click here to see the original post for this image.
Well mes amis, this is it, 2009 has rolled on by. I cannot believe it is December and that the end of the year is near. I am about to hop on a plane to the other side of the world, to “my other life” down under and so I will bid you farewell for the year, here, today, as I have decided to take a little time off. I will only be taking a couple of weeks holiday as I have lots of work to do in 2010, but two weeks is two weeks and I am very much looking forward to it. I have had an extraordinarily busy year and my body, mind and spirit are in need of some serious rest and recreation. I will begin posting intermittently at the beginning of the new year while I am in Sydney. I’ll be there for a couple of months this time ’round. I’m so excited to be heading to sunshine, sea and sand.
click here to see the original post for this image.
But this is not the only “something wonderful” I have to tell you. Cast your mind back to well, around the beginning of this here blog, two years ago. In January of 2007 I announced an idea I’d been forming for an art project that involved you. I asked you to send in photos of your wandering hearts. Do you remember? Well the idea took off, and went completely out of control – I received so many images that I lost all ability to keep up to date. All the while I was consumed with the task of writing my very first book Paris: Made by Hand, and then my second to be published this coming April – Amsterdam: Made By Hand, as well as keeping up my freelance styling work here in Europe. But it got crazier – in between all that I was asked if I would write another book. A book about my own personal journey of how I got here: the journey of following my wandering heart. Today is the first time I’ve been able to tell you this “something wonderful” that I’ve known for a while now, I was just waiting to catch my breath.
And although at this early stage I cannot reveal much, I wanted to let you know about it since you have all been such a wonderful part of this journey – dear friends who have been encouraging me every step of the way, lifting me up, holding my hand, and guiding me gently.
So, what will this book be about? Well, here is a little description…
“This is a beautiful, lavishly photographed, illustrated and designed book by Pia Jane Bijkerk. It is a travel memoir, a love story, a story about searching for home and making homes in new places, a photographic love letter to the charms and delights of Paris, France, Amsterdam and Italy, and a story of finding inspiration in the everyday.”
I am very pleased to announce that My Heart Wanders will be published by Murdoch Books and will be released in 2011.
While I am writing and shooting it over the coming months, I thought it might be a lovely idea to open up the initial blog project again, and post images that you sent in as there were so many that I was not able to post and now that the book has evolved into a more personal journey that marks the beginning of it all, I will be able to share the first fabulous group of images sent in from around the globe. So starting in 2010 I will re-open the artist studio as a place for wandering hearts. I will post an image every day or so that was sent in during the initial project, and then you will be welcome to send in more images throughout the year.
I also want to take this opportunity as my last post for the year to say thank you: for everything. Your kindness, your encouragement and constant presence this year here in the (blog)house has been overwhelming. I never imagined in my wildest dreams that this blog would be the catapult for so much wonder in my life. You are without doubt, the best readers a blogging girl could ever have.
Have a fabulous festive season. See you in the New Year!!
xx
That’s amazing, Pia! Congrats on yet another book. You are a busy bee! Enjoy your time back home, especially the sunshine! Happy Holidays!
December 15th, 2009 | #
Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year to you too. Thanks for all. Hope you had a great time in the sun. Just enjoy those days off and start 2010 full of strenght and projects.
Will be waiting your return.
December 15th, 2009 | #
Thank you too Pia for sharing all your work and inspiration. Have a wonderful time back home. Enjoy your rest.
Miranda
December 15th, 2009 | #
It is an honour for me to be the first, who writes today! Thank you for making brighter my daily-life every day, every morning
🙂 and for the ideas, ispiration, stories of love, recipies, new talents and designers! and for many chances that you are giving us through your blog.
Have the best ever Christmas and many many books avec French boy!
Maria from Cyprus
December 15th, 2009 | #
.. and of course, cant wait for the release of your books:-)
Joyeux Nöel!
Bonne voyage aussi!
December 15th, 2009 | #
Pia I am guilty of visiting your blog often and not commenting very often at all. I just wanted to say hello, goodbye for now, bon voyage, happy Christmas and a big congratulations! Wow what big and wonderful news. But most of all thank you for being such an inspiration.
I can hardly wait for “My Heart Wanders” but I can’t start wishing 2010 away before it even starts!
Enjoy Sydney and summer.
Lisa (Sydney)
December 15th, 2009 | #
Go, Pia! And lovely to know that you will soon be back in the Southern Hemisphere for a wee while! Fantastic news.
December 15th, 2009 | #
congratulations, pia, and well done!!
i can’t wait for “My Heart Wonders” in 2011
for now, have a fabulous time with family and friends and i wish you a very happy xmas and new year!
see you next year 🙂
December 15th, 2009 | #
Dear Pia,
We will miss you! I think it’s simply wonderful and quite natural, really, that you are such a success at everything you do. We come away inspired every day – it’s no mystery that editors are snatching you up! We will await each book impatiently and hope we won’t lose you to down under for too long. You must be SO excited!
Safe travels home and all the best in the new and already fast-unravelling year of 2010! But before that, Joyeux Noël to you and yours!
xx judith b.
December 15th, 2009 | #
“A travel memoir, a love story, a story about searching for home and making homes in new places, a photographic love letter..”
WOW. WOW. WOW. Those words strung together just sound amazing, familiar and honest… can’t wait. Have a fabulous time xxx
December 15th, 2009 | #
my goodness pia–congratulations! what a treat the book will be for all of us! wishing you a wonderful and sunny break. xo, erin
December 15th, 2009 | #
How exciting! Congrats on your third book! Have a lovely holiday!
December 15th, 2009 | #
Great! you completely deserve it 🙂
I think we are all very much looking forward to reading your new books… 2011 sounds so far away though…
Have a good time in Sydney, and see you in 2010! I also feel that it is going to be a wonderful, busy year for us!!
Merry Christmas and Happy New Year
December 15th, 2009 | #
congratulations pia – it’s so well deserved! you’re not just another stylist; your consciousness regarding sustainable and handmade itmes makes your work very valuable. plus you’re a true artist, not just a ‘dispay maker’, because your heart is present in what you do (even if it wanders)
i hope your holiday will be restful and perfect in every way! take care pia, i’m looking forward to seeing you again in 2010.
merry christmas!
December 15th, 2009 | #
Oh pia, wow to be able to write your journey with words phtopgraph and things and have it published is so very special. Have a wonderful holiday at home pia. a bientot, joyeux noel!
December 15th, 2009 | #
Oh my. oh my – that is *such* exciting news! Your creativity and heart are such an inspiration to me (and to many others, I know!) – and while I absolutely treasure Paris Made By Hand, this book about your personal journey will just be that much more magical and inspiring – I cannot wait to see how it turns out!
Have a wonderful, splendid, super-fantastic time in Sydney and happy holidays!!
December 15th, 2009 | #
WOW Pia, this is just so very wonderful! I originally found you BECAUSE of the heart wanders project and then stayed on because of the wonderful spirit you are and how that shines through in every one of your posts 🙂 I wish you a wonderful relaxing holiday, a fabulous new year and a congrats! on all this well deserved bounty! best, Leslie
December 15th, 2009 | #
congrats pia. this is so wonderful for you. i cant wait for the next two books. you are such an inspiration and im sure the memoir will be too.
happy holidays + new year
December 15th, 2009 | #
Thank you Pia and Happy Holidays to you.
I’ve been following your blog for sometime now, but this is the first time I have commented.
You have been an amazing source of inspiration to me to follow my own wandering heart (first to Reykjavík, Iceland and now Copenhagen), to know that it’s not impossible to follow your dreams — and I am also grateful for the wonderful tidbits of beauty that you pass along to us, particularly on those days that I really need to be reminded of the beauty that exists all around us if we just take a moment and look up.
Congratulations on your new book and best wishes for a very happy New Year!
Jessie
December 15th, 2009 | #
Congratulations!!!
Have a great time in Australia and a wonderful new year!!!!!
December 15th, 2009 | #
oh! so very excited for you {and us because we benefit from your creativity!}!!!!! have a lovely, lovely holiday!
December 15th, 2009 | #
I just found your blog and it is wonderful. Congratulation on your new book and have a lovely holiday and new year! I look forward to following your blog in the new year.
December 15th, 2009 | #
wow, pia! that’s fantastic news! i’m so excited for you. rest up, and i hope you and your family have a fab holiday season 🙂
December 15th, 2009 | #
Congratulations Pia! I always enjoy reading your blog and I look forward to your new books. I hope you have a wonderful Christmas and New Year!
December 15th, 2009 | #
Agreed with what everyone has already written 🙂
December 15th, 2009 | #
Have a wonderfull holiday! Enjoy, relax and get inspired! See you in January! XM
December 15th, 2009 | #
“Congratulations” Pia – that’s wonderful news! Thank you for transporting us to so many wonderful places and ideas through your blog – it is an inspiration! Have a wonderful Christmas and a restful & rejuvenating summer Down Under. Looking forward to a wonderful 2010!
December 15th, 2009 | #
oh my goodness, i am sooooooooooooo excited!!!
Really, this is AMAZING news!!!!! woooop wooop!!! i cant wait!!! i know im going to fall in love with your 2 new books!!!!!!!
YAAAAAY!!!! x
December 16th, 2009 | #
I’m so so so excited about this one pia…. and btw your dumbofeather article looks awesome 🙂 Did you like???
thea.
xx
December 16th, 2009 | #
Oh Pia .. I found you first with a link to one of your wandering heart pieces .. I have been waiting eagerly to hear what would result .. so many beautiful images it made my heart sing! Wonderful news about the new book I will hunt it down as I know it will be so beautiful. All the best in Australia .. just so you know today in sunny Melbourne it is 39 degrees .. and (no surprise) tomorrow will be rain and cold! Beautiful Mother Nature. Merry Christmas and thank YOU for allowing us to tag along on your journey ..
December 16th, 2009 | #
Congratulations! Your photos are all so lovely & it will be interesting to see your new book, when it comes out.
December 16th, 2009 | #
Pia – I don’t comment very often, but I’m obssessed with reading your blog on a daily basis (sometimes 2-3 times a day). OH, what am I going to do without it for the coming weeks???
I think you’re amazing. Congrats for all of your success. You deserve the world.
Bon Noel!
Claire (canberra)
December 16th, 2009 | #
yippeee! let the pia jane book empire commence! can’t wait, can’t wait, can’t wait….. xox
December 16th, 2009 | #
Congratulations Pia!
That’s wonderful news!
Your blog has been one of my absolute favourite places in the last year since discovering it.
Soak up some of our Sydney sun for me.
Can’t wait to see you back here again in 2010. 🙂
December 16th, 2009 | #
Pia, congratulations! I selfishly love the idea that you have yet another book coming out and i’ll be able to pour over it like the others. 🙂 Your blog is such a peaceful place and I connect so much to the fact that its filled with creativity, new discoveries, music…wanderlust…everything about life I love. Keep up the good work and have a wonderful holiday season!
December 16th, 2009 | #
wow this is great pia! it seems so long ago that you started that.. so much has changed since then hasnt it? have a great trip, and let me know if you make it to melbourne xx
December 16th, 2009 | #
This is wonderful news! May your new book be a success and I hope to read many more post from the heart!
Enjoy those weeks off and relax down under!
Happy holidays, Pia!
XX
Victoria
December 16th, 2009 | #
Oh Pia – that’s so exciting! Your blog has been a wonderful discovery for me, and to follow your journey, an inspiration. I started looking (daily!) about the time of the heart project (just after actually) and there have been many spin-offs from this. I wish you the very best of breaks – you certainly deserve it. And enjoy the beaches in Sydney – I was at Manly Beach last weekend and it was truly blissful. I look forward to both your new books and your holiday blogs when you feel the urge.
x lissa
December 16th, 2009 | #
Dear Pia, So glad the announcement is official and your dreams are taking shape! Can’t wait to read your new book(s). Will be applauding your talented endeavours all along the way. Safe travels; enjoy every moment of your time in Oz. Wishing you and yours the happiest of holidays and a new year, bright with promise and possibility (you’re well on your way, in that department!).
See you in Amsterdam in the new year. xoxox
December 16th, 2009 | #
Thank you for such an inspirational year. Have a wonderful trip down under and a happy Christmas. I will miss your posts but look forward to the new year.
December 16th, 2009 | #
thank you sweet pia — i’m thrilled! 🙂
December 16th, 2009 | #
Pia – wonderful news. Have an excellent trip home. I’ve been working in London and arrived home in Sydney yesterday morning for a two week break. How can I describe it – you come home and the air is warm, the sun is out and you can smell the eucalyptus, frangiapani and salt in the air. The coffee and food is fantastic. I am looking forward to your new year sydney posts…
December 16th, 2009 | #
have a wonderful time, pia! i’m looking forward to all the wonderful things coming your way in 2010 and ours! xo, c
December 17th, 2009 | #
Pia, I am so excited for you, and couldn’t think of someone more deserving of this success. The naturalness & honesty of your blog, combined with your obvious talent and unassuming modesty keep me coming back time & time again, and I can only imagine how lovely the books will be. I so enjoy my ‘Paris: Made by Hand’! Have a lovely summer sojourn! Amanda xx
December 17th, 2009 | #
Have a wonderful Christmas and enjoy your break back home….welcome back to the beautiful summer we are having here. Ax
p.s. congrats on your blog being listed on UK Times online list!
December 17th, 2009 | #
Lovely photos! Like it!
December 17th, 2009 | #
Oh Pia I’m so thrilled for you! You are truly an inspiration…I can hardly wait to wander through your next publications – such treasures for me to savour and cherish. Wishing you the most wonderful of times back in this part of the world.
Ingrid x
December 17th, 2009 | #
Oh how very very exciting. Well done Pia – what a delightful book to to be able to create. You’re going to make a lot of people very happy and grateful, which really all there is, isn’t it. Have a lovely holiday and say hello to the summer for all Antipodeans bracing the winter festivities.
Congratulations again – I am really very pleased for you.
Cassandra
December 17th, 2009 | #
Pia, congratulations on the new book! I can barely wait for it to come out in 2011! Thankfully there is your Amsterdam book to come out soon…
Oh and also congratulations for making it to the top 50 list of Times Online: http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/interiors/article6953167.ece?token=null&offset=24&page=3
Enjoy your break down under while we wait with baited breath for more of your blog gems…
December 17th, 2009 | #
I just found your blog and I feel so lucky.
It´s an inspirational treasure!
Thank you Pia.
I wich you a Merry Christmas and a happy, great New Year.
December 18th, 2009 | #
and congratulations also for this: http://property.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/property/interiors/article6953167.ece?token=null&offset=24&page=3
December 18th, 2009 | #
Dear Pia, What exciting news!! A new book…I can’t wait!! I visit often and adore your delightful blog, you make life magical and enchanting. Have a wonderful wonderful holiday and we look forward to hearing from you whenever you can because we’ll miss you desperately!
Hugs, Jane xx
December 18th, 2009 | #
Pia, Your post has been sitting in my reader inbox until I have a moment to write a hearty congratulations and welcome you home. So, welcome home and big hugs on the book/s. A glorious day it is to be writing this too. Cicadas are singing and the beach was fabulous this morning. I hope you’re enjoying the fine weather, the love of family and friends and a summer Christmas.
December 19th, 2009 | #
Pia, so many incredible things come from you. You are an inspiration to us all to follow our dreams and make them come true!
Congratulations to you, and mostly, thank you for being here and sharing your journey with us.
Bises,
Melissa
December 20th, 2009 | #
Dear Pia,
I’ ve been reading your blog for quite a while now but it´s the first time i comment, i just wanted to say i looooove your blog and work and wish you a successfull 2010! I’m felt excited to know about the new book , it’s wonderfull news! love your style Pia 🙂 All the best !
December 20th, 2009 | #
Congratulations beautiful girl! You deserve this and so much more. Hope you have a wonderful holiday vacation with those near and dear to your heart.
December 21st, 2009 | #
Still enjoying your blog
December 21st, 2009 | #
oh wowza Pia, such great news! That book sounds like it will be right up my alley and I can’t wait to snap it up:-)
Have a rejuvenating holiday.
xo
Maryam in Marrakech
December 22nd, 2009 | #
hope you have a lovely xmas & new years, pia.
we are looking forward to the new books – fingers crossed I’m (sammy) getting “paris: made by hand” for xmas, it’s on my wish list.
we are really pleased we discovered your blog this year, you always feature such lovely things – including our own little leaf lanterns! thankyou for that, it was a lovely surprise.
see you in the new year,
sammy & glenn
pachadesign
December 22nd, 2009 | #
congratulations, pia dear. enjoy your time in the sunshine (read that in all ways possible). can’t wait to catch up more in 2010.
December 24th, 2009 | #
i was new to your blog this past year. i have never visited and left without being so completely inspired, energized or just smiling.
how wonderful that our lives can lead us to such happiness when we simply do what we truly love.
how wonderful that your life is leading you down t his amazing path. again, so inspiring.
;)g
December 25th, 2009 | #
congrats wonderful blog and photos
December 25th, 2009 | #
sounds wonderful
well done
see in 2010
December 28th, 2009 | #
Hi Pia!
Enjoy your time off!
I was wondering if you have any nice suggestions for traveling Asia (Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Malaysia and Indonesie) since you have been been there too! And I can’t wait till your book Amsterdam:Made by hand comes out!
I enjoyed Paris:100% fait main so much as did my friend, dutch stylist Sophia van den Hoek! Take a look at this really nice photo she made of your book here!!!
http://sobinique.blogspot.com/2009/12/made-by-hand.html
December 28th, 2009 | #
Just discovered your blog this night looking through the list of Times online… It cached my eye as you are living in the same town as I do and I do not know that many other Amsterdamse bloggers.
Def. will be back in the new year to follow your blog and adding it to my list.
PS is your Paris by hand book for sale in the city as I have seen the cover but not to sure if it was IRL or somewhere online.
Good luck with all your beautiful projects and enjoy the sea and the sand down under.
Desiree
December 29th, 2009 | #
Pia, you deserve this and much more, have a great time off and celebrate this new wonderful adventure – I’m looking forward to see your new book, and by the time it will be in our hands, you’re probably going to be juggling with even more new ideas 🙂 Take care, I send you a great hug from one of the countries that you love, Italy.
December 29th, 2009 | #
Pia, if there was ever a soul who follows her bliss, carefully and lovingly attending to what is heartfelt for her, it is you. To be able to share it as wondrously as you do is a gift for us all. So many blessings to you on your sojourn, and congratulations on all that you have inspired. I cannot wait to see the fruits of your labors of love.
Elsa
January 1st, 2010 | #
Just a little late to say: I’m happy for you!
January 3rd, 2010 | #
Happy new year Pia, can’t wait to continue watching all your creativeness unfold in 2010. Have a wonderful time in Australia.
Jeska
January 3rd, 2010 | #
Happy new Year Pia! I wanted to tell you that on my way back from a Christmas spent in the beautiful Currumbin Valley (in the Gold Coast Hinterlands) we stopped in Coffs Harbour for a quick bite to eat on the way back to Canberra.
What do you think I found at a sweet ‘beachey boutique’ called Lily & Sapphire in the Park Beach Plaza Shopping Centre, Coffs Harbour NSW?
Your sweet little book! I was so excited! 🙂
Wanted to share the book sighting with you,
Claire (Canberra, ACT) x
January 4th, 2010 | #
Claire – thank you for your comment, what a treat to read about your trip, and your find! Happy new year!
…………………….
wow!! Your comments have been the most beautiful surprise to start the new year, thank you so much. I reiterate, you are the best readers a blogging girl could ever have.
Now, I cannot wait to check out all your blogs!
xx
January 4th, 2010 | #
Just wanted to say a belated congratulations! Can’t wait for the book.
January 8th, 2010 | #
Congrats Pia! Here’s to many books, friends and wanderings!
January 12th, 2010 | #
pia, another creative adventure of yours I’m excited to follow (and eventually own!) — congrats on the book! I’m always so inspired by how you manage to design, style, photograph, and write with such a beautiful, unique voice. most of us aspire to conquer one of those skills, and you’re this one-engine creative force who makes it look simple when it’s anything but. cheers to a fantastic 2010!
January 15th, 2010 | #
So very belated, but congratulations on the scheduled publication of My Heart Wanders!! I will be certainly looking forward to its arrival!
January 22nd, 2010 | #
Gosh Pia, it all sounds so beautiful, I have your Paris Made by Hand book on my studio desk, and I can’t wait till this one follows!
January 29th, 2010 | #