A Rather Blustery Day

It's autumn again and with it comes gale force winds today! It reminded me of Winnie the Pooh, of all things. In A.A. Milne's tales, Pooh decides to go out for a stroll in the woods on a very windy day where he finds his friend, Piglet, tangled in his scarf appearing "like a kite" and discovering that other neighbours, such as Eeyore, Rabbit and Owl, have lost their homes completely. I actually owned the Disney record where the song 'A Rather Blustery Day' appears. The lyrics go something like this:

Oh the wind is lashing lustily
And the trees are thrashing thrustily
And the leaves are rustling gustily
So it's rather safe to say
That is seems that may turn out to be
It feels that it will undoubtedly
It looks like a rather blustery day

Well, this picture completes the scene here; high winds, thunderstorms (lightening and thunder!) and heavy rain thrashing against the windowpanes. I am thankful for a warm and inviting roof over my head allowing me to curl up on the couch with a hot cup of tea and a good book. We've resigned ourselves to let Mother Nature do what it is she intends to do on this bleak evening. My thoughts are with my colleagues and those having a hard time getting home - with tree limbs blocking train and tram tracks causing major commuting delays!

Biking part two will have to reconvene later due to unforeseen weather conditions. I really love biking (especially with my new Dutch bike which I promise to post about later), but riding in these conditions is just not conducive for an amateur like me...So back to the tram I go, with much resignation. I have come to feel strongly about this easy way of transport and the ease of life that it provides. It's a fast and very effective way of getting to point B!

But, indeed, all is not lost. Pooh, Piglet and his dear friends never do let things dash their spirits. They all find shelter in Christopher Robin's home and celebrate their safety. And just like one of my greatest literary heroes, one most always hold onto an optimistic and cheery attitude when the winds whip and the world comes a bit undone. Although Pooh was on his way to a thoughtful spot alone, he was taken to a different place where he was asked to contribute and participate in the community in which he lived. We, too, must latch onto something greater. A very blustery day it has been!

Keep safe & appreciate all those you hold close!

xx

Postcards from Champagne

Although it was way back at the beginning of April (how can it already be September?), I wanted to share some postcards of our long weekend getaway to the Champagne region in France. We went with some good friends for a long weekend in the countryside infamous for, of course, it's amazing bubbly.

We wound our way by car through small French villages worn by time and dotted amongst miles and miles of vineyards to the cozy old farmhouse we had rented. Definitely out in the middle of nowhere but a quick drive to Epernay, where there are more champagneries it seemed than people. We found ourselves literally knocking on doors hoping that someone would answer and let us in for a tasting. Someone was smiling on us as we had pretty good luck, but learned that for even better success it's good to make a few reservations in advance!

The tour of Moet was impressive as we descended deep underground into their cellars to learn how the champagne is carefully crafted and stored. Evidently Napoleon himself visited on numerous occasions (he often bought cases to give as gifts). But the highlight of the trip was the smaller, more intimate places where families and generations have developed award winning and affordable champagnes.

My favourite was Roland Boulard, a family owned champagnerie we stumbled upon. I rang the bell not knowing if anyone would appear, but just as I started to walk away someone opened the rustic door and ushered us inside. He made a phone call and the owner appeared to give us a full tour. Although he spoke through broken English, we learned that his father-in-law, Roland, had acquired the place and painstakingly learned the art of champagne making. As we sat down for a sampling (all of his cuvees are named after his daughters), in walks a suspender and boot wearing Roland to greet us! What a great way to end our tour of this beautiful part of the world.

Check out their website here: http://www.champagne-rolandboulard-barizet.fr/

Ryan and William, although Cloudette and I did a fine job chopping vegetables and setting the table, crafted some first-rate French inspired cuisine - beef bourguignon and ratatouille - served with fresh baguettes and gratuitous amounts of red wine. Each evening we enjoyed sitting in front of the fireplace playing numerous rounds of card games, listening to music and laughing uncontrollably! Boy did we have fun. Thanks guys, you were such fab traveling buddies.

We've since opened two bottles we purchased for important guests - my mom during her visit in May and with my father-in-law when he came to Holland this past month.There is always something to celebrate in life. And what better way to toast than with a lovely glass of real champagne?

Here are those postcards I promised. Cheers!

 

Me and C happy to be in champagne country!

Reims Cathedral

 

Our cozy French farmhouse

Moet!!

Group shot

Tower view of Epernay

Worn by time

T

Cycling, Part I

I realize that it may seem like I've fallen off the face of the earth. But don't worry, this isn't the case; I am still alive and well. With a new position at work in April, my mom coming out for a visit, Ryan away on multiple trips and enjoying time with good friends, life has become quite fast-paced as of late. And I haven't made writing a priority, though not for lack of good topics swirling around my head. Time to get back on the bandwagon!

The sun has decided to make an appearance in Holland (at last!), and there is no longer an excuse to ignore my bicycle every morning which sits in the back garden. Believe me, I've had plenty of excuses; Oh, it looks too cold out, I'm tired, I'm running late for work. You name it, there was always something I could pull out of my hat to stamp out the very thought of pedaling the 8 mile round trip journey. But my friend Noemi, who lives a mere stone's throw away, stated what I had already been thinking for some time, 'Do you want to try cycling to work together?'

It's not as though I am new to riding. Ryan and I cycle every Sunday to Mass and around town to run errands, grocery shop and meet up with friends, but riding to work 5 days a week, that's a commitment I wasn't sure I wanted to make! However, I've been getting frustrated with tram connections, buses that drive like bats out of hell (I kid you not!) and even the occasional walk home which takes a long time, so I agreed to give this idea a chance.

The first morning we rode in, I wondered why I hadn't done this earlier. I loved feeling the morning breeze through the woods and quietly contemplating the day ahead. Funny how a few moments in the fresh air can change around one's mood. It is also nice having a biking buddy (which we now call each other). I think we've invoked in the other the spirit to keep this pattern going. We've even changed our route a few times to keep the scenery interesting.

When I first arrived in the land of bicycles, my little legs weren't very strong and I struggled to keep up; Many a Dutch rider would pass me by; I'm ashamed to say even the grey-haired. It was time to build up my strength! As they say, no pain, no gain. I am happy to report that I am much faster now and can keep up with the throngs of other cyclists along busy bike paths, through wooded trails and the cobble-stoned streets to my humble abode. It's been almost four weeks of taking this new mode of transportation to work and I'm very happy I tossed my excuses aside and got out there.


Note: As I first began writing this post a few days ago, the weather has changed with thunderstorm clouds looming overhead. Oh well! Next week looks better and you can be sure that I'll be back on my trusty bike passing as many people as I can along the way.

Habemus Papam

Pope Francis on the night of his election, March 13, 2013

We have a Pope! On Wednesday evening, the second day of the conclave, white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel. I had been following CNN all day at work (it's nice to be in the same time zone as the Vatican), but only thick, black smoke in the morning and no further developments came before I left the office around 5:30 pm. I sent Ryan a message over Skype asking him to follow the news and let me know what colour the smoke was for the second evening ballot the Cardinals would cast before heading out to dinner with a friend. I really didn't think a pontiff would be selected this early, as it seemed there was no clear consensus yet on who would be the front runner.

Less than two hours into my my meal, I received an excited phone call from Ryan. "Didn't you get my texts?" No, I hadn't! White smoke, white smoke, white smoke! I told him to call me back when, as tradition goes, a Cardinal walks out onto the balcony of St. Peter's Basilica and announces the name of the man who has been chosen to lead the world's 1.2 billion Catholics. I could barely sit still and was somewhat disappointed that I would not be able to watch this moment live on television.

About 30 minutes later, my cell phone rings. This is it, I thought! Ryan then takes me through a play by play - lights turning on behind the balcony, rustling curtains and as Ryan put it, a white man appearing. Oh, I thought, it's not an African which I hoped for. I then said well who is it? Is it the Canadian they highlighted? Surely not an American? Latin American!? Ryan then said he has chosen the name Francesco. Is he Italian? Cardinal Jorge Mario Bergoglio, an ARGENTINEAN! At last, a Pope from South America!! Needless to say, after finishing dinner, I walked quickly to my tram and ran home from my stop to watch the coverage.

Many people have asked me what I think of our new Holy Father. My first impressions are that he is a man of deep faith, humility, with a love for the poor and who's actions speak louder than any words, just like the one he took his name from, St. Francis of Assisi. When Pope Francis appeared on the balcony in front of thousands of onlookers awaiting his first words, he said "Brothers and Sisters, good evening. You know that the task of the conclave was to give Rome a bishop. It seems my brother Cardinals went almost to the ends of the earth to find one." What was most unexpected and unprecedented was instead of first blessing the people, he asked for their prayers and that they bless him. Wow, I must admit, my heart was full and my eyes pricked with tears. He is indeed a Pope of the people.

At his Installation Mass this morning, Pope Francis called us to love and to protect each and every person, especially the poorest and those most vulnerable in our society, as well as our environment and creation. He defined the role of the Successor of Peter as one who is to use power as service and this service must protect all of God's people. He gave us these words to live out: "Today, too, amid so much darkness, we need to see the light of hope and to be men and women who bring hope to others. To protect creation, to protect every man and every woman, to look upon them with tenderness and love, is to open up a horizon of hope; it is to let a shaft of light break through the heavy clouds; it is to bring the warmth of of hope! For believers, for us Christians, like Abraham, like Saint Joseph, the hope that we bring is set against the horizon of God, which has opened up before us in Christ." Such powerful words that impress upon me what his papacy will be about!

I am excited to be a Catholic at this important moment in history as the Church shifts her eyes to another part of the world, Latin America, and is challenged by our new Holy Father. May the Holy Spirit guide him and may Our Mother Mary always be near him. Pope Francis, the faithful around the world are praying for you and your ministry amongst us. God bless you!




Viva il Papa!