David and I made a quick dash to Edam for some peppery cheese and festive cheer. Every time I visit, the larger bike is painted/decorated in an eye-catching manner (reflecting the season). The smaller bike is a new addition to the bridge.
Note the tiny chandeliers and birdcages - and peacocks adorning the bikes! Click photos to view detail.
Growing up in the South, I never thought of stalks of cotton as a seasonal accent!
A winter wonderland window display, dusted with "snow."
A fresh, (mostly) natural Christmas wreath.
Mistletoe tied with red ribbon and a star made of tree branches.
Rich colours combined in a giant stoneware pot outside a private residence.
A narrow bridge that lifts for passing boats.
The view from the bridge.
I love it all! Like you, I raised an eyebrow on the cotton bolls but then decided I liked it! What gorgeous photos as always! Happy holidays yo you and yours!
Posted by: Helen | 25 December 2013 at 12:52
Oh, Tara, Edam reminds me of our time there and that wonderful, marvelous bridge! One of my favorite photos came from Edam. How lovely it is for the season with the delightful bikes and simply beautiful decorations. And I know you enjoyed that wonderful cheese! You know, we can find Beemster here now. It's probably the "ship-it-out" version versus what you get, but still, it's delicious and a marvelous reminder of our time with you.
Wishing you the merriest!
Posted by: jeanie | 23 December 2013 at 22:20
Marilyn is right about the white bicycles here in Portland, but after seeing these ones I could only wish we could celebrate the lives of those who met their fate while riding instead of remembering their death. Yet again the white ones may be a timely reminder to those who drive and those who ride a bicycle.
I just love these, there is whimsy and creativity and charm and all of those things that have the ability to bring a smile. So thank you dear Tara for this, and for all the other smiles you have brought to me when I truly needed them. Much love, and I wish all kind of wonderful things to happen to you and David in the coming year, Joyeux Noël et Bonne Année!
Posted by: Allegra | 23 December 2013 at 07:03
Oh I want to go here if I ever get there again. Very pretty.
Wondering why the bicycles are left there? In Portland when a bicycle is left in a particular spot it is because someone was hit and killed on their bike. They paint them white for ghost bikes and sometimes decorate with plastic flowers.
Posted by: Marilyn | 23 December 2013 at 02:23
Magical. I want to be anywhere in one of your photos, Tara!
Posted by: Mary H. | 22 December 2013 at 18:49
Beautiful photos!
Posted by: Sheris White | 22 December 2013 at 18:28