting a puppy from a breeder. The stories she told me about the Spanish animal shelters where so heart shattering I am now serious considering adopting a dog from Spain. There is a Spanish organistation (that is also located in Holland, England, Denmark) who save dogs from the death and have set up an adoption center. There are four favourite dogs, but how can you possibly decide between them? My friends told it's best to see them in person, but it will be expensive to go all the way to Spain just to see the dogs (at least €500 / $640) :(

"My" dogs (if I lived on a farm I'd adopt them all!)

Tomy
He truelly is beautiful, almost too beautiful! Mum has already fallen in love with him.
TOMY was a gift around the holiday 3 kings one year ago, but now at the same date he has been dumped and replaced by another puppy. Poor Tomy hopes he gets a second chance where he can be happy for the rest of his life. He is a good dog, social with kids and other dogs. Tomy is a male and 1 year old.

Jacky
She reminds me of my old dog :) I love the colour of her coat. Isn't she cute?
This is Jacky, the only lady that was left behind, a real good character, is good and social with other dogs. She is very playful, a real crasy but cool girl like every pup! Jacky is about 7 to 8 months.

Maika
Everytime I see her my heart melts <3 My only concern is, is she too big? Will I be able to let her off the lead?
Who is looking for a kissing machine must consider our Maika who has so much love to give. She was found abandoned and neglected and could not be approached. Now she is just hugging and licking. Maika is a 1 year old very elegant young female, ready to leave for her new home.

Tiny
I think with a lot of care and cuddles she'll transform into a happy dog again. I had a dream about a beagle the other night. My sister tried to steal her from me *g* I have always loved these dogs. The only problem is that they have very strong hunting instincts which is why you can't let them of the lead =(
Tiny is a Beagle of about 2 years old who has been dumpend. It’s a beagle with a golden caracther, very affectionate and sweet,social and good with other dogs.
She is a bit shy en very humble.
She was bought by a breeder but he change his breed en so Tiny had to go the last station…

Any tips? Which dog gets your vote?

Messy Room

2009-02-09T00:24:00.000-08:00

Poetry Monday

I sometimes think my house is a mess, but I quickly change my mind when I googled "messy room" to find a graphic to join today's poem. I'm in a neat freak in comparison with those rooms!

Messy Room

Whosever room this is should be ashamed!
His underwear is hanging on the lamp.
His raincoat is there in the overstuffed chair,
And the chair is becoming quite mucky and damp.
His workbook is wedged in the window,
His sweater's been thrown on the floor.
His scarf and one ski are beneath the TV,
And his pants have been carelessly hung on the door.
His books are all jammed in the closet,
His vest has been left in the hall.
A lizard named Ed is asleep in his bed,
And his smelly old sock has been stuck to the wall.
Whosever room this is should be ashamed!
Donald or Robert or Willie or--
Huh? You say it's mine? Oh, dear,
I knew it looked familiar!

- Shel Silverstein

Goodies. Lots and lots of goodies

2009-02-06T00:37:00.000-08:00

It's my birthday today....!!

Grap a seat while I'll pour you a drink and help yourself to some cake. Be quick though before the beagle eats it all Ü

I tidied the house and showered before I went to bed last night so that now -on my 25th birthday- I feel totally refreshed and quite extatic! Two days my friend Irma send me a package.. but I couldn't open it yet- I had to wait untill now to do so. Let me tell you that the parcel was so enticing, luring me to open it - but of course I couldn't. I've been inpatient for the last days *g*, but it was well worth waiting for. Irma I can't thank you enough! I'm touched and so happy. Thank you

Here my newest treasures :o)

The bee was already mine, but he now has a good purpose, apart from looking darn cute *g*

You should have seen my grin when I spotted Gabriel's drawing :D It's so special. Give a big hug to Gabriel from me Irma :o)

The birthday card (left) if from mum. Irma gave me a beautiful notebook to write all my ambitions in, a beautiful devotional journey, a encouraging bee card and a birthday card with more bees. I tried to open the card very carefully as the sticker used to seal the a card because I love it. Echinacea are one of my favourite flowers and the birds is lovely as well ^_^

I feel so inspired, encouraged and loved. Thank you doesn't say enough!

Isabella (Liesel)

Why stop at myself?

2009-02-05T01:29:00.000-08:00

As you all know I'm trying to be more indepedent bit by bit, but why stop at myself? What about where I live? You can make your own clothes, have a vegetable patch and know a thing or two about plumbling, but you living in a normal house you are still dependent on the gas supplies, electrity from the local enerigty generator and need to use the plumbling etc. But you can change that. Especially with the global warming -although I don't believe in- you are starting hear more and more about eco-friendly houses and I think that may be the key to more indepence plus you are helping the earth which is always a great thing (and should really be my main priority!)

I came across the fantastic artitectect Vincent Callebaut who designed Lilypad, an eco-friendly and self-sustainable 'city' floating on the ocean. Doesn't it look like something out of The Jetsons?

Quote: "Whereas the Netherlands and the United Arabic Emirates « fatten » their beach with billion of euros to build their short-living polders and their protective dams for a decade, the project «Lilypad» deals with a tenable solution to the water rising! Actually, facing the worldwide ecological crisis, this floating Ecopolis has the double objective not only to widen sustainabely in offshore the territories of the most developed countries such as the Monaco principality but above all to grant the housing of future climatic refugees of he next submerged ultra-marine territories such as the Polynesian atolls. New biotechnological prototype of ecologic resilience dedicated to the nomadism and the urban ecology in the sea, Lilypad travels on the water line of the oceans, from the equator to the poles following the marine streams warm ascending of the Gulf Stream or cold descending of the Labrador.

It is a true amphibian half aquatic and half terrestrial city, able to accommodate 50,000 inhabitants and inviting the biodiversity to develop its fauna and flora around a central lagoon of soft water collecting and purifying the rain waters. This artificial lagoon is entirely immersed ballasting thus the city. It enables to live in the heart of the subaquatic depths. The multifunctional programming is based on three marinas and three mountains dedicated respectively to the work, the shops and the entertainments. The whole set is covered by a stratum of planted housing in suspended gardens and crossed by a network of streets and alleyways with organic outline. The goal is to create a harmonious coexistence of the couple Human / Nature and to explore new modes of living the sea by building with fluidity collective spaces in proximity, overwhelming spaces of social inclusion suitable to the meeting of all the inhabitants – denizen or foreign-born, recent or old, young or aged people. "

You can read more about his project on his website.

Last night I made a list how you can save money and be self-sufficant in your own home. The list will hopefully keep growing, but these wherethe first things I thought of. In no particular order:

Triple glassed windows to keep out the cold in the winter and help the house keep cool in summer
Using rainwater to flush the loo
Make a compost pile for the garden
Solar panels (for energy)
Grow grass on the roof (wouldn't you love a golf course on your roof *g*)
Wind turbine (although not very attractive)

I know you will never be totally indepent. If you are ill you still have to see the doctor and something you just can't repair yourself, but I think it will be satisfying nonetheless. If you have anything to add, I'd love to hear your comments and suggestions!

Liesel

Watery Wednesday: Aswan, Egypt

2009-02-04T08:49:00.000-08:00

On the way to the temples of Philae we stopped on the stew dam that seperates the Aswan Dam. Obe of the biggest dams on the world that produces enough energity for every city, town and village in Egypt. It seperates the river the Nile to prevent it from flooding. I'm telling you all this because as I was standing on the dam being in awe with scenery a (I presesume Egyptian) man came towards me and asked if I would mind if I be in a photograph together with him *g* Goodness knows why! I don't think I look like a celebrity, nor have a super model looks. I've been quite curious ever since what he did with the photo. Did he pretend to his friends I was his girlfriend? Do I look like someone famous, although I am unaware of it? Do you have any ideas? I still regret that I didn't take a photo of him as well!

Aswan, Egypt
April 2005

Now for my entry for Watery Wednesday! I'll be the first to admit that they are not the best photographs, but they tell a story. A story that is very much as Egypt is. As we sailed away from the stunning temples of Philae (photo's from Philae another time) two boys in what looked to me like a canoe (but then what do I know?) came paddling towards our boat. In our motor powered sailing boat we went quite fast for those boys to 'catch up' with us. Once they reached us they grapped (sp?) the side of our boat and sailed along with us while trying to sell us their goods :o) I now wish I bought something from the boys - if only for their effort to reach us =) Anyway enought chitchat and time for the photo's!

Do have a lovely evening and dream away about far-away places.. ö)

Love, Liesel

A Lady Who Thinks She Is Thirty

2009-02-02T01:54:00.000-08:00

Poetry Monday
I love the poems by Ogden Nash as they are full of wit and homour. Seeing as it's my birthday soon this poem seemed appropiate.

A Lady Who Thinks She Is Thirty

Unwillingly Miranda wakes,
Feels the sun with terror,
One unwilling step she takes,
Shuddering to the mirror.

Miranda in Miranda's sight
Is old and gray and dirty;
Twenty-nine she was last night;
This morning she is thirty.

Shining like the morning star,
Like the twilight shining,
Haunted by a calendar,
Miranda is a-pining.

Silly girl, silver girl,
Draw the mirror toward you;
Time who makes the years to whirl
Adorned as he adored you.

Time is timelessness for you;
Calendars for the human;
What's a year, or thirty, to
Loveliness made woman?

Oh, Night will not see thirty again,
Yet soft her wing, Miranda;
Pick up your glass and tell me, then--
How old is Spring, Miranda?

- Ogden Nash

Saturday Shopping: Love of Dogs

2009-01-31T09:10:00.000-08:00

For the love of dogs

I want a dog. I visited animal shelters, visit the national animal shelter website regular and I am reading about adopting a dog from Spain. We'll say where the road leads and what I come home with. It might even be a cat *g These are a few of my favourite 'doggie' treats. What are your favourites? Enjoy!

-click on the image to enlarge-

1. Crochet Bone Toy by littlerottenbeast
2. Copper Pet Tags by jmanigrossi
3. Old English Sheepdog Magnet by KaysK9sPaperBoutique
4. Dog Collar by greenbelts
5. Swarovski Heart Pet Collar Charm by deezyne
6. Desperado Bandana by WhataDogBakeryDesign
7. Catnip Heart Toy by pandawithcookie

In six days -please sit down for what I have to say- I will be a quarter of a century *faints*. I still don't believe it. I'm looking forward to my birthday present as I will get a new camera! Yay! Mine doesn't work anymore and can't be fixed and it so frustrating when you see something pretty you want to photograph - like perhaps soon my new pet..! Six nights to go..... :P

Love, Liesel

Show & Tell Friday

2009-01-23T09:57:00.000-08:00

Walking through nan Elizabeth's house I was looking for something that reminds me of her. I have things that remind me of my other grandparents, nothing really from her :/ Now that she no longer along us, I felt like a thief searching through her house. I know she would want me to have something, but still.. it just doesn't seem right. It was different with nan Adriana as she herself told me what I would inherit, a beautiful embroidery painting made by her. I'll have to show you another time =) I seem to rambling a lot today, sorry about that. I'll try to get to the point! When I saw this little vase (see below) I knew this was it, what I was looking for. I love the colours and pretty design immediatly reminds me of nan. When I came home and put it on my side table I began looking around and noticing a theme going on. This show & tell friday is about that theme, one that I've started very unselfconsiously. Curious yet what it is? See for yourself :P

Enjoy your weekend! Liesel

Nan's vase =)

This is where it all started with: a visit to Laura Ashley wher I fell straight in love with this wallpaper. It has been a turning point (to the worse I hear some whisper :P) as I am now becoming quite obsessed with wallpapers*g* To be quite honest I don't know why I love it so much. I love the colours and the garden, but the print itself is not something I would normally love - yet I do.

I love my little red angel. When I saw her in the shop I couldn't resist myself and had to buy her :o) The golden angel is a present from mum.

The perfect cushion to lounge on, reading a good book =)

The first two mugs where Christmas presents from dad. The last one I bought myself in the National Trust shop made by the talented Emma Ball. I love these mugs too bits, but the terrible thing is that I never use them! I love the look of them together and find it a pity to use one as it will leave an empty space. How silly is that?

My warm rug with Penny on top (named by my little cousins)

Ah now first of let me introduce you to Miss Mousie. She loves nothing better then to lounge around and play with her felt doll *g* Her favourite place is in this vase which she pretty much uses as a hammock. Secondly if you ever do visit Wales I insist that you visit Hay-On-Wye! It's a small old town in the beautiful setting of the Brecan Beacons along the river -you guess it- Wye. Hay-On-Wye is also known as book town as you won't find many a place where they have more bookshops. Pure heaven! Here in there between the bookshops you will find crafts shops selling the prettiest things like this vase :o)

Have you guessed the theme?

Thank you for looking *Ü*

Paper Crafting Thursday: Moon Dogs Card

2009-01-22T07:58:00.000-08:00

It's in a bit of a shabby stage I'm afraid, but I still quite like this card I made. Ollie (dog) stood on the card (silly thing) so I had to repaint it and was a bit careless as I was in hurry. Let that be a lesson never to do that again as you can see in the second photo where I spilled a bit of paint. I have never taken part in Paper Crafting Thursday before but have been wanting to for a while now so I hope I don't dissapoint you to terribly!

Liesel

The card is made of the bottom of the pizza box which meant that the oily base made the 'moony' paint effects when I used my watercolours. It was meant to be a pop-up card untill I made a mistake, but never mind that! :P

This dog is just like Jackie! (dad's dog)

To join the fun visit Kelli's House *Ü*

Watery Wednesday: Greece

2009-01-21T05:17:00.000-08:00

Πάργα, Greece
August 2007

I'd like to tell you a pretty story around this picture but I don't know what to say! I took this photo while standing on the castle wall. It looks more like a postcard, doesn't it? It almost too pretty! Do you see the church on the tiny island? It's called Panagia Lihada and it's the home to the miraculous icon of Panagia, the mother of Jesus Christ. Panagia means Most Holy. Every year on August the 15th they celebrate the Dormination (Assumption) of our Virgin Mary. Many a couple gets married here and who can blame them in this little piece Greece of heaven? :o)

Please do not use this photo without asking my permission first. Thank you!

Blue Monday

2009-01-20T02:14:00.000-08:00

Sunday evening I heard mum talking with a friend when she said something that made me very sad. As I knew before my sister's boyfriend will come at the end of the week to Holland to work in Amsterdam. During the week he will live there, but in the weekend he will come to this site of the country and spend the weekend with my sister in dad's old apartment. What I didn't realise is that my sister will be moving permantly to the apartment and will take Ollie (the dog) with her :( That just tears me up! People who have never had a dog won't understand this but I can not live without a dog. When lil sis went away for the week with Ollie I was depressed the whole week. My food didn't taste nice, I felt lonely, I didn't care about anything expect getting that dog back! It's just so hard to be home without a dog and -as if I don't miss her enough already- I miss my dog so so much more

My sister looking for an apprenticeship place a while ago showed me the website of a Spanish animal shelter where I saw this dog I just tore up. She is so immensely sad at if I had the money I would be on the first plane to Spain to take her home - to try and give her a good home wher she'll be happy.

I just went to their website to post a photo of her when I saw she wasn't there anymore

I scrolled down in the hope that she was somewhere else and they just misplaced her when I found her, but I think she is adopted by someone else. Silvia you'd me angel if you could translate this. Does Adoptado mean adopted in Spanish?

Liesel, with very mixed feelings

Scenic Sunday & Today's Flowers: Portugal

2009-01-18T03:57:00.000-08:00

The Algarve, Portugal
May 2007

This was my first time in Portugal and a very nice surprise. We didn't plan to go on holiday - that is, I didn't! Laura had other plans almost as soon as I sat foot in England she practically dragged me to a travel agency! I'm glad she did as else I wouldn't have seen this part of the world. I've promised Silvia that next time I will go to Lisbon. Something to look to forward to. What I've seen on television and in travel guides it looks like a beautiful city full of hidden treasures + my friend Silvia is there so you can't beat that! =)

Enjoy the scenery!

Liesel

On a walk

I've always wondered wether it is a fly in the middle of the flower. I should know seeing as I took the photo, but I simply cannot remember. What do you think?

Enhancing the colours

Please do not use this photo without asking my permission first. Thank you!

Saturday Shopping: Namesakes

2009-01-17T11:56:00.000-08:00

Saturday Shopping!
Gifts I love with which I share my name :=)

1 Elena the Doll by munieca
2 Isabella Handspun Merino by SewKnitNBeads2
3 The Book of Isabella Pocket Mirror by HidenSeek
4 Womens Isabella Apron by knittybitties
5 Elena Headband by bungalow
6 Elena The Elephant by meganfeingold
7 Isabella Baby Barrette by MiaJoie

Also don't forget to visit my friend Lauren's Shop: Aurelia's Corner Ü

Liesel

Liesel's Ambitions: Update

2009-01-16T11:55:00.000-08:00

Irma wrote me to say I have been quiet lately and she's right. I have been posting on my blogs, but nothing personal. So what am I doing right now? Well with the start of February I will only be working one day a week at the job I do now and I hope to fill the rest of the time with homecare (taking care of eldery in their own homes). The salary is double so it seems to make sense. In November I worked in homecare as well (one night a week) and earned more then the 5 days I worked at my present work! As you could have read a few posts ago I want to straight out my life. I have so much on(?) my head, I need to clear everything. I started tyding up my bedroom and I can't tell you how much better I feel now that I, first of all hoovered under my bed! And secondly that, apart from two boxes, I don't store anything underneath it anymore so you can actually see the floor! Yay!

Short Term
T cleare my head: tidy up my room
- I have one box with "charity shop", one box with "paper recycle" and one box with "to organize" box written on it.

Step two: Sort out my "to organize" box

As you probably know I have travelled for two months this year. We traveled until my money was gone (and then a bit more). When I came home last August I had no money and no job. What I should have done before I left is asked work for unpaid leave. To have no money at all of your own is one of the worst experiences of my life. To be reliant on the charity of other was awful. I know they didn't mind -they are the kind of people that would go through fire for me- but I felt horrendous. Sometimes I will go to the supermarket with dad. I put things I want in the basket (chocolate, kitchen paper etc) and dad does the same. I don't mind getting as many things as I like as I know I can pay for them, but I also know that when we reach the cash till and I offer dad that I pay he always refuses and dugs away when I try and put a ten euro note in his breast pocket. Now those two months where I didn't have money I could not make myself to put things I needed (desperatly) in basket because I knew I wouldn't be able to pay for them. Dad wouldn't mind, but I would. Now that I think back, perhaps I am too proud? Is that it?

So what is she rambling about, you probably ask yourself. Well, those two months made me realise what I want to be in life: independent. I want to be reliant solemnly on myself. That means money wise, but also being to put a nail in the wall, grow my own vegetables, make my own clothes and when my car breaks down I can repair it myself. That's my goal. It doesn't have to happen overnight, but bit by bit I know I will get there.

Long term
First stop is paying all my outstanding bills.

It's a burden on my shoulders and once I paid all of them I will feel so relieved!

Second stop: Savings.

I saw Suze Orman the other day on Oprah and she is quite an inspiration! Thanks to her my second step is to have savings enough to be able to live eight months without income. To know that you have 'an apple for the thirst' as we like to say over here =)

Have you fallen asleep? I wouldn't blame you, you know :0)

With the turmoil of the last 18 months I'm feeling as if things are gently beginning to settle down (touching wood). I'm also reading "The Purpose Driven Life" which gives me hope for the future and hopefully by the end of the book I will 'know'.

To my BNA friends you mean the world to me, I wouldn't be the same person without you.

To everyone else, thank you for visiting my blog. You brighten my day with every comment you make.

Thank you!

With lots of love, Isabella (Liesel)

Watery Wednesday: Wales

2009-01-14T04:29:00.001-08:00

I am so pleased with this photo! I took it three years ago when my friend Laura invited me to go on holiday with them to Wales. She didn't have to ask twice! Our house was almost on top of a hill which meant the views where stunning. Anyway, I'm rambling! This photo I took on our first long walk. We had just visited the bird watching shelter, but unfortunely we didn't see that many birds. A swan and some coots, but we enjoyed the peace of the scenery before us. From our position we could just make out this boat so we had to go out and explore it. I hope I haven't bored you to awfully *g*

Have a lovely day, Liesel

~*~

August 6, 2006

The Brecan Beacons, Wales, Great Britain

Please do not use this photo without asking my permission first. Thank you!

Best Job In The World

2009-01-13T05:09:00.000-08:00

Australia offers 'best job in the world' on paradise island

SYDNEY (AFP) – An Australian state is offering internationally what it calls "the best job in the world" -- earning a top salary for lazing around a beautiful tropical island for six months.

The job pays 150,000 Australian dollars (105,000 US dollars) and includes free airfares from the winner's home country to Hamilton Island on the Great Barrier Reef, Queensland's state government announced on Tuesday.

In return, the "island caretaker" will be expected to stroll the white sands, snorkel the reef, take care of "a few minor tasks" -- and report to a global audience via weekly blogs, photo diaries and video updates.

The successful applicant, who will stay rent-free in a three-bedroom beach home complete with plunge pool and golf buggy, must be a good swimmer, excellent communicator and be able to speak and write English.

"They'll also have to talk to media from time to time about what they're doing so they can't be too shy and they'll have to love the sea, the sun, the outdoors," said acting state Premier Paul Lucas.

"The fact that they will be paid to explore the islands of the Great Barrier Reef, swim, snorkel and generally live the Queensland lifestyle makes this undoubtedly the best job in the world."

Source: Yahoo! News

Scenic Sunday: Egypt

2009-01-10T11:46:00.000-08:00

Perhaps not the pretiest scene, but one that speaks a thousand words about Cairo. It was strange as one minute there was an enormous rush of cars coming along this narrow path and the next nothing! Not a car in side! I truelly wish I could have put the smell of Cairo in a bottle so you could smell. It's best discribed as a warm mix herbs <3>

April, 2004
Cairo, Egypt

(click on the photo to enlarge)

Thank you for visiting! Liesel

Please do not use this photo without asking my permission first. Thank you!

Have some tea with me

2009-01-10T05:46:00.000-08:00

One of my greatest pleasures is holding a hot cup of tea between my hands, inhaling the sweet smell and the warmth that spreads along my hands. You'll have to admit that there is not much better then that. I love my teas. I have quite a big collection of teas and tea mugs, one for every mood and occasion. Sitting next to me is a mug with a little sparrow painted on it. Inside the cup is one of my favourite teas of this moment: star mix. The smell is just delicious and makes my tongue tingle when I take a sip <3

My tea mug (although technically owned by mum)

While preparing my tea a while ago, something puzzled me. It was late in the evening and I fancied a cup of tea. I put the (electric) kettle on filled to the brim with water. I got distracted -I can't remember what with, probably something to do with that naughty dog Ü- and when came back to the kitchen I poured water in my tea cup. And nothing happened! I thought I'd done everything right, I mean how difficult can it be to make tea? You boil the water, grap a mug and put a teabag in it, wait untill te water is boiled and then pour in your cup which will transform the water into the colour of honey. I did all that. Or did I? Now that I took a closer look at my teacup I noticed that the water seemed rather still, no damp spiraling up. Aha! I put my pinkie in the water and it was stone cold! I must have forgotten to press the button of the kettle. Throwing the water in my tea cup away I made sure that the next cup I made was boiling hot with steam and all and yes - as soon as I poured the hot water in my cup over the tea bag the water changed from transparent into 'pure gold' so to say :0) Now what really puzzled me since - and there is probably a very straight answer- why does the tea 'come lose' with hot water and not with cold water? I'm genuily don't know, so please help me out!

""Surely everyone is aware of the divine pleasures which attend a wintry fireside: candles at four o'clock, warm hearth rugs, tea, a fair tea-maker, shutters closed, curtains flowing in ample draperies to the floor, whilst the wind and rain are raging audibly without."
~Thomas De Quincey

Saturday Shopping: Tea Time!

Unfortunely the gorgeous cat is not for sale :(

1 Bee Happy Sterling Silver Necklace by corrieberrypie
2 I love tea - Tissue Holder by LAMdesigns
3 Tea Cup Ring by myladida
4 Your My Cup Of Tea Pillow by Olive
5 Organic Catnip Bakery Grab Bag by CatzillaCrafts
6 Myrna Tea Cup Pincushion by onlyu
7 Have A Heart Brooch by Odannysgirl
8 Poppy Tea Towels by flyingrhymes

Pour yourself a lovely cup of tea and enjoy the day!

With love, Liesel

A quest for you!

2009-01-09T11:25:00.000-08:00

There not many greater pleasures then a gentle journey over the river. In particular when the scenery is as great as in Aswan, Egypt. We started in Aswan where the boat took us to the tropical gardens, towards the mosque, and on our way back passed the famous Cataract Hotel.

That's me in the tropical gardens

Once we reached the desert we where taken up by camels to the mosque. The mosque had been deserted for a while apart from a group of bats! What I found fascinating is that in a little - quite dark - room, which was the prayer room I believe, a hook in the ceiling. I know, but do you know what that hook was used for?

Irma, please help me with my punctuations!

My contest entry! :D

2009-01-08T11:01:00.000-08:00

When I came across the beautiful website of Gisele Jaquenod my heart skipt a beat. I absolutely adore her illustrations and designs. When I saw she started a contest where I can win a mug with her illustrations I didn't hesitate! Here are my entries :o)

1. Birdie says: Eggcelent choice, Duckson (as an anecdote to Sherlock Holmes & Doctor Watson)
2. Birdie says: Hot Chocolate Days! (I thought it appropiate for on a mug)
3. Birdie says: Bad Hare Day? (with his friend Mister Hare all ruffled up. Cute for Easter?)

You'll have to forgive my drawing skills on paint, their not very pretty. This is a bit what I had in mind when I first came up with the quotes =)

1. (Birdie as Sherlock Holmes)

3. Mister Hare

If you want to join, here are the guidelines
1. You have to think of a little script for a Birdie Says mug. In it, Birdie must appear alone or with some friend that you will describe, saying something of course (That’s why it’s called Birdie Says). Remember that there’s a limited space in a mug, so the idea has to be cute and fun, and yet simple.
2. You have to post your script idea in your blog, explaining about this contest and linking to this post. Sketches are not necessary, just a little written idea.
3. Afterwards, as usual, drop a comment in here with the link to your post with the entry for the contest

http://www.giselejaquenod.com.ar/blog/2009/01/02/new-birdie-scripted-contest/

100 Things

2009-01-06T07:05:00.000-08:00

The list of '100 things' is going around in Blogland where you highlight the things you've done. Here's my list:

1. Started your own blog (voila! If this isn't proof *g*)
2. Slept under the stars
3. Played in a band
4. Visited Hawaii
5. Watched a meteor shower
6. Given more than you can afford to charity
7. Been to Disneyland
8. Held a praying mantis
9. Climbed a mountain
10. Sang a solo
11. Bungee jumped
12. Visited Paris (4 times!)
13. Watched a lightning storm at sea
14. Taught yourself an art from scratch
15. Adopted a child (love to)
16. Had food poisoning
17. Walked to the top of the Statue of Liberty
18. Grown your own vegetables (on my to-do list)
19. Seen the Mona Lisa in France
20. Slept on an overnight train
21. Had a pillow fight
22. Hitch hiked
23. Taken a sick day when you're not ill
24. Built a snow fort
25. Held a lamb
26. Gone skinny dipping (I'm too prude)
27. Run a marathon (on my to-do list)
28. Ridden in a gondola in Venice (Almost! We wanted to, but it was so expensive!)
29. Seen a total eclipse
30. Watched a sunrise or sunset
31. Hit a home run
32. Been on a cruise
33. Seen Niagara Falls in person
34. Visited the birthplace of your ancestors
35. Seen an Amish community (I'd like to)
36. Taught yourself a new language
37. Had enough money to be truly satisfied
38. Seen the Leaning Tower of Pisa in person
39. Gone rock climbing
40. Seen Michelangelos David
41. Sung karaoke
42. Seen Old Faithful geyser erupt
43. Bought a stranger a meal at a restaurant
44. Visited Africa
45. Walked on a beach by moonlight
46. Been transported in an ambulance
47. Had your portrait painted
48.Gone deep sea fishing
49. Seen the Sistine Chapel in person (the waiting line was at least 2 hours!)
50. Been to the top of the Eiffel Tower in Paris (almost!)
51. Gone scuba diving or snorkeling (the later)
52. Walked in the rain (one of my favourite things)
53. Played in the mud (love it!)
54. Gone to a drive-in theater
55. Been in a movie
56. Visited the Great Wall of China (on my to-see list)
57. Started a business (as mini as it is)
58. Taken a martial arts class (they used to call me Karate Kid Ü)
59. Visited Russia (not yet..)
60. Served at a soup kitchen
61. Sold Girl Scout Cookies
62. Gone whale watching (do dolphins count as well?)
63. Got flowers for no reason (all the time)
64. Donated blood, platelets or plasma
65. Gone sky diving (what I'd like to do for my comming birthday)
66. Visited a Nazi Concentration Camp
67. Bounced a check
68. Flown in a helicopter
69. Saved a favorite childhood toy
70. Visited the Lincoln Memorial
71. Eaten Caviar (I'm vegetarian ;))
72. Pieced a quilt
73. Stood in Times Square
74. Toured the Everglades
75. Been fired from a job
76. Seen the Changing of the Guards in London
77. Broken a bone
78. Been on a speeding motorcycle
79. Seen the Grand Canyon in person
80. Published in a book
81. Visited the Vatican (stunning!)
82. Bought a brand new car
83. Walked in Jerusalem (something I'd love to do one day)
84. Had your picture in the newspaper
85. Read the entire Bible (still reading Ü)
86. Visited the White House
87. Killed and prepared an animal for eating (I'm against all kinds of cruelty, so an definite no!)
88. Had chickenpox (I think.., mum can't quite remember)
89. Saved someone's life
90. Sat on a jury
91. Met someone famous
92. Joined a book club
93. Lost a loved one (several :( )
94. Had a baby
95. Seen the Alamo in person
96. Swam in the Great Salt Lake
97. Been involved in a law suit
98. Owned a cell phone
99. Been stung by a bee
100. Read an entire book in one day (The Boy in Striped Pajamas! A must read)

Sort out my life

2009-01-05T06:49:00.001-08:00

I am a dissapointment. I need to sort out my life. I thought I didn't have any new year resolutions but I guess I do. These I will have to accomplish this year:

* find myself a full time job OR a proper study at a college
* move out. Find an apartement for my own.
* change my passport
* be up-to-date with my insurence fees
* adopt a dog in need

These are goals.

Liesel

Scenic Sunday & Flowers Today: Greece

2009-01-04T02:01:00.000-08:00

June 2008
Chora Town, Kythira, Greece.
(click on the photo to enlarge)
I think this photo pretty much sums up how you imagine Greece to be like. The sunkissed blue and white houses, the pink flowers, the cloudless blue sky.. isn't it just beautiful? I remember how we wandered through town in our flipflops - we even considered walking the Samaria Gorge in our flipflops!- but I had chosen the wrong pair. I'm quite colour conscience. If I wear let's say jeans and a red sweater I will wear red socks and avoid my green ones. In this case I wore blue so thus my blue flipflops. Bad choice as they practically drove me up the wall! One of the thongs kept coming lose and time to time I found myself walking with one flipflopped and one bare foot. Apart from that it was an absolute perfect day in a perfect town enjoying the Greek scenery, old castle and sunshine =)

Have a perfect sunday, Liesel

BTW I wasn't too bright last week and posted my Today's Flowers only to realise that we would skip a week =) Visit <Corsica> to view last week's entry :0)

Please do not use this photo without asking my permission first. Thank you!

Saturday Shopping: Loving Bees

2009-01-03T04:32:00.000-08:00

I always liked bees, probably also because I have never been stung by one when I was little. The soothing buzz, the way they wave flying from flower to flower endorsing it.. there is something very romantic about this little creature. One day my friends suggested I should read a book written by Sue Monk Kidd called 'The Secret Life of Bees'. I was in love! What a beautifully written book and there are bees in it! Something that had always taken my interest -but now growing deeper and deeper- I went in search and found myself a beekeeping beginners course and applied! I enjoyed it very much and to quote from 'The Secret Life of Bees': Women make the best beekeepers, 'cause they have a special ability built into them to love creatures that sting. It comes from years of loving children and husbands. *Ü*. I didn't avoid getting stung though but that's just part of it and I wouldn't have wanted it any other way. If I can find my sister's camera I will post a photo of me as beekeeper :0)

"Bee yard etiquette: ... the world is really one big bee yard, and the same rules work fine in both places: Don't be afraid, as no life-loving bee wants to sting you. Still, don't be an idiot; wear long sleeves and long pants. Don't swat. Don't even think about swatting. If you feel angry, whistle. Anger agitates, while whistling melts a bee's temper. Act like you know what you're doing, even if you don't. Above all, send the bees love. Every little thing wants to be loved."

But I'm rambling away! Here are my favourite Etsy bees =)
1 Bee Happy Sterling Silver Necklace by KathrynRiechert
2 Bee Mine Heart Charm by prolifique
3 Valentine's coasters - Honey Bee by lifestylewithlove
4 Custom Name Banner - Bee Design by Gingerwinks
5 Precious Bumble Bee PDF ePattern by preciouspatterns
6 Honey by Lindsay Brackeen by lindsayart
7 Bees and flowers felt booties by julesinsearch
8 Bee Good To Your Body Butter by flipflopmamma

I especially love the name banner and did you notice it? It says -very appropiate- Bella! Is that a clue I should buy it? What do you think and what are your favourites?

Have a beeautiful day, Liesel

Serena & Lily

2009-01-02T08:16:00.000-08:00

Browsing the world wide web I came across this enchanting girls bedroom. I would have loved this when I was little. Actually, I would still love it! *g*

Oooh even better! The name of the duvet set is.. Isabel! Seeing as I am an Isabella it almost seems it's meant to be *g*

Everything is from Serena & Lily

Balloons

2009-01-01T06:15:00.000-08:00

Ah I remember when we were travelling by bus. Mum and I. In town someone gave me a balloon and I was so happy with it! Which child (or adult *Ü*) doesn't love balloons? So there we where in the bus. It was busy and almost every seat was taken when suddenly.. BOOM!! My balloon snapt! Every jumped up a mile in their seats and when they saw what happened laughed! Thank goodness we had such a good bus driver that he didn't cause an accident when the balloon gave it's loud bang!

Have a great day, Liesel

Graphic by marriedtothesea.com

Happy New Year!

2009-01-01T06:13:00.000-08:00

...~*~...
Life is full of beauty. Notice it. Notice the bumble bee, the small child, and the smiling faces. Smell the rain, and feel the wind. Live your life to the fullest potential, and fight for your dreams.

I wish you all the happiness for the coming year. May it be filled with family, friends, love and laughter!

With love, Liesel

I leave you with some new year quotes =)

A happy New Year! Grant that I
May bring no tear to any eye
When this New Year in time shall end
Let it be said I've played the friend,
Have lived and loved and labored here,
And made of it a happy year.
~Edgar Guest

The object of a New Year is not that we should have a new year. It is that we should have a new soul and a new nose; new feet, a new backbone, new ears, and new eyes. Unless a particular man made New Year resolutions, he would make no resolutions. Unless a man starts afresh about things, he will certainly do nothing effective.
~G.K. Chesterton

We meet today
To thank Thee for the era done,
And Thee for the opening one.
~John Greenleaf Whittier

We will open the book. Its pages are blank. We are going to put words on them ourselves. The book is called Opportunity and its first chapter is New Year's Day.
~Edith Lovejoy Pierce

Glory to God in highest heaven,

Who unto man His Son hath given;

While angels sing with tender mirth,

A glad new year to all the earth.
~Martin Luther

A Day

2008-12-29T01:00:00.000-08:00

Poetry Monday

Waking up this mroning just before dawn I witnessed the sunrise which in turn reminded me of this lovely poem by Emily Dickinson :o) What a beautiful way to see the world!

A Day

I'll tell you how the sun rose-
A ribbon at a time.
The Steeples swam amethyst,
The news like squirrels ran.

The hills untied their bonnets,
the bobolinks begun.
Then I said softly to myself,
"That must have been the sun!"

But how he set, I know not.
There seemed a purple stile
Which little yellow boys and girls
Were climbing all the while

Till when they reached the other side,
A dominie in gray
Put gently up the evening bars,
And let the flock away.

- Emily Dickinson

Scenic Sunday & Today's Flowers: Corsica

2008-12-28T07:00:00.000-08:00

August 2008
Ajaccio, Corsica, France.

While we were walking towards the beach we came across these beautiful cactuses. I have to say that I have never taken to the cactus - not even in my Lucky Luke period *g*- but these have turned me round :o) I hope you enjoy them as much as I did!

And experimenting on Picnik using the Lomo-ish(?) effect (click on the photo for a better view of the cactus Ü)

Please do not use this photo without asking my permission first. Thank you!

Quote of The Week

2008-12-27T04:07:00.000-08:00

Glory to God in highest heaven,
Who unto man His Son hath given;
While angels sing with tender mirth,
A glad new year to all the earth.
~Martin Luther

Christmas Wishes

2008-12-26T02:41:00.000-08:00

I wish you all for this Christmas and the coming year peace, hope, faith and happiness. That you may make your dreams come true. Follow them! Let them take you where they lead! Now is the time!

With lots of love, Liesel

Watery Wednesday: Crete

2008-12-17T03:58:00.000-08:00

The picturesque harbour of old town Chania on Crete (Greece)
Please do not use this photo without asking my permission first. Thank you!

Yummy Sunday

2008-12-14T07:13:00.000-08:00

Driving over roads that reminded me of spaghetti (very curvy, turny) we arrived at at one of the most picturesque harbors. It was queit, but not too queit as walked along it's street. The street was lined with little cafe's and restaurant with a few people here and there enjoying the shade of the pergula's, the beach scene below, the beautiful views over the Mediterranean Sea. When we passed a typical Greek blue and white coloured cafe we couldn't resist the temptation and sat down. This was is what we had for lunch *heart* It was just perfect <3>

Please do not use this photo without asking my permission first. Thank you!

Scenic Sunday: Bonifacio

2008-12-14T03:01:00.000-08:00

My first entry for Not the white cliffs of Doover, but those of Bonifacio, Corsica. Taken last August.
If you have time could you please vote in the poll below?

Thank you for visiting, Liesel

Please do not use my photo without asking me first. Thank you!

Candida

2008-12-12T11:18:00.000-08:00

Perhaps a bit of a strange question but could you tell me your honest opinion on the name Candida? I am considering it for my daughter :o) It would honour nan Yda =)

Candida Beth perhaps?

Show & Tell Friday: Afternoon Tea

2008-12-12T03:15:00.000-08:00

My afternoon tea with home made chocolate cake

Inherited from nan, I love this cake skooper. I think it's so pretty and elegant and even for just one slice of cake I love using it. Takes me back to days gone by Ü

The box on the background with the cat I decorated myself using these -in my opinion- beautiful napkins. I love my tea and the box is home to quite a bit of my tea collection ^_^ I can't remember exactly how we got the teapot (how do you call it?) which contains the tea leaves - this time euchinacea tea. My favourite! <3

I LOVE this cup! I bought it last August in the National Trust shop and it makes me happy everytime I take look at it or take a sip of my tea. The colours, the birds, the flowers.. just stunning <3

Come around for tea next time and I'll save you a slice of cake and you can enjoy a nice cup of tea.
Thank you for visiting, Liesel

Christmas Quotes

2008-12-11T21:24:00.000-08:00

Browsing through the world wide web for Christmas quotes I thought to share with you my favourites Ü

~*~

Good news from heaven the angels
bring,
Glad tidings to the earth they sing:
To us this day a child is given,
To crown us with the joy of heaven.
- Martin Luther

Christmas waves a magic wand over this world, and behold, everything is softer and more beautiful."
~ Norman Vincent Peale

The earth has grown old with its burden of care But at Christmas it always is young, The heart of the jewel burns lustrous and fair And its soul full of music breaks the air, When the song of angels is sung."
- Phillips Brooks

I truly believe that if we keep telling the Christmas story, singing the Christmas songs, and living the Christmas spirit, we can bring joy and happiness and peace to this world."
~ Norman Vincent Peale

Christmas, my child, is love in action. ... Every time we love, every time we give, it's Christmas.--Dale Evans Rogers

Carol singing, church bells ringing,
Once more Christmastime is here.
Children laughing, grownups beaming,
Hearts are warm with Christmas cheer.--Ruby Lee Mitchell

The best of all gifts around any Christmas tree: the presence of a happy family all wrapped up in each other.
Burton Hillis

Christmas day is a day of joy and charity. May God make you very rich in both.--Phillips Brooks

Watery Wednesday: Venice

2008-12-10T03:10:00.000-08:00

Photo taken in Venice, July

We were lucky enough to have taken the non touristic route in Venice which takes you along so many hidden gems. It's very quiet away from the crowd and it's nice to see the real Venetians at work. What surprised me -although I should have expected it- is that you have boat repair shops there like you have car garages here. If you ever go to Venice please don't follow the crowd but go your own way!

Playing around on Picnik
1960s

Colour Boost

Cross Process

Film

Please do not use my photo's without asking me first. Thank you :o)

New Agatha Christie Book!

2008-12-09T12:20:00.000-08:00

For Saint Nicholas I received a new Agatha Christie book! Unfortunely I already had it (Dumb Witness), so mum changed it today and brought back home "Peril At End House". The best plot I have read so dar my Mrs Christie! Doesn't the cover look very sinister?

THREE near escapes from death in three days! Is it accident or design? And then a fourth mysterious incident happens, leaving no doubt that some sinister hand is striking at Miss Buckley, the charming owner of the mysterious End House. The fourth attempt, unfortunely for the would-be murderer, is made in the garden of a Cornish Riviera hotel where Hercule Poirot, the famous little Belgium detective is staying. Poirot immediately investigates the case and relentlessly unravels a murder mystery that must rank as one of the most brilliant that Agatha Christie has yet written.

Online Journal

2008-12-08T03:05:00.000-08:00

I have to share today's Married to the Sea!

George Who Played With a Dangerour Toy and Suffered a Catastrophe of Considerable Dimensions

2008-12-08T01:37:00.000-08:00

Poetry Monday

George Who Played With a Dangerour Toy, and Suffered a Catastrophe of Considerable Dimensions
When George's Grandmamma was told
That George had been as good as Gold,
She Promised in the Afternoon
To buy him an immense BALLOON.
And so she did; but when it came,
It got into the candle flame,
And being of a dangerous sort
Exploded with a Loud Report!
The Lights went out! The Windows broke!
The Room filled with reeking smoke!
And in the darkness shrieks and yells
Were mingled with Electric Bells,
And falling masonry and groans,
And crunching, as of broken bones,
And dreadful shrieks, when, worst of all,
The House itself began to fall!
It tottered, shuddering to and fro,
Then crashed into the street below-
Which happened to be Savile Row.

When Help Arrived, among the Dead
Where cousin Mary, Little Fred,
The Foormen (both of them), the Groom,
The man that cleaned the Billiard-Room,
The Chaplain, and the Still-Room Maid.
And I am dreadfully afraid
That Monsieur Champignon, the Chef,
Will now be permently deaf-
And both his Aides are much the same;
While George, who was in part to blame,
Received, you will regret to hear,
A nasty lump behind his ear.

The moral is that little Boys
Should not be given dangerous Toys.

- Hilaire Belloc
from his book 'Cautionary Tales for Children

Saturday Shopping: Christmas Tree Decorations

2008-12-06T23:50:00.001-08:00

Saturday Shopping
I am so excited this year for Christmas! Or to be more particular, decorating the tree! I bubble over with ideas. Hopefully today or tomorrow I'll be able to finally by a tree. I love the look and smell of a real tree that makes Christmas that much more happy. Browsing through the very addictive Etsy.com I came across these lovely Christmas tree ornaments. Enjoy!
Click on the photo for a larger view :o)

1 Angel by TheLooks
2 Christmas Tree Pillow by LynnesThisandThat
3 Felted Snowman by mosey
4 Cranberry Wornaments by JustFeltHungry
5 3 Primitive Heart Stuffies by soymilkcafe
6 Barack Obama Christmas tree ornament by FullFrogMoon
7 Christmas Tree Ornament - Knit by JECDesigns
8 Soft Sculpture Lamb by judyelizabethsflock

Show & Tell Friday

2008-12-06T04:16:00.000-08:00

Seeing as I made my Show & Tell Friday post last week, but it not going through (because of Thanksgiving?) see here (link) for my entry :o)

Quote of the Week

2008-12-04T21:43:00.000-08:00

The best remedy for those who are afraid, lonely or unhappy is to go outside, somewhere where they can be quiet, alone with the heavens, nature and God. Because only then does one feel that all is as it should be and that God wishes to see people happy, amidst the simple beauty of nature.
- Anne Frank

Watery Wednesday

2008-12-03T07:52:00.000-08:00

Again I'm not quite sure if this photo qualifies for watery wednesday. Let me know if it isn't and I'll change it. I loved these Gargoyles in the (??) gardens in Florence. Photo taken last August.

Please do not use this photo without asking me first. Thank you :o)

Watery Wednesday

2008-12-02T02:45:00.000-08:00

I'm not too sure wheter this qualifies for watery Wednesdays seeing as there's not much in my photo, but I love it and wanted to share it with you :o) This is the view more or less from our apartment on Crete, Greece last June. Pretty perfect, don't you think? <3 href="http://4.bp.blogspot.com/_tQWYAIIQ7CY/STUVnGyoahI/AAAAAAAAAUE/zCT3ITo5-a4/s1600-h/Crete+June+2008.jpg">

On a Night of Snow

2008-12-01T04:41:00.000-08:00

Poetry Monday

On a Night of Snow

Cat, if you go outdoors you must walk in the snow.
You will come back with litle white shoes on your feet,
Little white slippers of snow that have heels of sleet.
Stay by the fire, my Cat. Lie still, do not go.
See how the flames are leaping and hissing low,
I will bring you a saucer of milk like a marguerite,
So white and so smooth, so sperical and so sweet-
Stay with me, Cat. Outdoors the wild winds blow.

Outdoors the wild winds blow, Mistress, and dark is the night.
Strange voices cry in the trees, intoning strange lore;
And more than cats move, lit by our eyes' green light,
On silent feet where the meadow grasses hang hoar-
Mistress, there are portents abroad of magic and might,
And things that are yet to be done. Open the door!

by Elizabeth Coatsworth

(illustration by Nicole Wong)

Today's Flowers

2008-11-30T01:34:00.000-08:00

Dahlia's in Eric's garden <3

Saturday Shopping: Angels

2008-11-29T12:15:00.000-08:00

(click here for a bigger picture)

1 Needle Felted Mini Angel Christmas Ornament by BossysFeltworks
2 Angel Chipboard Tags by thecraftpantry
3 Tree Top Holiday Angel by winsomehollow
4 Christmas Angel Mini Wallet by theyellowroses
5 Christmas Gift Tags by mogencreative
6 Glory Tree Topper by Middleburg
7 Faith Angel Necklace by BlackStar
8 Don't Clip My Wings by mandymayl

Show & Tell Friday

2008-11-28T08:46:00.000-08:00

I wanted to take photo's today - I've been planning all week what I would show you ladies today(!)- only not be able to find my camera cord . You'll have to wait for next friday then!

So today's Show & Tell are older photo's I dug up from my photobucket account. Enjoy ^_^

My little haven

I love reading and although they say you shouldn't judge a book by it's cover I have to admit that I often do! I love colourful covers that brighten up my book case. I can spend ages adjusting books and colour coördinating them *g*

Penny

The paper Habitat lamp is now gone has been replaced with a stunning Laura Ashley chandelier.

The stunning flowers, at least I think so, are ranonkels.

My sweetheart sleeping on my bed. I miss her so so much.

Sky Watch Friday

2008-11-28T06:32:00.000-08:00

Dutch Winter Sky

Strange Train of Thoughts: Matches

2008-11-25T02:29:00.000-08:00

Recently a porcelain cup fell down on the ground smashing to pieces, but keeping the candle inside intact (minus a small bruise). It was a Christmas present from mum two years ago. It was a very pretty little thing covered with flowers, ladybugs and my name. Technically it just said Isabel since they didn't have one with Isabella) So why I am sharing this with you? Well I never lighted the candle in the cupo because I thought it would be a pity, but now I could so that's what I did. Every evening for the past week I have enjoyed the pretty glow and shadows dancing along my walls from the flickering flame. I am an old-fashioned girl so I used matches instead of a lightner and that's where this perhaps strange question comes into: How do you put the flame of a match out? As I thought about it I realised there are quite a few ways to go about it and I was wondering what yours was Ü So please share!

Liesel

Altar Smoke

2008-11-24T11:53:00.000-08:00

Poetry Monday

Altar Smoke

Somewhere inside me
There must always been
A tenderness
For the little, lived-with things
A man crowds upon his worn fistful of earth.
Somewhere inside of me
There must have always been
A love
Made to fill the square aggressiveness of new-cut hedges,
And feed the pursed green mouths of baby leaves;
A love made to understand
The way grass cuddles up to porch steps leaned upon by time,
And why dandelions nudge the stones along the walk;
A love for garden hose curled sleeping in the noon hush,
Coolness trickling lazily from its open mouth,
For shingles starched and saucy in white paint,
And an old rake rusty with dreams of tangled grass and butterflies.
A love
For candle flames, like pointed blossoms on their ghostly stems,
And frost-forets breathing wonder on the parlour windows.
Somewhere inside of me
There must have always been
An altar of hewn stones
Upon which my casts these-
Burnt offerings-
To make a sweet savour
Unto my soul.

Give me the strenght my God,
To scatter fires and tumble the altar stones in confusion;
Give me the strenght to raise my eyes,
So that hard and sharp across my heart
Like shadow cut on mountain rock,
Will fall the agony of sunset-
So that I can see
The laughter of clouds spun into the blue web of infinity,
So that my soul can reach out
And melt in the sweep forever
Above all these.

- Rosalie Grayer

Saturday Shopping: Cath Kidston

2008-11-22T03:08:00.000-08:00

Making my Saint Nicholas wish list I wrote down: something from No2. No2. is a quint little shop hidden away in side street of a busy shopping street. Stepping inside is like stepping into a treasary: magic! I could browse for hours and if I had enough money I would literrally buy everything they sell! Now best to describe the style is á la Cath Kidston which is why I choice her shop to be shop of the week :o) No2 doesn't have an website so I had to compromise ;)

Enjoy!

~*~

These remind me so much of my dog, good memories :o)

We all have weaknesses when it comes to shopping and mine is definitely anything with spots! Like these super soft towels and bedspread

Another thing I can never resist are PJs. I have so many already but can never resist buying more *Ü*

Wallpaper: either you love it or you hate it. Me I love it! I would be one of those persons that would decorate her cloakroom in a chintz wallpaper like this beautiful one from CK.

Mugs are another thing I can usually not resist. I love this summery mug

Want more? Check her lovely book or visit her website. Clicking on any of the items and it will bring you there :o)

What are your favourites?

Show and Tell Friday

2008-11-21T02:19:00.000-08:00

My treasured quote book :o)

I collect pretty pictures from magazines which I then paste into my quote book to make it look prettier

I add my favourite quotes in it..

..but also small pieces from books that mean something to me :o)

Ready to add more quotes

Close-up of a collage

Still unfinished, things to add, notes, pictures etc. A never-ending task, but one I enjoy *Ü*

Liesel's Ambitions 3

2008-11-20T10:17:00.000-08:00

Three post ago you could read how I want to be independent so I thought I'd create a list. I'm the queen in list making driving my nearest family and friends crazy with it. I write on everything! Old envelopes, note blocks, milk cartons, tissue paper.. whatever is nearest. Of course I have so many that I can't keep track of them! Well this one I am going to post here where I can not lose it and remind myself of the goals I want to reach :o)

Liesel

~*~

Short Term
o Learn to sew (be able to make my own clothes)
o Learn to knit, especially socks (to keep me warm during the winter)
o Start/grow a vegetable garden (eat your own produce, nothing tastes better)
o

Long Term
o Take a DIY course
o Have chickens (for fresh eggs to bake my cakes)
o
o

Is there anything else that I missed out? Any tips how to go about it?

Saturday Shopping: Not On The High Street

2008-11-16T05:07:00.000-08:00

Some of my favourite things :o)

I just love this wooden heart to bits <3

Who thought doorstops could be so cute? I'd love to bring her home <3

As art or as magnetic board; both useful and pretty.

Scented love heart garland's to make your house a home throughout the year

A lovely plate for your high tea treats Ü

What are your favourites?

Not quite sure about a title

2008-11-15T07:12:00.000-08:00

I'm not quite sure why I started a blog seeing as I am a very private girl. No shocking confessions (not that I have them, or at least am aware of). That said there's something I want to get of my chess so here I am extending a bit of my privacy =)

I have always been very grateful for everything in my life, couting my blessings. My family whon would go through fire for me, my friends and pets, work, but also the little things like food on my plate and fresh drinking water from the tap. I don't think many people realise what a blessing that is. I have been very lucky money wise, I'm certainly not rich (well not in the money way, with blessings I am a billionaire even in this time when things aren't that easy). The thing is I have run out of money. I went travelling for 2 months and came back with no money. Then something which greatly upset me happened and the money that I had just received from my tax return had to go there. It's not something I ever want to relive so I'm afraid I'll keep you in the dark about the what and who. The only thing is that by doing things for others you can put yourself in great trouble and it being shoved down your throat as thanks. Thankfully I am blessed with wonderful parents and little sister who are now supporting me. Wonderful but on the other hand one of the most awful things: to be dependent on others, to have to ask for money just so you can buy a loaf of bread. Mum especially is very easygoing about it, but I just dread asking her for money. She won't think any less of me, complaining doesn't even come up in her head (most people call her too kind for this world) but I feel ashamed asking her. It's certainly not something am I proud of. For these last five years I have worked and my own money which brings along with it freedom: freedom to move, freedom in mind, no worrying, knowing you will be able to eat the next day. Now I search the whole house and am delighted when I find 10 cents! Ten cents affords me the luxery for a cup of hot chocolate at work. Perhaps I should save my 10 cents, spending 50 cents on hot chocolate a week could have gone towards something more important like.. okay there's not much buy for that little money. I am thankfully very lucky to still live at home so I don't have to worry about rent. I did appreciate my money and independence before but never as much as I am now. I found myself a job but I have to wait for my pay check for another month so untill then I have to keep crunching my teeth and watch the penny very carefully.

I never really thought about it before, but I don't think I could ever be a stay at home parent because it would mean being dependent on someone else - I don't like spending other people's money if I haven't earned it myself. (Not that you don't work hard enough for it as a SAHM, more so probably but it's different getting paid buy your boss or hubby). This situation made me realise I want to be able to hold myself up and with that I mean it with everything: paying the shopping with my own money, fixing the broken door myself, being able to plaster a wall, able to make my own clothes, having a vegetable garden, chickens and cow so I don't even have to go to the supermarket: in short to be self dependent, to be self sufficiant. So there we are, that is my early New Years resolution. Take up courses in sewing and knitting, a diy course and start that vegetable garden. I might not get there in a year but that's alright, it's a step forwards.

Liesel

Quote of the Week

2008-11-14T12:27:00.000-08:00

Dreams are illustrations... from the book your soul is writing about you.
- Marsha Norman

Saturday Shopping: Lark Made

2008-11-08T03:20:00.000-08:00

Some of my favourite things :o)

Show & Tell Friday

2008-11-07T10:56:00.000-08:00

Something I treasure are the drawings my youngest cousin make for me :o) I've been wanting to frame them for a while now, but never come round to do so. A pity because these lovely cheerful pictures are hidden away in a map. As soon as I get my pay check I will go and get them framed! These drawings Len & Sen made for my 23rd birthday <3

That's me in the middle of the right card *Ü*

There they are -5 and 7 years old- and they have better drawing skills then me *g*

Quote of the Week

2008-11-06T05:31:00.000-08:00

No one is completley useless, you can always serve as a bad example.
~Peanuts

Kids & Angels

2008-11-04T10:53:00.000-08:00

Kids & Angels

"I only know the names of two angels. Hark and Harold." Gregory, age 5

"Everybody’s got it all wrong. Angels don’t wear halos. I forget why, but scientists are working on it."
Olive, age 9

"It’s not easy to become an angel! First you die. Then you go to heaven. Then there’s still the flight training to go through. And then you got to wear those angel clothes." Matthew, age 9

"Angels work for God and watch over kids when God has to go do something else." Mitchell, age 7

"My guardian angel helps me with math, but he’s not much good at science." Henry, age 8

"Angel don’t eat, but they drink milk from holy cows." Jack, age 6

"Angels talk all the way while they’re flying you up to heaven. The basic message is where you went wrong before you got dead." Daniel, age 9

"When an angel gets mad, he takes a deep breath and counts to ten. And when he lets out his breath, somewhere there’s a tornado." Reagan, age 10 "Angels have a lot to do and they keep very busy. If you lose a tooth, an angel comes in through your window and leaves money under your pillow. Then, when it gets cold, angels go north for the winter." Sara, age 6

"Angels live in cloud houses made by God and His son, who’s a very good carpenter." Jared, age 8

"All angels are girls because they gotta wear dresses and boys didn’t go for it." Antonio, age 9

"My angel is my grandma who died last year. She got a big head start on helping me while she was still here on earth." Katelynn, age 9

"Some of the angels are in charge of helping heal sick animals and pets. And if they don’t make the animals get better, they help the kids get over it." Vicki, age 8

"What I don’t get about angels is, why, when someone is in love, they shoot arrows at them."
Sarah, age 7

An Introduction to Dogs

2008-11-03T02:14:00.000-08:00

Poetry Monday

An Introduction to Dogs
The dog is man's best friend.
He has a tail on on end.
Up in front he has teeth.
And four legs underneath.

Dogs like to bark.
They like it best fatre dark.
They not only frighten prowlers away
But also hold the sandman away.

A dog indoors
To be let out implores.
You let him out and what then?
He wants back in again.

Dogs display reluctance and wrath
If you try to give him a bath.
They bury bones in hideaways
And half the time they trot sideways.

They cheer up people who are frowning,
And rescue people who are drowning.
They also track mud on beds,
And chew people's clothes to shreds.

Dogs in the country are fun.
They run and run and run.
But in the city this species
Is dragged around on leashes.

Dogs are upright as a steeple
And much more loyal than people.

Ogden Nash

Saturday Shopping: Paper Source

2008-11-01T11:35:00.000-07:00

Paper Source has some great gifts! For Christmas, birthdays or why not treat yourself? I bet you deserve it!

Bibliophiles rejoice! With all the tools used by real-deal librarians, you can carefully keep track of your books when you lend them out to well-read friends using this Book Lending Library Kit. Your home library will be organized and accounted for, at last. This fun, funny and functional kit includes 30 self-adhesive pockets, insert cards, stickers, date stamp, stamp pad, and pencil. Comes in a wonderful wood box.

A mobile mini manicure! These Tatiana Russian doll cases holds the Matrushka Manicure Set, making a portable manicure possible for both wee little nails and grownup nails alike. This sweet manicure set contains scissors, nail clippers, a nail file, and a cuticle tool. A perfect gift for the well-manicured young lady.

An elegant porcelain tea cup with a lovely lid which happens to have a well placed hole for Tea Forté's signature tea leaf to poke through. It comes in a wonderful handcrafted wooden box. Perfect for the tea lover. An elegant porcelain tea cup with a lovely lid which happens to have a well placed hole for Tea Forté's signature tea leaf to poke through. It comes in a wonderful handcrafted wooden box. Perfect for the tea lover.

It's a runway in the kitchen with the stylin Belinda Apron. Why not look fabulous while you prep for a dinner party? This apron's tiered style in a series of lovely, flowery patterns makes it a colorful fashion ensemble all its own. Don't settle for a boring old apron when you can look this good while you cook. The Belinda Apron makes the perfect hostess gift or splurge for yourself. I'm in love with this apron <3 href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/_tQWYAIIQ7CY/SQyoXCUbUeI/AAAAAAAAALc/_qEcX72BFEw/s1600-h/434110z.jpg">

Or what about one of these adorable creatures. I'm a sucker for cuddly toys!

Show and Tell Friday

2008-10-31T12:37:00.000-07:00

Envelopes and cards can be so boring so one of my favourite things to do is decorate them :) I'm certainly no Rembrandt or Magritte, but my friends like them :o)

This one is to my best friend Henriette

The back

And one this one is to Tini :o)

And last the back

One heck of an year

2008-10-28T04:18:00.000-07:00

Let me tell you that the last 14 months have not be fun. In April nan Adriana passed away, in May nan Elizabeth, in June my dog. They do say things come in three don't they. I should have known. I just came back for lunch and mum says to me she has bad news. Our aunt has just passed away :( It's so incredibly unbelievable. She was such a wonderful lively person, it's difficult to imagine a world without her. My poor Aunt Wilhelmina is the only one in her generation left. A few days ago my aunt Johanna's sister passed away. She was in her late forties. She went to town shopping where she suddenly had breathing problems. Went home to lie down, the next day she's dead :'( It's unbelievable how much aunt Johanna (and her family) have gone through. First the death of her son-in-law (my cousin who was 30 yo), two weeks later she breaks her leg (which 1,5 years later still causes a lot of pain), and now her sister who was as healthy as a horse passes away. If you are religious, please keep our families in your prayers. Thank you.

Liesel

I Remember I Remember

2008-10-27T01:16:00.000-07:00

Poetry Monday

I Remember I Remember
The house where I was born,
The little window where the sun
Came peeping in at morn;
He never came a wink too soon
Nor brought too long a day;
But now, I often wish the night
Had borne my breath away. I Remember I Remember
The roses, red and white.
The violets and the lily-cups--
Those flowers made of light!
The lilacs where the robin built,
And where my brother set
The laburnum on his birthday,--
The tree is living yet!
I Remember I Remember
Where I was used to swing,
And thought the air musr rush as fresh
To swallows on the wing;
My spirit flew in feathers then
That is so heavy now,
The summer pools could hardly cool
The fever on my brow.

I Remember I Remember
The fir-trees dark and high;
I used to think their slender tops
Were close against the sky:
It was a childish ignorance,
But now 'tis little joy
To know I'm farther from Heaven
Than when I was a boy.

Thomas Hood

Sunday Reading: Dream a Little Dream

2008-10-26T00:31:00.000-07:00

I looked in the mirrow just after getting out of bed -never a good thing to do, is it?- and I look how I feel: ugh. As white as a sheet with a nose as red as Rudolph. I have a loo roll permently within in hand reach because I've gone through all my kleenex. It's one of those days you just want to spend rolled up in a ball on the sofa with a feel good book. If I can get into it. Unfortunely I need to go into town to buy food, the cupboards are pratically empty. Well hopefully being outside will clear up my head and make me feel a bit better :)

Liesel

~*~

Dream a Little Dream by Susan Elizabeth Phillips

=one of my favourite books=

A Desperate Young Mother
Rachel Stone's bad luck has taken a turn for the worse. With an empty wallet, a car's that's spilling smoke, and a five-year-old son to support, she's come home to a town that hates her. But this determined young widow with a scandalous past has learned how to be a fighter. And she'll do anything to keep her child safe—even take on. . .

A Man With No Heart
Gabe Bonner wants to be left alone, especially by the beautiful outcast who's invaded his property. She has a ton of attitude, a talent for trouble, and a child who brings back bad memories. Yet Rachel's feisty spirit might just be heaven-sent to save a tough, stubborn man.

Dare To Dream
Welcome to Salvation, North Carolina—where a man who's forgotten what tenderness means meets a woman with nothing to lose. here two endearing lovers will set off on a funny, touching journey of the heart. . .to a place where dreams just might come true.