This mural in Centraal Station, Utrecht, Holland roughly translates to "Peace in your heart."
Hello! I've been so busy preparing to move, I keep forgetting to blog!
Am distracted by a million little things requiring my attention, not least dividing my possessions to go to three separate homes: some to my friend Gabrielle's house near Versailles; more to my friend Charlotte's home outside Paris and most of it to our new abode in the Netherlands. Gabrielle and Charlotte will babysit some precious and sentimental things until 1) we move to a larger place or 2) decide to sell the items. I've also had a scary dental appointment, a routine doctor's visit and photo shoots and edits. The hairdresser was a bit too scissors-happy for my liking, cutting off at least four inches and leaving me with an unintentional new look.
All this activity pales in importance with the recent deaths of two friends. Along with the tragedy in Tucson, these losses make worrying about what to do with too many possessions seem a ridiculous enterprise.
Much of this week I'll be in Amsterdam, but will post again soon. Meanwhile, some food for thought:
The bad:
Why you might want to leave your laptop at home when visiting the US.
The good:
The Babylon Lane Tales: without a doubt my blog find of 2010. Elsie Anderton is the English answer to Nora Ephron. Read her hilarious posts and you'll see why.
Barbie on skis at a French hair salon.
Diana Baur writes about the lessons of having more time at her lovely blog A certain simplicity.
A profusion of pink blooms.
Library emptied in bid to fight closure. I love how these Brits are fighting for their local library!
I'm very sorry for the loss of two of your friends x
I'm very much looking forward to your move to Amsterdam. I live vicariously through your wonderful photos (I still pretend I'm the lady in the black & white photo on your website).
Oh and thank you for your wonderful words - made me blush with pleasure. Also it created something of a "Field of Dreams" moment over on my blog, if Tara says it they will come!
I'm also wondering how you've managed to find a Barbie WITH clothes on? Perhaps continental Barbies are a little more chi-chi than the common breeds in the UK.... E x
Posted by: Elsie Anderton | 21 January 2011 at 21:49
you give us so much food for thought and blogs to feed us
x..x
Posted by: Stephanie | 21 January 2011 at 21:00
i am thinking of you, my dear friend.
xo
Posted by: christina | 19 January 2011 at 17:22
I hope you can have the comforts and supports you need right now Tara. You give so much out through your blog and spirit. Hope you can get that back your way. Come visit us in Portland if you need a good break! (-;
I wondered if you know the name of the artist who did that mural. I would just love to buy it as a print and see their other work. Absolutely love it!
Posted by: Alexandra | 17 January 2011 at 04:49
Tara, may you find peace within as you gather, sort and move. Your friends, though gone, will always only be a smile and a warm thought away. Safe journey to you and David during you move.
Posted by: Mary H. | 17 January 2011 at 00:36
Travel safe and enjoy your time in Amsterdam.
xo
Posted by: Di | 16 January 2011 at 22:54
I am sorry for your losses Tara. I hope you are able to remember and gain strength from the way your friends have touched your life. Sending you good thoughts on upcoming dental visits. Thank you for sharing these lovely blogs.
Posted by: Yoli | 16 January 2011 at 19:57
Tara, I'm so sorry you have had to experience the loss of two friends. I think until people have had cherished friends die, they don't realize that the loss of a friend can be even more shattering than the loss of a family member, and sometimes the grieving is longer. Hugs and wishes to you.
The thought of your move overwhelms me. I wish you luck!
Posted by: jeanie | 16 January 2011 at 16:21