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inspiration

Morrie&ME-Review-Hendrik-Groen

Hendrik Groen

Book : Het geheime dagboek van Hendrik Groen / The secret diary of Hendrik Groen

 

written by Hendrik Groen (Peter de Smet’s pseudonym), published by Meulenhoff
genre diary / fiction, 328 pages

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Morrie&Me-Cube-design-museum

Nature

Expo : Nature – Collaborations in design

 

May 10th 2019 ’till January 19th 2020 – Cube design museum, Kerkrade (NL)
co-organized with Cooper Hewitt Design Triennial, NYC (USA)

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Morrie&Me-Instaproof

Instaproof

Book : Instaproof – In 15 stappen naar insta(nt) succes op Instagram

 

written by Kirsten Jassies and Joyce Nafzger, published by Snor
genre social media & educational, 151 pages

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Groen-Geluk-Urban-Botanics

Urban Botanics

Book : Groen Geluk / Urban Botanics

 

written by Maaike Koster & Emma Sibley, published by Fontaine Uitgever
genre plants & Illustration, 151 pages

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Wonderplants

Wonderplants

Book : Wonderplants – planten in je interieur

 

written by Irene Schampaert & Judith Baehner, published by Lannoo
genre interior design & plants, 239 pages

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Babe, you got this.

Babe, you got this.

Book : Babe, you got this.

van meisje met dromen naar vrouw met succes / how to grow up and become a successful woman

written by Martje Haverkamp & Emilie Sobers, published by Uitgeverij Unieboek | Het Spectrum bv
genre life-lessons, 188 pages

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Strange Medicine

Strange Medicine

Strange Medicine – Weird and wonderful stories for all that ails you

 

written by Mike Russell, published by Strange Books
genre novel-fiction, 141 pages

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Hygge

Hygge – het geheim van de Deense Lifestyle / Hygge – The Danish Art of Happiness

written by Marie Søderberg, published by Boekerij
genre lifestyle, 224 pages

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Eleanor&Park

Eleanor & Park

Eleanor & Park

written by Rainbow Rowell, published by Orion Books
genre young adult / novel, 329 pages

I’d never heard of Rainbow Rowell (yes, her real name) before, but immediately knew I would love this novel just by seeing its cover. It turns out to be one of my all time favourite love stories!

 


The story in short

I won’t spoil the fun of reading this book, by giving away too many details. All that’s there to say is that I absolutely loved this beautiful and bittersweet lovestory and got completely wrapped up in it.

The story is set in Omaha, Nebraska in 1986. Over the course of one school year we get to know Eleanor and Park, both sixteen years old, with each their own set of issues, insecurities and feelings of not fitting in. But despite all the tragic events going on around them, they’re brought together by their shared love for comic books and music.

As mentioned before I absolutely adored this book and guess that the ending might be part of this appreciation. The postcard with “three words on it” leaves so many options open for an ending or sequel. It’s up to us, our interpretation and imagination, to decide what those last three words are and how the story continues.

This might make some readers feel disappointed or even frustrated, but to me it was the perfect ending. Having been a part of Eleanor & Park’s life, at the end of the book it’s time to let go, to let them pick up their lives and live it. Whether it’ll be happily ever after, struggling or something in between. In my mind both Eleanor and Park do live on, they’re 17 years old now and it’s only the beginning!

 

Why you should read this book

Even though I graduated high school many years ago, I had a great time reading this book. I liked how the story was ornated with many 80’s links but at the same time felt like it could have taken place today. If you, like me, are a hopeless romantic, have an appreciation for good music and comics and a weakness for the unpopular kids, this is a book you shouldn’t miss. Eleanor and Park became a part of me while reading the book and stayed in my mind many weeks afterwards.

 

Eleanor was right. She never looked nice.
She looked like art, and art wasn’t supposed to look nice.
It was supposed to make you feel something.” 

– Park

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A survival guide for life

A survival guide for life

A survival guide for life – How to achieve your goals, thrive in adversity and grow in character

written by Bear Grylls, published by Transworld Publishers
genre non-fiction / self-help, 284 pages

Since my boyfriend kept mentioning this book I decided to give it to him as a birthday present. Not having any clue who Bear Grylls is and what the book’s all about. But as soon as I bought it, I realized I’d love this book as much as my boyfriend would. The 284 pages are filled with 75 precious life lessons, personal experiences and hard-earned wisdom. Written down by a man who not only knows how to stay alive in extreme circumstances, but also knows how to translate these experiences into the most down to earth, to the point and valuable life lessons. A book that had to be read!

 


The story in short

Even though I’d not yet heard of the man, it turns out that Mr. Grylls is one of the most well known people around the world, when it comes to survival and outdoor adventure. Starting with training martial arts as a child, Bear joined the British Special Forces as a young man. While serving the 21 SAS he gained many experiences, perfected his skills and trained his heart and mind.

Over the years Bear Grylls has written 20 books and this one is an insider’s guide on how to follow your heart and live an empowered, effective, fun-filled life. As a former member of the SAS, Bear knows first handed how hard life’s challenges can be and how good it feels to keep holding on and to not give up.

A book filled with so many useful lessons can be hard to summarize. Picking my 5 favorite lessons might give you an idea why I loved this book and its author so much. So here they are :

  1. Be the most enthusiastic person you know. Enthuasiasm sustains you when times are tough, encourages those around you and rapidly becomes a habit.
  2. The will to win means nothing, without the will to train. Or as Winston Churchill put it: “Success is the ability to go from one failure to another with no loss of enthusiasm.”
  3. To get, you first have to give. A beautiful lesson Bear learned as a child from his mother. Please make sure to read this chapter in the book, I loved the explanation.
  4. No one cares how much you know, until they know how much you care. The real value of a team is the people and the relationships between them.
  5. It’s all about that little bit extra. Reaching our summits only requires us to hold on that little bit longer than most people are prepared to endure.

 

And because it’s incredibly hard to pick only 5, I decided to give a little encore :

  • You’ve got two ears and one mouth, use them in that proportion. Listen twice as much as you talk, don’t listen to reply but listen to understand.

 

Do you get what I mean? It all sounds very logical and sometimes even funny. But we all struggle with motivation or inspiration sometimes. According to Bear, champions never stay down for long. That’s why we need to keep feeding motivation into our brains and souls every single day, that’s what this survival guide is all about.

 

Why you should read this book

Having read quite a lot of self-help books, this one is definitely one of the quickest and easiest reads of all. The 75 chapters are very short and concise, they all add a new lesson or insight and together they add up to one overall story. It’s a book that can be read in just a day or two, or to have laying around to pick up every now and then for just that piece of  advise suitable for your specific situation or mood. If you’re in an instant need of motivation, this book will be the perfect cure!

 

“Life rewards the dogged, not the qualified.” 

– Bear Grylls

 

* Picture in header from Bear Grylls’ Facebook.

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Rik Wouters Momu

Rik Wouters & The private Utopia 

Rik Wouters & The private Utopia 

September 17th 2016 ’till February 27th 2017 – MoMu, Antwerp BE
featuring works of: Rik Wouters, Walter van Beirendonk, Dirk van Saene, Bernhard Willhelm and others

Right before the closing of the exhibition, my friend Katrien and I decided to pay a visit to ‘Rik Wouters & het huiselijk utopia’ (Rik Wouters & the private utopia) at the MoMu in Antwerp.

 

‘Reading Woman’ by Rik Wouters (1913), picture by Ronald Stoops

 

The recurring theme of domestic intimacy on the post-impressionist paintings by Rik Wouters was the foundation on which the exhibition was build. Contemporary trends of people searching for domestic intimacy, restoring contact with nature and the current popularity of crafts, linked the exhibition with the utopian ideas of Henry David Thoreau’s book Walden. A book published in 1954, introducing a non-industrial, natural lifestyle as an alternative for an over-stimulated consumer society (of which a book-review will follow soon).

 

Impression of ‘Rik Wouters & het huiselijk utopia’

 

The exhibition also featured works of contemporary artists and fashion designers. A beautiful homage to a painter who died 100 years ago.

 

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The readers of Broken Wheel recommend

The readers of Broken Wheel recommend

The readers of Broken Wheel recommend / De boeken van Sara Lindqvist

written by Katarina Bivald, published by Boekerij
genre fiction / novel, 399 pages

When stumbling across the dutch translation of the ‘The readers of Broken Wheel recommend’, the book cover was reason enough for me to start reading right away. Even though people always say you should’t judge a book by its cover, this one (just like the english versions  you can see below) was a perfect representation of the story and its atmosphere; a sweet and funny story about a tiny American town, books, love and friendship. Just like I expected by judging the cover, I fell in love with the readers of Broken Wheel at once!

 


The story in short

When Sara, a young Swedish woman who just lost her bookselling job, arrives in Broken Wheel (Iowa, USA) to visit her old and fellow book loving pen pal Amy, it turns out to be the day of Amy’s funeral. Being Amy’s guest, the residents of Broken Wheel decide Sara has to stay and welcome her as their guest.

Finding it hard to just relax and enjoy Broken Wheel’s hospitality, Sara soon finds a way to contribute to everyone’s wellbeing. After discovering Amy’s book collection she decides that opening a book shop will be the perfect way to honor Amy and to give something back to the generous people of the town. With everybody helping her to make the bookshop a success, the project brings the whole community back together.

Sara’s enthusiasm and conviction that there is a book for everyone, helps them to open up their hearts for books, for each other and for themselves. Broken Wheel and Sara turn out to be a match made in heaven.

 

cover designs of the english versions

 

Why you should read this book

This book turns out to be one of the loveliest feel good books I’ve read in a long time. The story is both sweet and funny and despite the predictable ending, it never gets boring or lengthy in any way. I loved how we get to know more about Amy and her villagers through Amy’s letters to Sara and how the characters evolve during the book. It’s simply impossible not to fall in love with this town, just like Sara did. On top of that, the many  references from famous books helped reminding me how much I love reading books!

 

Als jouw leven een cirkel is waar sta jij dan?

Als jouw leven een cirkel is waar sta jij dan?

Als jouw leven een cirkel is waar sta jij dan? / If life was a circle, where would you be?

written by Inez van Oord, published by Kosmos Uitgevers
genre nonfiction / lifestyle, 263 pages

As long as I can remember, magazines always attracted my attention. Especially beautifully designed magazines, combining pretty pictures with interesting stories and topics. Being the founder of some of the most successful Dutch magazines, I’d heard of Inez van Oord before. I’d read her magazines and more recently found articles about her; about her life and the brave decisions she’s made. When I found out Inez had written a personal book about life, I just couldn’t wait to check it out.

 


The story in short

Inez’ natural talent for identifying trends helped her to translate the elements that are missing in life, into magazines that can count on big fanbases. Her magazines Seasons (about living a pure and natural lifestyle) and Happinez (about living a spiritual and mindful life) are great examples of following your guts and making dreams come true. But despite her former success, Inez’ third attempt to set up a new magazine called ‘Humanize’, unfortunately didn’t work out the way she’d envisioned and left her with one question : What to do now?

That’s when creativity kicked back in and Inez decided to write the book she’d been thinking about for many years; a book about living life and finding your balance. The book that has been declared the best spiritual book of 2016. With this book, Inez got back on track and shows once more that following your dreams and guts can make you a very happy and successful person.

Having a lifelong fascination for circles (hence the typical Happinez cover design), this time Inez refers to life itself as a circle. A circle like a compass; a compass with ‘Mind’ as North and ‘Body’ being South, ‘Self’ as East and ‘Others’ being West. A compass to help us find our own balance within those four poles. A compass that can guide us back to the centre of it all, back to the essence of what makes life worth living.

 

Why you should read this book

The book is a quick and easy read and the illustrations that complement the stories make reading it even more enjoyable. The book can be divided into two parts. In the first section Inez explains the four quarters of the compass and links them to her own professional and personal life. She tells about her career in the magazine world, how it started and took shape, her struggles and successes. The second part of the book focuses on the reader. Inez hands us tools to help us find our way back to the centre of our own compasses.

To be honest, I read this book mostly because of the first part in which Inez tells about her career. The second part I’m sure can be very helpful for a lot of people, but I think I’d already found my answers to those questions via other ways. Nevertheless I loved reading this book, because it’s a good example of how the most honest and personal stories often are the most inspiring and can help others to make their own decisions.

 

Krabbé zoekt Picasso

Krabbé zoekt Picasso

Krabbé zoekt Picasso / Finding Picasso

starring Jeroen Krabbé, broadcasted by AVROTROS (Dutch national TV)
launched in 2017, 8 episodes of app. 35 minutes

Two years ago the Dutch national television broadcasted the same documentary series presented by Mr. Jeroen Krabbé (a well known Dutch actor, director, presenter and painter), portraying the work and life of Vincent Van Gogh. A series I absolutely loved because Van Gogh is one of my all-time favorite painters and getting an insight look into his life, the places he lived and visited, background stories of the people he hung out with and the environments that inspired his art, was an absolute pleasure.

In this year’s series Mr. Krabbé takes us on a trip through France, Spain and Italy, following the footsteps of the richest, most famous and maybe even most talented painter that has ever lived; Pablo Picasso.

Throughout the series we get to know Picasso, the development of his art, the women that inspired his work, his homes and different lifestyles he’s led. An extraordinary man, who’s lived a fascinating life. An artist that changed the style of art as easily as he exchanged women. A man who’s had a massive impact on all who surrounded him and leaving behind the most amazing artworks man has ever made!

 

short trailer with highlights of ‘Krabbé zoekt Picasso’

The episodes

The series consists of 8 half an hour long episodes, in which we follow Picasso’s life chronologically. Starting off getting to know Pablo as a child, followed by the different stages of his life and the women he spend them with. Ending with his death that was followed by a five year long tragic fight over his enormous heritage by his many descendants, ex-lovers and family members.

episode 1 1881-1905 : De jeugd van een genie / The childhood of a genius
The Journey takes off in Malaga, where Pablo Picasso lived as a child. Pablo’s fascination for bullfighting can allready be seen in the artwork he’s made in his childhood. We follow the young painter to Paris where he moves into the artist residencies Bateau Lavoie. There he meets one of his first big loves; Fernande Olivier.

episode 2 1904-1908 : Het leven krijgt kleur / Life gets colourful
In the second episode we see Picasso’s paintings evolve from pink and optimistic, inspired by his love for Fernande, into abstract art. During their summer in the Spanish mountain village Gósol, the color Iberic orange catches his eye and he starts painting abstracted, mask-like faces, which for example to can be seen on ‘Demoiselles d’Avignon’.

 

Les Demoiselles d’Avignon | Picasso, 1907

 

episode 3 1908-1915 : Over vriendschap en concurrentie / Friendship and competition
Back in Paris Picasso’s friendship with Braque results in one of the most renewing and controversial artforms of the entire art history; Cubism. His cubistic and semi-abstract work is inspired by both his luxurious life with Fernande and his secret love affair with Eva Gouel. When Eva dies in 1915, Picasso becomes deeply depressed.

episode 4 1915-1927 : l’Epoque duchesse / The era of the duchess
It’s 1917 when poet Jean Cocteau askes Picasso to design costumes for the legendary Ballets Russes. Pablo travels to Rome and immediately falls in love with ballerina Olga Koklova. They get married and move to Paris. On his wife’s request, Picasso paints her portraits in a very classical and romantic way.

episode 5 1927-1936 : Twee vrouwen / Two women
The 17-years-old Marie-Thérèse Walter, with whom Picasso has an 8 year long secret love affair, is the inspiration for many surrealist paintings and sculptures. When Marie-Thérèse gets pregnant of their daughter Maya, both Picasso’s affair and marriage end and the painter finds himself in a deep personal crisis once more.

episode 6 1936-1940 : Dora en de burgeroorlog / Dora and the civil war
When the Spanish Republicans ask Picasso to create an anti-Franco artwork as their contribution for the World Exhibition of Paris in 1937, the bombing of Guernica becomes the theme for this massive artwork. Picasso’s new mistress Dora Maar photographs Picasso during the creation of Guernica, one of the most famous anti-war artworks.

 

Mr. Krabbé & Picasso’s Guernica, 1937

 

episode 7 1940-1953 : Het naoorlogse gelukkige gezinsleven / Pastwar happy family life
During World War II Picasso meets his new wife, the 40-years younger law student and artist Francoise Gilot. After the war they live a happy and quiet family life with their kids Claude and Paloma in the South of France. Their happiness ends in 1953 when Francoise, with their children, leaves Picasso because she can’t take his continuous cheating.

episode 8 1953-1973 : Op leven en good / On life and dead
In 1961 Picasso marries the 46-years younger Jacqueline Roque. They move to Mougins where they live a very isolated life and Picasso starts art battles with masters like Rembrandt, Velazquez and Manet in his studio. The artist works passionately until he days in 1973.

 

Why you should watch this series

Pablo Picasso was a genius artist, living a fascinating (love)life which resulted in the most amazing artwork. Mr. Krabbé’s is an excellent storyteller and his enthusiasm for the painter and the artworks is very contagiously. I’m actually pretty sure that if you wouldn’t really be that interested in the work of Picasso, you’d still have a great time watching this series. (Please note, the series is presented in Dutch).

For those of you who can’t get enough of getting an insight look into the lives and artwork of the most fascinating artists, I’ve got some really good news to share. For the next series Mr. Krabbé will follow a painter that left behind everything to be able to totally focus on his art; Mr. Paul Gauguin!

 

For more information or to watch the episodes, have a look at the npo website.

 

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The Happiness Project

The Happiness Project

The Happiness Project

written by Gretchen Rubin, published by Harper Collins Publishers
genre non fiction / self help, 292 pages

The first time I came across this book in a store I had just finished reading ‘The Rosie Project’ by Graeme Simsion. Having loved reading Simion’s novel I felt drawn to ‘The Happiness Project’ immediately, hoping it would tell a similar story. But it did not.
Actually this is a totally different story and not at all what I expected, but it turns out that I like it even more!

 


The story in short

One morning like many others Gretchen Rubin, a NYC-based writer and mother of 2 young children, has the sudden realization that she’s in danger of wasting her life. She feels like the years are passing her by and decides it’s time for a change. Not because she isn’t happy, but because she knows she can be happier.
Knowing nothing will change unless she makes it change, she decides to dedicate a year trying to be happier and starts her own happiness project. A project that results in a blog, a website and eventually turn into a book. The book that I’ve been reading, several times.

 

“One of the best ways to make yourself happy, is to make other people happy.
One of the best ways to make other people happy, is to be happy yourself.” 

– Gretchen Rubin

 

Gretchen’s happiness project can be divided into 3 stages. First comes the preparation stage, a moment to identify what brings you positive feelings (such as joy and happiness) and what does bring negative feelings (such as guilt, anger and boredom). After that you focus on the making of resolutions, concrete actions that’ll boost your happiness. Goal of the final stage is the keeping of your resolutions.

Since all the great truths about happiness have already been laid out, Gretchen didn’t expect her findings to be new. But as for many changes, the difficulty lies within the action, not within the knowledge. Her methodical approach for putting her happiness ideas into practice in her life (including resolutions, commandments, secrets of adulthood and a scoring chart) makes it very easy to start of on your own project. Conquering your own idiosyncratic faults and limitations, changing your own life.

 

Why you should read this book

Gretchen Rubin shows in a very effective and enjoyable way, how to change your life, without changing it. Reading about her happiness project, her personal insights and experiences, is not only fun and interesting but also inspires you to start your own happiness project or just stick to some resolutions that you’re willing to keep.

 

To learn more about Gretchen, the Happiness Project and other projects she’s working on, have a look at her website.

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Wild

Wild. From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

Wild. From Lost to Found on the Pacific Crest Trail

written by Cheryl Strayed, published by Luitingh-Sluithoff
genre Memoirs / non fiction, 384 pages

With a fascination for traveling, especially in combination with soul searching and the contemplation of life, my boyfriend chose very well to give me the book ‘Wild’ by Cheryl Strayed as a birthday present. Having seen the movie shortly after it came out, I hadn’t read the book yet. And as soon as the wrapping paper came off I couldn’t wait any longer and started reading immediately.

 


The story in short

It’s the summer of ’95 when 26 year-old Cheryl makes one of the biggest and probably most impulsive decisions of her life. Four years after losing her mother, Cheryl finds her family scattered and her marriage broken. Accidentally coming across a book about the Pacific Crest Trail at a gasstation, she decides this is what she wants to do, this is what she needs to do. Not knowing what she is getting herself into, her adventure starts then & there.

With nothing left to lose, Cheryl sells most of her belongings and without any experience or training starts her 3-month journey. During those months she hikes 1700 km / 1100 miles from the Mojave Desert through California and Oregon to end at the ‘Bridge of the Gods’ in Washington State, all by herself.

During the book, we get to know Cheryl as a strong and independent woman, who’s determination helps her to heal her broken heart and become the woman she wants to be. The book presents a mixture of all the emotions, pleasures and terrors she has to overcome during her solo hike. We are there with her when she feels lonely, when she meets wonderful people, when she feels overwhelmed and when she’s terrified. Cheryl shows us a wonderful and inspiring example of how you can’t always control your circumstances, but can control the way you’re dealing with them.

 

Cheryl Strayed near the PCT in Old Station, California, July 1995

 

Why you should read this book

Even though I read the Dutch translation, it’s obvious to me that Cheryl is a very good story teller. I loved how she intertwined passages from her past into the story of her hike, without becoming unnecessary personal or emotional. We get to know Cheryl and her situation very well and therefore get even more respect for the guts she shows and the choices she has made.

What I loved about the book was that it immediate takes you into the mindset and atmosphere of travel, the feelings of adventure, despite the discomfort and loneliness. This book resurrected in me the itch to travel again, starting on my couch reading lovely books like this one.

 

*Picture in header is still from the movie ‘Wild’ based on this book, directed by Jean-Marc Vallée, released in 2014 by Fox Searchlight Pictures

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Mies van der Rohe Pavilion Barcelona

Mies van der Rohe Pavilion, Barcelona

Mies van der Rohe Pavilion, Barcelona

 

When I was in Barcelona last summer I visited the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion in Barcelona. Originally designed and build for the Barcelona International Exposition of 1929, the pavilion got disassembled shortly after the expo was over. When years later the building not only became a key piece for Mies van der Rohe’s career, but also for the understanding of modern architecture, the building was reconstructed at its original location in 1986.

The pavilion still breaths a modern atmosphere, even though the design has almost been a hundred years old. The minimal, simple and transparent design combined with the beautiful materials that were used and the history of the project, makes this building an absolute must-see, even if you’re just slightly interested in architecture or design!

 

Mies van der Rohe Pavilion, Barcelona

 

For opening hours and more information, check the Fundació Mies van der Rohe website.

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De Amerikaanse Prinses

The American Princess

The American Princess / De Amerikaanse Prinses

written by Annejet van der Zijl, published by Querido
genre literary nonfiction, 280 pages

During an interview on the Dutch television last year, Mrs. Van der Zijl – one the most famous authors of literary nonfiction in the Netherlands – mentioned that she just finished writing this book. She told the presenter how she, like most people, always is searching for something. How the writing of her books, the searching for the stories, keeps bringing adventures, new worlds and beauty into her life. This interview made me curious to read her newest work, a book about the amazing life of a beautiful woman.

 


The story in short

Being the first biography I’ve ever read, ‘De Amerikaanse Prinses’ (the American Princess) totally blew me away. Allene Tew (1872-1955) was a woman who used her limitations as a motivation to give shape to her own life and managed to live the lives of many people in one single lifetime.

Growing up in Jamestown as a descendant of the first settlers in America, Allene was raised in an entrepreneurial environment. This childhood in combination with her good looks and adventurous character, were all that was needed for a life like no other.

Reading her story, we not only get to know a lot about Allene, her family, her friends and the social scenes she was being a part of. The book also tells us a lot about our history and gives an overview of the world as it was during Allenes life; the First and Second World War influencing daily life in both Europe and America, industrial revolutions, technical discoveries and developments and social changes making enormous differences to the lives of the people during the different eras of Allene’s life.

An informative and fascinating biography that tells us the story of a woman that was decades ahead of her time. A woman who despite many disappointments, sadness and difficulties, never let go of her dreams and ambitions. A strong and independent woman who, thanks to her resilience and perseverance, never lost courage and always kept moving on. A woman who can still be an example for women today!

The book was completed with pictures of Allene and her family during different life stages.

 

Allene Tew Hostetter | 1892

 

Why you should read this book

Reading this book was an absolute pleasure. Not only is Allene Tew’s life very intriguing, the way it was written, with all the background information, was as beautifully as the story itself. It could easily have been an overkill of information, a complex and exhausting book to read, but it was not like that at all. As soon as you start reading this book, you just want to know what is going to happen, how the life of this woman evolves, how she deals with the difficulties that come her way and how she keeps standing strong, no matter what.

 

En misschien was dat wel Allenes grootste prestatie – meer nog dan haar rijkdom,
haar titels, haar vele huizen en haar imponerende gastenboek.
Dat ze, wat ze allemaal ook had meegemaakt en doorstaan,
zich nooit het vermogen had laten afpakken om van het leven te genieten
en er dankbaar voor te zijn.” 

– Annejet van der Zijl

 

“Maybe Allenes biggest achievement – even more than her wealth, her titels, her many houses and her imposing guestbook.
Was that she, despite what she had experienced and endured, had never lost the ability to enjoy her life and be grateful for it.”
– Annejet van der Zijl

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Big Magic

Big Magic

Big Magic – Creative living beyond fear

 

written by Elizabeth Gilbert, published by Cargo
genre nonfiction / self-help, 256 pages

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Minimalism

Minimalism – A documentary about the important things

Minimalism – A documentary about the important things

 

starring the Minimalists, directed by Matt D’Avella
launched in 2016, 78 minutes

They say that ideas float through the air and all you have to do is grab them. If you don’t somebody else will, sometimes several people will. When I came across an article in the newspaper about people joining the Tiny House Movement in the Netherlands, in my mind it got immediately linked to the documentary that my boyfriend and I had watched the previous evening. A documentary definitely worth telling you guys about!

‘Minimalism’ is a fascinating documentary about minimizing your life. A life in which less means more. A lifestyle conflicting with the western ideal in which materialism equals happiness. We’ve all heard of Marie-does it spark joy-Kondo who taught us how to get rid off all the stuff that we don’t need. Well, for some people that is only the beginning.

 

“I had everything I ever wanted.
I had everything I was supposed to have.
Everyone around me said: “You’re successful”.
But really, I was miserable.”

– Ryan Nicodemus

 

In this documentary we get to know people that brought minimalism to an even higher level. For example Ryan Nicodemus and Joshua Fields Millburn, also known as ‘The Minimalists’.

We follow Ryan and Joshua on their tour through America. A tour on which they try to introduce this ideal of living a minimalistic lifestyle to as many people as possible. They go to conferences, give presentations and take part on radio and tv shows to talk about the significant difference changing from a consumeristic lifestyle to a minimalistic lifestyle has made. Both men are now feeling so much happier, no longer working long days to earn a lot of money to buy things they don’t really want or need.

 

Trailer ‘Minimalism – A documentary about the important things’

 

The documentary introduces not just Ryan and Joshua’s version of a minimal lifestyle, but many more people that at a certain point in their life decided to take back control and live life differently.

What really inspires me is how they all explain that living a less excessive life makes life so much easier and enjoyable. There is no more worrying about what to wear when you can choose between five first choice-sweaters instead of a hundred seconds. Something simple like owning less clothes would surely make the morning ritual of many men and women much less stressful (not even mentioning what this would mean for our natural environment and the people working in all those mass production processes.)

Having watched this documentary and having read the article really helps and inspires me to keep focusing on the important things in life. To keep living my life intentionally, to make decisions that will increase mine and other people’s happiness, not just the number on my bank account. When living a more minimal life, life won’t be perfect, nor easy, but it will be simple.

 

“Love people and use things, because the opposite never works.”

– Joshua Fields Millburn

 

To learn more about the minimalists, have a look at their website.

How to become a Buddha in five weeks

How to become a buddha in 5 weeks

How to become a buddha in 5 weeks – The Simple Way to Self-realization

written by Giulio Cesare Giacobbe, published by Mana
genre educational, 160 pages

As a yoga and pilates practitioner, I’ve always considered following meditation lessons as well. But I either couldn’t find the time or the right meditation class to actually do so. When my colleague, who’s an even more fanatic yogi, told me about this book, about the lessons it teaches you and how much it had brought her, I simply couldn’t wait to read it and start the course myself.

 


The story in short

Giulio’s son Yuri was a Bodhisattva, a reincarnation of the Buddha. When Yuri was only 27 he past away and transferred his buddhism to his father. A man who unlike his son, considered himself to be an old sinner. But Giulio changed into a buddha. He found enlightenment and realized that it’s possible for everybody to become a buddha too. Buddhism no longer was just a theory to him, it became something real and finally resulted in this book.

Even though what you’re reading now is a book review. It would be more correct to call this a short course for getting a buddhist state of mind, in the form of a book. The book not only provides us with a clear and easy to understand explanation of the base principles on which a buddhistic mindset can be build. These principles have also been translated into a 5 week course that can be followed and completed by everybody who’s open and willing to do so.

It is not a book about religion. It’s a book about a psychological method with a practical goal; to end your mental suffering and achieve a permanent state of serenity. Perhaps this all might sound complicated or maybe even a bit far fetched. But don’t worry, it really isn’t. The writer explains the essence of a buddhistic mind in a very clear and easy to understand way. And the five assignments derive from this explanation very naturally. Really everybody can do this.

 

Why you should read this book

Reading the book is only the beginning. The writer proposes you first read the book completely, before starting the assignments that each take at least a week. I’ve read the book twice but haven’t finished all the courses yet. I prefer to take more time for each assignment and really let it sink in. But I’m sure that in some weeks, I as well will reach the ultimate goal and become a buddha. Wouldn’t you like to give it a try?

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Factor 25

Factor 25

Factor 25

written by Eva Daeleman, published by Manteau
genre autobiography, 239 pages

My friend Katrien, with whom I travelled through Australia after meeting her in New Zealand, told me: “I’ve read an amazing book and you just have to read it!” And so I did. I read this Dutch – Flemish actually – book and have to admit; after reading Eva’s travel stories, I can’t wait to book my next journey. Adventure is calling, again!

 


The story in short

Eva Daeleman, a 24 year old Belgian radio and tv presenter, decides she needs a break from the rat race her ‘perfect life’ has become. She wants to travel, alone. And so her adventure takes-off. An adventure that will last 7 weeks in Vietnam and Thailand and many, many more weeks back at home.

Only minutes after arriving in Vietnam, Eva finds out that traveling alone is something completely different to being on a holiday. Quickly Eva ends up in her own personal roller coaster, consisting of a spinning head, a bleeding heart and a country that’s so different from home. During her journey, many tears will be shed and courage and insights will be gained.
At the same time Eva discovers that traveling alone brings many joys and pleasures. Next to getting to know herself better than ever, she meets interesting people and makes new friends for life.

A journey that starts chaotically; with Eva’s thoughts and feelings almost exploding within her. A journey that ends peacefully; as the weeks pass by, Eva starts to finally find confidence, peace and pleasure with who she really is.

 

Why you should read this book

When I started reading this book, it was a bit hard for me to get used to the short sentences and ever changing subjects that fill the pages. But after getting used to her writing, reading her story gave me the feeling that I was there, in Eva’s head, during her journey through Asia.

What I loved about the book is Eva’s openness and honesty. Especially considering the fact that she is a famous person and has to deal with people’s opinions and criticism every single day. I think the fact that a celebrity who’s life seems to be perfect, is willing to open up and show the world her deepest insecurities, is probably the most valuable aspect of this book.

What I did miss was a deeper layer to the story. To me it maybe was a bit too personal, like reading someone’s diary instead of a well thought out story. Nevertheless did I have a good time reading this book, especially because her struggling while traveling alone was very recognizable to me and I’m sure to everybody who’s ever traveled on his/her own.

 

“Ik heb het gevoel dat de grond onder mijn voeten is verdwenen.
Dat ik als een vis op het droge lig te spartelen en snak naar water.
Al is het maar een druppel. Eén druppel herkenbaarheid.
Alles is hier anders, zelfs ik.” 

– Eva Daeleman


“I feel like the earth is disappearing from under me.
Like a fish on the land, longing for water.
Just one drop. One drop of recognition.
Everything is different here, including me.”
– Eva Daeleman

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De Domijnen Sittard

Over de Grens

Over de Grens / Crossing Borders

 

March 5th  ’till May 28th 2017 – De Domijnen, Sittard NL
featuring works of: Brele Scholz, Jaap de Ruig, Roy Villevoye & Jan Dietvorst

 

Last weekend my friend Suzanne and I visited museum De Domijnen in Sittard (NL). Since I did go to high school in Sittard and I always had an interest in culture and history, I’d been in the Domijnen many times. But times are a changing and the museum got a new site, being a part of a newly build cultural house that hosts not only exhibitions but also the library, a small cinema, theatre, bar and a school.

We hadn’t checked the exhibition beforehand, but the theme could not have been more relevant for the current developments around the world. The exhibit ‘Over de grens’ which means ‘Crossing borders’, featured work of artists who are looking for connections with people from other cultures, seeking contact with and opening up towards others.

What mostly spoke to me were the sculptures by German artist Brele Scholz. The faces of her ‘Umgebaute Europäer’ (Converted Europeans) can literally be opened up to see what’s going on inside somebody else’s head.

 

‘Umgebaute Europäer’ by Brele Scholz

 

Let’s hope artworks like Brele’s will be an inspiration to cross those borders, to open up to each other and be curious about what’s going on inside somebody else’s head.

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Vele hemels boven de zevende

Vele hemels boven de zevende

Vele hemels boven de zevende / Beyond cloud nine

written by Griet op de Beeck, published by Prometheus
genre psychological novel, 272 pages

Griet op de Beeck is a very famous Belgian writer. Her novel ‘Kom hier dat ik u kus’ (So I may kiss you) was a major success and also her debut novel ‘Vele hemels boven de zevende’ (Beyond cloud nine) was very well received. Hearing so many positive responses made me curious for her work and I decided to start with her debut.

 

 

The story in short

The main character of the story is Eva, a 36-year-old strong, single, loyal and loving woman. The people surrounding Eva are mostly her family, friends and some clients from work.

Eva’s older sister Elsie is trying to escape her not-so-happy marriage by starting an affair with Casper, a friend of Eva whom she meets at the opening of his exhibition. Elsies daughter Lou is, just like Eva, very good at observing people and situations. Which makes her a sensitive and shy girl and gives her trouble making friends at high school. Jos, Eva’s father, is having a hard time hiding his alcohol addiction and keeping a secret he’s been living with for many years.

Five very different characters. All looking for love and happiness but struggling with the fear of change, fear of hurting others and fear of hurting themselves. The question is; will they have the guts to follow their hearts and make the jump. Or will they continue living their lives the way they always have.

 

Why you should read this book

The theme and the characters of this story are very real and recognizable; everybody knows how it feels to struggle with these questions. The unexpected ending of the story was in a way very sad but also very courageous and exactly what the story needed.
This is one of those books that you read within just a couple of hours but that will stay with you for a much longer time!

 

“Hoe dat precies moet, leven, daar ben ik nog niet helemaal achter,
maar ik kan redelijk goed doen alsof.” 
– Eva

 

“How to actually live life, I don’t really have a clue, but I’m pretty good at pretending that I do.” – Eva

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Miss yellow hair, hello!

Miss yellow hair, Hello! 

Miss yellow hair, Hello! – The adventures of an unstoppable world traveler

written by Iris Hannema, published by Arbeiderspers
genre non fiction / travel, 213 page
s

As a digital nomad, the Dutch Iris Hannema travels the world while writing articles for newspapers and magazines such as National Geographic. The combination of a job as a (traveling) journalist/photographer, her humour and adventurous mind, makes that she ends up in unfamiliar places and the craziest of circumstances. Therefore this young woman has countless of stories to tell and already published two books that are filled with her experiences. Stumbling across her first book ‘Miss yellow hair, Hello!’ in the local library left me with no other option; this book had to be read.

 


The story in short

If you want to read a book about traveling, the real traveling, ‘Miss yellow hair, hello!’ is the book you should read. This collection of short stories that take place all over the world, might be the ultimate inspiration source to go and explore the world yourself, or it might help you to decide to rather stay home and enjoy all the comforts that come with that.

There really isn’t a subject that has been overlooked in this book. Iris dares to share with us very personal and sometimes even shameful experiences and is brutally honest about the pleasures and pains traveling can entail. She is funny and practical and shares handy tips and tricks that we might be thankful for one day, when we find ourselves somewhere far from home. The addition of the pictures she took during those travels and refers to in some of the stories, only makes reading her stories more fun and real.

I think her Dutch mentality can easily be detected while reading the book. Iris is in no aspects subtle or subdued and goes for what she wants, the good way or the bad. That might seem a bit offensive to some readers, but I personally thought her way of dealing with the diverse and absurd situations was not only amusing, but mostly very human.

 

Why you should read this book

This book is easy to read because of the variety of stories and the personal tone of voice. Iris turns out to be a raw and realistic traveller and isn’t scared to share with us the funniest, dirtiest and sometimes painfully honest details of the crazy reality a traveller has to deal with. I really liked that she makes fun of herself and dares to acknowledge some of her weaknesses (especially when it comes to men) and at the same time turns out to be a very brave and adventurous woman.

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Barcelona City Guide

What to do when you’re in Barcelona

What to do when you’re in Barcelona

 

Last summer my friend Katrien and I, both in desperate need of inspiration and adventure, went on a city trip to Barcelona. Barcelona had been on my ‘places I definitely have to visit-list’ for a really long time so I was curious whether it would meet my expectations. Well, it for sure did! I’ve been to amazing cities, walked on beautiful beaches, visited historic sites and seen many churches, Barcelona has it all and on top of that also houses some of the most wonderful buildings I’ve ever seen, thanks to mister Antoni Gaudi.

What to do & see in Barcelona

Although there really is so much one can do and see in this fantastic city, I couldn’t stop myself from making a short list of some of the must do’s for whoever is about to visit to Barca and can use a bit of inspiration and advise.

  1. Antoni Gaudi : Barcelona has Gaudi’s handwriting all over it. Some of the buildings and areas that he designed can only be seen from the outside, others can also be visited. We decided to visit Palau Güell, the Güell family home, of which you probably recognize the beautiful mosaic chimneys, Park Güell (in case you want to sit on the benches and see ‘El Drac’, the famous dragon, make sure to buy your tickets beforehand) and the Sagrada Familia (also make sure to buy tickets online). But there are many more options.
  2. Mies van der Rohe Pavilion : originally designed and build in 1929 for the Barcelona International Exposition, the pavilion got disassembled shortly after the expo was over but got resurrected at its original spot in the 1980’s. If you’re interested in architecture and design, this building and of course the Barcelona chairs that were designed for the expo as well, won’t be a disappointment! To see and read more about the pavilion, have a look here.
  3. CaixaForum : right across the street from the Mies van der Rohe Pavilion you’ll find the CaixaForum. This museum and cultural centre offers a wide range of events such as exhibitions of ancient, modern and contemporary artists, concerts, lectures and more. The museum is located in a former textile mill that was completed in 1911. After the factory closed its doors in 1918, the building was used as a warehouse and a police station and finally transformed into a museum in 2002. You can visit the CaixaForum website here.
  4. Even though the current exhibition at the MACBA (Museu d’Art Contemporary de Barcelona) didn’t allure us to pay the museum a visit, the mural by Keith Harring at the left side of the building made it all up for us. MACBA website for more info.
  5. Tiles : this might seem a bit odd, but walking through the city I found the different tiles that were covering the streets of the city very charming. Some of them even made it to my Barcelona moodboard.
  6. Tapas : although I’m not that interested in food and being a vegetarian sometimes have to miss out on local dishes, in Barcelona I had the option of trying all kinds of different tapas. These typical Spanish appetizers can be found everywhere. There are so many options that there’s something for everybody. My advise would be to try as much tapas as you can.
  7. Sagrada Familia : even though the Sagrada Familia was already mentioned in the Gaudi-chapter on this list, this church deserves it’s own attention. There are simply no words to describe this mind blowingly beautiful building. It is the most amazing church I have ever seen and the only thing I can say about it is to, when you go to Barcelona, not forget to pay it a visit. I promise you won’t be disappointed! For tickets and more info have a look at the Sagrada Familia website.

 

Of course my short list doesn’t cover it all and many other interesting sites and options could have been mentioned. But I hope this will give you an impression of my visit to this wonderful city and maybe even inspire you to go and discover Barcelona yourself!

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Brooklyn

Brooklyn

Brooklyn

 

written by Colm Tóibín, published by Penguin
genre novel, 252 pages

The first time I saw Colm Tóibín’s novel Brooklyn, I was looking into the books of a bookshop at Dublin Airport, while waiting for my plane to go back home. I was immediately drawn to the title, as only a few weeks earlier I had spend a couple of weeks in Brooklyn, celebrating Christmas and NYE with the man I was dating at the moment, a man who lives in Brooklyn.

 

 

The story in short

Brooklyn is a novel that follows the life of Eilis Lacey. The story takes off in Ireland in the 1950’s. Eilis, a young girl living with her mother and older sister Rose in the small town she grew up in, studies bookkeeping. Despite her excellent qualifications she cannot find a decent job and when her sister Rose arranges an opportunity for her to leave Ireland and go work and live in Brooklyn, Eilis knows that there’s no other option than to go.

For Eilis, who is leaving her home and family for the first time, crossing the ocean and moving to a big city on the other side of the world is a big adventure. Even though her new life is quite different from the life she had in Ireland and despite feeling homesick every now and then, Eilis starts to feel more at home as the months pass. And when she finds love with Tony, her future in America certainly begins to take shape.

Devastating news from Ireland forces her to go back home, where Eilis awaits an alternative path for the future. Thorn between two different lives and responsibilities, Eilis once more has to make a major decision; will she go back to Brooklyn or stay at home where new opportunities are rising…

 

Why you should read this book

I can only say that I loved this book from the moment I started reading it. Not only does it tell us the story of a young girl coming of age, dealing with new responsibilities and falling in love for the first time. It’s mostly the adventure of a life time, all the insecurities and opportunities that come with emigrating to the other side of the world, that makes this story so appealing.

Even though it is a short read, you get to know Eilis very well. And as the story moves on, you notice her changing from a unselfconscious young girl into a smart and confident young woman. The story is very moving and stays with you for a very long time.

*Picture in header is a still from the movie ‘Brooklyn’ based on this book, directed by John Crowly, released in 2015 by Fox Searchlight Pictures

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Morrie Schwartz & Mitch Albom

Tuesdays with Morrie

Tuesdays with Morrie – an old man, a young man and life’s greatest lesson

written by Mitch Albom, published by Doubleday
genre autobiography, 192 pages

A friend warmly recommended Tuesdays with Morrie to me, he said it’s one of the most wonderful and inspiring books he’d ever read. I bought the book and read it within just a couple of hours. That’s how Morrie came into my life, and I’m sure he’ll never leave.

 


The story in short

This book is the final thesis Mitch Albom writes for his old professor Morrie Schwartz. Unfortunately Morrie has ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig’s disease, and knows the end of his life is nearing. Morrie’s body is getting weaker every day. Despite this horrible disease Morrie focuses on the little joys that are left in his life, he surrounds himself with the people he loves and feels blessed for having the time to say goodbye.

One of his many visitors is Mitch, a former student who accidentally hears about the circumstances of his old professor when Ted Koppel of ABC-tv’s Nightline interviews Morrie for the first time*. After the show Mitch travels to West Newton to say goodbye to his ‘coach’, as he used to call Morrie, not knowing that this visit will be the start of the last class Morrie will ever teach; once a week by a window in his home study, discussing ‘the Meaning of life’. For this class no books are needed, the lessons are taught from experience. The class meets on Tuesdays.

 

Morrie & Mitch | picture by Heather Pillar

 

Of course I’ve never known Morrie personally, but it’s clear to me the book breathes his voice, his passion and his positivism, which makes the content even more inspirational. I guess it’s impossible to honor a man like him and to write a book review that covers all the valuable lessons that can be learned, both from his words and his actions. Therefore I’ll share with you my own five favourite lessons Tuesdays with Morrie has given me about ‘the Meaning of life’:

  • Sometimes you cannot believe what you see, you have to believe what you feel.
  • The culture we have does not make people feel good about themselves. We’re teaching the wrong things.
    Don’t buy it. Create your own culture!
  • Once you learn how to die, you learn how to live : if you accept that you can die at any time, you might not be as ambitious as you are and the things you now spend lots of time on, might not seem as important.
  • Death ends a life, not a relationship : you live on in the hearts of everyone you’ve touched & nurtured while you were here.
  • The most important thing in life is to learn how to give out love, and to let it come on.

Morrie teaches us that the way to get meaning into your life is to devote ourself to loving others, devote ourself to your community around us and devote ourself to creating something that gives purpose and meaning.

 

“People see me as a bridge. I’m not as alive as I used to be,
but I’m not yet dead. 
I’m sort of . . . in-between.”
He coughed, then he regained his smile.
“I’m on the last journey here – and people want me to tell them what to pack.”

– Morrie Schwartz

 

Why you should read this book

Tuesdays with Morrie is a very personal and honest story. Actually it’s Mitch telling Morrie’s story; his wisdom and lessons and how the progressive illness he has to deal with impacts Morrie’s life completely. At the same time Mitch tells about his own life, about choices he has made and new insights he gets during his time with Morrie. He describes how the disease and Morrie’s dysfunctional body bring them closer every Tuesday. The book is both easy to read, and at the same time overflowing with life lessons. That’s why you might like to take a little more time to process all of Morrie’s wisdom. Many quotes will stick with you for a very long time, if not forever.

Having read this book, I just couldn’t get enough of Morrie – hence the name of this blog, as an ode to Morrie and all the other inspiring people and writers, who share their often hard-learned lessons and insights with us. While searching on the internet for more Morrie background information, I came across the actual interviews of Ted Koppel with Morrie, of course I have to share this video with you.

It’s funny how somebody you’ve never met, but whose words you’ve read, can feel so familiar and warm. Morrie’s lessons, his passion and his wisdom will live on for ever and ever. He was and still is a teacher. Have you ever had a teacher like this?

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