I'VE BEEN TAGGED

There is a tagging game going around where you reveal a few things about yourself, and I was tagged by a lovely lady named Deanna, from Snippets from Sprindale  She is not only a talented photographer but  also a gifted writer. Thanks for inviting me, Deanna, to join the game! So here are my answers to those questions.

Where Were You Born?

I was born in Jakarta (Indonesia) and moved with my family to the Netherlands 52 years ago. Two of my grandparents  were Dutch at therefore people have always teased me, calling me a “Bounty” chocolate bar… black on the outside and white on the inside. So I’m a Asian lady with a Dutch mentality, but growing older I discovered I still have some Asian traits.

Were You Named After Someone? 

My father loved American movies and I was named after his favorite movie star, Barbara Stanwyck. She was an  American actress from 1922-1936. As a child my nick name was Babsie. Noting to do with my name, but I think I will mention it, I’m 5 feet “tall” and my shoe size is 1 (eu size 34).

If You Have Any Children, How Many? 

I have two children, both are sons. My oldest son is Vincent and he has a grilfriend namend Yvonne (although they aren't married, she calls herself my daughter in law). Vechter, my youngest son is still a happy single. The free translation of his name is "Fighter", a rare name in the Netherlands but formerly used more frequently. Until now I could find one man with the same name. Both my sons live in Maastricht just like me and my love named Dick. So we all live 15 minutes away from each other.

Vechter, visiting his cousin Patrick and having a vacation in Bali,(the one with the red short is my son)

How Many Pets DoYou Have

None at the time, but we had 3 dogs Boris & Owen & Cleo. My very first dog, Molly, was given to me by my mother. She had this strange habbit to get a dog for every child (6 childeren) and it didn’t matter what breed it was, the only thing that mattered to her was that the dog was born on the same day as her new born child.

What Was Your Worst Injury?

I've been blessed to have no injuries or sickness at all (you can't see, but I'm knocking on wood). The only times I've been in the hospital was for 2 babies and a severe allergic reaction from hair dye. If I would dye my hair now, it will result in an anaphylactic shock. So no more hair dye for me, but the good thing about this is that I can grow old, grey and still being healthy and happy.

Do You Have Any Special Talents?

Talents??? Singing out loud in the bathroom and in my car, does that count? I think not... so finding my talent is going to be added to my Bucket List. The answer to this question is NO, maybe I can find one before I die.

What Is Your Favorite Thing to Bake?

I am everything but a Kitchen Princess, but I love to eat. No baking in this house, and all the delicious recipes I see on some blogs are going straight away to my oldest son (he's a Chef) in hopes that he will try it out and invite me to do the tasting.

What Is Your Favorite Fast Food?

Fried shrimps and chocolate milkshake at McDonald's. I know it's not the ultimate combination, but I love it although I'm not a fast food junky (my favorite food thing is to have a gourmet meal).

What Is The First Thing You Notice About People?

The first thing is their general appearance, but I'm not judgemental because their real beauty is on the inside and that's not a thing you can see/notice at first sight.

When Was The Last Time You Cried?

I think of myself as a tough girl with a little heart, but a few days ago I shed a few tears when watching the movie "The Notebook" for the fifth time.... oh, I'm so tough ;)

Do You Have Any Current Worries?      

Right now, life is good. My love is recovering well from colon cancer (no metastases), my children are both happy and doing what they love. And me? I'm enjoying the luxery of my early retirement (so, finally it paid off to be married to a man who's 10 years older LOL).

Name 3 Drinks That You Drink Regularly? Coffee, Fresh Orange Juice and wine. 

What Is Your Favorite Book?                                                                              

I like books but my reading moments are like waves. Sometimes I can read all day long and other times I can leave them on my bed stand for months. My favorite books are written by Sarah Ban Breathnach, "Simple Abundance" and "Something More". These books helped me grow into the woman I always meant to be.

  

Would You Like To Be A Pirate?                                                

NO, I’m a spoiled girl (by my parents as well as by my husband) and a spoiled girl would rather be a Princess.

  

What Are Your Favorite Smells?

Coffee in the morning, babies... yes they do smell wonderful, flowers and my husbands home cooked meals.

Why Do You Blog?

I wanted to have a place to post my photography and as a beginner to get in touch with women who share the same passion (kindred spirits), learn from them, getting inspired by them and to enjoy their photos and posts.

What Is The Least Favorite Thing About Myself?

One thing? Mine is a combination of two, my height and weight... I am small and overweight, but I'm healthy, yeah!

What Is Your Favorite Hobby? Photography (still learning) and being a dabble prone.

What Do You Look For In A Friend? Honesty, humor, loyalty.

Name Something That You Have Done That You Never Expected To Do?

One of the important things I've teached my children was to cherish family. Then both of my parents died and the family fell apart, and we had our grief process not only for the the loss of my parents but also the "loss" of my 2 brothers and 3 sisters. At that time we've never felt more alone and abandoned. I had to distance myself from my family, and it's definitely the most difficult decision I had to make and never expected to do so.

What Are Your Favorite Things To Do?

Photography and processing my photo's, blogging, enjoying my children, being with friends, searching for vintage and new home decoration stuff on Ebay and getting them on a low budget, going to Flea markets, sightseeing trips with my love, staying in my PJ's (way to long, sometimes) in the morning and doing unnecessary but fun things.... I will stop now because it feels that I can go on forever.

Any Pet Peeves?

Every time I get into a traffic jam, I always manage to choose the wrong lane, and women who put on their make up while driving their car.

What Is The Last Thing That Made You Laugh? 

Laughing out loud or smiling and having a heartfelt moment? Last week, LOL while watching “the funniest home videos” on TV, but  I want to share my smiling moment with a tear in my eyes… yesterday my son told me, he and his girlfriend were talking about having children in the future and how they want to raise them. He wants to raise them, exactly the way he was raised. At that moment I realized  that he stated the greatest compliment parents can ever receive from their children.

That’s all folks! Now it is my turn to tag a few more. If I tag you and you wish not to participate that's fine....it's all in fun, but to some this is not their thing. 

Marjon from MJ HOUSE

José from SPRAKELOOS

Sylvia from COSINESS

June from LAUGHING WITH ANGELS

Sheri from RED ROSE ALLEY