Time for Change

So here's the thing. 

The reason why I've been a little quiet.

I'm working on a new website for myself.

The illustrator / photographer self that is.

The one that wants to make a living of her art.

The website is a work in progress because it turns out there is a LOT to learn once you delve into the world of html, css and wordpress. My oh my. 

You can see my progress here: http://www.elmacoetzee.nl

Don't be surprised if it changes daily.

I have big plans.

But not enough time.

I'm taking a little break from blogging here to give myself more time.

It would make me so happy to have your support and patience as I commence this new adventure.

I'll leave you with a few photos of the kids enjoying autumn in the Netherlands.

Selfie and such

My husband bought me a remote for my camera as a birthday gift. I love it. I've been playing with it this past week and took a few photos of myself.

I do love black and white.

I need some distraction from the problems we have. A lot of unexpected bills which we cannot pay, one in particular that arrived yesterday which totally blindsided us due to an error by the contractor who built the house.  All the plans we had for the garden will have to be cancelled and the holiday I was secretly hoping for in October will also not be happening. I tried baking something yesterday to make me feel better and for the first time in my life I managed to ruin a banana bread. Needless to say I did not take a photo.

But hey, nothing stays the same so this too shall pass. Maybe we win the lotto or maybe I find a job. At least we have some good weather right now!

Een Zee van Staal

Last week as we were driving away from the beach at Wijk aan Zee we stumbled across a sculpture park next to a huge steel factory. It is aptly named 'een zee van staal' which translates to: an ocean of steel.

It was pretty incredible to be able to run around and even climb these huge steel sculptures. They are beautiful. The ominous weather even added to their beauty. Of course the irony of its location was not lost on me, but somehow they seem to fit perfectly in the landscape.

August Break: : Love

The end of the summer holiday is upon us. I would be lying if I said that we had summer weather the last two weeks. In fact I have been pretty depressed by the lack of sun but today we braved the weather and headed to the beach. I love the beach.

It turned out to be a beautiful day.
A bit of sun shine, lots of wind and the kids having a great time.

Tomorrow it is back to the school run routine!

August Break: Something New

I was in the garden this morning with my daughter who eagerly tried to harvest our carrots. Luckily I was able to prevent her from harvesting a strawberry, one of only two. I love the flowers from the strawberry plant and in my opinion they qualify as something new. 

A work in progress.

August Break: Lines

I was going to search for interesting lines outside today but then I remembered that I have a very busy day ahead of me... so as I sat at my kitchen table, trying out my awesome new birthday present pens the lines just started forming themselves.

August Break: Treasures

I have a lot of treasures... my husband sometimes calls me a hoarder but he does so endearingly. I took out a few of my precious things and my daughters jumped at the chance to dig into forbidden territory. Ultimately I have no greater treasure than my children and my family.

August Break: Jump

Heidi jumping around!

August Break: Bookshelf

I have a lot of books and a lot of cookbooks specifically. Here is but a sample since I have the rest hidden somewhere in boxes. These days I tend to read on my iPad but every now and again I just cannot resist buying a new book. There really is nothing like holding a book in your hands, turning the pages and losing yourself in the story.

August Break: Blue

I was going to take a photo of the sky but since it is grey, cold and uninviting I had to settle for something inside. I found a little bit of light blue in my cupboard... it is my favourite colour after all and the house is filled with shades of blue!

August Break: My Guilty Pleasure

I had a wonderful morning in Utrecht without the kids including lunch all by myself. 

I guess one could definitely call that a guilty pleasure!

August Break: On the Table

A little flower arrangement by Heidi is gracing my table today.

August Break: Drink

A little bit of doodling with my cappuccino for breakfast.

August Break: Selfie

I have a love hate relationship with photos of myself.

This morning I used the tripod and hated all of the photos I took, except for this one. I like the fact that I captured some motion as I walked towards the camera and that it is not quite in focus, hiding my imperfection. And my favourite mirror is in the background too.

August Break: Today is...

Today is the day that I might just sort out the Barbie mess. Then again if I clean it up the kids will probably see it as an invitation to make an even bigger Barbie mess tomorrow... decisions, decisions. One thing is certain, this poor Barbie is having a very bad hair day.

Today is also my parents' last day visiting us. We're pretty sad to see them go but it was wonderful to have them here!

August Break: Reflection

A beautiful reflection at Kasteel de Haar.

August Break: Three

Three. It just didn't feature today.

But one flower and two buds make three, right?

August Break: Orange

One of my least favourite colours but yet I use it all the time...

August Break: Pattern

Pattern on the floor at Kasteel de Haar.

August Break: Lunch

A piece of strawberry pie for lunch. Perfect!