coming clean

ok, clearly this little experiment failed...miserably. So I am going to just post cool pix when I take them. Well, spring time is a time for new beginnings...right?

Heading to Holland

This is Cecily and I at Grand Teton National Park. We are heading to Holland today. Bye Bye USA, Hoi Nederland.

Back on the Wagon

ok, I am back on the wagon after a little break, but I have lots of pics to catch up on, hopefully by next week I will be caught up. Here is a nice one from Portugal, Lisbon. Enjoy.

Portugal

ok, I forgot my camera...wow. So these are off my phone. It is so amazing here, I love it. The coastline is just epic and dramatic, there is really no other word. I went for a walk yesterday with a few other guys and it was so amazing the sea was incredible, the power and strength. Enjoy.

The middle day

Ok, the last picture was Wednesday, this is thursday, the middle day to today, which is friday, if you lost track/count. Thursday I literally was at my desk all day, 8am - 10pm, it was a long day, but a good one, we got Summit all set, and now all I have to do is keep up with changes and pack. I think sticker is a good representation of how I felt at the end of yesterday, I leave you to interpret.

Another boring Pic

ok, rather than take another boring picture of my desk, which is where I have been the last 2 full days. I will use a pic taken in the last week. I know this is not what I promised, but I hope you can find it in your heart(s) to forgive me. I will be leaving The Hague sunday and not returning till 15 March, so between now and then I don't think there will be any shortage of interesting pictures. This is a picture from the Martini Tower in Groningen. I thought this picture was appropriate for my feeling toward life right now, but I made it to the top of that tower and I will make it through this period of life, press on!!

Another snowy day

Today, was another light snowy day. It was very picturesque. I woke to snow falling all of The Hague, as I walked to work it was like a winter wonderland. I snapped this shot in a square I walk through most days. It is a fun sculpture of a man walking his dog. Anyway, enjoy.

Heaven

This is a picture of heaven incarnate. The perfect bowl of Salsa. It was created yesterday and consumed immediately. That is all.

Sneeuw in Den Haag

We had another nice snowfall today in The Hague. It was great to wake up to a freshly coated city. It fit well after staying up to watch the Winter Olympics last night. Here is a shot me standing in the middle of two tram tracks. This is a common view in The Hague as you walk around at some point you will find yourself in the middle of two tram tracks. I am sure there is some sort of metaphor or lesson, but I don't know what it is...

The Duinen (Saturday)

Today I went with some people from Crossroads to Kijkduin and we walked in the Duins all the way to Scheveningen and back. It was cold, windy and great. I had a great time, got a good workout and had good conversation with people I knew and some who I did not. this is a little abandoned shop or at least abandoned in the winter time. I am beat now, so tired and am watching the winter olympics, congrats Switerland on the gold in ski jumping, now is the speed skating, come on USA, but I do have to say, every dutch person I have asked as said they are going to watch the skating.

Technical Article (Friday)

Yes, I am catching up, I have taken pictures, but uploading them has been a different story. Here is a picture of something that occupied my time while I could have been uploading pictures. Its an article, by Thomas Nagel. This is an article sent to my by my good friend, the self proclaimed, Lord Jonathan Krull Phd (pending). The article is titled "Public Education [in the U.S.] and Intelligent Design." Thomas Nagel is a philosophy professor at NYU and is an Athiest. To be honest, don't really care about the debate, I know its a big deal to a lot of people, but I just don't care, sorry. Anyway, this article was excellent, it was well argued, it was beautifully written and most of all it caused me to think, and think about core assumptions I held being a modern/postmodern person. Anyway, loved it, and it also reminded me how much like to research...I need to do more of that, again.

Mail Boxes (Thursday)

Here is my mail box, 18C. But don't send me anything. I can't get in. I do pass these everday and am actually glad I can't get in. Everyday everyone in our building has to stop and check their mail...I don't. It may seem like a little thing, but usually when I am coming home or leaving my mind is somewhere else, so I would hate to have to lose my train of thought everyday. Also, I can get mail at the office, where I am usually more focused on practical things...usually.

Snow Capped Roofs

Who doesn't like snow capped roofs? Really, is there a more serene sight? Smoke pouring out of chimneys, snow laying softly on the rooftops, everything is peaceful and quite. Ahh, I love winter.

A Sucker

I am always a sucker for a beautiful sunset. The colors, the clouds, this one caught my eye as I was running out the door. A relatively cloudy day in The Hague ended with this. I would say that's a pretty nice end to a day in south holland.

The Entry Way

This is the entry way to my apartment building. Not very exciting. I actually thought the colors were left over from the 60's, but no they just repainted them fresh the other week, wow. This is one of those hallways that is out of the matrix, sterile and bleak. I thought I would take a picture, because in a way it is also contemplative. The hallway analogy, where are we going, what is around the corner. A lot of times this is all we see in front of us, boring life, sterile, but we don't know what is around the corner. Anything?

Simplicity

I love simplicity, I strive for it. I don't think life is complicated, but I think we make it complicated, because we want to feel like things are hard because they are complicated, rather than the simple reality of "Life is just hard." This picture captures my love of simplicity. The color is bright and vibrant, the pegs are decretive, again simple yet add to the overall ascetic of the wood. I look at this an appreciate the beauty in its simplicity.

Make up

ok, since I missed the last couple days, I am making it up with photo's I took on those days, Friday was the hotel, saturday is this museum and Sunday will be another photo. This museum is the Groningen Museum, very modern, very abstract and very weird, I was not a fan of the architecture, although I can appreciate the style it was done in, but I am not a fan of that style. It was a fun building though and brought some spark to a otherwise dreary day.

Hampshire Hotel

This was our hotel in Groningen. It was a very nice hotel for only 30 euros per night, amazing. We had a great time here, in Groningen the north of the Netherlands. It was freezing cold, but there was snow and a lot of fog. It was a fun relaxing time visiting a nice city.

Broken Leather man

Here is what a Leather man looks like after it fell apart when you were trying to fix your bike yesterday and all of a sudden your leather man drops 5 different amazing tools all over the dark hallway that you are working on your bike in. I don't know what happened, obviously the bolt that held everything together fell out, but I don't know when or where. So there you go.

Blue Cross

This is a section of a cross my parents gave me from Arizona. It a has a very cool, southwestern design on it and nice light blue color. This cross was broken in my move to Holland, I was pretty bummed (upset) about that. Still though it carries a powerful symbolism with it. I think more can be done through brokenness than through any other means.

The Lantern

Outside of the window in front of my desk is a lantern, It is a little rusted as you can tell, and is really cool looking. I can't wait to have some warms nights with the lantern lit. You are all welcome to join me of course. I also enjoy the detail on the rope, I like the rustic feel it gives.

Lights

Sorry, my camera battery died yesterday, so I couldn't take a photo, but I will make up for it. Here is a shot of a little light in my room. Its cool, its from a lamp made up of about 30 little lights. From IKEA I believe. Anyway, its amazing how much light these little lights give off. Really cool, erg leuk.

Rain Drops

The weather here is starting to feel more like spring, yes its still cold, but the weather is moving through faster like normal. My walk is back to, sun, rain, sun, clouds, sun, rain, rain, rain. Today I thought I would shoot some rain drops that are ever so common in Holland. I love'em, rain drops are so cool, I wish I could get a closer shot, but I have to save up for a new lens for that one. Enjoy.

Electric Storm

This is a picture of a painting in my flat. It reminded me of the song Electric storm by U2, here is a sample of the lyrics:

Let's see colours that have never been seen
Let's go to places no one else has been

You're in my mind all of the time
I know that's not enough
Well if the sky can crack, there must be some way back
To love and only love

I like the idea of discovery, new places, new things, but also knowing that that is not what life is about, its fun, but its not an end in itself. There must be more.

Dunes

I was thinking about what to take a picture of today, because my day got away from me and I worked longer than I had hoped...surprise and then it was time to think about bed, but I had not taken my picture yet. So, I decided to take a picture of some sand dunes. Pretty cool. I hope you like it.

Even in the dead of winter

I was biking to Scheveningen today, yes it was freezing, but I had to get out of the house and get a little exercise. I got all bundled up and headed up to the beach...in the middle of winter, yes, I see the problem with this whole idea, but hey, you only live once...right. Ok, as I was biking up to the beach I came across this little house on the side of the bike path, it looked quaint and quiet a perfect little house for reading and/or relaxing in. The potted plants lining the windows sealed the deal for me. I stopped and snapped a few quick shots. This one captured the subtle somber nature of the day, overcast quiet, and grey, a great day for a cup of something warm and book. After this quick little stop I hoped back on my fiets and kept going toward the beach.

Snow and Berries in Den Haag

Here is a nice shot from the light snow we got the other day. I know it felt light spring almost earlier in the week, but by the end it was clear winter was back. This was on my way to church on Sunday. I got off tram 6 at the carel rienerskade (spelling??) stop and then walk the 500 meters to church. The whole way to church was like a little winter wonder land. All the tree and the grass were covered in a light dusting of snow. As the temp was not so cold, the snow kind of melted on to the branch give that white background to everything. It was a beautiful morning.

Abstract is bac..

Ok, here is a good shot of things I really like doing. I was sitting at my desk and looked at the radiator of all things. It was night time so the light was hitting it in a different light. I liked how the shadows gave it a unique definition and made it look like something other than a radiator. What it looked like I am not sure, I guess that's up to you to decide. I didn't put it in black and white although I did consider it. I shot it with a flash and if gave it that grey effect. Well, there you go. Graag Gadaan.

Peace Disturbed

Here is a picture of the Helicopter that disturbed my peaceful study this morning. It was floating quite low over the Grote Markt here in the Centrum and was making a lot of noise. At first I thought it was some sort of construction equipment, but then it flew over my flat. By the way, what a beautiful day here in Den Haag, the sun is out and the sky is blue. I guess with all that a Helicopter disturbing my study isn't the worst thing that could have happened this morning. I mean the phone could have rang instead...

Bricks of Holland

Everywhere you go in Holland you will see bricks. Bricks on the ground, brick in the walls, even sometimes bricks in the air, that if someone is really mad. The inlaid brick streets and sidewalks add a nice old world charm to the country and also keep a lot of people employed. I have to say I do like the brick, although I know its not the most efficient use of material its still nice and pretty.

The Famous Geese of Holland

Yes, come one, come all to see the famous Geese of Holland. They are white and orange and white...yes. They are massive and keep the rat population to a minimum. Dutch Geese come to The Hague and see the famous Geese. Don't miss this one kids, Geese.

So Cool

This statue has now changed my route to work. Not only because of the statue, but because going by it is shorter, but it is so cool. I have only seen it at a glance before today. Today though I decided to go find it and take a picture, I mean you only live once right. The detail in this sculpture is what caught my eye, and it is so surreal. Enjoy.

The Path Ahead

Here is a picture of part of my path to my Dutch lesson. The park is called the Maliveld. To was a mysterious day in The Hague, fog and low clouds have covered the city most of the day. This scene struck me today because of the path ahead of me. There are some hard things on the horizon, big decisions, tough times, work. Sometime its seems as though I am alone, but I am not. Sometimes it seems like no one has done this before, but they have. Sometimes I want to just turn around, but I don't. I keep going, one day at a time down the path ahead.

The Sun is out!!

To day the sun came out in Den Haag. It has been a while, feels like weeks. It was inspiring to see a clear blue sky and a bright shining sun. Even in the midst of tragedy (Haiti, and a friends 6 year old son died this morning) the sun is still bright and the sky is still blue. Pain is still pain, but is good to know Joy is still joy as well. My heart goes out to Loren and his family with the loss of his son. Also, to the People of Haiti, pray for my friend Jen, she is a doctor and is headed there to help(http://providenceinhaiti.org/). Enjoy the sunset.

De Fiets

This is a picture of my bike, which in dutch is fiets. I don't ride it everyday, because I prefer to walk to work, but when I do its a good bike. It is an American made bike, which perplexes some Dutch people, but it still rides good, not as good as a Dutch bike, because they are especially gifted in making good bikes, but it is good enough. The word for biker is Fietser. I like this word, Fietser, leuk.

Foggy Grote Kerk

Ok, this is technically from yesterday, but I liked it a lot. I woke up to a foggy Den Haag and as I looked around saw all the tall buildings fading away into the low clouds. The Grote Kerk (big church) was off to the north of my place and I got a cool shot of the steeple fading into the fog. I guess to me this is Europe, fog rain, clouds, old churches.

My Floor!!!

Ok, I had a couple of pictures to choose from today, but this was the most exciting to me. I can see my floor!!! In my office. When I arrived in The Hague, my office was so full of papers and "stuff" I couldn't even see the floor, but now after months of hard work and sifting through everything I can actually see my floor. I know this is a little thing, but its a big thing for me, because it symbolizes moving in the right direction. Baby Steps.

Mary Popins without the top of her head

This is a statue that I pass everyday to and from work. I think it looks like Mary Poppins without the top of her head. Maybe it does and maybe it doesn't, but it is so strange. Here is this seemingly happy woman without the top of her head. I always wondering what the artist is trying to say or portray? Who knows...maybe the artist knows.

Oude, Jonge, Blauw Kaas The real joy of Holland

Here is a shot of my favorite thing about living in the Netherlands, CHEESE!!! or as the dutch all it KAAS!!! I love the dutch cheese, these are three kinds of cheeses, the old cheese, the young cheese and some blue cheese. I tasted it all at the cheese shop where there was a very nice shop keeper who helped me out a lot, and they were all amazing. I will definitely be going back there again. I am really excited to have fresh cheese back in the house and can't wait to eat it all up. This really is a joy of life. Be jealous!

Poffertjes

One of the beautiful things about living in Holland are the Poffertjes. We had great poffertjes today at Maliveld, they were amazing. Poffertjes are like little pancakes covered in butter and sugar, delicious. I know have another favorite food I am not suppose to eat. While we were there it began snowing this made of a wonderful day of sweet good food and very pretty weather outside.

Finally a Desk!

This is my desk, compliments of Crossroads Church. They had an extra one in there old office space and generously donated to me. Now all I need is a proper desk chair. This is such a help, because now I can read, and work on my computer without getting a sore back from laying on the couch. Yes, I know my life is hard...but what are you going to do, celebrate the little things.

Classic Dutch

Here is a classic Dutch scene. A man skating with his bike on the shore in the middle of winter. I got this one walking around the Haagsche Bos (The Hague Forrest). It was a very nice winters day today and lots of Dutchy's were out skating on the ice.

Lessons in Laundry

Today I experience the harshness of doing laundry...the wrong way. My favorite winter sweater was shrunk in the wash last night. Yes, we can talk about how the washing machine is all in dutch and blame that. Yes, we can talk about how I should know better and blame me. But, the fact of the matter is my sweater is shrunk and I can't wear it anymore. I have found a new home for my sweater, Scott Curley, one of the pastors at Crossroads fits my sweater just fine and is happy to have it, but I am in sweater morning right now and that is the harsh reality of lessons in laundry.

My Office

Hey all, this is where the magic happens. My office, I am working on cleaning it up, because I inherited a big mess as you can see. However, the view more than makes up for any extra work I have to do. The road I look out on is call the Bezuidenhoutseweg (now thats a mouthful) and the Queen lives just down the street, so things are not that bad at all. I am enjoying the work I am doing now. I find it very fulfilling. Its very nice to be in the middle of the city and have a woods to look at while working.

Walk to Work

This picture is of my walk to work. The hustle and bustle of downtown The Hague. It has been a great way to start my day. Stepping out of my house, listening to languages from all around the world, seeing the trams go by, watching the delivery people make there deliveries. I truly enjoy this time I have to start my day and hey what a sunrise.