From Delft to Utrecht and back. Photos from little alleys and through brick tunnels. So much has been happening in the last few weeks that It feels like these photos represent where I am at – ready to ignore the dissapointments and better of looking forward and making good things happen for me.
{ Above photo by: Susan Jimenez }
Meet the blogger event in Amsterdam was a full day of inspiration, meeting other creative blogger and taking part of workshops presented by successful bloggers and them sharing their tips and experience. It was fantastic experience and my head was buzzing for days with positive thoughts and inspiration from the 1 day event. … And I couldn´t not have asked for a more exquisite location that the Conservatorium Hotel in Amsterdam.
There were quite a few guest speakers on the day but the keynote speaker, who is a hugely successful blogger, Frida Ramstedt of Swedish interior design blog Trendenser inspired me the most. Frida is an amazing business woman who has written books, done TV presentation, radio interviews, worked together with interior designer magazines, helped put out Ikea’s first catalogue for the iPad, and has recently created her own iPad magazine.
Frida talked about building your brand, finding your niche and becoming an expert at something: ‘Don’t focus on what you can’t do today. Focus on what you want to be able to do tomorrow’ and a great tip to find your passion: ‘Where does your mind go when it wanders?’.
Have you spotted me by now?
Later on the day I sat through two workshops; Blog Styling by Pippa Jameson and Product Photography by Yvonne Eijkenduijn. Both of them had something very good tips to share on improving your blog and photography styling. What makes a good picture? Every picture tells a story.
{ Bloggers from left to right: Frida Ramstedt, Pippa Jameson, Danielle de Lange and Yvonne Eijkenduijn }
{ Photographer: Jurriaan Hoefsmit – see the rest of the photos by meet the blogger: here }
The street festivals have started in Delft. Over the weekend it was the street art festival, Mooi Weer spelen one of the largest, vibrant, very colourful free festivals in Delft. Saturday turned out to be a gorgeous summer day, everyone excited to get some sun, vitamin D…And you could not go wrong taking photos – perfect blue sky all around and everyone was happy to pose for the camera.
There was dance performance, people dressed in original, funky bright outfits…and there was a wedding among the crowd…see the beautiful car in the photo (top right). Funny thing is, i just noticed while i was editing the photo that i know the couple! It’s an English expat and his newly Dutch wife, aaah, how romantic.
The Festival is a two-day event over the weekend and it is 25 years old! I yet to go through the Sunday, second day of the festival photos… There was definitely more to see on that day but unfortunately it left me amazed (again) how quickly the weather changes over night in Delft.
Polyhedra Helmet made completely from 80gsm paper by Talia Jimenez for her university project. Who is Talia? Well, how long do you have? She is my beautiful and talented niece that will be visiting me very soon!.…Anyway, this is a stunning piece of art work that must have taken hours to just make one! It’s such a delicate piece of art work that i wished i could get closer to them to appreciate every little piece on its own. And search for my favourite, perhaps the butterfly print one? Or maybe I can borrow one?
Inspired by the Japanese animated film, The secret world of Arrietty. Talia had this to say about creating her project, “The task was to create a helmet for Arrietty to wear on her midnight excursion `above ground´ to the world of humans. It would need to protect her from the perils of small creatures who scuttle around in the dark. Arriety loves the garden and is always making the dangerous journey across the lawn to the bay leaf tree. She often carries leaves able her head to act as a camouflage. She would need a helmet to camouflage her from the whooping magpies above and the prying eyes of humans.”
Oh I really would like to have a couple of them and place them between one of my plants – just in case Arrietty comes for a visit and needs protection!. I love the concept! ….What are your thought?
The Secret World of Arrietty, Kari-gurashi no Arietti, original title (Karigurashi means borrower in Japanese) Written by Hayao Miyazaki (creator of Spirited Away) and Keiko Niwa, based on the novel The Borrowers by Mary Norton. Directed by Hiromasa Yonebayashi.
Curious to see the movie now? Discover Arriettys world here: YouTube Trailer
{ Polyhedra Paper Helmet Photos by Talia Jimenez, 2012 }
I have some super awesome news to share with you guys! It’s all I can think of these days! Last Sunday I uploaded my second video for the Samsung Global Blogger competition. I had to create a 30 second video of an event in Holland, where I had to show my reporting and editing skills. It was a great challenge, I had fun producing the video and I am through to the final round – the top 20 from The Netherlands. So excited!!
The get the opportunity to be sent by Samsung to report from the London Olympics would be A-M-A-Z-I-N-G!!! And I would love to share this opportunity and adventure with YOU.
Now all I need is YOUR support and YOUR VOTES!!! Will you help me get closer to the London Olympics? It’s simple and it is just a click away to vote for me here
Click the “thumbs up” support button at.: http://samsungglobalblogger.my.msn.com/videos/4189
Do you tweet? Please help spread the love and tweet this: RT support @susimenez to become #samsungglobalblogger at the London Olympics. Pls vote here: http://bit.ly/Lv6LQl
“More than twist in my sobriety” by Tanita Tikaram (1988)
………………………………….
In the morning I wipe my brow
Wipe the miles away
I like to think I can be so willed
And never do what you say
I’ll never hear you
And never do what you say
………………………………….
Cup of tea, take time to think, yea
Time to risk a life, a life, a life
Sweet and handsome
Soft and porky
You pig out ’til you’ve seen the light
Pig out ’til you’ve seen the light
Half the people read the papers
Read them good and well
Pretty people, nervous people
People have got to sell
News you have to sell
Look my eyes are just holograms
Look your love has drawn red from my hands
From my hands you know you’ll never be
More than twist in my sobriety
Beautiful nostalgic song from the 80’s. One that I had completely forgotten about till today. The combination of the song lyrics with the video clip is what makes it hauntingly intriguing. I love the photography with sepia tone, and the way the shots are well thought out. The children in the video are beautiful. Video set in a rural village in the Bolivian Altiplano. Directed by Gerard de Thame.
Maurice Sendak standing by an life-size scene from his book “Where The Wild Things Are” at the Children’s Museum of Manhattan
‘Where the Wild Things Are’ Beloved children’s (and adults) author and illustrator, Maurice Sendak Dead at 83…Till this day i can say that this one of my favourite books as a child, but even now, years, years later – It’s also a book for adults to enjoy. It’s hard not to be enthusiastic about Maurice Sendak’s imaginary, weird and visually lingering story books and illustrations. So here is my ode to Maurice Sendak’s wonderful world of storytelling and beautiful illustration art books.
Where the Wild Things Are (1963).
Left, Dear Mili (1988) … right, Pierre (year?)
Left, We are All in the Dumps with Jack and Guy (1993) … Right, In the Night Kitchen (1970)
Illustration header Maurice Sendak did for Google. The most lovable and scary monster you will ever run into!. I love you Maurice Sendak,your work is timeless, inspiring and will live on!.
Beautiful evening images during the Liberation evening concert, together with Queen Beatrix on the Amster River. Well, of course i couldn’t see Queen Beatrix but i heard she was there!. May 5, Liberation Day ( Bevrijdingsdag in Dutch) is a very special day in The Netherlands as it marks the end of World War II, 67 years since Germany surrendered at the end of World War II. …Peace, freedom and unity, It’s worth celebrating!
This was my first time in Amsterdam on Liberation Day and I’m glad i went. The atmosphere was easy-going but energetic and peaceful. Lot’s of music, festival going around and markets to check out during the day – all spread throughout the city of Amsterdam.
More photos of the day concerts and markets to be posted tomorrow. Till then, sending you peaceful vibes…xx
After dinner tonight, we had a walk a little walk around Delft. The light and the clouds were especially gorgeous. Most of the streets were very quiet. Yet everyone was enjoying the last hour of the sun, sitting outside having a drink. Or doing last minute preparations for tomorrows …. Big ORANGE celebration, Queens day, koninginnedag in Dutch.
Every two years a special group of volunteer workers from Filmhuis Lumen (showcases independent and foreign films) in Delft puts together a special Spanish and Portuguese Film Festival, Festibérico. You can expect to see directors, producers, actors for Q&A and listen to live music. Tonight is the opening night and as a volunteer worker at Filmhuis Lumen, I’ll be there tonight!!!
For more Information..: Go to the Festibérico website.
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