Between tea, fire and chatting

Vivaldi’s winter notes smooth the ambiance and strike the sensible chords 

of two human beings joining on a festively cozy kind of evening. 

Hot tea, the fire lit, Christmas baubles shining and the souls feel appeased 

and open up, beautifully shaping an otherwise mundane moment. A gentle 

soothing afternoon like their freshly brewed cup of tea. Not only chatting away

 but speaking from the heart, laughing loudly, sharing emotions… Nice and 

comfortable by the crackle of the fire.

My friend and I talked about sweet and sour, about how Christmas used

 to be celebrated once upon a time, about how we can go back to our roots

 and simplify our pace of life. Looking at our tree, I asked her how magical 

it would be if I had kept my mother’s decade- old Christmas ornaments. 

It would bring back happy and precious memories about the thoughts 

and love that went into them-recycling family tales through old cherished

 items. She mentioned how difficult it seems nowadays to resist consumerism,

 be moderate but also open to newness.

This was certainly my kind of evening where someone comes to meet that

 old feeling of nonchalance, this childish enthusiasm and simplicity, the purity

 so much needed in human relationships. I’m all the time urging to keep the

 authenticity of old ages inside me and coming across people who have

 the same sense of things, who conceive the world my way, 

makes me absurdly happy.

I wish you all similarly meaningful Christmas teatimes and not only. 

O

Impressions from Prague

Have you ever browsed a map in search of a hidden gem that you 

were not yet aware of? This was the case with us last summer 

when Prague appeared as an option. So our choice was made.

 Spontaneously, without a second thought.

The city is definitely beautiful to look at, as is widely accepted. 

Strolling along the old pebbled streets gives you the feeling of being

 one with the historical past. Gazing at the sunsets between the towers 

along the river made me bless the moment we decided to visit

 this architectural wonder. 

The discovery of the Czech countryside added to this sense of marvel

 and filled me with images of golden balls of hay, cute vegetable 

gardens and vintage cars. Nevertheless, if you -like me- are imagining

 yourself posing by Charles Bridge as if a princess in a fairy tale,

 please don’t make the mistake of going there in August!

 You will be met with a never-ending crowd of tourists and scorching

 heat. Gladly, there will be plenty of that exquisite beer to save 

your day. It’s available everywhere and is even cheaper than water.

 If only the faces of those serving it, were a bit more cheerful. 

I wondered if the serious demeanor was a remnant of a bitter

 historical past. Could this past have affected even the people’s love

 for flowers? Where were the coneflowers, hollyhocks, dahlias, 

alliums, anemones, hydrangeas and all those gorgeous summer 

blooms that I was sure the Czech climate could afford? 

Unpleasantly surprised at the lack of abundance of flowers. 

Spotted some beautiful vases and splash of color though.

 Hope you like the time capsule I created for pretty Prague 

and I’m pleased to share it with you. 

 Wherever you go,

 whatever you may see,

 be sure to keep looking

 until you find the treasure you are seeking.

Until next

 O

Garden bliss

Lately, I have been feeling that the existence of our country home has

 turned into something of a tease. Only twenty minutes away, yet we 

rush in and out of it as if in a game of chase with

 time, happiness, serenity.

 We didn’t always use to lead a hectic life that forces us to 

continuously restrict leisure time.

 My verdict: make the most of short visits and 

feel okay with this. 

When stepping into the country yard there is always a slice of 

time, as thin as it may be, to squeeze for a little creative bliss.

 Penetrating into the peacefulness of an ever-changing and 

ever-evolving natural wonderland, you have nothing

 but to turn yourself off and surrender to the intimacy 

of your garden.Though it may seem simple, all it takes is

 a vissinatha (homemade cherry juice), a piece of lemon cake

 and a ball of yarn. As my Belgian friend Brigitte has taught me, 

I strive to be inspired by the garden blooms and transport

 the colour combinations I find around me to my crochet project.

 Perhaps you must forget yourself in such kind of process

 in order to find yourself and feel content.

Wishing you to enjoy many summer moments in a forgetful bliss.

Happy Summer everyone!

 O