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Category Archives: architecture

Books, Bikes and Cakes

On one of our walks around Amsterdam we came across an alley lined with arches and in each a book store. They were so tall, a very long ladder was needed to reach the higher shelves.

As you will probably know, bikes are an important mode of transport in Amsterdam. Pedestrians really need to keep themselves very aware of the silent speeding velocipedes, bells being very few and far between! It was lovely to see whole families riding, the baby in a baby cart, the toddler on a frame in the front and children of all ages cycling along. There were also flower decorated bikes.

Parking for many bikes

WEdding bike

I really wanted to try Dutch Apple Cake and succeeded – one more a pie and one with a crumble topping – both absolutely delicious. We also shared a scrumptious tiramisu after an excellent Italian meal in Antonio’s.

4 Comments

Posted by mybeautfulthings on May 17, 2026 in Amsterdam, architecture, Eating out, environment, Food, friendship, nature, Netherlands, Postaday 2026, travel

Tags: www.AntoniosRestaurant.nl

Oude Kerk in Amsterdam and An Iris

16 May

On our first day we had a canal cruise which gave us a good idea of the architecture of Amsterdam and a bit of a feel for the layout of the city and later we visited the old church, Oude Kerk which dates back to 1306, with its countless tombstones set in the floor, its wonderful windows, a beautiful organ and some delightful carvings in the 15th century choir stalls. Enjoy the gallery and click on a photo for the explanatory caption.

The city’s oldest bell 1450

Spiral staircase

The light catching the golden rods

Beautiful stained glass window

Some of the numbered flat tombstones with a rainbow

Door on leather hinges to a side room

The side room with beautiful painted wall paper

Vater-Müller organ 1726-1742

Found in the cobbles outside the church and described in the guide book as ” a golden torso of a naked woman held by a padlocked hand.” The church is on the very edge of the red light district……

A new iris has appeared in the garden. We didn’t plant it but love its delicate colouring.

2 Comments

Posted by mybeautfulthings on May 16, 2026 in architecture, art, nature, Netherlands, Postaday 2026, travel, Uncategorized, wood carving

Canals in Amsterdam

15 May

One of many bridges

An artist at work

Bikes everywhere

Kayakers

Decorated boat

Along our canal walk, taken from a bridge

First night in Amsterdam

Click on any photo to see the bigger version.

3 Comments

Posted by mybeautfulthings on May 15, 2026 in architecture, environment, nature, Netherlands, Postaday 2026, travel

Two Stations, Saying Goodbye and Garden

14 May

I hope the Flowers in May, posted for your delectation, have pleased you. I scheduled them all, taken just before we went away for a long needed break – a train journey to Amsterdam with friends. Over the next week or two I’ll share photos from then.

St Pancras station where we caught the Eurostar

Amsterdam Centraal

While we were away on our long planned train trip to Amsterdam, the funeral of our Dear friend and breakfast companion, J, took place. As we very sadly couldn’t be there to say goodbye and to sing for him with my choir, my lovely choir leader offered to take something precious of mine so that a part of me would be there.
I chose a small ribbon in purple, white and green that Daughter no 3 gave me some time ago. J appreciated my suffragette history and so it seemed an appropriate token to represent me last week.

Grown well in our absence

4 Comments

Posted by mybeautfulthings on May 14, 2026 in architecture, environment, friendship, nature, Netherlands, Postaday 2026, Suffragettes, travel

Tags: Amsterdam

Spaceman, Flowers and Cathedral

28 Feb

We loved the Spaceman in the Lemon Street Market in Truro today.

In one of the shops were these lovely felt flowers.

I love Truro Cathedral in all weathers but on a beautiful sunny Spring day like today, it’s even more lovely.

Today is our last official day with an allotment. From tomorrow it will be cared for by a lovely young family.

2 Comments

Posted by mybeautfulthings on February 28, 2026 in allotment, architecture, Cornwall, craft, paper, Postaday 2026, sculpture, Truro

Share Your World and Framing

29 Jan

Trying something a bit different today as the insistent rain makes photos all but impossible. Reading Ladysighs blog today put me on to Pensivity Share Your World so I thought I would answer the four questions ….

1. Would you consider yourself easy going?
I do, I don’t take offence easily and like to get along with everyone. I assume people are lovely until they prove otherwise.
2. Are you comfortable talking to a group of strangers at a social gathering?
That all depends on what the social gathering is.
3. What are three things about people that annoy you?
People who lie, those who don’t listen and above all those who are not kind.
4. What do you do to cheer yourself up when you’re feeling down in the dumps?
I sing!

I sang this morning and after coffee with the gang, we took two paintings bought last year to a lovely young framer to work his magic.

We bought the top two by Roy Callow and they are now with The Framer in Penryn.

2 Comments

Posted by mybeautfulthings on January 29, 2026 in architecture, art, Postaday 2026

Windows

22 Dec

About three weeks ago, our local builder took out our two back windows and put in the one we had been wanting for ages and just decided to get done.

What a difference the removal of a very small wall could make and what an excellent job they have done. We’ve spent the last week decorating and we are delighted with the result.

Daytime

My lovely Mr S has a nasty respiratory virus as I had several weeks ago. We are hoping he’s better for Christmas and much better for New Year when the whole family are coming to celebrate my 80th birthday in style. .

6 Comments

Posted by mybeautfulthings on December 22, 2025 in architecture, Christmas decorations, garden, Postaday2025

Tags: Richard Mitchell

We Love Our Town!

08 Nov

In Redruth today we had such a good time (and did the shopping!) We met a young DJ, Redruth Ben, whose programme on local radio we listened to this afternoon, went into gallery 89 and saw some delightful art work and our favourite busker, Sam, was in town and sang ‘Streets of London.’ All in all, a brilliant morning.

And, last night’s not quite full moon, first night without clouds since the Beaver Moon on November 5th.

6 Comments

Posted by mybeautfulthings on November 8, 2025 in architecture, art, community, Cornwall, craft, music, nature, Postaday2025, Redruth, singing

Tags: Redruth Ben, Roy Callow

Killigrew, Paper and Weaving Words

05 Nov

We visited Falmouth Art Gallery today where there were two exhibitions, one highlighting their collection and one called Out Of Paper showcasing so many paper creations.
I love the painting in the first exhibition by Unknown Artist of The Killigrew Monument which we had walked past earlier in the morning.

There were some beautiful cut paper sculptures. I love the fact that Secret Garden, when translated into French, ‘Jardin Secret’ refers to your inner soul.

The Paper Yarn piece really appealed to me and I added my words to be woven in next time the artist pops in.

If you, Dear Reader, are local or maybe visiting Falmouth before the end of January, this is a lovely place to spend a couple of hours.
Just to add, I am remembering my lovely Mum today, on her birthday. As a little girl she was always delighted to think that everyone was celebrating her birthday with a firework display.

2 Comments

Posted by mybeautfulthings on November 5, 2025 in architecture, art, Cornwall, Falmouth, Kindness, painting, paper, Postaday2025

Tags: Falmouth Art Gallery, Jane Stephens, Pippa Dyrlaga

Lunch Out on a Rainy Day

04 Nov

It’s been a rough weather day today with driving rain, fierce winds and wild, wild seas, and we serendipitously met friends at The Falmouth Hotel for a delicious lunch, watching the waves from inside the dining room.