Balloons, hearts, flowers and other simple pleasures, illustrated by photos from Amsterdam:
Riding a bike.
Imagination.
Evening strolls.
Food and conversation.
Being bold.
Exploring new places.
Laughing - and shopping!
Unexpected encounters.
Strength.
The hardy hortensia (French for hydrangeas) from my balcony, which emerged yet again, despite neglect while I've been traveling. Hydrangeas always remind me of my late grandmother, who had a yard full of beautiful blue and pink blooms.
The pottery in my favourite shade of aqua was handmade by Joyce Verver. Her atelier at Prinsengracht 136-138 in Amsterdam is chock-full of unique ceramics and stoneware pottery.
Why not share your own ideas of simple things today at Soul Aperture?
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Remembering Michael Jackson's musical genius: In 1988 in Amman, Jordan this song had significance in my life.
Abruptly switching gears, this may make you smile.
Oh, Tara. What a magical, wonderful list. I've been out of town so I'm just now getting around to visiting everyone and enjoying their lists. I must say, yours has me smiling and smiling. Those smiling mannequins have delighted me entirely. Plus, I need a pot just like the one in your last picture. My, oh my, how lovely.
Posted by: Relyn | 25 July 2009 at 21:51
Thanks for the sneak peek, Tara. I'm itching to go! I especially enjoyed the laughing mannequins and the beautiful cachepot you bought on Prinsengracht.
Posted by: dutchbaby | 15 July 2009 at 16:25
I really enjoyed these photos... thank you! xoxo
Posted by: Colette | 14 July 2009 at 19:22
Caroline, thank you! It is a lovely city; I'm looking forward to spending more time there.
Posted by: Tara Bradford | 10 July 2009 at 22:28
Marja, so lovely to hear from you! How are you doing these days?
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 10 July 2009 at 12:40
bikes, Tulips, discussions amsterdam Big sight
Posted by: marja | 10 July 2009 at 11:29
I am awash in simple pleasures! Those tulips draped over the fence...a fleeting moment of such beauty...
happy day to you!
x..x
steph
Posted by: Stephanie | 09 July 2009 at 19:32
Janet, thank you so much! I just tried twice to leave a comment about your lovely list of delights - both times, the comment vanished! Sigh. Technology can be such a trial, at times.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 09 July 2009 at 18:41
Sarah, thank you. I love that your friend brought you a stone from Holland. When I lived in the Middle East, I collected stones everywhere I went and carried them in my handbag, until it became a "security issue." Sigh.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 09 July 2009 at 18:21
wow! so in love with your photos!
Posted by: kamana | 09 July 2009 at 08:03
oh my! breathtaking!
Posted by: Janet | 09 July 2009 at 07:08
yup, love Man in the Mirror too. those were the lyrics that came to mind when I posted that day.
gorgeous photos to go along with your list! if I ever saw pottery in that color, I would be hard-pressed to resist.
Posted by: elizabeth | 09 July 2009 at 04:14
Your pictures are beautiful to go along with your wonderful list. I love that you included imagination. Man in the Mirror is one of my top 5 Michael songs.
Posted by: Shell | 09 July 2009 at 01:49
Martina, thank you! I had fun taking these photos. What a great city Amsterdam is.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 09 July 2009 at 00:11
I appreciate the kudos - thank you!
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 09 July 2009 at 00:10
Thank you so much for the kind words!
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 09 July 2009 at 00:09
Hydrangeas are my favorite, with tulips a close second -- how fun to see both together! I'm glad your hydrangea survived your holiday in Amsterdam!
Posted by: jeanie | 08 July 2009 at 22:04
Such wonderful images! I have been to Amsterdam 3 times and want to go back again! It's such a lively city and filled with art, whimsy and wonderful people. You captured it's essence beautifully!
Posted by: Caroline | 08 July 2009 at 21:39
Oh -- those tulips hanging on the fence!
A memorable image, indeed.
jjj
Posted by: judith | 08 July 2009 at 21:07
Elk, thank you for the lovely comments! It is a pleasure strolling around Amsterdam, with or without a camera.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 08 July 2009 at 20:25
Oh, Lois, you are making me blush! Thank you so much for the wonderful compliments. I am looking forward to taking many, many more photographs in Amsterdam. Next trip, hopefully September.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 08 July 2009 at 20:24
Aren't the tulips in the fence a lovely touch??!! Thanks so much!
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 08 July 2009 at 20:23
Thank you so much, Gigi! I appreciate the lovely kudos.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 08 July 2009 at 20:22
Merci bien, Graciel! You are very kind.
Posted by: Paris Parfait | 08 July 2009 at 20:21
These are all lovely things! I love 'imagination' paired with those tulips and strength with your brave hydrangea! Beautiful photos too. And that is one of my favourite colours too-that shade of aqua!
Posted by: Sarahjwallis | 08 July 2009 at 20:13
Tara your stroll through the city with a camera has lifted my spirits this day...just such everyday images simply so well captured! blessings elk
Posted by: elk | 08 July 2009 at 19:43
These photographs are wonderful! I love the tulips hanging on the fence.
Posted by: Cheryl de los Reyes Cruz | 08 July 2009 at 18:47
Again, what your readers have come to expect! Magnificence! I tried leaving a message yesterday about the boys, but it somehow disappeared before my eyes. LOL If you move to Amsterdam, your readers are in for only more joyous photos and stories. I can hardly wait!
Posted by: MiddleAgedWomanBlogging | 08 July 2009 at 17:47
Seriously that balloon with the heart on it! Amazing!
And the pottery is just love.
I don't know if I ever noticed that picture in your banner. The one with the man riding through the sand. That is a portfolio in it's self.
xo
Posted by: Christina | 08 July 2009 at 17:42
Wow, your photos are so wonderful, and your list is fantastic, too! Being bold and exploring new places--yes, yes, yes! Your blog is an inspiration.
Posted by: Gigi | 08 July 2009 at 16:32
Inspiring, lovely, gentle YOU!
With photos to match!
xox
Constance
Posted by: Rochambeau | 08 July 2009 at 16:01
Great list and absolutely love your photos!
Posted by: Martina | 08 July 2009 at 15:43
Your images, Tara, are glorious. Amsterdam looks incredible through your eyes. I'll play along, I have a mobile internet stick to get me through until the internet people arrive today to hook it all up. I will send through proper correspondence when I'm connected again. What a week or two it has been!
Southwest is having a fall seat sale, should we meet somewhere? Phoenix? xoxo
Posted by: Gillian | 08 July 2009 at 14:12
Wonderful images.
I had never realised that hydrangeas were hortensia in French.
How much better to be called the latter.
I also enjoyed your post below of Amsterdam.
Posted by: ewix | 08 July 2009 at 13:25
a gorgeous collection of the simple. i heart amsterdam and your always exceptional photographic eye. :)
Posted by: Graciel @ Evenstar Art | 08 July 2009 at 13:25
simply lovely. as it should be.
Posted by: soeurs du jour | 08 July 2009 at 13:17