Happy Easter! Joyeuses Pâques d’Amsterdam via Bordeaux

 Happy Easter! Joyeuses Pâques!

 I was thinking ahead when I snapped photos of this window in Amsterdam just over a week ago (and in the way of travel, that seems so much more distant now — were we really just there?) The shop obviously deals in Delft ceramic ware, vases and tableware, but also so many beautiful tiles. (No, we didn’t buy any, and if you ask how I resisted I will simply point to my carry-on case and then remind you that I learned many lessons when we downsized three years ago and moved into a thousand-square-foot condo 😉

Missing the huge family gathering at my sister’s today — and also missing her birthday. She’s fifteen years younger than I am, so I’ve had a good vantage from which to watch her grow from the cutest little kid — seriously cute! — to a strong, compassionate, nurturing, clever, entertaining, empathic, hilarious woman who’s raised four fabulous kids while juggling a crazy variety of hats (hockey club president, administrator–her paid day job, student –she’s constantly taking courses, runner–how many marathons? — and, in our family for quite a few years now, host to our annual Christmas and Easter family gatherings in the heritage home she and her husband have restored beautifully. I don’t even know if she reads this, but I hope she knows how much I love and admire her. Happy Birthday, K! xoxo

And to all the rest of you, May there be Chocolate! and perhaps little ones squealing over a small horde of Cadbury Creme Eggs . . . 

15 Comments

  1. Linda
    21 April 2019 / 9:09 am

    A very happy Bordeaux Easter to you!
    I can imagine that the downsizing concentrated your mind regarding trinkets. The memories and these photos could well be more meaningful, because they're in their delightful context.

    • materfamilias
      22 April 2019 / 4:48 pm

      I think you might be right, although I can't pretend there are not twinges of regret 😉

  2. Mary
    21 April 2019 / 12:15 pm

    Happy Easter, Frances! Thanks for sharing your 'slow travel' photos.

    • materfamilias
      22 April 2019 / 4:48 pm

      You're very welcome. Glad you enjoyed them

  3. Sue Burpee
    21 April 2019 / 2:30 pm

    I love those tiles with the bunnies. Good thing your carry-on is small. Hope you have a unique and lovely Easter, Frances.

    • materfamilias
      22 April 2019 / 4:50 pm

      Thanks Sue! We had a great day (although it involved several hours of conversation almost completely "en français" so my brain was simultaneously exhausted and too buzzy to sleep by day's end 😉

  4. Anonymous
    21 April 2019 / 4:46 pm

    Happy Easter and thank you for the lovely windows! Somewhere I have a little multicoloured Delft dish; I must find it and use it. You made a good call on not purchasing anything. I am coming to the end of cleaning out my mother's apartment after her move (which went well; she likes her new place), and I think a slow cull of my own home is in order. We moved five years ago and did a big purge then, but it amazing how things creep back in. Have a lovely time in Bordeaux. Brenda

    • materfamilias
      22 April 2019 / 4:52 pm

      If I hadn't already helped (only a bit) with cleaning out my mom's place, I don't know if I would have been as ruthless when we downsized for our big move. As you say, it's amazing how things creep back in, so I try to guard against it.
      So glad your mom's move went well and that she's settling in happily. xo

  5. Eleonore
    21 April 2019 / 6:23 pm

    Tiles and ceramics are things I always find it hard to resist.
    Happy Easter!

    • materfamilias
      22 April 2019 / 4:52 pm

      And unfortunately, they're among the items that weigh the most — along with books, another big temptation!

  6. Anonymous
    22 April 2019 / 6:16 am

    Looking forward to more of your travelogue…will you be renting a car to explorer around the area? I hope you venture to Bilbao….the food is wonderful and the museums are fabulous. So much to see, eat, and the miles, and miles of vinyards. Some of the best wine in the world……sigh.
    Ali

    • materfamilias
      22 April 2019 / 4:53 pm

      We do hope to get there. Made it as far as San Sebastian several years ago and I'd really like to finish that pilgrimage. . .

  7. Anonymous
    22 April 2019 / 6:28 am

    Happy Easter to you and Paul
    Delft ceramics is lovely-I have a nice tea box and I must have somewhere a Delft tile,too,presents from my friend who lives near Amsterdam
    Dottoressa

    • materfamilias
      22 April 2019 / 4:54 pm

      Lucky you! (Paul waves hello and Happy Easter)

  8. Mardel
    23 April 2019 / 11:50 pm

    I love those Delft pieces in context, as seen in your photos, but never manage to make them work in my own life. I hope I have learned that lesson, but perhaps not as I am ready to get out of my 1000 sq ft apartment and back into my house. Sigh….
    (I think I am commenting again, but the last one disappeared. Are they appearing in your inbox but not on your blog? or lost in the void? Trying to figure this all out.)

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