Herinneringen aan een kleurrijk leven

Het verhaal en mijn stem heb ik al. Nu nog de intro en eind tune.

Ik ben benieuwd of het lukt, want ik zit voor het eerst op GarageBand.

This week, I received a heartfelt message from my dear aunt preparing for a journey to Bali. A reminder of the beauty of embracing adventure and savouring time with loved ones. It made me think about the balance we strike in life: between the everyday and the extraordinary, between being present and looking forward.

For me, this year brings its own set of journeys, both literal and metaphorical. I am pouring my heart into writing my book, a deeply personal project that combines my love for storytelling, cooking, and photography. It is a celebration of my life in The Netherlands, South Africa, Italy and now Spain, filled with family recipes and memories from our wine estate and restaurants, all wrapped in the nostalgia of those chapters of my life. Writing it, has been as much about revisiting those moments as it has been about discovering new layers of myself.

At home, life continues its comforting routine, revolving around Sausage, my ever-curious and food-motivated Dachshund. His playful antics and quick walks keep me grounded and remind me to find joy in the little things. A wagging tail, a warm cuddle, or his hopeful eyes when a snack is near.

And, of course, there is my wife Lee, who brings light and laughter to each day. Together, we are navigating this new year with the same intention I carry into every project and relationship: love.

So here is to the new year: to adventures both big and small, to creative pursuits that ignite our passions, and to the connections—human and furry—that make life richer.

What are you looking forward to this year? Whether it is a new project, a dream trip, or simply embracing the quiet moments, let’s inspire each other to approach it all with open hearts.

With love and gratitude,

Carolina