Batido de Algo

Batido. Smoothie. It all depends on the language. It's the same thing.

Click HERE.

Which is your favourite?

Ponderings On Collections

During my life, I have seen my friends collect many different things, most of them interesting, pretty, old, etc. I have seen people collect toy cars; people collect stamps; people collect seashells; people collect dry leaves and flowers; I collect key-rings.

But have you ever considered collecting...

...SOCKS?

My Uncle and Auntie gave me these socks for Christmas 2007 and ever since I've been attracted by... weird socks. Freaky socks. Colourful socks. Stripey socks. Call them what you will.

This is just the start.

Time

Time, by Hans Zimmer.

I have always been an admirer of a good OST. If it's good, the Original Soundtrack of a film, even when I haven't watched it, which is the case with the movie this track belongs to in particular, can convey such feelings to me. I've listened to the whole Inception OST, and as usual, Hans Zimmer has excelled himself.
May I add, Hans Zimmer is my favourite OST composer...?

Happy New 2011!!

Dear Allofyou,

HAPPY NEW YEAR!!

A couple of days ago I realised I never posted on my blog about New Year. I never wished the best to those few who still read my blog when I (occasionally) post. I never really thought about my blog during these holidays.

Truth is, I've been so busy I haven't really had a chance to write anywhere, not just only on this blog. Yes, I've been ironing.

Okay, that's not all I've been up to really, but it has consumed a good ammount of my time. Now that I think of it, I have a huge pile waiting for me to iron tomorrow, but that's not the point. The thing is that I've been busy, and I'm going to be busy for the rest of the year, hopefully, and for the rest of my life (that sounds so mysterious and enigmatic, doesn't it? I warn you, though... it doesn't have a second meaning to it, or a secret hidden behind the sentence), hopefully, but... I've been told that better late than never.

Thus, my darling friends and blogger people, I wish you the best on this 2011. Happy New Year!

Belleau Wood

I don't know if any of you have heard about the Battle of Belleau Wood. Personally, I heard about it a long time ago, and I'm still reading and searching about it.
That's not the point, though. This battle inspired this song I'm posting. I really like it, and I've listened to it today on our way back home from my Uncle's, where we spent the day. I thought it would be fitting, even though we don't have snow. Hope you like it!

***********************************************************

Oh, the snowflakes fell in silence
Over Belleau Wood that night
For a Christmas truce had been declared
By both sides of the fight
As we lay there in our trenches
The silence broke in two
By a German soldier singing
A song that we all knew

Though I did not know the language
The song was "Silent Night"
Then I heard my buddy whisper,
"All is calm and all is bright"
Then the fear and doubt surrounded me
'Cause I'd die if I was wrong,
But I stood up in my trench
And I began to sing along

Then across the frozen battlefield
Another's voice joined in
Until one by one each man became
A singer of the hymn

Then I thought that I was dreaming
For right there in my sight
Stood the German soldier
'Neath the falling flakes of white
And he raised his hand and smiled at me
As if he seemed to say
Here's hoping we both live
To see us find a better way

Subconscious

I have always admired the film companies' logos. You know, the mini clip, the mini video that comes out before the film starts, with the company's logo. Some of my favourites are:

The why I'm posting some of these videos is so you know exactly what I'm talking about, because I've no idea of the official name of the companies' "logo".
I've always admired them, and said, wow, they're so original... I would never be able to come up with such ideas! You know what, people? I was able to! But here's the weird part.
Our subconscious plays a lot with us. After a couple of days of thinking the thought once again, I had a dream, and in the dream I saw myself coming up with a logo in case some day I have my own film maker company. I was able to imagine a clip logo!! When I woke up and found out I remembered that part of the dream (as well as the rest, I'm thankful to say, because it was a beautiful dream), I was so happy, and wrote down how the clip went. I am so excited about it!
So, if I ever own a real, good movie maker, and actually know how to run it, I'll make my own clip of my own logo for my own company (unexistant, as of now, but... who knows?)

Nevaeh

As I wrote down "N...e...v..." to write down the title of this post, I saw that the computer remembered the title. Then I realised all of you blog readers know about Nevaeh already.

Or, you should.

Just kidding. In any case, for those of you who don't, Nevaeh is... is... huh, me, I guess. She's me in books, and she writes down all her adventures (my adventures) in her daily life, and most of all, those happy happenings that happened during the happening of my happened trip.

Sorry, I couldn't help myself. I like double p's words. [wink]

So. Back to Nevaeh. I wrote a couple of her stories on this blog, but as I started to write others on the red book, I decided it would be really neat to have her story on her own blog, so... THIS happened. (There you have that word again... *looks sheepish* Thorry!)

If any of you happen (ahem!) to have curiosity, you will have clicked on the link, and then, boom!, disappointment! (Two p's!) Cuz the blog is private! Yeah, since it's so much like my own life, I've decided to make it private, for, let's say, safety's sake? Whatevah. Anyway, the point of this post is that I don't exactly have all of my trusted readers' e-mail addresses, so, here goes. You want me to send an invitation to read the blog, to you? E-mail me! You know, the usual address: silvershadowofpalemoonlight [at] gmail [dot] com

Just ask for it, and make sure you add lots of double p's words, or else I might consider not inviting you!

Kate ♥

Kate is my cousin. May I add, my very talented cousin. I've had in mind posting about her and her works for a long time, and since I have her permission, what time better than now?

I've uploaded a couple of her paintings just to show my two favourites, but all of you should definitely check out her website, her shop and her flickr! Believe me when I say she's an amazing artist!

Here are the links:

Kate's WEBSITE
Kate's FLICKR
Kate's SHOP on Etsy

Tell me what do you think. Aren't they great?

Sometimes...

...I get melancholic.

Okay, so I'm not perfect. And I'm not made out of stone. I remind myself everyday that I should be content with my situation, that I shouldn't complain about what I don't have and be happy with what I have, but... sometimes I can't help it.

I really miss the U.S. of A.

I continually tell myself I should look back at the time I spent there and be grateful for it. Don't get me wrong, I do, and I'm ever so grateful for the time I spent there! But that just makes me ache inside and want to go back so bad I sometimes even end up crying. Homesickness for what I did there, for who I met there, for all I lived there.

Hello! I have an awesome family here that loves me tremendously! I've seen many friends already and they were all so happy to see me again! That made me love them so much, and it made me feel so loved, too. Then... why can't I be happy for the time I'm spending here, and just wait patiently for another opportunity to go there?

This is something I really struggle with. Contentment. Patience. [sighs] Oh well. The Lord will show.

Photoshoot Met Harm En Sonia

While I was in Holland, spending the last week of my four-month-trip, I had the tremendous opportunity of going out with my best friend and her boyfriend for a photoshoot.

Truth be said, I had the time of my life. Camera in hand, best friend with me, and getting to know her incredible boyfriend. What else can I ask for? The couple was so much fun to work with, and so cooperative. I really enjoyed seeing them so happy together. =)

Anyway, want a sneek-peek? ^^

They're so cute together! I'm so happy for Sonia! Want to see some more? Click HERE!

Home Secrets

This video is a family favourite. It's one of my favourite Disney shorts. And...



...you know you're home with your crazy siblings when you start imitating hens and pigs and ducks while clearing the supper table. Check out minute 1:20, 2:18, 4:17 and 6:08. We know the song off by heart!
I love my siblings, by the way. =) ♥

Commitment

As the title may suggest, I have made a commitment! I'm goind to post in both blogs at least once a week. =) I will try to find something to post about on this blog, and I have more than enough pictures to post on my PhotoBlog. So!
Commitment made, commitment kept (hopefully :P).

Washing the Dishes by Mummy

I the model, my mother the artist.

I was very rewarded when my Mummy noticed even the hour of the night in which I washed the dishes for her a couple nights ago. She even included my singing! Isn't she a darling? ♥

Home

Aren't some things ironic? When I'm away from home, I long for a hug from my parents. When I'm here... I long for snowy winter days in flat land.

Home, Sweet Home

And so, my four month trip has come to an end.

I can't believe this is over. It seems like it was yesterday that my parents called me down to the kitchen and told me, "Yes! You can go! You can start making plans." It seems like it was yesterday that I phoned and e-mailed all my friends telling them my exciting news. Whoa, where has time gone? 3rd of May is as fresh in my mind as if I were living it today. *Sighs*

This trip has been incredible. I can't even start to explain how much it has helped me to grow personally and spiritually, and it has been such a huge gift to be able to meet all my pen-friends!

Things haven't really changed here. My bedroom is still a mess [grin, just kidding].

Well, some things have.

No, seriously. My little big brother is a head taller than me, and his voice has changed to a deep, low manly voice that I really like. That is one huge change that I have to get used to. But we're still as close as before... or should I say, we're closer than ever? After my darling Mummy and youngest brother had picked me up from the airport (the latter repeating that I was the best present ever, because it recently was his birthday, although I'm wondering if he really meant it as a hint :P), we went my little big brother from school, and when he saw me he smiled and hugged me in front of all his friends! That was so special to me =)

The other big change that almost broke my heart was the news that Black Jack, my favourite kitten, ran away a couple of months ago. It really made me sad, but Scotty, our other kitten (he's well over two years old now, but I can't stop calling him my kitty) remembered me, and that same night, when I went outside to just think, he came over and plopped himself on my lap.

Let me add something to this post: even though I miss my friends terribly and I wish I were back in Holland, I LOVE BEING HOME!

After picking up my brother from school we went home. The house was still painted yellow. The flowers still invaded the garden/yard, and Skitty was still slumbering in the shade. It almost looked exactly as I had left it four months ago. But...! Surprise! There were two balloons at the gate. And once I had gone into the house, I saw balloons ALL over the place, and hand-made garlands hanging from the lights and the ceilings, and posters with "Welcome Home, Anna!" all over the place. Do you wonder why it's good to be home? It made me feel so good inside. My family had really looked forward to my coming back, and are really making me feel welcome.

They're so awesome. :)

You know, it's also lots of fun to introduce the new treasures I have to the old ones I had. I hope they get along fine when I'm not in the room!

And so, as someone said somewhere, this is the end of my trip... but it's also another beginning. Thank God. ♥

Goodbye America

By the time this post is published, I will most likely be high in the sky watching the stars from a huge aeroplane window.

Yep. I'm flying back to Europe.

I can't believe my four month trip is almost over. I have one week in Holland left, and then I'll be home again. Home! I haven't been there for such a long time! I can't help but being excited about seeing my family again and walking among the vineyards once more, even though I am very sad I have to leave the places I've visited during this time. But... there's a time for everything, right?

I would appreciate your prayers as I will struggle with jet-lag!

By the way... aren't scheduled posts useful? ;)

Wisconsin, Wisconsin

I'm saying goodbye to Wisconsin! But hopefully, not for long. =) I am flying tomorrow so please pray for safety.

But until I come back (for I hope to one day), I will say farewell to all the beauty of this state, and to my favourite horse, Amigo. =) Cantering with him was amazing.

This New Hat Of Mine

I find myself sitting on a huge rocking armchair, with a nice black laptop on my lap (heh. You wouldn't think a laptop would be on my head, would you?), and most of an afternoon before me, without much to do - except writing!

By the way, I still find myself in the U.S. of A, in case you didn't know. I've spent almost two months and a half here, and I still have three weeks (more or less) left in this place people like to call America. But - where to start? I have had "writing on my blog", or "writing a general e-mail to all the people" in my mind for quite a while (a.k.a., a thing called newsletter), but somehow I never got around to do it. Don't ask me why.

Why?

Told you not to ask. But in case you're expecting an answer... whoa, I don't know where to start. The list of reasons is endless. I will tell you I was too busy taking walks with my friend from South Carolina, taking along our cameras, and capturing the beauty of a magnolia flower. I will tell you I was too busy visiting a donkey farm with the said friend, and getting all covered up in dust because of the donkeys' affections. I will tell you I was too busy going to Greenville's Zoo and trying to take a picture of a lion who would fall asleep with its back at us. I will tell you I was too busy visiting Biltmore House (that was exhausting!, but enjoyable, of course!) I will tell you I was too busy playing basketball with my friend's little brother, or too busy attending a puppet show, in Texas. I will tell you I was too busy marching up and down the streets chanting Left! Left! Left, RIGHT, left! with them. I will tell you I was too busy watching a musical called Texas!, and visiting Palo Duro Canyon, staying overnight at a motel during a terrible thunderstorm. I will also tell you I was too busy tubing in the river five minutes away from here in Wisconsin. I will also tell you I was too busy tenting with friends, or playing volley-ball for a whole afternoon, or swimming in a lake for a whole day, or even, jamming around a campfire late at night. I will also tell you I was too busy laughing endlessly (take that literally) with three other girl-friends, scheming and conspiring in the darkness of the parking-lot after a very much enjoyed Wissmann concert. I might also tell you that I was too busy playing with three certain little (and believe me, active!) kiddos, or talking for hours with their mother, back in Nebraska.

What!? I told  you the list was endless! I could go on and on, and I wouldn't be able to finish till tomorrow at sixteen minutes past three o'clock in the morning!

And are you wondering about the title? Yep, I have a new hat. And it's adorable!

A Bird Without Wings

Wet Curls And Pixie Hoods

It was raining outside. The girl watched the tiny drops trickle down the huge windows in the waiting area, and thought about the tears she's seen in her mother's eyes when they had hugged goodbye. They had touched her and had almost made her cry, too. Saying goodbye to one's baby daughter must be hard, she reflected.

Nevaeh took a deep breath. She was leaving home for four months. No turning back now, for it was too late. They'd already opened the gate, and people had started to step out in the rain. Ugh!, she thought, the rain will probably ruin my hair! She pulled her hood over her head and tried to hide as much hair as possible inside the thick jacket.

The dancers behind her started to push, but Nevaeh couldn't move forward without bumping on the person in front of her, so she turned around and raised an eyebrow at the Dutch dancers, asking for patience with her look. Everyone would board the plane eventually, she thought to herself. No need to worry about that.

The flight attendant started indicating that the way was open, and people ran towards the boarding stairs that went up to the plane. It was still pitch dark, although the hour was near seven in the morning; the flight attendants wore orange reflective vests that could be seen a mile away. Nevaeh wished she had one... she had always liked them. She liked them better than the yellow ones Spanish people usually used.

The stairs were were wet, and slipped under her feet. Nevaeh grabbed at the rail and tried to wait patiently under the rain as the slowly climbed up the stairs into the back of the plane. She didn't succeed in that, so Nevaeh decided to wait impatiently under the rain instead.

This was the second time she flew with that company, the second time she flew on her own, the second time she flew to Holland! Nevaeh felt a thrill at that thought, and for a moment didn't mind the rain spoiling her hair.

After what had seemed like five minutes but had really been... five minutes, Nevaeh was able to show her boarding pass to the flight attendant and step into the security of a roof over her head. Forgetting that she still had her hood on and must look like a ridiculous tiny pixie, Nevaeh anxiously looked down the aisle to spot an empty seat on the right side, and by the window, and not too close to the wing so her view wouldn't be spoiled.

And she found it! Nevaeh barely found time to walk to her seat. Suppose someone in front of her stole it? She squeezed between the line of people in the aisle and the row of seat, and let herself plop on the prized seat with a triumphant air, thumping her bag under the seat opposite her. There, she was ready for the flight.

The engines started and the plane got taxied to the taking off area. Excitement bubbled up inside of her once again as the engines roared and the plane started to run powerfully. Nevaeh watched breathlessly as all of a sudden the plane took off and bit by bit the ground looked more and more distant.

She couldn't take her eyes off of the view outside. Such a thrill rushed inside of her every time she realized that this was real! She was flying, and she was going to Holland. With eyes full of tears Nevaeh gave thanks to God for this dream come true. She did not know what awaited her over there, but she was sure it would all be wonderful.

Nevaeh settled as comfortably as possible in her seat. A two hour flight stretched before her, and she considered the possibility of sleeping a little bit. She'd only slept three hours that night; but sleep avoided her and soon she came to the conclusion that she was too excited to shut her eyes, so out came her MP3. She would listen to music and stare out of the window instead.

The flight proved to be a boring success. Her excitement wouldn't let her concentrate in her reading, nor would let her write. The view outside was an endless prairie of white, shapeless clouds, so she wasn't able to enjoy that, either.

She didn't find her friends either. Nevaeh had hoped that a flight assistant whom she had coincided with and who had complimented her on her English would be there, but obviously wasn't. Plus a fly she had met last winter and had named Tapio wasn't there. Nevertheless, she did meet a friendly ant running on the seat opposite her. Was it a Spanish ant flying to Holland, for free, or was it a Dutch ant returning to its home after a brief visit to its relatives?

The ant, which she decided to name Hilda, wasn't the most interesting conversationalist she had met, so after a few unsuccessful attempts to chat, she gave up altogether and resigned to her fate: her flight would be boring, no matter what.

Two hours of flying that wouldn't fly by. To her, the time seemed to drag by, and Nevaeh became more and more impatient the more she thought about her best friend waiting for her at the airport and the amazing month they would spend together. If only the flight would end...

FINALLY!, and as all other things, the flight found its end. Nevaeh was beside herself with excitement. Even though Holland welcomed her with overcast skies once she stepped outside the cabin door onto the stairs, she was happy to be there. Happiness meant being there, hugging Amice and hopping into the car with her family at that moment. ^^