Photographs, Jewellery, Food and Life by Son Memelink

30 November 2010

Jewelry at Castle, Slot Zeist





Another Jewelry exhibition but, this time, at a different castle. It was held at the impressive, 17th century 'Slot Zeist' and there was an interesting mix of antique and contemporary jewelry on offer. click here for info. in Dutch.

There was a German stand which showed some interesting designs of jewelry and watches.
I particularly liked the expandable diamond ring (into a bracelet), from their ZOOM range. Revolutionary, beautifully made, practical and very comfortable (Naturally, I just had to try it on). To see how it works, click on expandable ring.
My favorite however, were the rings with one, or more  .... 'wobbly diamond setting(s)' see moving diamond. Such fun, and such sssssparkle!!
Another interesting idea, also for men, were the 'MeisterSinger' watches with just a single hand. Elegant and still easy to tell the time on. Single hand watch.

21 November 2010

Festivities, Film, Food and Fair

Festivities
The time of celebrations has started in Holland.
Sinterklaas. It just so happens that the Dutch have their own saint Nicolas. We celebrate his existence by giving each other presents on the 5th of december but he actually arrives in Holland several weeks earlier (with his helpers called black Peters) by steam boat from Spain. For more info. click on Saint Nic..

We happened to be in Schevingen Harbour when the saint had just arrived, bearing gifts for the children. Thousands of people were there (including crown prince Alexander, princess Maxima and their daughters).
st. Nic. with gifts









Christmas here used to be a more religious celebration without presents but is changing into the commercial, 'American' version which is becoming more prominent. 
The result has a sort of schyzophrenic effect. One of the main squares in Amsterdam is decorated and transformed into a 'Christmas' Winter Wonderland, whereas our Dutch st. Nicolas celebrations won't take place for another 2 weeks. Collision-time between Saint Nicolas and Santa Claus... well weird!

Film
Anyway, out of loyalty to Nic. and his friends, Eric and I decided to see a new film (with a twist) about this man. The twist was, that it was a horror film! I think it's fair to say, that I didn't like it. Half the time I didn't know whether to laugh, cry or hide under my seat. There were quite a few 'jump-out-of your-seat moments' though and, if you like that sort of thing, you'll probably like this !!!

Food
To get over the shock (mine), we decided to have a nice meal in the friendly café/restaurant just around the corner called Pacific Parc. It was lovely. Very friendly service, great pub/bistro like food (my steak was excellent), Fine wine, good music, a large, ball shape, open fire place in the middle and lots of space, even though it was fully booked. There were a few children playing near our table but they didn't bother me at all. Definitely a place I would like to go to more often.
See here (scroll down to Pacific Parc).
Both the Cinema and the restaurant are situated on the grounds of the Westergasfabriek. A lot happens and is organised on these premises.
Fair
Among other things there is a really nice market/fair, every 1st sunday of the month, which has a very wide range of things on offer. I recommend going there and am looking forward to this year's Christmas Market on the 12th of December. More info Here

17 November 2010

Time flies when you're having fun

'Shark walking' (glass)



It's been a while since my last entry, but time flies when you're having fun!





Eric and I went to the Affordable Art Fair and a week later Mary joined us when we visited the International Jewelry Art Fair.
Both were held at the WesterGasfabriek and both had some surprising art/designs on show.

We did feel, however, that quite a few of the items shown at the AAF this year were there at last year's AAF and also at last month's Arti10 Fair in The Hague. With that in mind, I think that skipping a year is probably a good idea but missing out on them altogether would be a real shame.
Here are a few pictures of the AAF:



Print on aluminium


The JAF.
The International Jewelry Art Fair exhibited a very wide range of jewelry. Varying from the extremely modern and unconventional (or preposterous, according to some) to the more sedate and traditional.
I really enjoyed it and loved finding out more about the latest techniques, materials and ideas.
click Here (then click on name of participant to see their designs).
It was good to meet Mary there and the two of us could be found drooling over the most beautiful pieces.










What I really liked was the fact that, during the four days of the exhibition, lots of other, related events were organised all over Amsterdam by three forward looking young ladies who set up Min-Association more info and here. Well done girls!

i.e. Waiters in Café 'De Jaren' were asked to participate by wearing (sometimes, strange) 'jewelry' (see picture below)

01 November 2010

Quick announcement for Jewelry Art Fair A'dam


For all those who like to have a look at some weird and wonderful jewelry at a great location, THIS sounds like a good place to go to. For information in English, click on link and then on British Flag.

I'm hoping to go myself and will report back at a later date.

'Rotterdam-Chick-Invasion' and Cheese fondue

Once upon a time I lived in Rotterdam, for about 10 years. There I made some new friends (Spip + Annelies) and caught up with an old college friend (Gelske).
During that time, we decided it would be a good idea if the four of us would meet up occasionally, and set the world right, over dinner.
However, the last time we met up like that, was about seven years ago, during a visit (because, somehow or other, I had gotten it into my head that it was a good idea to emigrate from Holland).
Now that I was back, it was high time to 'rekindle the old flame'.

Not easy to get these 3 Mighty Maidens together, but we succeeded and so, for a short time, my home was reverberating with the sound of loudly, proclaimed solutions to political problems, profound statements, a no-nonsense approach to life's ups and downs and hilarious anecdotes which made us collapse into fits of laughter.
All of this while eating Salad made by Spip, a proper Cheese fondue + extra's by your's truely and for dessert Annelies had brought home made Apple Pie. Gelske decided to bring us some lovely presents, just for the fun of it.

Late that night, still full of beans, they thought it a good idea to try on my latest jewelry. Spip joined us a bit later and said that we made as much noise as hundreds of chickens trying to 'out-cluck' each other.

When they left, and the door closed behind them, peace settled in my home again. I was walking around with a huge grin on my face, full of admiration for these powerful, strong, yet gentle and considerate women.
Mighty Maidens
Spip preparing a salad
as Ladies look on
Almost ready
Sharing pictures



Thank you for presents
unwrapping
Late night jewelry-fitting