my own private rear window

I have always been a big fan of Hitchcock's Rear Window. This time of the year I often think of it when I get home in the evening and, before turning the lights on, this is the view that greets me.

A beautiful theatre play going on at the other side of the canal. Dinner being prepared, books being read, hair being combed, pyjamas being put on... The below were taken on Thursday at 18:22, 18:53 and 22:47 respectively (and to be nerdily precise.) 

We are planning on watching the film one of these evenings too. Here are two stills of the set.

esos cielos otoñales...

More skies. 
I have not been doing much more than working, writing and observing lately. So here is what I have been seeing in the evening out of my living room window. 
I looooove those skies. I do not love the fact autumn (and by default winter immediately after) is on its way. But the skies, the skies I adore.

 

Another two I just found. Also taken in Amsterdam (different bit of the city) in August.

ay, autumn (+ belated tomareness)

Well, hello there. 
Should I say it? Go on then: "long time, no ninja". Ah, this ninja never tires of repeating herself.

Right, what has happened lately? Lots and not much at the same time, I suppose. Like in everyone else's life, right? Ups, downs, ins and outs. I had a pretty rough beginning of the year and it has taken its toll in many ways but it is onwards and upwards and... What do you know? Autumn is already knocking at the door. That sneaky bugger.

Here is some proof.

I have also been on hols in Mexico lindo y queridooooooo, which I seriously needed and which involved attending a friend's wedding, which was a blast.

Just before I left though, I got a lovely package from a lovely knitting geologist from Italy. It was the corner to corner tenugui. Unfortunately I was packing a rucksack and had no time right then but I have sent my pressies on now. Joanne's tomare tenugui made it safely to the north of the Netherlands this week to a fluttery, airy, light household.
On it goes, around the world.

Thanks so much again. I loved the parcel. The only thing is that being the stressed out ninja that I was before the hols, I never properly posted about it. Here it is now. Better late, 'ey.

bcn, mon amour

Barcelona airport exactly a week ago (to the minute).

der himmel über barcelona

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Cloud formations, aeroplane trails, the moon (day and night!), planet and balloon alignments  (Jupiter and Venus on Sunday evening + a fab tile card (I have yet to credit, watch this space.)

icy wonderdam

Finally some icy pics. Hoorah. I was planning on posting them much earlier (they were taken a fortnight ago) but hey, ninja time flies.

Will you look at the shadows everyone is casting (on a frozen solid canal!) It was gorgeous. Overexposed and unedited telephotony does not do it justice.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

It was just a quick snap moment from this privileged vantage point (not my apartment). I love the sound of klunen (walking on skates off the ice) on the city cobblestones.
We also stayed well clear of the winter wonderland circus that formed in the city centre and headed to the North of Amsterdam. Following pics taken around/on the Ij.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Next post, Barcelona in February. Winter sun from another corner of Europe.

and off we go...

Let's grow, grow, grow.
Oh, 21st of March, how have I longed for thee. About bloody time you came round too.

Thanks a bunch for the card, Missy. It arrived bang on time. Raaaaaaaa.
Yes, definitely.

moving through water and basket tattoos

A couple of weeks ago, I saw this while cycling back from work over the river Amstel. I thought to myself: "I would totally love to do that".

Well, I have been to a try-out rowing lesson (at the municipal rowing club) this afternoon and, I am telling you, I am utter pants.

Regardless of my inabilities, I have decided to enrol for a short beginners course anyway; on a four-person boat. I was originally thinking of a one-person (plus instructor); however, I was rubbish enough having to deal with just the one oar, let alone two. That would be too big a challenge for this ninja. Basic limb coordination seemed to be challenging enough.

Right, so I did not take any pics for obvious reasons (I was too busy getting myself tangled in a hem-of-jacket-end-of-oar affair) but it has been a gloriously sunny day. I feel all rosy-cheeked and knackered. (The latter has more to do with antisocial neighbours who need proper sorting out. But that is, altogether, a completely different kettle of fish, really.)

Plan was going to the temporary exhibition at the Stedelijk Museum afterwards, but I will go later on this week. I will also be posting some photographs of last year's temporary exhibition soon. With all the shots I take at museums and galleries, I should start a regular section or something.
The Stedelijk building has been closed for renovation for about eight years (!) now, so we are all chuffed with these temporary gigs/peeks.

On the cycle back home I "did" take some pics, though. Basket stocking tattoo. Viva el sol.