Yesterday And Tomorrow

(Note: Photo by Sarah BK)

When you can think of yesterday without regret and tomorrow without fear, you are near contentment.

And Finally Some New Friends...

I did not do as much sightseeing I had originally plan but there were definitively some interesting moments such as this surprise visit to a horse boarding school.

Two of the critters I fell in love with are actually both rescues from Spain, each cared for (and well loved) by both their owner and the boarding manager.

It is thought there is nothing like an equine facial expression to match those of humans. If you take a good look at the first photo, you will notice a little screw right in the middle of the door handle...To keep this little joker from opening his stable door of course.

As to the beautiful Spanish white stallion above, it can only be said he is truly majestic!

(Photo source HERE)

Finally, the year came to an end and with it my trip (actually on the 7th of January 2015). It was time to say goodbye to new and old friends but mostly to loved ones, never an easy task. 

It had been 27 years since my last visit and I found it next to impossible to do all that I wanted in a mere few weeks therefore I plan to go back and very soon, a promise I made and intend to keep!

I wanted to take a moment to say thank you to all those who placed comments and kept me in their thoughts and prayers during my trip overseas. I missed blogging more than I can say!

Until the next time,

A Little More Of My World...

So different from the American backyard, this little haven is attached to a Carmelite convent and is the residence of a good Flemish friend. Listening to the church bells is perhaps the one single most emotional moment of my arrival: I knew I was truly home!

Officially a meeting place and an office, this well lit room was so inviting you just felt immediately comfortable. Each item has been chosen with love and care. There are also lots of books...

An amazing room filled with such paintings as your imagination only can conjure, each colour and subject is personalized. There is a strong feeling of coming to terms with one's beliefs in this place, such is the spiritual invitation. 

Inspired by the deep relationship between man and God, this is the product of a local artist and represent a year's commitment on her part. In every sense, it is a success and my photos cannot render it justice!

From floor to ceiling this painting has inspired many to think about spirituality and the meaning of relationships.

Again, my photos leaves a lot to be desired but let me explain this painting is situated on a round table, each item of a special significance as are the colours. The introspection it generates reminds us that each of us ultimately chose to be or not to be close to our Creator and what we ultimately miss when we stay too faraway to communicate and love with one another as He taught us: "Love one another as I have loved you".

Unforgettable!

Here Is A Little Of The Latest Weeks For Me...

Belgium is not a large country as most of you know I gather but the scenery is not only beautiful but for a native like myself, everything she/he holds dear to its heart. This was the view from my bedroom outside of Brussels.

A most pleasant scene (it even has a little bench for anyone to rest), Mallard ducks can be heard in the quiet of the morning. No need for an alarm clock and so much better!

Just an hour away from the capital, this pleasant home became a haven throughout my stay and like a beacon calls me back. I can only say I hope 27 years will not go by again before I rest my feet there!

This courtyard is enjoyed during warm sunny afternoons and is the center of many talks about everything and anything in life!

Each piece in this lovely home was chosen for a special reason by a connoisseur of beautiful art, some were in fact designed and made by the owner himself.

These two pieces (above and below) were just stunning!

Of course there is nothing better than to (re)discover old and new friends and loved ones.

Once again I am reminded how fast the time goes, 5 weeks have gone by so quickly and whilst saying Hello is wonderful, Goodbyes are so very hard!

More in a day or so...

Walking Down Memory Lane After A Long Absence...

Anyone familiar with the 1958 Expo will guess the name of the sight featured above, a structural marvel I was privileged to be raised nearby and a welcoming sight after 27 years of absence.

"Created for the Brussels World’s Fair held in Heysel, Brussels, the Atomium Bruxelles is the only structure left standing after the fair. It was designed by André Waterkeyn to be a replica of a single unit of iron crystal blown up 165 billion times; stands at 102 metres; each sphere is 18 metres in diameter, about the size of a large apartment. There are 9 spheres all together connected up by tubes. The spheres are wrapped in stainless steel (originally aluminium)
In 2004, the spheres were restored to their original shine and lustre and opened up for the public to see again in 2006. 2008 marked the 50th anniversary of the Atomium."

As promised I will be posting a few photos in the next few days. That said, please don't expect snapshots such as a regular tourist takes. An emotional trip to reacquaint myself with loved ones, I simply took a few photos here and there as Europeans usually shy away from having their photos (and their private spaces) taken.

Eglise St Lambert, Laeken our parish church with (below) Maris Stella my old school brought back many memories.

Just so you know, I remembered sweating a lot on Algebra and languages whilst I thrived on History and Geography!

To explain a bit about my trip, this was were I spent the first 5 days, as I waited for the doctors to release a loved one!

This photo is courtesy of Google images and a welcomed one with its rainbow! Yes, after 5 days we made it home and very glad of it!

It did not take much time for me to get back in the swing of things (blessedly, I only feel jet lag on the return trip!) and as soon as we were able to, we indulged in some wonderful cuisine at the little restaurant (see below) and the Old Pannenhuis.

Pizzicato 2
426 Boulevard Emile Bockstael

1020 Laeken

If you ever visit this friendly restaurant with its wide range of menu offerings you will be hooked! From the warm atmosphere to the generous portions, I found this place unequal and cannot wait to return. The Pizzailo from New York will spoil you for any other pizza! 

Le Vieux Pannenhuis

This restaurant is set within the walls of a 300 years old building: the old fire place, the ancient beams and the rustic decoration are there as witness and its latest Chef delivers a wonderful seasonal menu!
I chose this setting for a special birthday celebration and loved it! The walls vibrate with history and the food is delicious.

That's all for now Folks! More to come of course later on.
Until then,

Note: The above mentions were not requested and reflects only my appreciation!

Guess What?

Yes, I am back from overseas and feeling a little jet lagged!
I plan to catch up on news shortly and will begin posting very soon.
In the meantime, thank you for all the good wishes. A long overdue return 'Home' (after 27 years of absence), I can tell you already I left my heart in Brussels. To remedy this, I plan to go back every 6 months or so. 
I'll post a few photos in the next few days, promise!

Best wishes to all for a great New Year!

A Christmas Blessing

(Photo source Oil Painting Ruth Sanderson 1992)

God grant you the light of Christmas,

which is faith;

the warmth of Christmas,

which is purity;

the righteousness of Christmas,

which is justice;

the belief in Christmas,

which is truth;

the all of Christmas,

which is Christ.

(Source Wilda English,  n.d.)