What I wanted for my birthday.

I know that what I wanted for my birthday this year won't come true. And I didn't wish for expensive shoes or fancy trips, but for the health of my friend.

I have to learn at only 37 what to do with so much pain inside. I have to learn to transform it in something else as a larvae to a butterfly. I don't know how to do it...yet. 

In the last years I've read so many books that tell you how to accept anything that happens to you, how to embrace change as the most natural thing in the world... in front of this huge pain, I only realize I didn't actually learn anything. I thought I did. Maybe it's time to read them again.

Instead, I've learned how to pray, in my thoughts and out loud, day or night, lying down, walking or on my knees and I don't even know if my prayers were heard. I don't think so. But I am still praying. Sometimes that calms me down, but sometimes it makes me even angrier, powerless, wondering if I did everything I could for her. 

Maybe I could have been a better friend, maybe I could have disappointed her less during our friendship (we all did that sometimes, right?), maybe I could have listened to her more. Maybe. A thousands maybe, except one. I couldn't have loved her more and she couldn't have loved me more. And this is the only thing that make sense for me these days... and probably forever: love. The last voice message that I have on my cell from her is "Te iubeeeeeesc!" 

I love you too, Ailin. To the moon and back and forever, my dear friend.

So I have another wish for my birthday, hoping to come true: be happy and tell today anyone you love "Te iubesc". The last lesson learned from my friend is to cherish every single day and make the most of it.    

Spotted in Val Thorens

     In the south of France, in Veryere-du-Lac, two magic hands give life to beautiful, genuine, unique creations inspired by nature. 

     In her workshop, Adjie works with birch, spruce or other local wood and recycled wool. You can see the results above. She creates in a funny manner sheep, rabbits, donkeys, deers and other dear pets ready to come with you in your home.

     Take a look at her facebook page HERE, and watch a short movie in French about her creations HERE.

Rosenborg Castle, Copenhagen

Royal crowns, thrones guarded by three life size silver lions, a treasury with the royal jewelry, twelve huge tapestries, clocks, elegant pieces of carved furniture, paintings etc. all gathered in a kind of small pleasure summer castle by Christian IV, King of Denmark and Norway from 1588. Rosenborg was built between 1606 and 1634 and the king designed himself a big part of this Renaissance castle.

What make Rosenborg special is its long museum tradition and its unique style of presenting the royal collections gathered over time in the castle. In fact, it is the first museum of contemporary culture in Europe. Rosenberg was opened to the public in 1838. At that time, most of the museums were arranged thematically by furniture, portraits etc., but Rosenborg's collections were arranged chronologically so the visitors can have an overview of the history.   

Japanese lacquered cabinet was used by queen Charlotte Amalie to keep inside her collection of seashells.

The Great Hall or the Knights' Hall was used originally as a ballroom, then its destination changed for banquets. Christian V added 12 tapestries made in Copenhagen and representing scenes from the Scanian war (1675-1679).

In the picture below you can see the coronation chairs, one for the Danish kings (as you look at the picture on the left side) and the other one for the Danish queens (on the right side). The first one is made of narwhale-tusk and the second one is made of silver.

   In this very well maintained tapestry you can see Christian V on the right side. 

The underground Treasury

    Cristian's IV crown

Emeralds and brilliants set. The emeralds seemed to be a present from Christian VI to Queen Sophie Magdalene.

                                          Hair ornament

Interesting fact: the crown jewels may be used now by the queen, but they are owned by the state. The queen is not allowed to wear them outside Denmark and she generally uses them at New Year's banquet or during other events at the Royal House. It is a big privilege for us all to be able to see in a castle the crown jewels that are still worn by the queen.