We went to Antwerpen for the day last weekend. Had absolutely no plan, so we ended up sitting below the Magnolia tree in this beautiful botanical garden after a stroll down the pier.

The cool sensation of the grass
rubbed against your bare feet

The touch of the sunlight
warm against your skin

Time pushes you to run
in its playful wheel

But for that moment
it seemed like even time stood still

Surrendering to the soft breeze of Spring
tickles

D...

...is 20 and happy. Thank you, loved ones.

Espresso and Pearls

I went to this little espresso bar near my house this morning - a little routine that kinda grew on me when I need some time alone. I love the smell of their freshly brewed espresso, the perfect companion for my reading time. You know what's also really nice? To just look outside the window at everything. Things kinda stood still for the time being; people running and biking, cars rushing but here you are safe and sound with a steaming puny espresso cup on your hand.

I continued reading.

Some time later, a lady asked me whether it is OK for her to sit next to me. I smiled and said of course! She reminded me of Nanny McPhee, the pretty version ;) She sat down, munched her caramel brownie, stirred her cappucino. She wanted to ask the barista for some kaneel (cinnamon), but he didnt hear her so I called him for her. She continued munching her kaneel-dusted caramel brownies.

Finally she asked me: Were you born on April or August?

I was surprised. April, I answered. How did you know?

She smiled. I knew it.

That was that. We spent the next hour chatting about happiness, the lack of it, the joy of having it. These little happiness, these little moments of connection, she said, is what is precious. It's just like these little pearls. She pointed at her pearl necklace. These. These are what makes it all worthwhile.

I was looking at old pictures just now and I realized just how far I've gone. I'm turning 20 tomorrow. Scared? You bet. Excited? Definitely. Somber? Yes.

Time really flies doesnt it?

People grow old, bigger, richer, apart. People run, I run, through life. Running to somewhere I hope is my purpose, somewhere that I hope can fill my life with meaning. Birthdays make me realize I'm also running out of time, for yet another year has passed. It makes me realize that it's alright to take a walk down the harbour and just let the scenery sink in. That it's alright to sit down and talk to someone for hours despite the lingering deadlines. For connection is what ultimately defines us.

I'm counting my little pearls. Slowly and carefully.

...And I think to myself,
what a wonderful world.