Winter Wonderland

Sunday morning Tito woke up and just knew: "Today we'll go skiing!" And as usual Tito was quite right. Spending 20 minutes to get dressed (as one truly needs in a cold place like Willowlandia) the skiers were ready. Driving for a while, they reached their starting point - the forest surrounding the city. As it happened to be a Sunday morning, Tito and Willow weren't the only ones having thought the day perfect for skiing. The forest was full of children, youths, adults, grandparents and dogs skiing at their own phase while enjoying the fine day and the excellent skiing conditions. (The dogs did naturally not wear skis, if anyone thought so.) Skiing for quite some time the couple made it to a small cabin. There was smoke coming up from the chimney and outside very many pairs of skis were stacked. Inside there were a lot of people relaxing with a cup of coffee, waffles with brown cheese, buns and cinnamon rolls.

The rest was well deserved and the hot chocolate had probably never tasted so good. It also gave good energy for returning to the starting point. Tito and Willow were left with a feeling of well-being having accomplished a great day with physic exercise and the internal peace that the forest always gives the people visiting it stayed with them.

The world is in your hands

Two girlfriends met after a long time apart. There were smiles and big hugs and a promise to go take a coffee together. Selma and Willow walked down the street absorbed in their own conversation. Tito followed politely holding Willow's hand.

The Camel was the name of a small, cosy café downtown. The three of them entered and found a table. Strawberry rooibush and steaming cappuccinos were served and the smiles continued. The topic "vacations" turned up. Tito and Willow had already bought their summer tickets to Titonia, a place with spectacular coral reefs, wild tropical cloud forests and white sandy beaches for miles and miles. Selma had not decided her summer destination yet, but was toying with the idea of joining her friends in Titonia. "Excellent idea!" Tito and Willow exclaimed.

The world is in your hands, Selma. Titonia might just be a couple of clicks away. We're awaiting your decision with great interest!

Vacation

Puff, puff, the train is coming. Rucksacks, suitcases, umbrellas and plastic bags. People stressing, running towards assigned seats, pushing to come first. Puff, puff, the train is leaving the station. The conductor comes to check the tickets and quickly walks away.

Then you may lay back, plug music into your ears and close your eyes, knowing you're on your way.

Quetzaltenango

This morning, Tito and I decided to take off. To Quetzaltenango. We wanted to escape for a while, going deeper and deeper into the forest. There were puffing volcanoes, the summing of multicoloured insects and an air so rich that our clothes stuck to our bodies. The forest was a wild one, so we had to use our machetes to cut our way through. To get a better view of the area we started ascending one of the inactive volcanoes. We were all alone apart from some shouting monkeys and jabbering parrots. Reaching the top, we had the most amazing view. Ancient Maya temples were looking up over the tree crowns reminding us of a great civilization. And to make the moment even more special, one of the shy quetzales flew past us on graceful wings.

Open your mind

There are no borders impossible to cross. There are no obstacles too big to overcome. There are no limits to the joys you can get pleasure from. Nor is there any end to how much beauty can be found in the smallest of things.

Happy Valentine's Day!

The Muffinman

When people normally wake up on Sunday morning, the Muffinman has already been up for hours. He's been preparing in the kitchen, gathering flour, sugar, chocolate, eggs, vanilla, dried fruits and other fine ingredients. There is no limit to what the Muffinman can do with food. The smells that reach the bedroom are almost divine and they make you want to get up to start a new day. A new day with muffins and who knows what else.

Let's start exploring.

Kissing dolphins or Dreaming

There's something special about mornings when you wake up from a series of dreams you remember every part of. They might include stories about how the pine trees put on frozen raindrops like diamonds in the winter, plane-trips seated next to a little girl eating ice-cream or the planning of a school theatre play about rainforest reservoirs.

It's even more special waking up having someone to tell these dreams to. Then you might reach the conclusion that you most likely are able to remember all those details because you've spent the night feeling safe and comfortable while being hugged asleep.

Magic world

The air was filled with fairies, their magic wands flickering with sparks. Then he appeared and the world stood still for a moment. Tito had come. Willow threw herself around his neck, giving him a big kiss welcome. She knew she was never to let go of him ever again. So much time had passed, at a slow snail's phase, but they had made it. Finally she felt herself as a complete human being. Tito felt the same.

Love is a powerful force.

La Mariposa

La Mariposa woke up from tranquil dreams embracing the new day. She checked her wings and antennas before setting off. She flew from flower to flower licking sweet honey, feeling happy. La Mariposa had a large number of friends that she met every ones in a while and this morning in particular, she felt urges to see them again for a large reunion. Flying softly to their meeting point, she saw more and more butterflies coming in. Their wings came in all shapes and sizes and the colours matched all those of the rainbow. "Let's go to Willow's tummy," la Mariposa told her friends. And that's how it came to be that Willow spent the entire day feeling restless, yet very excited.

Tito is on his way.

Here's to all my friends

Friends who come along when I call and tell them I would like to take a walk in the forest with them. Friends who trust me with their thoughts and problems. Friends who invite me to their beautiful new home to end up in a comfortable sofa relaxing with whatever is on TV.



Friends who invite me for a highly impressive three course dinner, followed by a movie and a coffee at a cozy café afterwards. (Here's to AJ.) Friends who call me when they happen to be in the neighbourhood and friends who call me just to ask how I am. Friends who read my humble blog and find it interesting enough to comment. Friends who gather to knit together. Friends who arrange film-nights with lasagne....

And that was just this week. Needless to say I'm very privileged.