The White Trees

Dear Daughter,

So, we are back in Belgium after a nice visit to Texas and New Mexico to see friends and family. When we left, at bedtime, Papa was still telling you about the Autumn Fairies and how their work was almost done. They had painted all the leaves, pulled them off and rode them down to the ground like magic carpets. Then, at night, they had jumped and danced on the leaves, breaking them down into little pieces, until they became dirt and food for the trees themselves. They had made sure that all the animals who needed to hibernate had places to go, telling the birds and butterflies which direction to go, and cleaning out those nasty bear caves, because bears can be rather messy. And, all the other things we talked about the Autumn Fairies had to do to get ready for the Winter Fairies.

And, guess what? When we got back to Belgium, Winter was here! When we were going to school the other day, you were so excited to see the White Trees! They were beautiful. Just a month ago, those trees were golden, red, yellow, and even mauve, but now, they were coated in white.

So, looks like the Winter Fairies have been busy since we got back.

I Love You,

Papa 

Taking Your Time

Dear Daughter,

This Wednesday you and Papa went to Middelheim, the outdoor sculpture "museum" with all kinds of sculptures spread throughout the park.

We went there to have a picnic lunch and it was a beautiful day. The leaves looked like they were almost on fire and the sky was super blue.

After eating lunch we walked around with Papa's camera and you took a few pictures of your own. I was so impressed with how you took your Time to really frame each picture and did such a great job.

It's important to take you time and to do something right, rather than just rush through it and miss the moment. Thank you for helping me share that slowing down of Time as you took these pictures, being so careful to "get it right."

Not too shabby for a six-year old...

I Love You,
Papa

Connections Across the Ocean

Dear Daughter,

Your Mama told me that you went to Paris and to the Efteling this week with her for your fall break. I am so happy for you.

Paris is such a special place and I know that you got to learn all about the Eiffel Tower and got to see it from your hotel!

Papa is in the US now, but will soon be home. However, something that you want to see here is the Statue of Liberty in New York City. And, guess what? It was a gift from France to declare the possibility of being in a new country with new-found freedoms and opportunities.

So, we will go to the Statue of Liberty someday and then you can then think about how across the Ocean there stands the Eiffel Tower as a symbol of ingenuity and co-operation as well.

I am so happy that you got to go to the Efteling with your friends, it is a very special place and Papa will take you there again when I am back in Belgium.

Papa loves you so much.

I Love You,

Papa

When Things Change, or Not

Dear Daughter,

Well, Papa has nearly finished the move from the old "English House" to the new one.

There have been many changes, yet some things have stayed the same.

Life will always present us with challenges and changes. Sometimes changes can be dramatic, other times subtle.

But, what we can learn each time is that with a change, there comes awareness. You are so aware of the changes, and Papa is just trying to do his best and to let you know of the changes as they come.

As with Kwan-Yin, who came with us and was previously in the garden, she now "sits" in our living room.

Such change is good.

I Love You,
Papa

Sympathy

Dear Daughter,

It has been a while since Papa has written for your blog, but we have spent much time together and you make Papa very proud and happy each day.

Papa received some difficult news lately about an old friend and student and has talked with several people who also knew this person who died recently.

There is something that one day you will unfortunately also have to experience, which is sympathy for others whom have lost someone they love. It is difficult, but it also provides a connection with people. From Death, new Life inevitably comes.

There is a strange connection between the two, perhaps inseparable.

You are a very compassionate, empathetic, and sympathetic person already, so I know that this will all make sense to you one day as well.

I Love You,

Papa

Change is Not Always Easy

Dear Daughter,

You have now been in your new school for a few weeks.

Changing schools is difficult, and Papa knows that very well. When he was your age he changed schools too, and it was not always easy.

However, what came of that was a big, new way of looking at things.

I met a good friend named Phillip and he had a pet Raccoon, and we painted our faces one night like the members of KISS…that is another story. I also learned how to think about things differently as you are in your new school too.

Change is not always easy, my child, but you have done amazingly well with your Change.

I Love You,

Papa

You Know When You're in Texas When...

Dear Daughter,

Papa will soon be back in Belgium again and see you soon. I can't wait to hear about your travels to Italy and France with your Belgian friends and family.

Papa was driving the other day again across Texas and had to stop at a roadside rest stop.

Here is a picture of the playground. Make sure you read the sign!!

I did not see any children playing on there this time, I wonder why?

I Love You,

Papa