The Cult of Individualism: I’m Special and You’re Not. Thought provoking post.
Author Archives: kristininholland
Make your Breasts Wet
When we moved to the Netherlands two years ago, I had only a rudimentary understanding of the Dutch language. A lack of fluency compromises your ability to participate in a culture in the same way smoking too much dope impairs your senses; you know people are saying something that resembles words, but by the time your mind translatesContinue reading “Make your Breasts Wet”
Six boys
My husband and I were both excited and fearful as our son’s 6th birthday approached. We were excited because our little guy was turning six and his exuberant energy was contagious. We were riddled with fear and anxiety as memories of last year’s birthday party played through our minds accompanied by the mantra of “never again.” Last year’s “celebration” provided a rather harshContinue reading “Six boys”
Can adults truly embrace Spontaneity?
I grew up with the belief that spontaneity is an important element in a life well lived. It was part of my family’s impulsive sense of humor; it played itself out in the creative bedtime stories my mom wove during long summer nights, and it seemed to be the only guiding factor in our summerContinue reading “Can adults truly embrace Spontaneity?”
Christmassy Towns and Giving Thanks
Are you a Christmas lover or Christmas hater? Okay. So it’s not so green and red as that; there’s a whole spectrum of possibilities in between. Perhaps you’re someone who likes all the presents but doesn’t like the religious aspect, or someone who highly dislikes how this religious holiday has been hijacked by consumerism. Or maybe it just stressesContinue reading “Christmassy Towns and Giving Thanks”
The Room
Usually, when I am so transfixed by a novel that I can not put it down, it’s in the non-literary genres of romance or mystery. These fast-paced novels are like monosodium glutamate for the mind; the mind keeps ingesting the words, regardless of quality and integrity, until the words are all gone; the woman has the man; the killer’s been caught and the mysteryContinue reading “The Room”
October 6th, 2012
When I was in high school, I worked at a leather store; not the type of leather store you find in a strip mall, but a family owned, first generation, hands-on business. The owner was a transplant from the East Coast that had a running commentary on politics, attended jazz concerts and often waned semi philosophical with clients.Continue reading “October 6th, 2012”
Home way from home away from home
When we flew into Schiphol airport outside Amsterdam, I had a great sense of relief: Relief that the long plane ride was over, excitement to see my husband again, and the shoulder-relaxing sensation of being back home. And there I’ve said it. Home. Usually, that’s a term I reserve solely for central California, the place where I grew upContinue reading “Home way from home away from home”
California
On the flight over for our month long stay in the U.S., I tried to prepare myself mentally for the differences between America and Holland. But as I thought about the differences, only generalities came to mind: the U.S. is a more car-oriented culture; there’s less use of public transportation; there are hardly any bikeContinue reading “California”
Travel and the stress/chill ratio
As I prepare for my first solo trip with my son to the U.S. for a month long visit, lessons learned from our last vacation pop into mind. Below is the beginning of a blog I started after our five day May vacation: a low budget, whirlwind trip to Luxembourg, France and Belgium. Luxembourg An unscientific yet plausible way to measure your stress/chillContinue reading “Travel and the stress/chill ratio”
kristininholland 