Belgian thoughts

              I was thinking these days about Bruges and Ghent, two beautiful smart cities with a medieval air that bring you into a fairy-like world. Imagine huge castles and cathedrals with a remarkable well preserved medieval architecture surrounded by historical quarried paths and horse drawn carriages. The markets where you could get fresh food or simply watch the people who cook next to you make you want to stay or live a long time around there among the ancient buildings.
               Vintage shops and little boutiques invite you to draw upon their exclusive pieces for your wardrobe and then to taste from the largest variety of delicious chocolate and for the beer drinkers there is the delight of hundreds sorts of beer with loads of flavours nicely bottled or simply served in narrow long pints. I also have to mention about the crocheted lace of  Bruges, the most refined of the textile arts, much appreciated this filigree hand technique that has always been a symbol of this community.
              The walls and canals make a circuit through the cathedrals and bridges and reminds a little about Venice, very romantic, inspiring and quiet place.


               Would you like to travel over the medieval landscape ? Be one of the virtual bystanders watching In Bruges movie (2008), directed and written by Martin McDonagh, a close view to the small and stylish city.



Love,
Ana Maria
xx

             

An energetic start to a beautiful day !

             Love mornings ... the birds are chirping and the sun is shining and its light breaks into the window slowly waking you up ... and carelessly snatching you a smile ... starting the day means happiness, in the early morning going for a walk in the park, taking a quick shower and nothing but enjoying a healthy breakfast with cup of tea or why not a coffee !
             Don't forget about nice things that make you and the others feel good, comfortable and get you more energy. Share your smile with the people you eventually meet, spread your positive feelings wherever possible as a lovely friend and fortunately cousin of mine, called Dana used to do all the time.
             Look back to the worst, most beautiful, awesome, frightening adventures you have ever had so far in your life and keep remembering them as they represent what we finally got and that fill us up with that feeling that always says ''go on'' ... called optimism ...
             ...and dream, dream, dreams could get you far away, but don't get lost amongst them as there is always someone or something who brings you back to the world ...to the real one... life can be way too serious, particularly if we are trying to balance life and work, the bank account and calendar events, family and friends....
             ...and ..have time for yourself, invest in ourselves means we are happier and more resourceful...

    ... get ready to go ahead playful, full of life and enjoying the whole beautiful day :)