| Update: November 9, 2009 Pozdrowienia, While the days have become much shorter with the changing of seasons (amazing just how much 1 hour fall back affects me this time of year), the colors of the leaves vibrant with impending cold, my adventures more spontaneous! My recent fascinations with Poland stem from more ancestry curiosity that takes me to both Warsaw and Krakow on 2 separate trips from Eindhoven . That and the fact that living on this side of the pond allows me the opportunity (and my sometimes boredom in my daily mundane routine)! There is very little knowledge on those that migrated to the U.S. for whatever reasons they may have had...the promise of The American Dream? I often times wonder how much of this was found on the other side of the pond. Just as I often times wonder about my own curiosity that brings me here. In honor of my great great grandfather Jacob Kulka I have now been twice to Poland . I have no idea where he came from there other than the fact he ended up in Canada and marrying my great great grandmother, French Canadian Alice De M arse. That’s about the extent of information I have but still, walking the streets in Poland somehow connected me to a part of my family history. Thank you to the friends there that offered me free comfortable accommodations and a first hand tour of their culture. I am told it’s not a common name but both Janek’s (Johnny’s) showed me an insiders view in both cities tapping me into what one only gets from the locals (I usually stay away from most of the tourist crap). I also made many new friends and reconnected with and old friend (Wojtek in Warsaw ) whom I met in Berlin 3 years ago. M y time in Poland is priceless and has left me with much cherished memorable experiences that have again, enriched my life! I hope you’ll take the time to view the video and music with pictures taken to capture at least a fraction of my adventure I’d very much like to share with you now. One could easily miss out on all the charm Warsaw has to offer, or be fooled. It’s a city which was mostly destroyed by fire and heavy bombing of World War II, now the capitol of Poland; it has been completely reconstructed (some to its original state). I purchased a little walking tour guide book that touched me immensely as I read about each and every significant address in the old town and other parts of the city giving a short description of the buildings and their rich history, all ending with the same destruction of war. This little guidebook along with being shown the city firsthand by those who live there I was able to get a sense of the dynamics that still makes Warsaw a great city. There’s a lot more there than meets the eye and between the kamikaze surprise at Bar Metal (highly recommended by Eric in M D.) and the homemade Żurek soup Janek #1 prepared for me (check out a recipe for it on the new recipe page)…it was my last night in Warsaw while watching a Polish drag queen perform I met Janek #2. (From here on out I’ll refer to him as, Janusz). One thing led to another and in his best English invited me to try the Polish sausage in Krakow (252.61 kilometers from Warsaw ). Unfortunately I was flying home the next day. I’d heard great things about this old city and I’m in spontaneous mode lately…so 2 weeks later I took him up on his offer! Unlike Warsaw , the city of Krakow was untouched by the war (despite the close proximity to Auschwitz which I decided not to see). Close your eyes and you will see what we have seen at night – endless nocturnal processions are converging here at night and here it is always night. Close your eyes and you will see that here heaven and earth are on fire. Close your eyes, my friends, and listen, listen to the silent screams of terrified mothers, listen to the prayers of anguished old men and women, listen to the tears of children, Jewish children, beautiful looking girls among them, with golden hair, whose vulnerable tenderness never left me. Look and listen as the victims quietly walk towards dark flames so gigantic that the planet itself seemed in danger - Elie Wiesel This former capitol city remains to be one of the most beautiful cities I’ve been to in all of Europe holding its own special charm enriched with centuries of history. I was fortunate to catch it right in the middle of the change of season making it the perfect time of year to catch the vibrate colors on my many strolls within this romantic city and surrounding areas. I learned how to drink vodka as the Polish do (well sort of anyway…I had to take it in moderation as I do anything but had more vodka during my 5 days there than I have my entire life…I think) and I learned some things are just as legal in that country as they are in The Netherlands. I met a lot of really great people and yup, ate myself all kinds of good Polish food I had no idea even existed (I’m craving Pierogi this very minute…mmmmm)…and comes to mind those crude Polish jokes Archie Bunker used to make to The M eathead on “All in the Family” (those were the days) LOL! I wonder if they get that show in Poland ? This link will connect you further perhaps getting you there just a little bit closer. Hopefully between my experiences best described in words here, some pics that try to capture those and the link I’ll be able to bring you in just a little bit closer to my adventure. http://www.ilovepoland.co.uk/ There’s not really a whole lot for me to complain about this moment and plenty to keep me busy with birthdays that just won’t quit (where the hell did all the Scorpios come from all of a sudden), regular Thursday nights at Bier Professor, other happenings, and the upcoming holidays. While it’s hard to believe it’s already that time of year it’s time to decide on what and how to celebrate it. I’m not lacking for choices or for friends to celebrate it with! Life is okay. I make choices and orchestrate the rest of whatever isn’t left up to the fates. Yes, I have a great deal of power I’m aware of while there are just some things unexplainably out of my hands. These are the things we sometimes have to trust the fates to even when we are reluctant to trust what they are. And yeah, I’m still riding my bike every day despite the falling temperatures and sometimes rain (it sure beats the extra time it takes to walk the same distance) and I think maybe I’m even getting a bit of a Dutch ass for my efforts : ) Not really sure where the next adventure will take me just yet but it could very well be right outside my front door here in Eindhoven . http://www.gloweindhoven.nl/ Be sure to check out the beautiful art of my friend Felipe (no we’re not related) Garcia here or from the kewl links page. Art by Felipe (Austinut) http://fgthe5th.blogspot.com/ Soups on… Bon Appétit!!! dużo miłości i pokoju, Jes (the Adventurer) |
| Update: August 08, 2009 Groeten M ijn Vrienden, It’s a beautiful summer day here in Eindhoven and I’m sitting here outside at my home away from home at Dan’s place (I often times house sit here while he’s away)! It’s a good chill spot and the temperatures perfect for being outdoors. I really don’t miss the heat of Texas but there are lots of other things I’m fortunate enough to get the best of both worlds. I guess I’m pretty lucky that way. While I had a nice visit back I looked forward to the cooler temperatures here. Guess I’m just not used to it any more. Don’t get me wrong. I like the heat alright when there’s especially a body of water to cool me off but unfortunately I can’t sit in Barton Springs 24/7 (but while I was there I did it as often as I possibly could). It can feel pretty hot here too w/ temperatures 20 degrees cooler and no A.C. But those days here are few and in between. This last trip back to Texas was different than any other (and thanks to the gift of awesome friends, the love of family & Karaoke nights w/ my bro, Elysium, a few margaritas, and the endless supply of Tex- M ex to quench my taste buds I’m feeling much more like myself again. Growing pains…They’re a bitch sometimes! I hadn’t realized the effects of transitioning had taken a toll and being back allowed me the time to put life in a new and better perspective! For quite some time I wasn’t really sure where one chapter was ending and a new one beginning but now that I’m back here in Eindhoven I’m feeling completely recharged. I just needed to take some time out and put the last few months in a happy place and realized all along I’m right where I’m supposed to be! Special thanks goes out to Wesley, Dan, Lisa and J.R., Abra, Ali, Sara , Paula and Melvis for making the Austin leg of my journey lots of new memories (there are so many more of you to mention). Make my funk the P. Funk… Now, that’s a good funk to be in. I had the honor of attending a George Clinton and P. Funk concert recently with some good friends on this side and yeah, I’m sure that helped just a little. A bit of funk’n and groov’n certainly can’t hurt anyone. I just can’t believe it took me this long to go see em. But who cares, the thing is I did and it made me feel really good! In fact I think if anyone is in a bad kind of funk ya just need to put on a little P. Funk and I promise ya you’ll be funk’n the right way soon enough! I’ve been more in a groove ever since (regular Bier Professor Thursdays w/ ya never know who’s gonna show up and a fresh new Glen Doo rawk’n the hawk w/ the best of em and think’n bout making some Snickerdoodle Banana Pudding)!!! I orchestrate my own life by the choices I make and there’s really not a whole lot I have to complain about. Though I do wish again for someone special to share it with…meanwhile, I’ll share it here with you!!! I’m really looking forward to my next adventure; takes place in the country side of France for a long weekend coming up…you’ll have to stay tuned for the next update for more on that. I’d love to know what you think of the latest video and music choices…several pics are taken with different perspectives to familiar places (send me a personal email with your thoughts)…I’ll be waiting and replying right back at ya. Thanks again to all of ya’ll putting up with me and my funk but I’m back : ) And to all of ya that had recent birthdays and ones coming that I hadn’t taken a personal moment to wish ya Happy Birthday Greetings w/ love (I’ve really gotten bad at that) I’m wishing ya one now! Until then or the next time… Much peace and love to ya’ll Jes the Adventurer |
UPDATE April 4, 2009
Finally…
A taste of spring.
It’s been a long cold wet winter around these parts and I’ve been longing for some consistent sunshine (I hadn’t seen this much snow since I
was just a young pup in Michigan ). This past week was one of the warmest, with temps reaching around 20 C (that’s around 70 F for you
Americans) which after a lot of freezing temps throughout the winter seems like a tropical heat wave (break out the wife beaters and BBQ
pits). Dis is good!!!
I even put air in my tires with the intent to join the Dutch (at some point) for a bike ride (mine would be for pleasure rather than every day
cycling…still a bit intimidated by this bicycle riding country)!
The coming week promises us more rain but at least I was reminded that spring still does exist (and temps remain above freezing which helps
with the hope)!
I’ve celebrated another birthday (wishes all my fellow Aries a Happy Birthday month) and thanks everyone for all the nice birthday wishes (and
Jody’s Cheesecake)!
I kept it pretty low keyed this year enjoying the company of a few close friends, a couple dinners (taken out to a nice restaurant and
homemade Indian), some drinks, a whole lotta love felt moments (I still have a belated package coming in from Canada to look forward to).
My own special gift to myself (Greece just wouldn’t be the same until the next time I can share the adventure with RObb…Santorini is yet
another adventure to look forward to at a later date) this year is an early summer visit to see my “Dawg” in Halifax, “The Boops” in Ft. Worth
and the shortest side trip ever back to Austin (get ready to put your dancing shoes on just for a night out at Elysium)…Good Times!
I continue to be resourceful on this side of the pond until something better comes my way (open to all options that come my way). I’d forgotten
just how resourceful I can be when it comes to survival. Thankful for the good friends and support and the love of my “Dawg” who’s dead
smack in the middle of his own transition ( Vancouver to Halifax ).
We remain optimistic with the promise of good things that come to those who wait… Feeling the love!!!
Take notice of the theme song on my main page…sound familiar??? Perhaps dating myself w/ that one but hey, it’s a Joan Jett cover that
came out after the hit series…That song goes to all of us (now throw your tuques up in the air)!!! MEOW!!!
The video is a compilation of pics taken over the past couple of months taken by myself and a few good friends of happenings, moods and
such.
To see more great shots taken by Jody (another Austinut living on this side) of The Dutch version of Carnival in February check out her link
(my personal favorite is the wind up kid…what’s yours?):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/13923122@N00/sets/72157614180724619/
And thru the highs and lows I experience while I recreate and discover the further chapters of my life I’m reminded from the words of a true
adventurist I’ve thrown out so freely to others:
So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to
a life of conformity and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one piece of mind. But in reality nothing is more damaging to the
adventurous spirit within a man (or a woman) than a secure future. The very basic core of man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The
joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for
each day to have a new and different sun.
Chris (Alex) McCandles
Hence our tuques go off for all our efforts…MEOW!!!
Stay tuned for more adventures to come!
Much love and peace from yours truly,
Jes the Adventurer
Finally…
A taste of spring.
It’s been a long cold wet winter around these parts and I’ve been longing for some consistent sunshine (I hadn’t seen this much snow since I
was just a young pup in Michigan ). This past week was one of the warmest, with temps reaching around 20 C (that’s around 70 F for you
Americans) which after a lot of freezing temps throughout the winter seems like a tropical heat wave (break out the wife beaters and BBQ
pits). Dis is good!!!
I even put air in my tires with the intent to join the Dutch (at some point) for a bike ride (mine would be for pleasure rather than every day
cycling…still a bit intimidated by this bicycle riding country)!
The coming week promises us more rain but at least I was reminded that spring still does exist (and temps remain above freezing which helps
with the hope)!
I’ve celebrated another birthday (wishes all my fellow Aries a Happy Birthday month) and thanks everyone for all the nice birthday wishes (and
Jody’s Cheesecake)!
I kept it pretty low keyed this year enjoying the company of a few close friends, a couple dinners (taken out to a nice restaurant and
homemade Indian), some drinks, a whole lotta love felt moments (I still have a belated package coming in from Canada to look forward to).
My own special gift to myself (Greece just wouldn’t be the same until the next time I can share the adventure with RObb…Santorini is yet
another adventure to look forward to at a later date) this year is an early summer visit to see my “Dawg” in Halifax, “The Boops” in Ft. Worth
and the shortest side trip ever back to Austin (get ready to put your dancing shoes on just for a night out at Elysium)…Good Times!
I continue to be resourceful on this side of the pond until something better comes my way (open to all options that come my way). I’d forgotten
just how resourceful I can be when it comes to survival. Thankful for the good friends and support and the love of my “Dawg” who’s dead
smack in the middle of his own transition ( Vancouver to Halifax ).
We remain optimistic with the promise of good things that come to those who wait… Feeling the love!!!
Take notice of the theme song on my main page…sound familiar??? Perhaps dating myself w/ that one but hey, it’s a Joan Jett cover that
came out after the hit series…That song goes to all of us (now throw your tuques up in the air)!!! MEOW!!!
The video is a compilation of pics taken over the past couple of months taken by myself and a few good friends of happenings, moods and
such.
To see more great shots taken by Jody (another Austinut living on this side) of The Dutch version of Carnival in February check out her link
(my personal favorite is the wind up kid…what’s yours?):
http://www.flickr.com/photos/13923122@N00/sets/72157614180724619/
And thru the highs and lows I experience while I recreate and discover the further chapters of my life I’m reminded from the words of a true
adventurist I’ve thrown out so freely to others:
So many people live within unhappy circumstances and yet will not take the initiative to change their situation because they are conditioned to
a life of conformity and conservatism, all of which may appear to give one piece of mind. But in reality nothing is more damaging to the
adventurous spirit within a man (or a woman) than a secure future. The very basic core of man’s living spirit is his passion for adventure. The
joy of life comes from our encounters with new experiences, and hence there is no greater joy than to have an endlessly changing horizon, for
each day to have a new and different sun.
Chris (Alex) McCandles
Hence our tuques go off for all our efforts…MEOW!!!
Stay tuned for more adventures to come!
Much love and peace from yours truly,
Jes the Adventurer
UPDATE February 9, 2009
Greetings All,
I’m sorry it’s taken a while to update (just how many times can you listen to Cheech and Chong’s and The Chipmunks X-mas music well into the
New Year?)…You’ll have to excuse the length of the videos but I hope you’ll take the time to view them at your own leisure and enjoy the music I’
ve chosen to go with them.
I suggest a glass of wine or a nice bier or 2 to go with (and perhaps a bowl of popcorn depending on your viewing time perhaps instead a good
coffee and a bowl of Captain Crunch). It’ll be well worth your time I promise.
What you’re seeing is some pretty amazing pics captured over the course of the last month mostly taken by my RObb Dawg of our adventures
during the course of his 1st trip ever across the pond. It’s difficult to describe it all in words really.
From the time he arrived in Dusseldorf 29 of Dec…begins our adventures in Europe !
In a lot of ways it was like getting to know one another all over again (we hadn’t physically seen each other since Austin) and the even greater
discovery and reasons why I’m looking forward to more chapters and adventures wherever they end up with this man…next stop, Halifax (and yet
another chapter). Trust, that time can’t be here soon enough (thank the gods and goddesses for Skype)!
He was across the pond just long enough to get a good taste of a few places I’ve already been and experience them all in a whole new light
together (and not long enough). There’s always going to be so many places and things left for another time (many more chapters to discover
together).
We brought in the New Year with friends (thank you Andreas, Linda, Talena, Robert and Kris for all your kind hospitality…and the much
anticipated midnight kiss was all that and a bag of chips) hanging out there a week enjoying Berlin in every possible way including meeting up
with and making a day of some friends from Eindhoven (we’ll just have to reschedule the Alternative night tour for better weather).
I’ve seen more snow and colder temperatures this year across Europe than in all the 4 years I’ve been out here. For the most part it didn’t stop
us from getting out and about adding to our winter adventures (bundling up in the new tuques Jody made us, scarves, gloves, hoodies and
winter coats). Still colder than a witches brew though…Brrrr!
We arrived in Eindhoven with a good amount of fresh snow that stuck around a while (the most snow I’ve seen in years) welcoming the relaxation
of my own familiar space at Peter’s before off to some adventures in the hood (more friends, good times and biers at the Bier Professor). But of
course we took the hour and a half train ride to Amsterdam to do what most everyone comes to The Netherlands to do (we did that in Eindhoven
too).
Then there was RObb’s birthday 11 of Jan with a surprise birthday gift I had waiting for him (I actually kept it a surprise until the day of in spite of
my own excitement to pull it off…it wasn’t easy). I had told him we were going somewhere so he could pack appropriately and on the morning
before his birthday I presented him with tickets to Rotterdam (where we had to change trains) telling him that was his surprise and wished him a
happy birthday. I presented him with the real surprise (a long weekend in Paris ) on the train ride there! Happy Birthday Dawg…just planning
that surprise for you was a truly amazing thing to be a part of and to have the experience of actually doing that with you…WOW! Paris is just a
most beautiful place to be with someone special to share it with.
None of which would have been possible without my Paris friend Eva making us comfortable in one of her Paris studios in the heart of M
ontmatre. M any hugs and kisses to you for making our time there a most savored experience. We’ll be coming back (check out her link on top
of my page giving you many choices for cozy accommodations if ever you’re planning a trip to the area)!
Back to Eindhoven a couple more days to catch our breath before one last night in Dusseldorf before an early morning departure (mmmmm one
final opportunity for a currywurst dinner).
When you spend any amount of time with someone you enjoy spending it with and the time comes to an end, there’s always grieving associated
with it. Reliving all the moments as I share this update now brings tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. It wasn’t an easy thing to say
goodbye that morning! But then something that good isn’t easy to say goodbye to. And it’s not really goodbye. It’s just the end of a really good
chapter you didn’t want to end and the anticipation of the ones to follow. That’s what I hold on to.
In the time since RObb left until now a lot has happened right here in Eindhoven (I grew hair and had my first haircut in years, thanks to Glen its
taking shape…see for yourself in pics taken while celebrating M arij’s recent birthday). I’m surrounded by Capricorns!
I was preparing for a move to Berlin next month when circumstances further put it on hold indefinitely and I found myself in a position for a valid
drama moment. Having prepared for that move for so long I wasn’t sure how to deal with it other than I’ll have no choice but to go back to Austin
. I’d already put my feelers out on that for future reference just because it felt time to do that much. I had a plan! Suddenly that plan was falling
thru and I felt forced to go back without thinking about it further (mostly due to financial reasons). Some scary moments!!!
The thing is “here” has been my home now for almost 4 years. I’d like to leave on my own terms (when I’m better ready and prepared to make
that kind of move). Berlin was a big step but not far from here and still Europe . On my terms and the variables in it the anticipation was for at
least a year more (possibly sooner if things didn’t work out in Berlin ). Apparently the universe has different plans for me…I hadn’t anticipated
falling in love last summer either : P
Seems my good friends of Eindhoven have helped with working out my buying some time here for as long as I like as well as those friends in
Austin that make a move back another option and my Dawg’s patience for seeing me thru my most vulnerable “drama” moments. Thank you
all…I’m reminded once more of all the great truly amazing people I have in my life.
I can now take a big sigh of relief and breathe (I forgot how for a few days) taking some time out to think about it all on my own terms and making
my choices accordingly. Really I’ll pretty much consider most anything and anywhere that places me where I’m most happy just as long as it’s on
my own terms PLEASE (okay yeah I might be somewhat of a control freak)!
So…that’s life in my nutshell at the moment.
I’m kind of curious to get some responses on what you might do if you were in my shoes at this moment…I could use the perceptions (and
humor) of my good friends about now, so feel free to write…I welcome your thoughts!
Stay tuned for further exciting chapters
Much peace and love,
Jes the Adventurer
p.s. First year I’ve had a Valentine since grade school I think <3
Greetings All,
I’m sorry it’s taken a while to update (just how many times can you listen to Cheech and Chong’s and The Chipmunks X-mas music well into the
New Year?)…You’ll have to excuse the length of the videos but I hope you’ll take the time to view them at your own leisure and enjoy the music I’
ve chosen to go with them.
I suggest a glass of wine or a nice bier or 2 to go with (and perhaps a bowl of popcorn depending on your viewing time perhaps instead a good
coffee and a bowl of Captain Crunch). It’ll be well worth your time I promise.
What you’re seeing is some pretty amazing pics captured over the course of the last month mostly taken by my RObb Dawg of our adventures
during the course of his 1st trip ever across the pond. It’s difficult to describe it all in words really.
From the time he arrived in Dusseldorf 29 of Dec…begins our adventures in Europe !
In a lot of ways it was like getting to know one another all over again (we hadn’t physically seen each other since Austin) and the even greater
discovery and reasons why I’m looking forward to more chapters and adventures wherever they end up with this man…next stop, Halifax (and yet
another chapter). Trust, that time can’t be here soon enough (thank the gods and goddesses for Skype)!
He was across the pond just long enough to get a good taste of a few places I’ve already been and experience them all in a whole new light
together (and not long enough). There’s always going to be so many places and things left for another time (many more chapters to discover
together).
We brought in the New Year with friends (thank you Andreas, Linda, Talena, Robert and Kris for all your kind hospitality…and the much
anticipated midnight kiss was all that and a bag of chips) hanging out there a week enjoying Berlin in every possible way including meeting up
with and making a day of some friends from Eindhoven (we’ll just have to reschedule the Alternative night tour for better weather).
I’ve seen more snow and colder temperatures this year across Europe than in all the 4 years I’ve been out here. For the most part it didn’t stop
us from getting out and about adding to our winter adventures (bundling up in the new tuques Jody made us, scarves, gloves, hoodies and
winter coats). Still colder than a witches brew though…Brrrr!
We arrived in Eindhoven with a good amount of fresh snow that stuck around a while (the most snow I’ve seen in years) welcoming the relaxation
of my own familiar space at Peter’s before off to some adventures in the hood (more friends, good times and biers at the Bier Professor). But of
course we took the hour and a half train ride to Amsterdam to do what most everyone comes to The Netherlands to do (we did that in Eindhoven
too).
Then there was RObb’s birthday 11 of Jan with a surprise birthday gift I had waiting for him (I actually kept it a surprise until the day of in spite of
my own excitement to pull it off…it wasn’t easy). I had told him we were going somewhere so he could pack appropriately and on the morning
before his birthday I presented him with tickets to Rotterdam (where we had to change trains) telling him that was his surprise and wished him a
happy birthday. I presented him with the real surprise (a long weekend in Paris ) on the train ride there! Happy Birthday Dawg…just planning
that surprise for you was a truly amazing thing to be a part of and to have the experience of actually doing that with you…WOW! Paris is just a
most beautiful place to be with someone special to share it with.
None of which would have been possible without my Paris friend Eva making us comfortable in one of her Paris studios in the heart of M
ontmatre. M any hugs and kisses to you for making our time there a most savored experience. We’ll be coming back (check out her link on top
of my page giving you many choices for cozy accommodations if ever you’re planning a trip to the area)!
Back to Eindhoven a couple more days to catch our breath before one last night in Dusseldorf before an early morning departure (mmmmm one
final opportunity for a currywurst dinner).
When you spend any amount of time with someone you enjoy spending it with and the time comes to an end, there’s always grieving associated
with it. Reliving all the moments as I share this update now brings tears to my eyes and a lump in my throat. It wasn’t an easy thing to say
goodbye that morning! But then something that good isn’t easy to say goodbye to. And it’s not really goodbye. It’s just the end of a really good
chapter you didn’t want to end and the anticipation of the ones to follow. That’s what I hold on to.
In the time since RObb left until now a lot has happened right here in Eindhoven (I grew hair and had my first haircut in years, thanks to Glen its
taking shape…see for yourself in pics taken while celebrating M arij’s recent birthday). I’m surrounded by Capricorns!
I was preparing for a move to Berlin next month when circumstances further put it on hold indefinitely and I found myself in a position for a valid
drama moment. Having prepared for that move for so long I wasn’t sure how to deal with it other than I’ll have no choice but to go back to Austin
. I’d already put my feelers out on that for future reference just because it felt time to do that much. I had a plan! Suddenly that plan was falling
thru and I felt forced to go back without thinking about it further (mostly due to financial reasons). Some scary moments!!!
The thing is “here” has been my home now for almost 4 years. I’d like to leave on my own terms (when I’m better ready and prepared to make
that kind of move). Berlin was a big step but not far from here and still Europe . On my terms and the variables in it the anticipation was for at
least a year more (possibly sooner if things didn’t work out in Berlin ). Apparently the universe has different plans for me…I hadn’t anticipated
falling in love last summer either : P
Seems my good friends of Eindhoven have helped with working out my buying some time here for as long as I like as well as those friends in
Austin that make a move back another option and my Dawg’s patience for seeing me thru my most vulnerable “drama” moments. Thank you
all…I’m reminded once more of all the great truly amazing people I have in my life.
I can now take a big sigh of relief and breathe (I forgot how for a few days) taking some time out to think about it all on my own terms and making
my choices accordingly. Really I’ll pretty much consider most anything and anywhere that places me where I’m most happy just as long as it’s on
my own terms PLEASE (okay yeah I might be somewhat of a control freak)!
So…that’s life in my nutshell at the moment.
I’m kind of curious to get some responses on what you might do if you were in my shoes at this moment…I could use the perceptions (and
humor) of my good friends about now, so feel free to write…I welcome your thoughts!
Stay tuned for further exciting chapters
Much peace and love,
Jes the Adventurer
p.s. First year I’ve had a Valentine since grade school I think <3
October 23, 2008
Fall Ignites New Dreams and Passions October 2008
Greetings,
Hope this finds everyone in relatively good health and spirits!
Truth of the matter is I’ve got writers block big time (preoccupied with transitional happenings) and while I’ve known all week I was going to be
getting this update out I’ve procrastinated this entire day and for those of you that know me well enough…know I’m much more inspired in
uncanny hours of the early morning (yeah, yeah I already know I’m a freak for my early morning journaling). I can’t be responsible for anything I
might share at this late hour of the day.
Now I’ve just ordered a pepperoni pizza from the local guy that comes to our hood every Thursday and makes it right there in his van
oven…mmmmmm!!! Hoping that will give me the motivation I need to get this out sometime before bedtime (ha or simply put me into a food
coma after I scarf it down). And to go along with the kickass video Wesley’s already finished for the update (just a collection of a few pics taken
over the past month or so…they pretty much tell their own story).
Be sure to check it out (both that and the pizza)!
Sometimes I wish it was as simple as closing the lid on my laptop that puts it into hibernation and then simply hitting the power button that
resumes my life exactly where I want it to be. Fast forward…seems it’s already fall and winter is fast approaching and I’m wondering where the
heck summer went.
Aaaah transition! You just gotta love it. I keep putting the energies out there for what I want most and waiting for the universe to respond (it
always does in its own sweet time and not always exactly how and when I desire). It’s funny like that ya know! It always works out at the end but
meanwhile it’s usually a true test of my patience. Oh yes, and this is one of an Aries greater assets?
I’m just dead smack in the middle of a new chapter…
A chapter that happens to include a developing new relationship. For those of you just jumping aboard PLEASE do check out my more than
subtle hints in this and my last updates and REMEMBER pictures do tell…Hahaha I’m not running for president and not hiding from anyone so
who the hell cares anyway…did I just out myself?
It’s really quite a lot happening all at one time and the transition begins emotionally already in so many ways! My job as au pair to Alex (he’s 13)
officially comes to an end here as I’ve know it in The Netherlands (and some of you are still referring Eindhoven as Amsterdam ) at the end of
November…isn’t that next month?
So far as I know Berlin is in the cards for my next gig! I’ve accepted a position there as au pair for Talene (toddler of Andreas and Linda) for the
next year and moving by the end of January. Cheryl, did you ever have any idea this would have turned out to be my new career? I guess the
ultimate goal for retirement would be to get friends who have a child to move to Greece . There…I’m throwing out the energy now. Better get me
while I’m hot! I come with good references.
Meanwhile, back in Eindhoven…I’ll be moving into Peter’s (Dutch Boy) new house to help him with some projects all the while maintaining my
cleaning jobs (Ramon’s, Ingmar’s and Heather’s) as well as projects in the new home of another friend (Dan from Boston). These should keep
me busy enough before the holidays keeping me in a comfort level of existence that assures my transition and or emergencies. Though at the
same time I’ll have to admit…a little scary.
Anticipating the arrival of RObb (corn dawg) just in time to rescue me on a well deserved holiday (for us both) to celebrate New Years in Berlin
(3rd time is a charmer) and thru his birthday (mid-Jan.) spending time both in Berlin and Eindhoven.
The weather here hasn’t been as bad as it could be…we’re having more sunny days than not at the moment and nice fall temperatures.
Comfortable! I’ve continued to spend quality chill time with Peter (Dutch Boy) as we usually get together for coffee at least once a week (concert
next week to see Arid, a Belgian band) and the celebration of his birthday last Thursday.
Though I’m sure I should be better maintaining some of my friendships here as well as abroad…I’ve become quite lazy in replying to personal
emails, making phone calls and such. Sorry about that. I’m just preoccupied lately (someone taking up my time???). I’ve become more of a
homebody than ever but then again I have something of importance keeping me busy (dawg)!!!
Garwsh…I think that’s about all I’ve got to say for the time being. I think I’m about to go into a food coma now…catch my favorite new show
(Brother’s and Sisters) on surfthischannel.com and pass the hell out…well, maybe a couple more chocolates Ingmar brought me from Austria.
Speaking of good foodstuffs…thank you Mark and Jody on bringing me all my requests from your visit back to Austin…YUMM!
Continue to expect the unexpected always (and hope my late hour of writing hasn’t offended anyone) I figure with the time differences of all the
places this update ends up being read and by the time I manage to get the update emails out, the time of day or night I did this update is not
gonna matter so much anyway (and I’m just trying to find a good excuse for my poor writing skills).
Peace, love and chicken grease
Jes the Adventurer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaQEGLK5lFk
Here's another video that I would like to share!
Fall Ignites New Dreams and Passions October 2008
Greetings,
Hope this finds everyone in relatively good health and spirits!
Truth of the matter is I’ve got writers block big time (preoccupied with transitional happenings) and while I’ve known all week I was going to be
getting this update out I’ve procrastinated this entire day and for those of you that know me well enough…know I’m much more inspired in
uncanny hours of the early morning (yeah, yeah I already know I’m a freak for my early morning journaling). I can’t be responsible for anything I
might share at this late hour of the day.
Now I’ve just ordered a pepperoni pizza from the local guy that comes to our hood every Thursday and makes it right there in his van
oven…mmmmmm!!! Hoping that will give me the motivation I need to get this out sometime before bedtime (ha or simply put me into a food
coma after I scarf it down). And to go along with the kickass video Wesley’s already finished for the update (just a collection of a few pics taken
over the past month or so…they pretty much tell their own story).
Be sure to check it out (both that and the pizza)!
Sometimes I wish it was as simple as closing the lid on my laptop that puts it into hibernation and then simply hitting the power button that
resumes my life exactly where I want it to be. Fast forward…seems it’s already fall and winter is fast approaching and I’m wondering where the
heck summer went.
Aaaah transition! You just gotta love it. I keep putting the energies out there for what I want most and waiting for the universe to respond (it
always does in its own sweet time and not always exactly how and when I desire). It’s funny like that ya know! It always works out at the end but
meanwhile it’s usually a true test of my patience. Oh yes, and this is one of an Aries greater assets?
I’m just dead smack in the middle of a new chapter…
A chapter that happens to include a developing new relationship. For those of you just jumping aboard PLEASE do check out my more than
subtle hints in this and my last updates and REMEMBER pictures do tell…Hahaha I’m not running for president and not hiding from anyone so
who the hell cares anyway…did I just out myself?
It’s really quite a lot happening all at one time and the transition begins emotionally already in so many ways! My job as au pair to Alex (he’s 13)
officially comes to an end here as I’ve know it in The Netherlands (and some of you are still referring Eindhoven as Amsterdam ) at the end of
November…isn’t that next month?
So far as I know Berlin is in the cards for my next gig! I’ve accepted a position there as au pair for Talene (toddler of Andreas and Linda) for the
next year and moving by the end of January. Cheryl, did you ever have any idea this would have turned out to be my new career? I guess the
ultimate goal for retirement would be to get friends who have a child to move to Greece . There…I’m throwing out the energy now. Better get me
while I’m hot! I come with good references.
Meanwhile, back in Eindhoven…I’ll be moving into Peter’s (Dutch Boy) new house to help him with some projects all the while maintaining my
cleaning jobs (Ramon’s, Ingmar’s and Heather’s) as well as projects in the new home of another friend (Dan from Boston). These should keep
me busy enough before the holidays keeping me in a comfort level of existence that assures my transition and or emergencies. Though at the
same time I’ll have to admit…a little scary.
Anticipating the arrival of RObb (corn dawg) just in time to rescue me on a well deserved holiday (for us both) to celebrate New Years in Berlin
(3rd time is a charmer) and thru his birthday (mid-Jan.) spending time both in Berlin and Eindhoven.
The weather here hasn’t been as bad as it could be…we’re having more sunny days than not at the moment and nice fall temperatures.
Comfortable! I’ve continued to spend quality chill time with Peter (Dutch Boy) as we usually get together for coffee at least once a week (concert
next week to see Arid, a Belgian band) and the celebration of his birthday last Thursday.
Though I’m sure I should be better maintaining some of my friendships here as well as abroad…I’ve become quite lazy in replying to personal
emails, making phone calls and such. Sorry about that. I’m just preoccupied lately (someone taking up my time???). I’ve become more of a
homebody than ever but then again I have something of importance keeping me busy (dawg)!!!
Garwsh…I think that’s about all I’ve got to say for the time being. I think I’m about to go into a food coma now…catch my favorite new show
(Brother’s and Sisters) on surfthischannel.com and pass the hell out…well, maybe a couple more chocolates Ingmar brought me from Austria.
Speaking of good foodstuffs…thank you Mark and Jody on bringing me all my requests from your visit back to Austin…YUMM!
Continue to expect the unexpected always (and hope my late hour of writing hasn’t offended anyone) I figure with the time differences of all the
places this update ends up being read and by the time I manage to get the update emails out, the time of day or night I did this update is not
gonna matter so much anyway (and I’m just trying to find a good excuse for my poor writing skills).
Peace, love and chicken grease
Jes the Adventurer
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WaQEGLK5lFk
Here's another video that I would like to share!
September 3, 2008
Austin, It's Magically Delicious
Howdy Doo-
I'm back to my much missed bed in Eindhoven , NL. And some sense of home and privacy after a rather long but enjoyed holiday across the
pond to that other country we call Texas (and cooler weather HERE)!
Where do I begin? It's been a couple LONG months since my last update and certainly much has happened ( Texas for 6 weeks and back for a
couple days before I headed to Berlin for a week). I think recollecting it all will prove to be near impossible (not to mention wordy) so I'll focus
on some key things (the ones I'm managing to recall thru these cobwebs) that well enough stick out. Forgive me if I forget a specific anything.
I’m hoping the video (pics from mostly my Texas visit with a few Berlin ones thrown in randomly) tell enough of the story to fill in any blanks and
the perspectives captured by both out of country guests (as well as this native Austinut). If you haven't already gotten the perspective of a Corn
Dawg from Canada ’s visit to Austin turn magical (I stand corrected:”nope...French Canadian is Québécois”…and his ancestry is
German/Irish/Scottish) I say go check out the vid now.
We sometimes forget as natives some very interesting and funny elements in our own city/state/country we might normally look over. But
imagine those coming from a Corn Dawg from Canada (not French Canadian) and a Dutch Boy (who’s just plain Dutch…check out the wooden
shoe)...Worlds colliding from every direction.
I may not live in Austin any more but Magic sure seems to keep happening there. Of course that's where part of my heart is along with a good
chunk of friends that seem to keep on ending up back there, those that never left, and a few new ones now calling themselves Austinites (or for
lack of a better word to describe us all, Austinuts).
Twila (Herb Bar) has a rule "for every democrat that leaves the city, must replace their absence with 2 more”. I think it's a good rule and I guess
I've been sufficiently covered (and smelling good too with sandalwood and vanilla courtesy of Twila)
Another part of my heart seems to have gotten all the ways up to Canada ...don’t ask me how that happened? It just did. That's part of the
magic that happens when I'm visiting Austin I'm talking about and I have no earthly idea other than magic happens (or maybe a spell of good
energy from Ditha). I hadn't done anything special except invite a guest from those parts down to get a good taste of where I lived most of my
life, see the sites, dance some Elysium 80's retro, catch Akaline Trio at La Zona Rosa, swim Barton Springs/Hippie Hollow, introduce and spend
time w/ good friends, take a boating trip on the lake, drink some good beers/ strongbow cider and eat countless Tex-Mex meals...ya know, stuff
(not necessarily in that order)!
We did all those things together with about the same amount of passion equally (and once or twice in the rain and in a hot tub)...need I say
more about moments rather left to your own wild imaginations…or not! You'll get a pretty good idea further I think from the early photo's taken
in the vid that give total proof of the magic unfolding. Nuff on that…Go figure it all out for yourselves. I have ; ^)
I had plenty of time and not enough time it seems! I’m fortunate to have so many good friends scattered about (thanks to Kevin and Ruth for
sharing their spaces and providing me with a place to call home while visiting Austin (and free internet); The Betty Boops’ aka. mom and
Warren in Ft. Worth (with dial up). Thanks to Bruce (my computer guru) I enjoyed a new laptop wherever I was connecting up to stay in touch
with those friends in far away places. Thanks Bruce and Adam for sharing your beautiful new home.
I was never bored or for a lack of peeps to chill with, things to do, and stayed busy most of every moment there day and night even when I was
chill’n.
I did some things twice and got plenty new perspectives on old things showing both my guests RObb and Peter around during their visits and
being turned on to some new things by new AUSTINUTS; Mitchell and Sara (met her in an airport in ROME waiting for our delayed flight 3 years
ago along with her sister Anna down in Austin for a visit from Michigan) and their 2 dogs/Red Bud Island Dog Park.
I reconnected with many old friends, some new ones and still, wasn’t able to possibly see them all. I couldn’t get enough of the ones I ended up
spending time with (and regret not seeing other’s I would have liked to have seen) and never enough Tex-Mex which I pretty much ate every
day and still couldn’t get enough of.
Best way to explain it in words is in some sense it was like a fast train ride and in order to keep up you just had to jump aboard, fasten your
seatbelts and join me or else miss the train! Unfortunately, there were lots of ya that missed the train! But then, the schedule kept changing all
the damn time. I could barely keep up with it…missing one or 2 of those trains myself. At the end I spent time with those I was meant to spend
quality time with.
There was the 2 weeks in the Ft. Worth/Dallas area visiting family and friends (and can’t forget the visit to the dentist for some needed work),
our gracious hosts; The Betty Boops’ opening their hearts and home (and Chucho, their very loving dog), my brother Richard (another Karaoke
night) and girlfriend Cindy’s more than once home cooked meals and the opportunity to see my niece Jennifer (who’s WOW…all grown up now)
and meeting her boyfriend Anderson.
In Dallas; my ever gracious hosts and best dirty martini’s with Michael and Balta, and reconnecting with Jay (another world traveler I’ve had
opportunity to travel with during previous holidays), and the arrival of my good friend Peter who flew in from Netherlands to spend some days in
the area before heading off to Austin for more good times (after first finding and purchasing the other reason he was there…all pics taken on
his page and many on the vid are taken with his experimenting of the new toy…Dutch Boys and their Toys)!
And certainly not to forget the inner tubing down the Comal River with Peter and Dave…sorry we decided it best not to carry our cameras but I
think Peter’s perspective (check out his page) on this fun is the best account for the moment. The boat ride w/ RObb, Wayne and Dean, guitar
picking at Ruth’s “Love Shack” with RObb, Sara and Mitchell (both Mitchell and RObb can play for me any time they like…Sara and I wooned
with our eyes and thru them our undies…or was that the smoke that made me imagine all that???).
A special B.B.Q. was arranged for Peter to experience in Texas Style Tradition (if you wanna call it that) by hosts: Dave, Vic, Sandy, Drew and
Rick…I can’t thank you and everyone else enough for taking care of both me and my guests. MMMMMM…and more good food and drink and
friends.
And the countless other friends I did have the opportunity to see and hang out with on one of those fast trains…even if it was only 5 minutes;
Ali, her sister Sara, Shawn, Victorious, Denise, Nate, Lisa and her man, various Ruta Maya family members, and but of course my young
protégé J.R. (he’s now an old AUSTINUT having been there 1 year).
LOL and I never knew Abra was such a fine cook! Perhaps it was some more of Ditha’s special magical spell enchanting Abra’s new self
designed home with warmth of good people, great food and drink and the ending with a beautiful new song. THANK YOU!
Ditha…you are loved! With a great deal of respect it was my pleasure to be again in your greatness…the sophistication and class dame that
you are. All whom I’ve introduced to you are truly mesmerized by your magical beauty. I’m just as lucky as anyone to have been handed the
GUIDE BOOK to life as Ditha has lived it.
I had the great experience of hanging out with my step-brother (sounds so formal) Jamie and his wife Beth during one last brunch together with
Peter and friends at POLVOS whom I’ve never made the time to do outside of a family setting before. If you are in Williamson County vote for
him as County Attorney www.vote4lynn.com you can’t have enough good politicians and all around good peeps who have great woman with
southern charm standing behind em (she’s funny too).
As I was saying…all my worlds just kept on colliding as they often times do wherever and whenever and whoever ends up!
And I got in my fair share of Elysium 80’s retro sharing a bit of Netherlands goodness with a lot of Austin goodness 3 times…each experience
just a different one but all savored good times I think those who joined will have to agree : ^)
When did I sleep? Hahaha…well, I guess there was the one night I for sure kept Peter up while I slept like a baby (after a second outing to
Elysium and an Excellent time).
Seems so many different chapters in just one little book! But get this…there’s always a sequel!
There’s a short chapter in here (more like a sentence or 2) and a few pics randomly thrown in of my week in Berlin . Isn’t Talene just the cutest
thing? We bonded wearing hats together (her hats)! I had a great time visiting Andreas and Linda and a couple other friends (Robert and
Kris) I seem to have established over the last 3 years and 8 visits making it feel like home. Good thing too as I have some things to consider
and may I mention to stay tuned for more to come in transition.
There’s not one more special time here than another …just different ones (except maybe for the extra magic being the least expected…the one
that makes my knees a little weak and an extra smile in my day/his night might stick out just a tad bit extra special)!
Life is good…and I continue to enjoy its many special gifts and surprises (shopping’s at Old Navy for cheap and stalking up on a few missed
Texas goodies)! Ya’ll know what I say…EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED! Growls happily…MMMMMM!
Much love and peace to all my friends scattered about in different places…look forward to World’s Colliding again somewhere. Berlin anyone?
Jes (the Adventurer)!
Austin, It's Magically Delicious
Howdy Doo-
I'm back to my much missed bed in Eindhoven , NL. And some sense of home and privacy after a rather long but enjoyed holiday across the
pond to that other country we call Texas (and cooler weather HERE)!
Where do I begin? It's been a couple LONG months since my last update and certainly much has happened ( Texas for 6 weeks and back for a
couple days before I headed to Berlin for a week). I think recollecting it all will prove to be near impossible (not to mention wordy) so I'll focus
on some key things (the ones I'm managing to recall thru these cobwebs) that well enough stick out. Forgive me if I forget a specific anything.
I’m hoping the video (pics from mostly my Texas visit with a few Berlin ones thrown in randomly) tell enough of the story to fill in any blanks and
the perspectives captured by both out of country guests (as well as this native Austinut). If you haven't already gotten the perspective of a Corn
Dawg from Canada ’s visit to Austin turn magical (I stand corrected:”nope...French Canadian is Québécois”…and his ancestry is
German/Irish/Scottish) I say go check out the vid now.
We sometimes forget as natives some very interesting and funny elements in our own city/state/country we might normally look over. But
imagine those coming from a Corn Dawg from Canada (not French Canadian) and a Dutch Boy (who’s just plain Dutch…check out the wooden
shoe)...Worlds colliding from every direction.
I may not live in Austin any more but Magic sure seems to keep happening there. Of course that's where part of my heart is along with a good
chunk of friends that seem to keep on ending up back there, those that never left, and a few new ones now calling themselves Austinites (or for
lack of a better word to describe us all, Austinuts).
Twila (Herb Bar) has a rule "for every democrat that leaves the city, must replace their absence with 2 more”. I think it's a good rule and I guess
I've been sufficiently covered (and smelling good too with sandalwood and vanilla courtesy of Twila)
Another part of my heart seems to have gotten all the ways up to Canada ...don’t ask me how that happened? It just did. That's part of the
magic that happens when I'm visiting Austin I'm talking about and I have no earthly idea other than magic happens (or maybe a spell of good
energy from Ditha). I hadn't done anything special except invite a guest from those parts down to get a good taste of where I lived most of my
life, see the sites, dance some Elysium 80's retro, catch Akaline Trio at La Zona Rosa, swim Barton Springs/Hippie Hollow, introduce and spend
time w/ good friends, take a boating trip on the lake, drink some good beers/ strongbow cider and eat countless Tex-Mex meals...ya know, stuff
(not necessarily in that order)!
We did all those things together with about the same amount of passion equally (and once or twice in the rain and in a hot tub)...need I say
more about moments rather left to your own wild imaginations…or not! You'll get a pretty good idea further I think from the early photo's taken
in the vid that give total proof of the magic unfolding. Nuff on that…Go figure it all out for yourselves. I have ; ^)
I had plenty of time and not enough time it seems! I’m fortunate to have so many good friends scattered about (thanks to Kevin and Ruth for
sharing their spaces and providing me with a place to call home while visiting Austin (and free internet); The Betty Boops’ aka. mom and
Warren in Ft. Worth (with dial up). Thanks to Bruce (my computer guru) I enjoyed a new laptop wherever I was connecting up to stay in touch
with those friends in far away places. Thanks Bruce and Adam for sharing your beautiful new home.
I was never bored or for a lack of peeps to chill with, things to do, and stayed busy most of every moment there day and night even when I was
chill’n.
I did some things twice and got plenty new perspectives on old things showing both my guests RObb and Peter around during their visits and
being turned on to some new things by new AUSTINUTS; Mitchell and Sara (met her in an airport in ROME waiting for our delayed flight 3 years
ago along with her sister Anna down in Austin for a visit from Michigan) and their 2 dogs/Red Bud Island Dog Park.
I reconnected with many old friends, some new ones and still, wasn’t able to possibly see them all. I couldn’t get enough of the ones I ended up
spending time with (and regret not seeing other’s I would have liked to have seen) and never enough Tex-Mex which I pretty much ate every
day and still couldn’t get enough of.
Best way to explain it in words is in some sense it was like a fast train ride and in order to keep up you just had to jump aboard, fasten your
seatbelts and join me or else miss the train! Unfortunately, there were lots of ya that missed the train! But then, the schedule kept changing all
the damn time. I could barely keep up with it…missing one or 2 of those trains myself. At the end I spent time with those I was meant to spend
quality time with.
There was the 2 weeks in the Ft. Worth/Dallas area visiting family and friends (and can’t forget the visit to the dentist for some needed work),
our gracious hosts; The Betty Boops’ opening their hearts and home (and Chucho, their very loving dog), my brother Richard (another Karaoke
night) and girlfriend Cindy’s more than once home cooked meals and the opportunity to see my niece Jennifer (who’s WOW…all grown up now)
and meeting her boyfriend Anderson.
In Dallas; my ever gracious hosts and best dirty martini’s with Michael and Balta, and reconnecting with Jay (another world traveler I’ve had
opportunity to travel with during previous holidays), and the arrival of my good friend Peter who flew in from Netherlands to spend some days in
the area before heading off to Austin for more good times (after first finding and purchasing the other reason he was there…all pics taken on
his page and many on the vid are taken with his experimenting of the new toy…Dutch Boys and their Toys)!
And certainly not to forget the inner tubing down the Comal River with Peter and Dave…sorry we decided it best not to carry our cameras but I
think Peter’s perspective (check out his page) on this fun is the best account for the moment. The boat ride w/ RObb, Wayne and Dean, guitar
picking at Ruth’s “Love Shack” with RObb, Sara and Mitchell (both Mitchell and RObb can play for me any time they like…Sara and I wooned
with our eyes and thru them our undies…or was that the smoke that made me imagine all that???).
A special B.B.Q. was arranged for Peter to experience in Texas Style Tradition (if you wanna call it that) by hosts: Dave, Vic, Sandy, Drew and
Rick…I can’t thank you and everyone else enough for taking care of both me and my guests. MMMMMM…and more good food and drink and
friends.
And the countless other friends I did have the opportunity to see and hang out with on one of those fast trains…even if it was only 5 minutes;
Ali, her sister Sara, Shawn, Victorious, Denise, Nate, Lisa and her man, various Ruta Maya family members, and but of course my young
protégé J.R. (he’s now an old AUSTINUT having been there 1 year).
LOL and I never knew Abra was such a fine cook! Perhaps it was some more of Ditha’s special magical spell enchanting Abra’s new self
designed home with warmth of good people, great food and drink and the ending with a beautiful new song. THANK YOU!
Ditha…you are loved! With a great deal of respect it was my pleasure to be again in your greatness…the sophistication and class dame that
you are. All whom I’ve introduced to you are truly mesmerized by your magical beauty. I’m just as lucky as anyone to have been handed the
GUIDE BOOK to life as Ditha has lived it.
I had the great experience of hanging out with my step-brother (sounds so formal) Jamie and his wife Beth during one last brunch together with
Peter and friends at POLVOS whom I’ve never made the time to do outside of a family setting before. If you are in Williamson County vote for
him as County Attorney www.vote4lynn.com you can’t have enough good politicians and all around good peeps who have great woman with
southern charm standing behind em (she’s funny too).
As I was saying…all my worlds just kept on colliding as they often times do wherever and whenever and whoever ends up!
And I got in my fair share of Elysium 80’s retro sharing a bit of Netherlands goodness with a lot of Austin goodness 3 times…each experience
just a different one but all savored good times I think those who joined will have to agree : ^)
When did I sleep? Hahaha…well, I guess there was the one night I for sure kept Peter up while I slept like a baby (after a second outing to
Elysium and an Excellent time).
Seems so many different chapters in just one little book! But get this…there’s always a sequel!
There’s a short chapter in here (more like a sentence or 2) and a few pics randomly thrown in of my week in Berlin . Isn’t Talene just the cutest
thing? We bonded wearing hats together (her hats)! I had a great time visiting Andreas and Linda and a couple other friends (Robert and
Kris) I seem to have established over the last 3 years and 8 visits making it feel like home. Good thing too as I have some things to consider
and may I mention to stay tuned for more to come in transition.
There’s not one more special time here than another …just different ones (except maybe for the extra magic being the least expected…the one
that makes my knees a little weak and an extra smile in my day/his night might stick out just a tad bit extra special)!
Life is good…and I continue to enjoy its many special gifts and surprises (shopping’s at Old Navy for cheap and stalking up on a few missed
Texas goodies)! Ya’ll know what I say…EXPECT THE UNEXPECTED! Growls happily…MMMMMM!
Much love and peace to all my friends scattered about in different places…look forward to World’s Colliding again somewhere. Berlin anyone?
Jes (the Adventurer)!
December 19, 2008
Happy Holidays Family and Friends,
You just had to open before Christmas didn’t ya?
Were you naughty or nice?
I’ve already been in cahoots with Sinterklaas and Zwart Pete out here (or is that Peter Klomp???) on the 5th and 6th of December and they’re
all good friends with Santa so I’ve got the lowdown on most of ya’s…so, you better watch out! I’m feeling a bit sassy myself! Sorry to tease ya
with the big jar full of Snickerdoodles but I’m taking full advantage of having a gas oven here at my disposal and if you’re on this side of the
pond (depending on how good you were or how bad you are…maybe?)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinterklaas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zwarte_Piet
In transition and for the most part busy as all hell. I’m camping out a while here on Ericastraat 6 at Peter’s new home (also in transition). For
now the goal has been to get the downstairs ready to celebrate the holidays and a visitor from afar ( Vancouver B.C.?) so it’s been cleaning,
knocking out a wall, repairs, priming, painting, and more cleaning…and I guarantee ya I’ll have our Christmas feast out without skipping a beat
(and with a little help from my friends) timing timing! Who wants’ to marry me (oh yeah ooops…I’m already promised sorry)?
As you can see I have a cozy space here (gargoyles don’t like to be packed away too long) where I temporarily hang my hat for the time
being. If all goes well I’ll be working in my new position in Berlin soon after the New Year but for the time being I’ve continued with my cleaning
jobs and even landed a quick sit at the Drake household the other night (like Alex really needed me around…damn kid is taller than me)!
I have plenty here to keep me busy and a little cash flow in while I wait!
Another Glitterball (70’s/80’s party) on Christmas Eve. (hey it’s the Dutch way of how to spend Christmas Eve and I haven’t any chestnuts to
roast anyway so for a third year I’ll just be joining them). Christmas day M ark and Jody and I will give Peter a bit of an American Christmas
(minus the football and maybe even a classic holiday movie like, “It’s a Wonderful Life” …you can’t go wrong Jimmy Steward). At that point we’
ll be camping out in my bedroom since the only means of furniture is my stuff…our feast will be served buffet style and eaten picnic style on
the bare floors of the newly painted downstairs.
I’ll really begin my relaxing when my greatest Christmas present arrives 4 days after Christmas (think bunnies hahahaha get your mind out of
the gutter…that’s for my own mind) at Dusseldorf airport where I’ll be meeting RObb with bells on and maybe saran wrap (still in the gutter
huh???)…relaxing, yeah!!!
And on to Berlin for the New Years to celebrate with friends (third time’s a charmer)!!! This time I’ve signed up for the Twilight Alternative
Tour. Lot’s of surprises in the weeks to come (RObb celebrates a birthday in Europe …woo hoo).
Speaking of birthdays there were many over the last couple months I overlooked out of pure laziness…a Happy Belated to all of you (though
sometimes not always on the forefront so far as acknowledgement goes but never ever far from my thoughts and always, always close to my
heart.
I can’t get away speaking of birthdays and not acknowledge my mom’s. Yup…Betty Boop (the greatest mother ever and you’d never guess
she has 3 adult sons) celebrates…is it your 49th mom?
My next update will occur sometime soon after the 16th of the New Year where nearly 3 weeks of the unexpected take place with someone’s
new camera and my own taking random pics of our adventures together. Be ready for a 2 part video (a bowl of popcorn and some biers)!
Meanwhile…I better get back to the priming before the boss man arrives. YESSIR!!!
Ya’ll have yourself a whatever holiday you celebrate with lots of warmth and love and I’ll have my moment just before that special midnight kiss
on New Year’s where I’ll be feeling most of ya (but probably not during that kiss…betcha I’ll be somewhere else. lalalalalala
Ya’ll can resume to being naughty or nice at this time.
(stay tuned for some special edition austinithinkyoushine/jes the adventurer t-shirts w/ some Wesley art soon to be on sale…yay I’m being
immortalized)
A very happy holiday season with much love and peace,
Jes
Happy Holidays Family and Friends,
You just had to open before Christmas didn’t ya?
Were you naughty or nice?
I’ve already been in cahoots with Sinterklaas and Zwart Pete out here (or is that Peter Klomp???) on the 5th and 6th of December and they’re
all good friends with Santa so I’ve got the lowdown on most of ya’s…so, you better watch out! I’m feeling a bit sassy myself! Sorry to tease ya
with the big jar full of Snickerdoodles but I’m taking full advantage of having a gas oven here at my disposal and if you’re on this side of the
pond (depending on how good you were or how bad you are…maybe?)
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Sinterklaas
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Zwarte_Piet
In transition and for the most part busy as all hell. I’m camping out a while here on Ericastraat 6 at Peter’s new home (also in transition). For
now the goal has been to get the downstairs ready to celebrate the holidays and a visitor from afar ( Vancouver B.C.?) so it’s been cleaning,
knocking out a wall, repairs, priming, painting, and more cleaning…and I guarantee ya I’ll have our Christmas feast out without skipping a beat
(and with a little help from my friends) timing timing! Who wants’ to marry me (oh yeah ooops…I’m already promised sorry)?
As you can see I have a cozy space here (gargoyles don’t like to be packed away too long) where I temporarily hang my hat for the time
being. If all goes well I’ll be working in my new position in Berlin soon after the New Year but for the time being I’ve continued with my cleaning
jobs and even landed a quick sit at the Drake household the other night (like Alex really needed me around…damn kid is taller than me)!
I have plenty here to keep me busy and a little cash flow in while I wait!
Another Glitterball (70’s/80’s party) on Christmas Eve. (hey it’s the Dutch way of how to spend Christmas Eve and I haven’t any chestnuts to
roast anyway so for a third year I’ll just be joining them). Christmas day M ark and Jody and I will give Peter a bit of an American Christmas
(minus the football and maybe even a classic holiday movie like, “It’s a Wonderful Life” …you can’t go wrong Jimmy Steward). At that point we’
ll be camping out in my bedroom since the only means of furniture is my stuff…our feast will be served buffet style and eaten picnic style on
the bare floors of the newly painted downstairs.
I’ll really begin my relaxing when my greatest Christmas present arrives 4 days after Christmas (think bunnies hahahaha get your mind out of
the gutter…that’s for my own mind) at Dusseldorf airport where I’ll be meeting RObb with bells on and maybe saran wrap (still in the gutter
huh???)…relaxing, yeah!!!
And on to Berlin for the New Years to celebrate with friends (third time’s a charmer)!!! This time I’ve signed up for the Twilight Alternative
Tour. Lot’s of surprises in the weeks to come (RObb celebrates a birthday in Europe …woo hoo).
Speaking of birthdays there were many over the last couple months I overlooked out of pure laziness…a Happy Belated to all of you (though
sometimes not always on the forefront so far as acknowledgement goes but never ever far from my thoughts and always, always close to my
heart.
I can’t get away speaking of birthdays and not acknowledge my mom’s. Yup…Betty Boop (the greatest mother ever and you’d never guess
she has 3 adult sons) celebrates…is it your 49th mom?
My next update will occur sometime soon after the 16th of the New Year where nearly 3 weeks of the unexpected take place with someone’s
new camera and my own taking random pics of our adventures together. Be ready for a 2 part video (a bowl of popcorn and some biers)!
Meanwhile…I better get back to the priming before the boss man arrives. YESSIR!!!
Ya’ll have yourself a whatever holiday you celebrate with lots of warmth and love and I’ll have my moment just before that special midnight kiss
on New Year’s where I’ll be feeling most of ya (but probably not during that kiss…betcha I’ll be somewhere else. lalalalalala
Ya’ll can resume to being naughty or nice at this time.
(stay tuned for some special edition austinithinkyoushine/jes the adventurer t-shirts w/ some Wesley art soon to be on sale…yay I’m being
immortalized)
A very happy holiday season with much love and peace,
Jes
| Click the banner above to view this months Movie update. If you dare...that is! |
| Click Banners to View Video |
| : ) Click the Photo to view Spring has Sprung ( : |
Past Journals
Update
June 2008
To whom it may concern,
Verklemp: choked with emotion (German verklemmt = emotionally inhibited in a convulsive way).
Most of you who know me well know that I feel “life” pretty damn intensely and I can’t help but wear my feelings on my sleeve (perhaps my next
tattoo should be a sleeve of ink that best express my feelings…hmmmm maybe each arm?). Regardless, feelings…good or bad…INTENSE! I
don’t know any other way. Sometimes it goes with the outfit and sometimes not so well but it’s just a part of who I am.
These past few months have been sort of an emotional roller coaster for me just trying to figure out where one chapter ends and a new one
begins. A lot of pretty big changes and transitioning I’ve had no control over. The one I’d gotten comfortably in the habit of sharing these
feelings with is on his own personal journey that doesn’t include me at this time. I placed so much more expectation than I realized for my own
needs that I wasn’t all the time listening to his (hence the unbalanced state). His absence now comes quite unexpectedly and is sorely missed
in every way imaginable (feels like I lost my best friend to a tragic death).
I realize we’re all on our own personal journey’s and dreams to live and I of all people understand the need in taking that time to discover what
those are.
First off I’m for absolute certain what I discovered last year (July 2009 on my last trip to Austin ) to be the very thing I always ONLY dreamt of
having with one special person. It’s the closest thing I got to experience to be the greatest ever to both friendship and romance all at the same
time. I’m pinching myself…
My heart succumbs (CRASH) to the superior strength and overpowering appeal of the LOVE being given with little resistance even though
most of it happened approx. 4000 miles apart ((journey and dreams in sync )…
I think he’d agree that this one word probably sums it up best…”Magical” (a series of beautiful experiences we shared together). It’s a little
hard for me to grasp sometimes thinking I dreamt this one up all on my own now that we’re not in communication and I wonder if he’d remember
it like this too. Through all the insecurities that have managed to emerge in my own transitioning it’s the one most important thing I feel the
need to know.
It’s in my nature to stand up for what I believe in so yeah, I don’t give up so easily I think he knows now…feeling cheated in some ways for only
having barely scratched the surface of so many things we only talked about doing (to name a few…haven’t shared a Santorini sunset, karaoke
or his key lime pie).
I wasn’t finished by any means, though I didn’t always feel ready either.
I however was inspired to write many new poems, I was serenaded at the hot tub, we shared in a passionate New Year’s kiss, a birthday trip to
Paris and so many more firsts that no one can ever take away from me. These I hold precious to my heart for always and amount of time with
him…is a time I’m glad to have had. It’s enriched my personal journey in ways that are forever lasting.
The thing I’m having the most difficulty with and what hurts me the most about it is when you love and care about someone and desire to be in
their life and they’re…
…4000 miles away!
I’m tired of using technology...I need you right in front of me (though we had hours and hours of some great Skyping)!
If only to say thanks for the love you gave me (oh yeah and the laughs and the music and Currywurst too) because I’m for pretty certain all that
was real (even if I am a dreamer and the biggest sappiest romantic you’ll ever know)!
Matters of the heart I just can’t get away from even if I try…so instead I go thru the motions surrounded by the love of so many friends…thank
you all (I feel like I should be walking away with a grammy now)…you’ve also seen me at my best and at my worst!
and as the song goes, “if you can’t be with the one you love…love the one you’re with”.
Peter will agree our cosmic visitors Sara and Anna passing thru kept us busy the last few days doodlin’ and stuff (those pictures speak for
themselves I think) as do Queen’s Day and various other good times with good peeps captured on the photographs taken and chosen for this
update!
Now I catch my breath and prepare for my state side visit next week for a month (Texas) with no immediate plans as they have changed from
the original but “there” all the same, for a healthy dose of good friends, a pitcher of good margaritas and many meals of real Tex-Mex that I
don’t have to doctor up (and Hoover’s home Southern cooking).
Maybe we’ll get my head out of my ass long enough to get this adventurer with “new perspective” on his life and back on track to something
(and in the process of healing and keeping a somewhat low profile this trip across…very open to making some new great memories while I find
a place for the old ones)!
I’m at the same Austin mobile number (should be working 16 of June thru 16 of July) and depending on everyone else’s internet (dial up @ my
moms) for email so…be in touch! Take time to enjoy the music selections and video/pics and always EXPECT the UNEXPECTED!
Much Peace and Love,
Jes
P.S. one of my oldest and dearest friends, Duane is looking for a responsible room mate immediately. She’s due for a good room mate so I
thought I’d pass that energy along on here if you know anyone looking PLEASE contact her directly.
2br/2 bath/1 garage/available storage/850 sq feet/hardwood floors in common area, swimming pool, gym, ground floor, wood view, gated
community. Rent $415.00/month w/shared cost of electricity, water, cable/internet, the utilities run about 100.00 a month. More in the summer
of course!
I am 44 y/o female with 1 small, house trained, well behaved dog. I am a clean, responsible, spiritual individual who is alcohol/drug free, with a
full time job M-F/ 8a-5p. I have my own reliable transportation. I am looking for the same in a room mate. I smoke- but, I will be glad to take it
outside for the right room mate. I am actually trying to quit! I am very quiet.... and lead a what some would consider a semi- boring life.....no
parties, no endless string of guests or lovers, no loud music, etc. I am very devoted to my career. To me, home is a refuge and at the end of a
long work day, it is a place to rest and rejuvenate... so you can go out and do it again!
I do keep a clean house... but, I am not clean freak. I am also looking for just one room mate. No commune here! A little more about me......
I enjoy music, art, philosophy, science, physics, ancient history, reading, movies, and on occasion you will find me doing some beading or
painting. I am not really talented, but I will take an art class just for fun! I do have a spiritual path.... but, I am not a bible thumper by any means,
in fact, I enjoy studying different faiths and hopefully I am gleaning the universal truths from them. Some might consider me pagan! I also enjoy
having conversations that have depth to them. I am very devoted to my animal. Her name is Taz and she is spoiled rotten!
Criteria for move in includes an agreement that neither party brings their friends or family home to live, no drug/alcohol abuse, bills paid on
time. No deposit is required with this agreement. Room is unfurnished and is available. Call 512-689-3411. Pix on request. Good luck to you in
your search for refuge!
June 2008
To whom it may concern,
Verklemp: choked with emotion (German verklemmt = emotionally inhibited in a convulsive way).
Most of you who know me well know that I feel “life” pretty damn intensely and I can’t help but wear my feelings on my sleeve (perhaps my next
tattoo should be a sleeve of ink that best express my feelings…hmmmm maybe each arm?). Regardless, feelings…good or bad…INTENSE! I
don’t know any other way. Sometimes it goes with the outfit and sometimes not so well but it’s just a part of who I am.
These past few months have been sort of an emotional roller coaster for me just trying to figure out where one chapter ends and a new one
begins. A lot of pretty big changes and transitioning I’ve had no control over. The one I’d gotten comfortably in the habit of sharing these
feelings with is on his own personal journey that doesn’t include me at this time. I placed so much more expectation than I realized for my own
needs that I wasn’t all the time listening to his (hence the unbalanced state). His absence now comes quite unexpectedly and is sorely missed
in every way imaginable (feels like I lost my best friend to a tragic death).
I realize we’re all on our own personal journey’s and dreams to live and I of all people understand the need in taking that time to discover what
those are.
First off I’m for absolute certain what I discovered last year (July 2009 on my last trip to Austin ) to be the very thing I always ONLY dreamt of
having with one special person. It’s the closest thing I got to experience to be the greatest ever to both friendship and romance all at the same
time. I’m pinching myself…
My heart succumbs (CRASH) to the superior strength and overpowering appeal of the LOVE being given with little resistance even though
most of it happened approx. 4000 miles apart ((journey and dreams in sync )…
I think he’d agree that this one word probably sums it up best…”Magical” (a series of beautiful experiences we shared together). It’s a little
hard for me to grasp sometimes thinking I dreamt this one up all on my own now that we’re not in communication and I wonder if he’d remember
it like this too. Through all the insecurities that have managed to emerge in my own transitioning it’s the one most important thing I feel the
need to know.
It’s in my nature to stand up for what I believe in so yeah, I don’t give up so easily I think he knows now…feeling cheated in some ways for only
having barely scratched the surface of so many things we only talked about doing (to name a few…haven’t shared a Santorini sunset, karaoke
or his key lime pie).
I wasn’t finished by any means, though I didn’t always feel ready either.
I however was inspired to write many new poems, I was serenaded at the hot tub, we shared in a passionate New Year’s kiss, a birthday trip to
Paris and so many more firsts that no one can ever take away from me. These I hold precious to my heart for always and amount of time with
him…is a time I’m glad to have had. It’s enriched my personal journey in ways that are forever lasting.
The thing I’m having the most difficulty with and what hurts me the most about it is when you love and care about someone and desire to be in
their life and they’re…
…4000 miles away!
I’m tired of using technology...I need you right in front of me (though we had hours and hours of some great Skyping)!
If only to say thanks for the love you gave me (oh yeah and the laughs and the music and Currywurst too) because I’m for pretty certain all that
was real (even if I am a dreamer and the biggest sappiest romantic you’ll ever know)!
Matters of the heart I just can’t get away from even if I try…so instead I go thru the motions surrounded by the love of so many friends…thank
you all (I feel like I should be walking away with a grammy now)…you’ve also seen me at my best and at my worst!
and as the song goes, “if you can’t be with the one you love…love the one you’re with”.
Peter will agree our cosmic visitors Sara and Anna passing thru kept us busy the last few days doodlin’ and stuff (those pictures speak for
themselves I think) as do Queen’s Day and various other good times with good peeps captured on the photographs taken and chosen for this
update!
Now I catch my breath and prepare for my state side visit next week for a month (Texas) with no immediate plans as they have changed from
the original but “there” all the same, for a healthy dose of good friends, a pitcher of good margaritas and many meals of real Tex-Mex that I
don’t have to doctor up (and Hoover’s home Southern cooking).
Maybe we’ll get my head out of my ass long enough to get this adventurer with “new perspective” on his life and back on track to something
(and in the process of healing and keeping a somewhat low profile this trip across…very open to making some new great memories while I find
a place for the old ones)!
I’m at the same Austin mobile number (should be working 16 of June thru 16 of July) and depending on everyone else’s internet (dial up @ my
moms) for email so…be in touch! Take time to enjoy the music selections and video/pics and always EXPECT the UNEXPECTED!
Much Peace and Love,
Jes
P.S. one of my oldest and dearest friends, Duane is looking for a responsible room mate immediately. She’s due for a good room mate so I
thought I’d pass that energy along on here if you know anyone looking PLEASE contact her directly.
2br/2 bath/1 garage/available storage/850 sq feet/hardwood floors in common area, swimming pool, gym, ground floor, wood view, gated
community. Rent $415.00/month w/shared cost of electricity, water, cable/internet, the utilities run about 100.00 a month. More in the summer
of course!
I am 44 y/o female with 1 small, house trained, well behaved dog. I am a clean, responsible, spiritual individual who is alcohol/drug free, with a
full time job M-F/ 8a-5p. I have my own reliable transportation. I am looking for the same in a room mate. I smoke- but, I will be glad to take it
outside for the right room mate. I am actually trying to quit! I am very quiet.... and lead a what some would consider a semi- boring life.....no
parties, no endless string of guests or lovers, no loud music, etc. I am very devoted to my career. To me, home is a refuge and at the end of a
long work day, it is a place to rest and rejuvenate... so you can go out and do it again!
I do keep a clean house... but, I am not clean freak. I am also looking for just one room mate. No commune here! A little more about me......
I enjoy music, art, philosophy, science, physics, ancient history, reading, movies, and on occasion you will find me doing some beading or
painting. I am not really talented, but I will take an art class just for fun! I do have a spiritual path.... but, I am not a bible thumper by any means,
in fact, I enjoy studying different faiths and hopefully I am gleaning the universal truths from them. Some might consider me pagan! I also enjoy
having conversations that have depth to them. I am very devoted to my animal. Her name is Taz and she is spoiled rotten!
Criteria for move in includes an agreement that neither party brings their friends or family home to live, no drug/alcohol abuse, bills paid on
time. No deposit is required with this agreement. Room is unfurnished and is available. Call 512-689-3411. Pix on request. Good luck to you in
your search for refuge!
| Click on the photo of Jes below to view this months adventure: "Make My Punk the P. Funk!" |
Click on the Art below to view this months adventure titled "Pictures of You!"
Click on the Art below to view this months adventure titled "Like the Fool I am (and I’ll always be)."
| September 22, 2009 Howdy Doo Ya’ll, Summer gives way to fall and still squeezing out every bit of an Indian summer in these here parts (that place 1 hour and a half outside of Amsterdam called Eindhoven )! It won’t last much longer. The days have already become shorter and cooler with the occasional night outside still warm enough to carry your hoodies. Soon enough I’ll have to wear my touk again (probably not in Texas : ) Squeezing summer to the very last drop (and even that last drop tastes good)…when nature provides ya an extra summer day you embrace it for all it’s worth (and then Bier Professor Thursdays move indoors)! A special notice to all my Virgo friends... I’ve always been surrounded by various astrological signs (c- video celebrating Leo’s in Senlis , France this year)! Virgos take the birthday cake this year (I count at least 10 within days of each other) and make the strongest presence in this Aries life (or is it facebook birthday reminders that make me more aware that these Virgo’s have been dominating my life all along?) and NOW I’m surrounded by Virgos from both sides of the pond, not a bad thing (pay very close attention to the pic titled Elysium 2007 (could also be titled “Space Doodle’n”) taken by Virgo photographer, J.R. who deserves special attention for his work)! Happy Birthday Ya’ll! As mentioned…I had a little weekend adventure recently in France (Senlis and Chantilly ). I tried to capture what I could on photograph. It was every bit of what I imagined it to be and more. A special thanks to my hosts…Sylvie (the birthday girl) and Nico. Welcomed and surrounded by their family and friends I experienced a holiday in the French country side far beyond my imagination to be cherished forever (cheeses and wines and good food and champagne and the love of good peeps)! My music choice for the video (and the words and music of the late Jim Croce) I think best describe my experience! If only I could sing the way he’s feeling it (I was once serenaded by a man who could pull it off) ( : Sometimes all we need is a song to best describe our very thoughts and feelings! Throw in a few pictures and ya have my life in a nutshell at this moment. Like the fool I am and I’ll always be… A DREAMER!!! I’ve got my life pretty much set up the way I desire it at the moment (there’s a couple missing pieces of the puzzle)… Riding a bike as the Dutch do every day here and there; kid sitting Nathan (he’s in the video posing shyly for this update) on Mondays; cleaning the homes of friends; and planning my next adventure. Next stop… a spontaneous long weekend to Warsaw , Poland . I guess you wouldn’t right away mistake me for Polish w/ the last name Garcia would ya (my great great grandfather Jacob Kulka on my mom’s side was Polish)? There’s so little most of us Americans seem to know about our ancestry. I’ve been fortunate enough out here to dig up a little and at least be near some of that energy…mostly my pilgrimage back to the south of Italy (Simbario) a couple years ago where the Tassone’s and the Bertucci’ s migrated from to Ellis Island. I’ve been to Spain and I’ve been to Mexico and about to go to Poland…the only place I haven’t gone back to explore is my French Canadian ancestry (it’s on my list)! What brought me to Eindhoven 4 plus years ago (Heather and Alex) have gone and moved to the East Coast (U.S.)…they bring along Ziggy the boyfriend and 2 cats. It’ll be a bit strange I think w/out them here on this side of the pond and it’s one of those things that hasn’t quite sunk in (I’ll just have another place to go visit in the U.S.) and life goes on…Obla dee obla da!!! I guess I’ve kind of made my own way here ( : So…stay tuned for some more adventures and a little extra treat in the next updates to come. I’m about to throw your way (DRUM ROLL PLEASE) some of my recipes/ cooking /baking tips that only 503 and Ruta Maya had exclusive rights to (and NO, I’m not going to charge ya…and NO, the Snickerdoodle recipe hasn’t gotten tickled out of me yet) but I think it’d be nice if you might like to share a recipe of yours here amongst our friends as well! Meanwhile…back to embracing this beautiful Indian summer day ( : Until the next one… Much peace and love, Jes the Adventurer Like the pine trees linin' the windin' road I've got a name, I've got a name Like the singin' bird and the croakin' toad I've got a name, I've got a name And I carry it with me like my daddy did But I'm livin' the dream that he kept hid Movin' me down the highway Rollin' me down the highway Movin' ahead so life won't pass me by Like the north wind whistlin' down the sky I've got a song, I've got a song Like the whippoorwill and the baby's cry I've got a song, I've got a song And I carry it with me and I sing it loud If it gets me nowhere, I'll go there proud Movin' me down the highway Rollin' me down the highway Movin' ahead so life won't pass me by And I'm gonna go there free Like the fool I am and I'll always be I've got a dream, I've got a dream They can change their minds but they can't change me I've got a dream, I've got a dream Oh, I know I could share it if you want me to If you're going my way, I'll go with you Movin' me down the highway Rollin' me down the highway Movin' ahead so life won't pass me by |
Boston - More Than A Feeling
Photo compliments of Janusz Popielski (my host in Krakow)!
| Update: December 20, 2009 Season’s Greetings YA’LL BRRRRR is about all I can manage to get past my chattering teeth… Most of the places I have lived or been to seem to be experiencing the wrath of this year’s winter. To think it has really only just begun. Here in Eindhoven this morning (just 5 days till a probable white Christmas) it’s -4 degrees C. (feels like -11 w/ a blistery North Sea wind/light snow falling). I’m reminded I have nipples attached to my body as the stainless steel freezes up causing what I term as “PERKY NIPPLE/They’re not GLOWING in the dark now WEATHER)! I can imagine it will be very interesting to cycle to places I need to go in the next few days (I might have to refer to my old method of transportation….FOOT). Here at the end of another year and the beginning of a new decade. It feels like only yesterday we were bringing in the millennium with all its news media hype about nothing. That year I remember bringing it in with my good friend Jane off the balcony of my condo in Austin Texas watching the best illegal fireworks ever put on by the mostly M exican neighborhood behind me (haha that year and 3 years later tripp’n on a blend of chocolate and magic shrums Jay and I were eating by the spoonful was a pretty good display as well). Yup…ya gotta love it! And where’d 2009 go? Wasn’t it just yesterday I was on a train from Berlin to Paris sharing it with those special people I chose to share it with…all part of that special place called memory and nostalgia. How good times continue to fly. It’s been a full year with much cause to celebrate and bring in the New Year amongst those I will be with today. The promise of the yet unforeseen New Year…who knows? I surrender to whatever surprise element it has in store (sometimes reluctantly). I’ve always liked surprises anyway. Seems Facebook is one of those places where I’m often times surprised…I’ve reconnected this year with so many faces from those past lives (at least 9 lives and counting). It goes back to the consistency I seem to have with certain people that I’ve made such a strong connection and at some point loose touch with for whatever reason. They keep popping up in various ways. Because of this consistency I’m a hopeless romantic and strong believer of reconnecting. And meanwhile all along making new connections in which I strive on while maintaining the present relationships (those 1 liners in Facebook say a lot). My mom (aka M s. Betty Boop) and dad both just had their birthdays this month. Not to mention all the other birthdays I’m reminded of that seems to come in 2’s and 3’s weekly (again, it’s Facebook that comes to mind while suddenly I’m bombarded with all these birthday reminders or do I really have so many friends I need the reminders to remember all the dates? I certainly can’t remember but the select few. Not bad if I can remember at the very least…your birthday month. I guess I can thank the internet for the reminders. And the fact that it’s ability to get to see/be in touch with those I love every once in a while (whatever did we do before Skype and Facebook and such)! Who’d ever thought I’d be Skyping mom on her birthday and watching her open her gifts specially made by Ruth and sent to her in Ft. Worth from Austin ? Seeing her face as she opened her gift was PRICELESS and the next best thing to being there. The whole transaction and correspondence took place thru the internet (good thing the bar my brother and his girlfriend work at now have free Wi-Fi as I doubt the dial up at mom and Warren’s would have allowed this miracle)…remember when dial up was the fastest thing on the planet? It’s hardly imaginable now but I am reminded when I visit mom : ))~~ I shared a nice Thanksgiving this year amongst 3 American friends, 1 Dutch, and a Brit. Everyone contributed to making it a traditional feast complete with turkey and all the fix’ns. Turkey is not a common thing here and it had to be special ordered at the butcher and Dan cooked it to such perfection it didn’t need to be carved either…fell right off the bone (please do check out the video to see for yourself as well some random surprise shots of across the pond happenings). It was so damn tasty that we’ll be doing much the same dinner again for Christmas with the same American gang (myself, Dan, M ark, Jody, and Tommy joining) and we’ll see what international variety we attract this time. Much like our regular Thursday Bier Professor night out our predominately American group has become quite international. With the next couple of Thursdays occupied with holiday happenings it’ll more than likely be missed until the next year (Glitter Ball on Christmas Eve and who knows what on New Year’s Eve)…it’ll be the first year to stay in Eindhoven since my first year here (the last 3 being spent in Berlin). I opt for the fire pit that night with a few close friends (anticipating the afternoon arrival of my good friend Janek from Krakow in for a long holiday weekend) making s’mores and watching the fireworks that’ll be going on amongst the neighbors all trying to outdo one another. I’ve got all the fix’ns for s’mores…all we need is some drink, maybe some sparklers and the pit. Who’s in? Have you been naughty or nice this year? Does it matter? In Netherlands if you’ve been a bad boy or girl you are taken by Sinterklaas to Spain …uuuummmmm hey, Sinterklaas I’ve been really really naughty all my life…CAN YOU PLEASE TAKE M E TO SPAIN THIS YEAR! He spoke not a word, but went straight to his work, And filled all the stockings—then turned with a jerk, And laying his finger aside of his nose, And giving a nod, up the chimney he rose. He sprang to his sleigh, to his team gave a whistle, And away they all flew, like the down of a thistle; But I heard him exclaim ere he drove out of sight, " M erry Christmas to all, and to all a goodnight!" See ya’ll next decade with more travel adventures (I’m envisioning a lot of visitors this year from Austin while sugar plums dance in my head). Love and peace always, Jes (The Adventurer) |
| Update: February 6, 2010 Alsjeblieft (Dutch word for Please or Here You Are, used as a general greeting upon entering and departing), On the second day of February (the German tradition of predicting the course of winter) the Punxsutawney Groundhog Club roused Phil from his slumber and announced he had seen his shadow in his annual appearance before thousands of Groundhog's Day revelers at Gobblers Knob in Western Pennsylvania. Bloody hell! Tell me it isn’t true…6 more weeks of winter??? I’ve seen more snow and ice here this year in a few short weeks than all the previous…try cycling in it (a must if you don’t drive). Let’s just say it’s been interesting on those days you don’t really have much of a choice otherwise. Scary challenge! Even the most experienced cyclists here found themselves hitting the ice…this kind of snow hasn’t been seen here since the ice age…so are we in an ice age or global warming? And to hear of all the unusual winter happenings across the pond ( Ft. Worth ’s white Christmas and yesterday’s surreal snow dump on the nation’s capitol and other east coast cities). Are we all ready for spring or what? As for I…enough of the snow and ice already! This last week has brought temperatures highs 10 degrees above freezing (makes me wanna break out those red checkered shorts)! Let’s not even get into a debate about how this new decade is supposed to be said (two thousand ten or twenty ten) but have we been saying it wrong since the year two thousand or was that supposed to be twenty hundred? What comes after Prince’s, 1999? It can be way too confusing for our little brains to grasp. The New Year definitely brings change and this resourceful adventurer challenges himself to whatever changes before me. Doing what I do best and surviving whatever I come up against whether I like it or not (one day I’ll stop procrastinating and write the “How to be a Free Spirit on 30 Euros a Day or Less” book you’ve all been waiting for). At the end it’s always good and I’m always reminded that I’m right where I’m supposed to be at any given time. We have to remember that they’re always other’s in far worst situations and conditions that seem to make it thru with an amazing wealth of positive energy (as quoted in the Wikipedia on the 2010 Haiti earthquake “During the days following the earthquake, hundreds were seen marching through the streets in peaceful processions, singing and clapping” end quote. I admire those and share in the giving and taking ritual of this strength they elude. I think the gift of such friends are my most cherished (Arie has survived the waiting and now recovering of his new kidney with energy enough leftover to spare). I’m fortunate to have many friends such as him. I’ve been thinking a lot recently about those who have come and gone in my life over the years (some who have passed away), the ones I stay in touch with often and still, and the one’s that just pop up every now and again, and a few just passing thru…all are considered to be prized possessions rather than money or things. I was given the greatest compliment the other day about my own good energy (we often times seem to forget that if we’re getting good energy in our lives it’s because we elude our own good energy that we’re putting out). We touch so many people’s lives without even realizing so…it’s nice to be reminded with a surprise thanks and love. So a big thanks, hugs and kisses to the whole lot of ya Hahaha for putting up with me! Even if I haven’t told ya personally…you’ve made a difference. And there is much more cause for celebration as I embark on a new chapter moving into my first official room mate shared space since coming across the pond (painting and putting in new flooring as we speak)…everyone should have at least 1 power tool lesbian (Geke) in their life (and if you have more than 1 you can built a whole house I suppose), new friends in places I never imagined further than dreaming of visiting, and (I’ll believe it when they send me an itinerary) visitors this year from across the pond and beyond (Ali J.R. and Anthony…anyone else???)! The future holds far many more adventures in store for this free spirit (will Greece or Italy be a part of it… Texas or Poland I dunno?) Today, home is Eindhoven , The Netherlands …who knows yet tomorrow. I’ve only gotten a taste and believe you me…I want more (more more more)!!! So hey, live vicariously thru me and or get your passport and let’s share an adventure or 2. If you want to know how…buy the book ; )) Or at least fasten your seat belts (it’s the law)! Houdoe-pronounced Howdoo (sounds kinda Texan doesn’t it ya’ll), stands for Goodbye and is the most recognized Brabants (the South) word in Holland . Much love and peace, Jes (the Free Spirited Adventurer). P.S. Thought for the day: Don’t absentmindedly drop your mobile into a fresh sink of warm dishwater as I did (unless you want a new phone)! |
| You Are Here (Update Spring 2010) Greetings All, Welcome to my latest adventure. This morning I wake before the sunrise (not unusual for me) catching a glimpse of the full moon thru the clouds…another winter come and I’d like to say GONE, having had good signs of spring already (temperatures made it up to highs in the 60’s and sunny last week). But it lingers still…as it often times does here in The Netherlands (and this week our lows reach near freezing and rain). All I can say is PLEASE…NO MORE SNOW!!! But I guess anything is possible. It is then I feel homesick the most for those early warm spring days in Austin just before it gives way to an early and hot summer! Anxious to the first day I don’t have to wear a jacket and I can drink my margarita in the garden without perky nipples. I’m hopeful (hopeful enough to sit in the garden with my new roomie the other evening both with perky nipples sipping our margaritas while catching the last rays of sunlight). Another birthday has also come (but not gone)…I celebrate well into the entire Aries month and in fact began my celebration the weekend before on the cusp of Pisces. I had decided to treat myself and my guest in from Krakow (Janek) to a very nice B&B in Antwerp , Belgium . http://users.skynet.be/bbartemis/index.htm Why not at least once in your life stay at a nice luxury B&B with Jacuzzi in the room in one of the oldest cities in the world? It was well worth the bucks and relatively cheaper than most luxury apartments w/ Jacuzzi’s I’d researched and it costs nothing for 2 round trip tickets with the weekend special (it’s only a couple hours away from Eindhoven and a wonderful historic city for a stroll. I even worked up the entire trip as a surprise for my guest who was getting pretty curious and inquisitive before arriving in Antwerp . Imagine his shock of after leaving him at some café just down the street making up some story about having to meet some woman for a job (to retrieve the keys) and then taking him to this 1880’s built Manor house and up to the apartment that became home for the weekend (you open the door to this exquisite apartment and there sits this beautiful Jacuzzi (check out the video and see for yourself). Our eccentric (in a good way) host, Gerd Peremans was ever so graceful and her Japanese garden was seeing the first signs of spring. I highly recommend this place next time your in the area for a very nice romantic getaway. Yeah, sometimes you just gotta make things like this happen in your life cause you’re worth it! Ha, I’m worth it!!! As usual I’m a bit fickle and sensitive on and around my birthday…I’m entitled! And bloody hell…the number gets bigger every year! I know it’s not the number that matters most and ya feel as young as you wanna feel but sometimes it gets a little tricky. Funny how this past year has brought a lot of reconnections with people (ya gotta love facebook) from some chapters collecting dust on my bookshelf. I think those connections put me in touch more with the number even when I don’t want it to. So I’m fickle and sensitive…but I’ve always been that way so I LOL…it’s just a number Jes! I’m pretty content with the choices I’ve made in my life and most recently with the move in with room mate Geke aka. Contessa Geke de Wit or other known as Power Tools (she owns them but doesn’t use them). She’ll be the first to say she’s no housekeeper nor a cook so the union works out perfectly and offers me the challenge I need and the stability of home. This home has a heart (put nicely in words from our recent guest, Janek). Hey, and I discovered the oven here (European small) works perfectly fine (a big deal to me) when I successfully baked my first banana nut bread just yesterday. There will be more where that came from (a dozen Snickerdodles at a time). Not sure yet what the summer has in store…I’ve been going back to Texas every summer for the past 5 years. I’m thinking I might skip over the hottest months and enjoy the cooler one here doing some things in Europe I’d like to do this summer including the visits of a couple guests from the other side (I hear)…but of course I have to make it back at some point (mom will skin me alive if I don’t….not to mention I’d like a few warm enough days to sit in Barton Springs and sip on margaritas at the lake and such. And of course Elysium Sunday 80’s retro with friends. For now…let’s just get thru the spring! Peace and love until the next adventure (s). Now…go make some Hummus (I hear there’s a good recipe for it on theTasty Adventures link used exclusively for Ruta Maya in the days I was there…wash it down w/ one of those strawberry/lime pepper ice drinks by Maz and you’ve got the recipe for a ruta maya nostalgic moment. Always, Jes P.S. for your concern to those that are asking: Arie is now recovering from his transplant at home. I saw him yesterday for a coffee and he looks great. He continues to be sorely missed at Thursday nite Bier Professor but I have faith that soon he'll be joining us : ))~~ |
