Hi everyone,
I can’t believe almost a month has already passed since my last blog post, time is zooming by super fast! While we have been very busy here acclimating to our new lives and enjoying our new home town, we have also been staying very aware of all that is going on back home in the U.S. I wanted to send a big virtual hug to each and every one of you, these are trying times and we could all use each others love.
Paddy enjoying a shady spot under the Weeping Willow.
This past month has been full of wonderful experiences. We have been enjoying our trips to the market and making more home cooked food now that we are settled in (for those of you who know me well, you know that cooking is such an important part of my routine, so I am grateful to have that back!). We have explored more of the city now that we are out of quarantine as well, like this beautiful park we found in our area. Weeping Willow branches sweeping the canal water is just too dang dreamy and inspiring!
One of the parks along a canal.
Paddy was very sweet in making me feel so loved for my birthday. He took me all over Groningen with little surprises planned like strong cups of espresso, beautiful scenic walks, and insanely delicious food and drinks out. He even surprised me with a paddle boarding session along the canals around town!! He took me to this super old building called the Prinsenhof (initially built in the 1400s, but has since been made in to a restaurant / bar) for one of the most delicious cocktails I have ever had. We capped off the celebrations by going out for seafood, where we ate this lobster covered in Gruyere cheese. Since food is my favorite way to celebrate, I felt incredibly celebrated and loved and honestly a bit spoiled! Thank you sweet Paddy!
This lobster was so good I am pretty sure it changed me as a person…
At the Prinsenhof.
Paddy enjoying a glass of wine while we waited for dinner.
It was such a lovely evening and fun to get dressed up!
We had fun with an impromptu photo shoot on our walk home from dinner.
Paddle boarding pals :)
One thing I mentioned in the last post is that I love here is how everyone travels mostly by bicycle, roller blades, skateboards, and by foot since nothing is too far away. Paddy got his first long board in many years today, and tomorrow I am going shopping for a used bicycle! Walking has been and continues to be lovely, but we are looking forward to having some wheels to be able to make it around a bit faster.
Happy on a sunny day!
Enjoying the view on a neighborhood stroll.
I have been working hard on creating two new videos a week on my online yoga membership. It has been incredibly fulfilling to teach yoga in a way that feels authentic to myself as well as honoring of the traditions. I am happy to be able to offer online yoga in this time where many still have to stay home. I always welcome new members, so if you want more yoga in your life no matter your skill level, please get in touch! It’s only $10-$30/month sliding scale for unlimited access.
A screenshot from another membership class.
Speaking of yoga, I took my first public yoga class in a studio since February just last week. I was a bit nervous to not only step in to my first Dutch studio, but I also be in ANY studio for the first time since Covid-19 closed all the studios back home. My nerves dissipated as I took my shoes off and walked in to Buddha Balance to see the instructor, Alexandre, smiling and welcoming me in such a calm, kind, and respectful way. Everyone kept their distance, and it felt so incredible to be led through a sweaty and traditional practice, and especially to have space held for me in savasana. I am finding such immense appreciation for these little things that I perhaps took for granted at one point.
Enjoying our morning in Amsterdam after missing the train home. This memory will always stick out to me as we both just rolled with it, stayed present, and found joy despite the unplanned delay!
On Thursday, Paddy and I went to Amsterdam to visit my old friend Kelly. It was so nice to reconnect with Kelly, we had not spent time together in almost 15 years but it felt as though no time had gone by. She still had the same sweet smile that could light up an entire city, the same intelligent mind that is wonderful to converse with, and the same big loving heart. We had a wonderful day with her as well as with her big fluffly kitty, Ollie. When we missed the last train out of Amsterdam due to scheduling delays, Kelly was kind enough to offer us her couch to crash on until the next train came in the morning. Talk about an adventure!
A canal in Amsterdam.
Paddy is doing great. He has made a few friends in the music scene here already, and just the other day he received a job offer that he is accepting, pending contract signing! The business is called Event Insight and is a promising tech start up here in Groningen. I am immensely proud of him for jumping right in and creating the life he is wanting here.
My MFA Painting program starts on September 1, which I am mostly excited and just a tad nervous for! In the meantime I have been creating little pieces of art in my sketchbook, nothing too serious as I am waiting to have my studio space to dive in to oil painting and creating larger pieces.
Last but most definitely not least, our sweet little kitty Friday is doing great. She absolutely loves it here, especially watching all the birds from our deck…! She has been healthy, playful, snuggly and loving as always.
Friday snuggling in bed with us, as usual!
These bike wagons are pretty common over here, but this was the first time a wagon full of musicians rode right underneath our balcony playing music!
I think that’s all I’ve got for now! Sending a big heart squeeze to each and every one of you.
Xo,
Dulcinea