OK so those two words are not often associated with my life. Apart fromt he fact work is usually anything but peacefula nd tranquil, home isn't either with the madcap boy cat we live with.
Today though it refers to a page I have made.
It is another for the Belgium album - which is developing quite nicely now. And it was amde as a piece for this week's challenge on UKS.
I love being on holiday as I get to make the challenge pretty much as soon as it is set.
The picture is of the Beguinage or Begijnhof - or convent - in Bruges.
Bruges was a beautiful old city but peace and tranquility were not always words that sprang to mind, with the crowds of tourists, the endless carriages and the seemingly manic cyclists.
However the Beguinage was a haven of peace and tranquility.
The Beguines were a religious movement of single or widowed women who wanted to live in a pious way but outside the walls of a convent or monastery. So in many north Belgian and Dutch cities so called Begijnhofs were set up where these women lived and prayed. The one in Brugge is probably the most beautiful of these. It is still used by pious women who live in the lime-washed cottages surrounding the central green, so make sure not to disturb their way of live.
The Brugge Begijnhof dates back to the 13th century, to 1245 to be specific, and it counts as one of the best preserved. Most of its buildings are not as old, but from the 19th century, but the original layout of the Begijnhof has been kept as well. It's best visited in spring when the central green is full of daffodils.
When we were there the daffodils were just past their best but stil in evidence and an echo of Spring. It was quiet and peaceful and we also took time to visit the church where the Beguines were singing mass. It was another of those memorable moments and it took us back three years to Sacre Coeur where we had listened to nuns singing mass as we renewed our wedding vows.
It remains a special memory and needed to be recorded in our album.
Apart from making that I have also done a lot of work today. So much so in fact that I am treating myself to a take-away tonight ... well treating us. I won't just get it for me and make Nigel watch.
We used to have take-aways weekly - they are a rare and special treat these days.
Today I am thankful for
- Finding what I was looking for
- Special treats - they are nicer when they are rarer
- a new jigsaw ap - addictive.
This came from cousin Norma today - I soooo get it
Comments