You all know me by now. Je me passionne de tout ce qui est français, from
Castles
Crowns
to Cottages.
But after having seen the movie
I stumbled into an enchanting domain of textured light and emotion
where still moments of the Bourgeosie
elegantly coalesce with the rusticity of Dutch life.
I was mesmerized. However, contemporary Dutch life had already started to tug at my affections when I encountered the beauty of three extraordinary Dutch women from Blogland.
Lili and I crossed paths last year by way of a Crown Party hosted by Vintage Bella Studio in June of 2009. Lili's gentle world of birds in art, vintage finds
and the ability to escort me down the canals of her childhood have given me wings to imagine what beauty lies around the corner in her beautiful country.
Sandra, through her photo journal of Dutch life, has fondly presented her voyage as a Portuguese woman in the Netherlands. Her view of her new homeland is always presented from the view of the lights of the city
to the calming lull of gentle waters
that blend the culture of urban living with nature
that leave you drifting out of a fairy tale.
I have been given wings to fly beyond my imagination however, by someone very special to me.
Myspace Glitter Graphics
Along with the two other lovely ladies mentioned, The Dutchess is able to make you believe in dreams. Educated, skilled and articulate, this Dutch Maitresse is the creator of some of the most enchanting fairytale creatures I have had the pleasure of knowing personally.
For a glimpse of how she inspires the artist and storyteller in me and my cohorts in whimsy, visit our team blog Nowhere, and see how she fires up the child in us all that releases the adult mind from its limitations.
The Dutch Masters; skilled in textured beauty of the soul, the canvas of storytelling and most of all, of the heart.
Beste vriend ik hou van je zo!
Photo credits: Mozes and Miss Moussie, by The Dutchess
Final photo by Annie Leibovitz
Vintage Bird Ephemera by Lili M.
89 comments:
Ohhh Anita votre post d'aujourd'hui est simplement génial. Je suis une grande admiratrice de Vermeer depuis beaucoup d'années et du pays hollandais depuis que le printemps passé j'ai connu Amsterdam et Delft.
Je passerai pour les blogs que tu recommandes puor saluer tes amies.
Je te désire un grand week-end, merci pour ton amitié, ton appui et pour tes visites ... je t'attends chaque jour.
Gros bisous,
Cecilia
Au(x) Pays du Rêve et de la Beauté, je te suis avec allégresse.
Merci pour ces images enchanteresses qui sont un bonheur pour le coeur et l'âme.
Bisous doux ma belle Anita.
Marie-Ange
En ik hou ook van jou....and I love you too..Very beautiful dearest Anita..You friendship is a treasure more beautiful then all the Castles Crowns and Cottages put together..
Gros Bisous
T.D and Company:)
Ce sera un grand honneur pour moi, comme il est d'être ton amie.
Encore bisous,
Cecilia
Dear Anita, what a wonderful post ! I am one lucky woman to live closest to the Netherlands border here, and to have a life companion who speaks Dutch perfectly. So we often venture out to the Sea, the towns and most of all, to Amsterdam, the mesmerizing city. Thank you for reminding me to lace my boots and get out to Netherlands soon again.
kind regards, Martina
I have loved the Dutch Masters since I was a little girl. The Toledo Museum of Art has many Dutch Masters and I was in awe of them from my first school trip to the museum on! I really enjoyed your post today ma
chere!
Have a great weekend sweet friend!
Bisous, Sherry
Geweldige Post ~ Poste Formidable ~ Amazing Post
Those photographs of the Netherlands are beautiful. Funny to see them over here on your lovely blog! Vermeer was a great master indeed. Just like Rembrandt and Van Gogh. After wishing you a wonderful weekend, I'm off to visit your team blog Nowhere ....
Happy Thoughts!
Saskia
Dutch Masters - *sigh* how lovely!
What a beautiful post to wake up to this morning :)
Bisous,
LuLu♥
Dear Anita :-)
Netherland is a very special country ;-) I m very pleased to live here ;-) I think they have the most beautiful spring in the world and the most enchanting place, Efteling! Did you see already my fotos of Efteling?
Search for the label in my blog!
And the art ...ohlala...
Vermeer is also my favourite one ;-)
And the snow this year? So beautiful landschapes! Today I will put some fotos of this beautiful winter!
Bisous ma cherie ;-) Ik hou van jou! ;-)
Have a great weekend!
Ton billet est féérique , quelle beauté et raffinement se dégage de celui-ci.....c'est superbe !
Il n'y a .. plus belles ombres et lumière que dans la peinture flamande
Merci de nous faire rêver ainsi ..
Bon week-end
A++Sacha
Dear Anita!
I return from a trip and you take me on vacation! I have missed visiting you magical place. I am looking forward to diving back into the blog wonderland, be back soon. Have a lovely weekend!
Kelley
What a great post. The pictures are beautiful.
I feel a story brewing...author...Ms Anita! What fairytale could be told of the very humble Queen who once lived in a Dutch Castle with her beautiful collection of crowns...then one day she wakes up and says, I'm tired of this grand castle...find me a sweet cottage!
Yesterday while on a home visit to a seniors home I arrived at her cottage. It had just been sold to a fine gentlemen. It was the cutest little cottage, more like a playhouse...I thought of you right away and thought...what wonders Anita could do with this dolly cottage! Ruben could cut a Dutch door in it and there you could live, happily ever after.
Simply beautiful Anita, from the first to the last. Another gorgeous post!
Have a wonderful weekend.
Best,
Stephanie
ita, Another beautiful post! I am always so inspired when I veisit here. Wishing you a wonderful weekend xoxo Christel
Joy joy joy joy joy joy joy!!! That is what you scatter! May I use the cloudy castle on my sidebar? Blessings friend. Thanks for the joy.
The classes are doing well! :-) I have great teachers, I must say ;-)
To see Efteling, click here:
http://presepiocomvistaparaocanal.blogspot.com/search/label/Efteling
Enjoy! Welcome to Fairy Tale land! ;-)
Dear Anita, I m sure we will meet someday :-)
MILLE BISOUS!
http://presepiocomvistaparaocanal.blogspot.com/search/label/Efteling
http://presepiocomvistaparaocanal.blogspot.com/
search/label/Efteling
I hope this time it is ok...
Such beautiful light portrayed in these pieces. And where do you find your amazing castle photots?!?! Always a delight to stop by here for a visit. Thank you!!!! ~ Violet
what a wonderful post, always love to stumble into fellow vermeer lovers (see previous posts) i too
love the dutch culture, the the delft, etc. thanks for the peek
kate
I have no words to this lovely pictures and comments. I loved castles too. When I visited l´ chateaus du Loire , it was like traveling back in time. They were really like a tale.
I usually travel to England and Ireland, and cottages are so sweet...they seem to be in peaceful atmosphere , smelling flowers and cakes.
I haven´t seen the picture, but I will.
Have a nice week end. Kss.
Crown Party, that sounds fun!!!! Oh, I see my hubby JJ has posted here (Trading with the Average Jay!) lol
We both love your blog!!! It's a beautiful escape to pretty corners of the world!!!!!! We love you for taking us afar via your magical way! Have a wonderful, sparKly weekend! XoXO
What a delightful post my sweet friend. I have never been to the Netherlands but I teach at a school where about 50% or more are of Dutch heritage..my students are always popping over the the Netherlands to visit relatives. I must go as I am always told I look like I have some Dutch heritage in me. Our school is filled with Blonde hair... blue eyed children. xoxoxo Happy weekend.
Goedendag (Bonjour) Anita! You have made such a lovely post about our country and us, your Dutch blogfriends, thank you so much. I do have to tell you that it wasn't me that found the ephemera nor did I make the bird journal, as those were made and sent to me by Miss Sandy Babb of Quill cottage. Do you know her? She is one of the most talented and sweetest bloggers, you just have to 'meet' her:
http://quillcottage.blogspot.com/
I am still so greatful that I met you in blogland. I have enjoyed all of your posts. We just have to wait till you have the time to visit all the lovely dutch spots and even more yourself!
Thanks for recommending that movie, I always love historic costume drama's, don't you? Chère Anita, thank you again for your blogpost and have a lovely weekend, à bientôt, bisous, LiLi
What an enchanting post - again.
Oh, those crowns! Gimme, gimme, gimme!
I enjoyed the film very much, too - I don't really know why it wasn't a bigger mainstream hit. I loved the way they were able to recreate Vermeer's paintings in "life."
Is that castle in the clouds Ludwig's Neuschwanstein castle?
Now, I'm off to check out the blogs you recommended.
Have a wonderful weekend, friend ... it's always so nice to hear from you!
♥´¨)
¸.•´¸.•*´¨) ¸.•*´¨)
(¸.•´ (¸.•´♥ Tristan ♥
you are a romantic and gifted story teller my dear!
beautiful post....
and I always am lifted after your generous comments as well...
ciao bella...
have a bliss filled weekend!
happy book making!
carmelina
Anita, what a wonderful post!!!
The pictures are beautiful.
Thanks for recommending that movie.
Hugs
Bonjour!
C'est un post vraiment magnifique!
Comme les châteaux sont beaux!
Beaucoup d'ans ont passé puisque j'étais en France... presque 35 ans!
Oh les beaux châteaux de La Loire!
Enchantée ~ Maria
*ps. I followed your comment over from Bluebird Notes :)
a
Oh Anita my Sweetie...
Let me tell you I am one of your students and listening very well. Oh my gosh I have to tell you what a beautiful story you do weave.
I love the crowns, and the castle in the clouds was so beautiful. Only a fairytale princess as yourself would be allowed to live there, and you could allow any of us to enter and visit. I could dream of the meadow that comforted the deer that was shared forever. What a beautiful green carpet to walk on, and green walls to comfort you from any fall. I could lay on that carpet and enjoy many an afternoon.
I have not had the pleasure of seeing this movie, but it is now going on to my list of must views. If like it, then I will love it.
I love the little bear and the mouse visiting at the end. Much like Miss Penny's mice, I adore them and dream of one day owning one of my own to take me to these magical places that I so want to go.
Thank you sweet friend, oh thank you. You have taught me well today. Thank you for dancing in my shoes, as I would never have made a very good student of dance. I have two left feet for sure.
Much, much love sweetie...Sherry
Dearest Anita, what an enchanting post! It was if I was transported to a magical fairyland. The beautiful photos left me speechless. Although I know little of Dutch life, you painted a beautful portrait that made me feel as if I want to be a part of it. Thank you for opening my eyes to such wondrous beauty.
I will be certain to see the movie and visit the blogs you mentioned.
Wishing you a weekend filled with castles, crown and cottages, dear friend.
xoxo, B
Dear Anita
This post is so beautiful it takes my breath away... I so love the castles and cottages, especially the castle in the clouds...
The illustration by Dutchess of Mozes and Miss Moussie is so endearing..
Thank you dear friend for sharing your beautiful thoughts and images.
Blessings dear one
Penny
Another beautiful post!! Enjoying traveling with you, with my tea in hand. As always love the pictures you use to compliment your words.
hugs
arlene
This was the most "Beautiful" blog post. I wanted to cry just took my breath away. The crowns so georgous! Thank you so much for taking us away on a beautiful adventure. Grace xoxox
Your images are mesmerizing. Visiting your blog is always a treat for the eyes.
All of your entries are wonderful, Anita, but I must say this is my favorite thus far. Like you, I am enamored with the Netherlands. My doll Maid Maleen has traces of a traditional Dutch cap...even though the authors of her story were German. It seemed to fit her...
I so love ending my day by knocking upon your door then unwinding from a busy day with all the beauty discovered within...love, Rose
Oh Anita...those Castles Crowns and Cottages, simply exquisite...as all your posts are...again transported, this time to The Netherlands...I have not seen that movie and will keep an eye out for it...Liefs, Dzintra♥x
Dearest Anita...I will, I will!!! I have decided this year I would like to be entertained with watching movies so this one is definitely on the list...Thank you for the recommendation...Have a beautiful Sunday...Dzintra♥x
Hello,
Thank you for your beautiful post on the Dutch Masters. Your photographs and blog is a treat for the eyes and soul.
Have a lovely week.
Blessings,
Erin
Dearest Anita,
Your blog has become more magical with each post. I love the Dutch masters; they are among my favorite painters of all time and cultures. And I also much admire our blogger friends from the Netherlands (nice double entendre in your title). The pictures accompanying your words are stunning and make me want to visit and revisit, and imagine magical days in magical worlds.
Beautiful post, my beautiful one.
Ruben
What a beautiful photos! I just love castles (I guess it's the little girl in all of us that dreams of being a princess:). I am going to visit these wonderful blogs you have mentioned!
Blessings,
Kim
Beautiful post today. What glorious photos. I absolutely love the art of the old dutch masters. Their play on light is unsurpassed.
Blessings,
Jo
Oh, Anita, I love how you create these posts. They are more vignettes than just posts. Little treasures that should be published in a book of beautiful things to think about. I love LiLi, she is so creative and she is a faithful blogging friend. I love your castles, everytime I am out somewhere and see some creation with a castle, I think...Oh Anita would love this.
Thank you for lovely music, pretty images and words to dream by. Now onto following your links.
Karen
Hi, Anita. I have something for you in my blog.
Have a look!
Kss
www.bonitalocura.blogspot.com
Anita,
This is the best post, My Gosh, you really did a wonderful job.
I was in Amsterdam and those canals look like they are the ones I walked along. Vermeer is the best.
I went into the Museums there I was speachless.I love the Masters.
Also went to Anne Franks, Had goose bimps . It will remain in my head forever. yvonne
Beautifull!!!
Merci pour ton message sur mon blog. Je suis tres ravie de t'avoir trouve.
Merci d'etre mon amie.
Your post was so pretty and did like the movie.
How amazing when art tells people's story.
I try to post everyday on my blog. It's my Journal living in the States with a French point of view.
Come say hi anytime...I will come say hi soon again...XOXO
www.lechateaudesfleurs.blogspot.com
Hello Anita,
What a beautiful post.I loved looking at all the castles.The crown is to die for.
Isn't Lili just one of the most wonderful people.I love her to pieces.The Netherlands are just to gorgeous for words.I would love to go there.
As always its a pleasure to visit you.XXOO Marie Antionette
Good morning Anita. Such a lovely post. I especially loved the pictures of the castles. Soo very enchanting and beautiful! I have a great fondness for the dutch masters too. "The Art Of Painting' by Johannes Vermeer and 'A Lady at her toilet' by Gerard Ter Borch are two reproductions I have hanging in my home. I have read the book you mentioned and also saw the movie. Both were indeed marvolous. I hope you have a good week. Hugs from Charli and Me.
Awesome Anita!!
I hoped you saved me one of those castles!! I'm waltzing!!
If you were Dutch you would be a Dutch Master!!
Have a wonderful week,
Rosemary
your posts are just INCREDIBLE
MERCI pour autant de beauté. Je vais aller faire un petit tour du côté de vos liens
MERCI pour autant de beauté. Je vais aller faire un petit tour du côté de vos liens
Dear Anita, please drop by my blog, and pick up a gift I have for you! xoxox Christel
What a wonderful post! The pictures were so gorgeous... I just found your blog, and I will be back. Thanks for sharing the beautiful pictures!
Wonderful post again. A crown event??? I missed it. Darn I would love to have seen it. Hugs Charlene
Bon jour Anita,merci par ta visite d'aujord'hui et tes paroles genties comme toujours. Les images sont prises sur la page de la compagnie et tu peux les utiliser si tu veux.
Belle journée,
Bisous,
Cecilia
I've always been intrigued by Vermeer's paintings. Blogland is a wonderful! It makes the world an intimate place to meet lovely souls.
Nancy
Bonjour dear Anita,
Yet another luscious post for us. Vermeer gave us a glimpse of Dutch homelife and you always manage to give us a peek into a fairytale. You are one of the happiest bloggers, it's a pleasure when you visit. I did get a bit behind this week but glad you came by to see sweet little Oliver - "the Blogster".
Bisous my kind friend!
Sweet Anita, another of your wonderful posts. The Dutch Masters are among my favorite painters and could stare at their paintings for hours... oh dear, you are making me dream again...
thank you for giving us the chance to peek at that beautiful country by introducing us to three wonderful Dutch women.
Bisous
Rita
p.s. Girl with a Pearl Earring was a masterpiece: loved the book first and then fell in love with the movie.
Bonjour Anita,
thank you for visiting me today! It's always a pleasure to hear from you. I,too, love the photo of Audrey and Greg! I look forward to your post this week!!
Have a beautiful week, dear friend ~ xoxo, B
Enjoyed visiting your blog! I think you might like my sidesaddle blog - I have featured quite a few artists - most with very romantic theme paintings - with ladies riding aside obviously!
Julie
www.equusvilla.blogspot.com
www.ridingaside.blogspot.com
Mais oui! This gold crown screams Anita! lol We all need a magique wand, no? I think I bought this crown at Art Chix awhile back, if I come across them again, I'll lyk! Hope you are doing well! So great to have met your hubby in blogland!
Have a great evening! xOxO
Hello !
Votre choix de photos est magnifique chère Anita. Celles des couronnes en particulier, elles m'inspirent car je travaille actuellement sur le dessin d'une couronne pour faire une broderie. Mais celles que je préfère, sont celle des vieux papiers, des éphémères. Où trouvez-vous ces magnifiques vieux papiers ? Le résultat est magnifique ; avez-vous fait un stage chez Lily ?
Comme toujours venir vous voir est très inspirant.
Merci. Et à très bientôt avec toute mon amitié. Fine.
Votre français est parfait. Si je pouvais écrire l'anglais comme cela je serais la plus heureuse, hélas il n'en est rien !
Pour la couronne, j'aime créer mes propres dessins et motifs de broderies, pour l'instant c'est à l'étude, mais je vous tiens au courant.
Je voudrais faire un article sur votre blog sans Le Bel Espace (http://lebelespace.blogspot.com/) acceptez-vous ?
Amitiés de Fine.
Merci de m'envoyer votre mail ?
Thank you gorgeous!!! That day turned out a fabulous day even with all that water around. Thank you so much dear Anita for coming over...Have a wonderful day my Friend...Dzintra♥x
I must visit the castle in the mist.. wonderful selection of paintings and art... I really want to visit those blogs and seeing Vermeer is always awe inspiring... do wish our food pictures could have some of that light magic instead of being flooded with light and closeups!
What a wonderful blog you have! To dream away while going through it!
oh Anita!je commence à comprendre que toi aussi tu es une grande reveuse!
Val
Just stopping in to say dear friend! Hope you are well! Blessings and light to a sweetie!
Hi Anita... you asked how I found your blog.. well, lets see.. I like to read blogs... when I find one I really like..like yours, I comment on them. Also - will sometimes look at other peoples blogs who comment on yours.. That is how I find unique blogs.. so I am sure that I found you because you commented on a blog I was reading ...and liked! Are you confused yet???
I just started the "book blog" - My Father is not happy with me about it as he wanted me to publish it for sale. ha ha - maybe the next one..but this one, I wanted to share for free..
Julie
Julie
I went back and looked at some of your older posts...and I know now why I like your blog so much.. It encompasses exactly what I feel and where I want to go when I am designing my sidesaddle costumes.. Although I have to adhear to some specific guidelines...in my mind I envision my goal..the way I want to look when I ride..in costume and in confidence.
I have a long way to go to get there physically...but emotionally - well it is a place I go everyday!
Julie
I saw your comment at Scrapbook of Inspiration and came over for a visit. What a beautiful post. I love all the gorgeous photos and paintings...a banquet for "les yeux"!
Oh Nita.... crowns and castles... how beautiful and fun.... *grin*
((thank you )) for make me dream !!!!!!!!!!
Hi Anita. Love those Vermeer paintings! When I did a post about the Leiden Pilgrim museum in the Netherlands, was struck by how the photos of the museum had the same quality of light of Johannes Vermeer's paintings. Love how the cool light plays over the features and gowns of the subjects. Merci! Trish
Ohhh Anita i enjoyed your post a lotttt....absolutely stunning!!!
Hello precious Anita,
You need to immediately jump on the Alice bandwagon with us!!! We're all excited for the movie premiering March 5th! Johnny Depp- yummy! lol Okay, I'm bad, but really, I can't wait to see this movie! love to you, deb
My husband and children are of Dutch descent--original settlers of Manhattan in 1600s trying to avoid the plague--but it is so interesting to see these blogs. One of my daughters is Dutch looking to the bone, looking just like her Dad...such a gorgeous culture, thank you for bringing it to me!
I love all of your pics, and just throughly enjoyed your post.
Micki
I love to travel in blogland, and make new friends.
My real travel wish-list is too long.
Dear, dear Anita,
Ravissant, éblouissant. I feel as if you have taken me into another world of pure beauty.
Extraordinary post. Merci, merci, merci.
Bisou,
Tish
FABULOUSpost... incredible photos!
Dearest Anita,
thank you for visiting me! It is always a delight to hear from you, truly. Your kind words are such an inspiration to me.
Wishing you a most beautiful weekend ~
xoxo, B
I want to live this life ... genteel and uninterrupted ...
fabulous photos
Surprise! Well I had actually planned on giving it to you the moment you said "I want it!" and it's been sitting on my desk with the card, I just had to buy some ATC envelopes!!!!!! I'm so glad it's your first one! YAY! And remember, it was the first one I ever made too, so don't look at it too closely! lol Thank you for being such a dear friend!
Have a wonderful weekend! bisous back to you! xOxO
How lovely! I remember vividly my first visit to Amsterdam - the canals, the Anne Frank house and the jewel like Vermeer paintings, which have been so influential in my art. I'm happy to have stumbled upon your blog!
Hello dear Anita
You are so sweet to visit today.. Thank you so much for your beautiful words. A story about me??? Oh Anita, how exciting!
You are so kind.
Have a great day
Blessings,
Penny
Merci pour toutes tes visites et encouragments...
I just saw that you added my blog on your list. I did the same on mine.
Looking forward to your post this week-end. Gros bisous!!!
www.lechateaudesfleurs.blogspot.com
Gorgeous photos and beautiful writing! I have always wanted to tour the Disneyland castle and I still do. Is it really a castle or just a prop? It's been so long I can't remember.
I wanted to let you know that I have used micro mini brads for joints on my paper dolls. You want to make sure your doll parts are big enough that the brads won't be larger than your joint. I have also used eyelets as joints which make the limbs dangle. I would try the micro mini brads though. :)
xoxo
~Kitty
Yes, I'm back... Love that bed, the music is wonderful.. If I fall asleep, wake me and I will go home.
shhhhhhhhhhhhhhh
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