Dear Granddad

This is perhaps to personal a letter to just throw on the world wide web. Disregarding the fact that you never spent any time on-line and don't know English. I'm confident enough in my own unimportance to address you one last time without fearing for my privacy.

You were the last grandparent I had. And it frightens me a little to feel the links with my past weakened. But I'm not sad. You loved so much and were always surrounded with people that loved you.To the last day.

I can't be sure that you didn't suffer and I can't be sure that you were proud of us and happy with us, but I know that you cared. And since you use to care so much I promise I'll eat my soup next Sunday. And every Sunday after that.

The very best and safe journey!

The Last Man Standing

My last remaining grandparent died last night.

It seems unreal. I've always thought of my grandfather as a grumpy but well-meaning giant. A Giant.

And he was old and so far as I can tell he's had a good life but all the same it means goodbye.

And what does goodbye really mean when there won't ever be a next time?

Red Ribbon

A classic sight on this website, on this day every year, a red ribbon. Because the fight continues, because postponing isn't good enough, because no one chooses to be sick, because every one must be aware of the risks and be taught how to keep safe, because giving up is too easy.

We have a winner

Once again. And I'm proud to announce that this year it took me a great deal less effort than it has the years before. I'm starting to find my groove I think. And for those who are curious about the word count it's 55077. Of which about 2/3 is doomed once editing December comes around the corner. Also the official website puts my word count at 55171 after validation. But I've decided to believe my word processor.

For every still typing away: best of luck!

From... to Stereo

This may seem like a normal, even a little outdated loudspeaker. For me and five house mates it's spells the horizon of a new era.

Until now, our kitchen has been if not under the reign of silence indeed devoid of ballads, battle screams and epic rock. But we will suffer no more. Whatever vinyl selected it will sound everywhere and the poor volunteer that has to check the oven for pizza's is now greeted with the sound that he left behind in the living room and not by bleak silence.

All is well.

A truth unacknowledged.

Writing provokes more writing.

It is as simple as that. It sounds contradictory but such are my paradoxical findings. When confronted with writer’s block in one project/ article/ book/ paper, ... just start working on something else! This spells unfinished project in mile high letters on bare hill sides. I am aware of that. But that is more a matter of discipline. This blog post for example is not written so much for the purpose of getting aforementioned hypothesis across but to keep me writing. Inevitably when I press the orange 'publish' button, I must continue writing and thus shall be compelled nay forced to continue the quest for 3000 words.

#NaNoWriMo FTW!

The writing bug - revisited

In so much that the previous post did not make it clear: contrary to what I have announced on this very blog a week since. I am one of those idiots seeking to distil a plot from thin air and not being able to close my eyes for the shortest of naps as  long as my word count is under par.

%sigh%

Any source of caffeine or inspiration is most welcome.

I'm a cheat

Check my word count!

If you are not one of us. Don't bother trying to make sense out of it. Some people grow a moustache in November. Some people write novels.

Halloweeeeeeeeen

Happy All Hallows' Eve. Or not.
Make it as scary as you like. But don't forget to have comfort food ready. I recommend  thick pumpkin soup,fried proteins and lots of warm milk, hot tea and biscuits.

Rant XII

My faithful readers know enough of my character to think that the description of me as a person lacking patience is, if not accurate, at least an understatement.
A lack which I believe has been less and less apparent in the years wherein the posts on this blog have been increasingly few in number, but not solely because the quick temper was less often expressed. I pride myself on being very near the most balanced person that I can be. Very near indeed. If you, my dear dear reader are aware of faults in your own character, of which you know that with continuing self-restraint AND self-discipline you may lessen their evil influence over your actions and more importantly reactions, would it not hurt you in no small part to notice that hard work being undone by a source outside of yourself?

For that is what for ten months now haunts me.

I might never wake up happy, but nonetheless I wake up often enough well-rested and contented, vigorous and with a myriad  creative ideas to occupy my time outside the dull four walls of office space, but every day by lunchtime all my vigour, patience and determination are sapped. Sapped clear and dry (not sure if this is a proper english-language expression) because it takes whatever energy I can muster to keep my temper under control while my good intentions and clear instructions are being mocked and met with disdain and puzzled looks.

First Impressions

It's nothing serious, rest assured that my heart is in no danger of any hurt you might imagine befalling one in love. I'm not in love. But it isn't so very often a guy makes an impression this lasting in just a few hours.

-
age
name
reads thrillers

0
accent
general geographical location

+
well-groomed
strong hands (with clean fingernails)
plays a teamsport that isn't football
actually has a zombie apocalyps plan

 

For Shirahime

A healthy, fun-filled, exciting ride on tramway 3!

The Writing Bug

Not as exciting to watch or as entertaining to partake in as the jitterbug, I should imagine. Sure it excites and entertains ME to be creating a story all in my head and then pour in on page after page but I can not expect the entire world to share my enthousiasm.

A week from now (or thereabouts); on the first of November: is NaNoWriMo -time again. And it pains me to admit that I will not be a part of it this year. Four three-hour evening classes a week and  classical concertladen weekends make it quite impossible. To complete the challenge I've set myself: one complete A4 drawing every day and 50 bonus drawings on a smaller page size, will be quite enough to occupy my scarce free moments.

However Herculean the task, it stings a little NOT to subject myself to a very strict deadline and a lot of stress, my stomach is grateful for all the caffeine I shall not be neccitated to consume and my heart bleeds and rejoices for the brave souls that take up arms.

Good hunting all, and may the plot be with you.

The season upon us

For a very long time this month I have wonderd if this post would soon be in order. After a most wonderfully warm weekend, sunlight tempting all city people to enjoy a last concktail on the terrace of a pop-up summer bar, autumn is here. Last night I rode home, in dark warmth and I could have imangined it to be a  late Augustian night. this morning I woke up in drizzle that reminded me mostly of Novembers cloak.

Bibliobibuli

I've already self-diagnosed. Keep clear of me, my living room and any books, stationary, tea cupboards and comfortable chairs that I might have sat in to lower any risk of contamination.

Bright Sunshine

For fear that this might become one of those horrible horrible 'look-what-I've-got'-blogs, I doubted almost four second weither or not to post the picture below. But just look at it! It's super-flat, super-light, has a German keyboard and it's sunshine yellow. What's not to like?

I AM an addict

That's no lie. The count is a now 143 rounds of washi tape. And the worst part is that in my heart of hearts I haven't got nearly enough.

Happy ITLAP-Day!

A streetcar called 'growing old' ?

I should be making a big deal out of it. Turning 30. I fear it's rather underwhelming. I've kept up the pretence of adulthood for so long now. Another year isn't going to make a difference to me.

This really doesn't need a title

I'm not an addict

Maybe that's a lie.

129 not counting doubles.

Healing

A day to day account starting last week; that is when the burning by steam of my lower left arm happened, might have been more interesting. But as you can see it is healing well, it hurts but very little now and even the crazy-ass itching is almost over. This does not mean however that I will not  e very happy with moisterizsing ointment left as present on my doorstep.

Birthday Party Preparartions

I realize that the title of this blogpost can be seen as a prelude to a load of picture with lots of giant cakes and colourful decorations. And let me disapoint you straigh taway: there will be no such thing(s).

I merely wish to announce what entertainment may be expected. However I have found no correct or official translation for the game I bought today so let me be as cryptic as you are used of me by now: 'Hark! Hark well! For the sound of wolves.

a week off

I really should have planned ahead. I know. But faced with nothing to do, I'm a disaster. I had hoped to go on a short trip, or visit some friends who live out of town. I have announced going to the very North of Europe I can't even manage getting out of bed to take the train for a half-day trip to our own coastal region.

tssk tssk

A book so good...

... you don't want to read it because it means it will end. And the more you read the sooner it ends.

How often does any one come across a book like that?

The List - Updated again!

It is a tad earlier than usual but still. Here goes:

• typewriter ribbon
• nail polish
• gin
• any cocktail ingredients
• garden tools and supplies
• tea
• stamps

!!!You're all invited by the way for tea and cake the 21st of September. !!!

On the origin of Darwin

Tea : The list of July 2014

1. Sencha Munt - Mattheus B
2. Earl Grey Souchong - Mattheus B
3. Duizend heuvels - Mattheus B
4. Nachtparels - Mattheus B
5. Lapsang Souchon - Mattheus B
6. Pai Mu Tan - Mattheus B
7. Rozenthee -  Mattheus B
8. Japanse Kers - Mattheus B
9. Yoga Thee - Mattheus B
10. Japan Sencha - Mattheus B
11. Amandelthee - Mattheus B
12. Gember Fresh - Mattheus B
13. Organic Dandelion - Clipper
14. Love Me Truly - Clipper
15. Organic White - Clipper
16. Lemon & Ginger - Clipper
17. Organic Green - Clipper
18. Cleanse - Pukka
19. Refresh - Pukka
20. Love - Pukka
21. Morning Time - Pukka
22. After Dinner - Pukka
23. Night Time - Pukka
24. Ginger - Yogi
25. Lime Mint - Yogi
26. Green Balance - Yogi
27. Earl Grey - Premier's
28. Chocolate Spice - La Courtisane
29. Imperial White Tea - Four O' Clock
30. Jägertee - Goldmännchen
31. Prince Of Wales - Twinings
32. Liquorice - Kruidvat
33. Green Tea - Heath & Heather
34. Blooming Teas - Jasili
35. Pu'er Blueberry - Ahmad Tea
36. Shooting Star - Numi
37. Sencha - Javana
38. Matcha - Maruyama Nori
39. Lapsang Souchong - De Draak
40. Genmai-cha - Yamamotoyama
41. King Hsuan Oolong Tea - Taiwan Tea
42. Tsui Yu Oolong Tea - Taiwan Tea
43. Indische Chai Masala - Curiosi/thee

I dare you ?!

So I see this web comic. Or meme. Or rage comic. Whatever they are called. And Character X is dared by charachter Y to google the following:

"X's name is a ...'

Naturally I needed to try this for myself( with variable z)

Google came up with the following:
- is awesome
- is a walrus
- is a girl's name
- is a welsh name
- is an atheist

Not disappointed though the list is a tad short.

The list 2014 - UPDATE!

It is a tad earlier than usual but still. Here goes:

• typewriter ribbon
• nail polish
• gin
• garden tools and supplies
• tea
• stamps

!!!You're all invited by the way for a drink on the 20th of September. Details might follow later!!!

 

GF14

Another one of those blogspost that happen or should happen or might happen every year. Is writing obsolete in such a case? It never doesn't surprise me how quickly the cityscape changes. So far it's mostly talk and talk. But it's growing louder and louder.

Last week, I noticed the first extra bicycle parking places being cleared. Yesterday a city communication mail to announce do's and don'ts for first time visitors. Today the first out-of-town friend asking when we hit the streets and a programmation up-date. From now on every square and every park and almost every bridge or wide wide enough ally will transform into festival terrain. And as every year despite myself I too become excited.

Ghent Festival!

That is supposed to sound inspiring but it really isn't. Let's stick to the language of the locals: Gentsche Fieste!

The List 2014

It is a tad earlier than usual but still. Here goes:

• typewriter ribbon
• nail polish
• gin
• garden tools and supplies
• tea
• stamps

You're all invited by the way for a drink on the 19th of September. Details might follow later.

It's been seven months and fifteen days...

... or thereabouts. Even my references to lyrics are getting worse. But with was is commonly called summer of even summer holidays two weeks under way- despite it being neither summer or (for me) a holiday- the busy busy busy excuse is no longer applicable. Surely if I can manage an hour daily of checking and checking again for new e-mails, it shouldn't be that hard to write the occasional blogpost, should it?

It's not that I no longer want to write. But what to write about? The subjects that I was so fond of as a student or even in the early days of employment no longer hold any interest for me. Or when they do, I find them too childish or unimportant to even admit that I take an interest.

Is this what it is like: to grow up?