Dancing flames

There’s something about sitting by the fire, staring into the flames. Seeing the flames shrink and grow again. Feeling the heat, warm your skin, hands and feet. Messing around with a stick poking into the burning wood, keeping the flames alive. And of course roasting marshmallows on the fire.
 

Being in the Czech Replublic for two weeks

 Two weeks in
the Czech Republic, a vacation long waited for. Not exactly what we expected to be. Meaning the first week was a bit stressful, we really had to get into the holiday spirits and I guess because of stressful years and because putting a bit too much pressure on the vacation. Not only that, but my OCD was a bit that got in the way quite often, there was just a lot that triggered.

Now it isn’t that we had a totally horrible holiday/vacation, I still stand with: that we really needed one to wind down a bit, to get away from it all. It just took a bit longer that passed vacation trips.
The time being in the Czech Republic we felt and acted like a proper family again, doing things to getter like card games, going to castle, the city’s and mountains. No distraction from computers, televisions and later telephones (because of the limited time we could use electricity). My head finally got a bit clearer and finally get delving into books (the weeks leading to our holiday I tried many times, but constantly fall asleep and no words stuck with me).

I love getting away from the surroundings at home every now and then, enjoy all the unfamiliar views and distracted from all the thoughts that normally wander through my mind and  pursuits I would normally be doing. Be free to do things you love but can’t do at home, such have long walks through mountains and hills, go to pretty castles and wonder about all the stories that have once lived behind those castle walls, be surrounded by a different culture, different buildings, breathe in that air, live in a tent and have a little luxury so I can appreciate more what you have at home.

It definitely have been better too, not only I got a clearer mind and new motivation to get things going, but also a book full of successes (moments where my worst fears, in terms of my OCD, didn’t come out) that would really help me with my therapy. It means I have some evidence I can use with my cognitive therapy to help me convince my OCD really isn’t that needed. And I needed that, because before I went away on this trip, I felt terrified that my OCD would only could get worse and not better, I couldn’t get my head wrapped around a life with little to no OCD. But now I feel a little more hopeful.

So even though we had a bit of a rough start, we really enjoyed the trip.

I’m now only a week home and the summer weather has now made place for a very autumnal like weather (rain and a lot colder). Not that I mind, as much I wish summer not to end, I do feel excited for a new season so I can get cozy. Our house has now filled itself with the smell of apple pie, in the autumn my dad and I make apple pies out of the apple from the trees outside in our garden, we still have to bake some more, there are still many apples left. 

The view of our second and main campsite.

The first castle we went to was closed

The second last campsite we stood on.

 A day spent in Praque

 

 

 Terezin: A place that made me quiet, all the horrible things that have happend in there.

Vacation favourites 2015

Normally with this kind of post I would start with an update of the past month. However, because I went on vacation in August, I decided to make a separate post about it. Either at the end of this week or the beginning of the next one.

What I will do fills you in on what my plans are for the month September, and of course talk about my favourites of august.
            Let's get started. September I have planned to be a busy month, I have a lot of footage from my vacation that I would like to use in posts and videos this month. I would like to spend less time behind the computer and television, which means to not endlessly watch stuff I don’t enjoy as much or are interested in (something I do when I’m procrastinating). This time I’m wasted could be better used for example, writing, working on my course, filming, sewing (something I would like to learn for a while, my mum would love to teach me a bit and what better time is there to start than now?), drawing/painting (I used to do this on a daily basis and loved to do I also remember it calmed me), baking, or even exercise would be a good idea (something I’ve noticed helps me with anxious feelings).

Now on to the favourites:
Clean body spray, Xenos: During our holiday shopping, we came across this spray and decided to bring it with us on our trip. A brilliant idea it turned out to be. The first day after a day words of sitting in the car and driving towards our destination, we spent one night at a campsite where toilets were leaking (after flushing water came flooding towards your feet, how lovely) and it all seemed in need of a good cleaning session. Naturally, I didn’t feel much for a shower in there, but did feel a bit grubby. The spray was a perfect alternative, it did freshes me up a bit and I didn’t have to come near that shower. Another great use for it is when you have long walks as I do on holiday and feel a bit sweaty and hot, you can use it then and there to freshen up a bit.

Sun protection face cream with SPF 50, Rituals: My first skin protector especially for the face. Before I would always use the same as I would for my body, but after this I don’t think I can go back. My skin seems to like it way more.
Single-use flash camera, Hema: I still have to get the photos developed, but already I love this camera. I like the nostalgic aspect of it, when I was smaller these kind of camera’s that I used on holiday (next to the camera of my parents of course). I can remember that getting developed and all in your hand, already forgotten what pictures you did take, getting through them one by one was like getting back to that vacation. Plus, you never know whether the pictures you taken came out alright.

Handcream, Hema: first of all the packaging is so pretty, it puts a smile on my face every time I see it. But of course it isn’t all just the packaging, the cream is nice and moisturizing, but doesn't leave you with sticky hands. Your skin absorbs it quickly.Notebook, Hema: I love to write down what happened in the day, especially when I’m on holiday. I wasn’t a surprise I had to take at least one notebook with me. I chose this one because the hard cover protects the paper from folding and of course because the way it looks.