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January 26, 2014

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It is not happiness that makes you grateful, it is gratefulness that makes you happy.

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Nobody's boy, Hector Malot

My childhood version. The Dutch title translates as: Alone in the world When I was little, my parents had a big blue book on their bookshelves with beautiful drawings. I loved the story of the young orphan Remi who was sold by his mean stepfather when he was ten years old to a musician, Vitalis, who travelled around with Joli-Coeur the little monkey and the dogs Capi, Dolce and Zerbino. Nodoby’s boy is a beautiful story and I read it many times. Only later did I find out this was a world famous French classic, translated into many languages. The story is probably known: Remi is an orphan and that is why he does not belong to anybody. But fortunately for him he does encounter many people who help him, sometimes for a short while, but often for a longer period of time. Vitalis is a good man, but during a cold winter’s night when they could not find shelter, he dies. Gardener Alcuin takes Remi into his family, but when a heavy storm destroys the glasshouses, fat

Goodbye

After eleven years the time has come to stop with this blog. After all these years it is enough. I have really enjoyed blogging and I tried to post at least once a week, although I did not always manage this, especially in the last years. I am also closing my Dutch blog after 12 years. The reason is quite simple, I have different hobbies at the moment, other creative outlets and although I do have a few more ideas, I do not really want to write articles anymore. So, it is time to stop. The fun part of blogging is always the contact with other people, and I want to thank the people who read my articles and left comments. I really appreciate it, So thank you all, and I wish you all the best for the future. Good books, beautiful art, flowers and photographs and all things that make life worthwhile! I will leave this blog up, so people can still read old articles if they want to. Goodbye!!!

Hidden churches in Amsterdam

In the 17th century the Dutch Republic was a bit of an exception in Europe. We were a Republic amongst monarchies, and also tolerance was something that was treasured. Since the war against Spain (1568-1648), Calvinism was the main religion in the Netherlands, but other religions were allowed to practice their faith. As long as they did so in silence. Especially the Roman Catholics had to be a bit careful. They could have churches, and the whole town knew a Roman Catholic church was there, but as long as it was not recognizable as a church and they did not do anything in public, they were tolerated. Some of these Schuilkerken (hidden churches) can still be seen in Amsterdam. One of the most beautiful churches is called 'The parrot' , in the middle of the busy shopping street The Kalverstraat. Inside is a lovely church full of atmosphere. Worth a visit! Another well known hidden church is at the Begijnhof . The church on the Begijnhof is now an Anglican church, but on

Les misérables, Victor Hugo

A man tries to better his life, but his past keeps haunting him. The story of Jean Valjean is the most well-known storyline in Les misérables . The story Jean Valjean is released from prison after serving a 19 year sentence. He only got a few years for stealing, but more years were added when he tried to escape. He is now bitter and does not fit into normal society. Luckily for him he meets the good bishop of Digne, who manages to get Valjean on the right path. Jean Valjean takes on a new name and forms a new life, doing a lot of good for the poor. Unfortunately police-inspector Javert does not want to give up and it is his mission to get Valjean to prison again. Valjean and his foster daughter flee to Paris where they will have to survive among the many others who live in squalor. Les Misérables is a typical 19th century novel in the sense that is has an array of characters, who all have ties to eachother. Some of those ties are a little to coincidental and th

Icon, the life, times and films of Marilyn Monroe, Gary Vitacco-Robles

More than 600 books are written about Marilyn Monroe. Biographies in all sorts, from made up and all about scandal to serious and well researched. You can ask the question if it is possible to bring a new biography with more than 1200 pages. And the answer is a whole hearted ‘yes’! Gary Vitacco Robles wrote a biography in two volumes. Volume I covers the years 1926-1956 and has 584 pages, volume II covers the years 1956-1962 and has 678 pages. That does not include notes, film synopsis, literaturelist etc. As far as I am concerned, Icon, the life, times and films of Marilyn Monroe is the definite biography, there is nothing that can be added to this. It looks like Gary Vitacco Robles used almost every available source there is about Marilyn Monroe. So he is very capable in explaining why some biographers got things wrong, they did not have all the sources or did not use all of it. I like Icon because it gives new information in all the details it gives.

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