I am in deadline mode again, writing an article for a travel magazine on one of my favourite places in the world. But I’ve just come to say hello while I take a tea break. And to confess: after all the research, writing and reminiscing on the memories of this beautiful island, I want to pack my bag and go back there right NOW. I figure, if I have to suffer the heartache of reviewing and writing about this magnificent place while it is cold, windy and dark outside, then you can suffer with me too. So although I can’t tell you where it is yet, I can show you a glimpse of where my heart has wandered off to today…

Photograph by Pia Jane Bijkerk

now back to work. sigh.

My absolute favourite pass time is drinking tea. I start my day with a cup of black Indian tea, a dash of bonsoy soy milk and half a teaspoon of honey. It’s heaven for me, I am rejuvenated and ready to start my day. I love it so much I pour myself another and another until the sun goes down…

But what more benefits does tea have beside being heavenly to the tastebuds? Oh my oh my oh my oh my, let me tell you all about it.

(Click here to read more…)

that was today – not to mention the wind. And each time I was out on my bike I unintentionally synchronized to ride when it was shining, which makes me feel blessed for the day. I managed to snap a few shots in between outings on the canal, I hope you like…

ooh that was almost a snowflake heart non?

all images by pia jane bijkerk.

Next Up: FINALLY a handy hint post! I know it is well overdue, but with this blog I write my own deadlines, which means I have none. I just go with the flow of my life, which contrary to my efforts, may appear as chaotic as it is in reality. But this next post I am going to have a blast putting together, I really love this item I am about to showcase!

PS and if you are following the My Heart Wanders project and are keen to know what is happening, I will announce it after the next post.

You know I talk of a wandering heart often. Because that is what my heart does: It wanders away from me and I find myself breathless trying to catch up to it. When I finally do catch it I look about to find this wandering heart of mine has taken me somewhere magical. Juste comme ça…

Snow and mountains for me are like the sea and sand – ever changing, ever inspiring and ever pure. I was born by the sea on that big island down under, but I adore the wintry mountain life just as much. And I have been dreaming to have my feet in the snow again for some time, 15 years to be precise. And it has not been that easy to realise that dream. Life happens. And my little dreams remain floating in the clouds. But not last weekend. My dream came true…

I love the feeling of the snow in my bare fingers. How it melts to my touch. And how it changes but remains constant. And that I can eat it. Can I? I did actually, because I was a little parched at the time. So are you wondering where my heart wandered this weekend? Take my hand and I will take you with me…

(Click here to read more…)

…that I would be posting about my secret snowy retreat today but…

…it will have to wait until tomorrow evening. Instead I leave you with this photograph: Legs in Paris. With my favourite summer shoes. That’s right, for those of you who know me all too well, I’ve progressed from thongs (flips flops). I took this photo in a beautiful atelier off Rue Oberkampf. Of which I will be sure to show & tell you about all in good time. All in good time.