Well, I am back...

I just spent 10 days in Amsterdam. My first time in Europe. And I was mesmerized. Amsterdam is such a beautiful city, with so much history, the architecture is amazing, and their pace of life is so different from here (in North America). I will almost go so far as to say I fell in love with it there. Part of it could be that I was on vacation, and I had a bit of a skewed view - but I don't think so. I truly think that the priorities there are different. I am not sure that people are so work driven, and are definitely not so commercially driven as they are here. That need to buy and purchase isn't there. I didn't see a single 'big box' store the entire time I was there. My impression is that people there value health, family and quality time. Stores aren't open from 9 am to 9 pm. There are bikes everywhere. It's just a different pace of life.

While we were there, my friend and I had a discussion about this issue - pace of life. And if it is possible to live that way here. She didn't think so. Her attitude was, it would be so nice if it could be like this back home. My response was, it's what you make it. I am sure that there are neurotic, type a, driven people in Amsterdam - just as I am sure there are laid back, non-work driven people here. I think that we have a choice in how we live our lives. As much as we think that we need 'stuff' - maybe we don't. I think we live in a culture that leaves us looking for the next big thing, and are somehow not content with living in the here and now. I can't really speak for the entire culture...but that's my opinion anyway.

So my goal now that I am back is to bring a little of Amsterdam back with me...no, not THAT part of Amsterdam (I know what you are thinking)...trying to live a simpler, more wholesome and fulfilling life. We will see if it is possible.

The picture today is simple...just a typical scene from Amsterdam. I am not sure it captures all of the feelings that I am trying to convey...but it is a start.