From Mom & Dad's Estate in The Netherlands, also came home a silver clock that we once gifted Mom.
It was also a double photo frame...
Here it is — three parts
Sorry for the glare... Placed it on our Corian window sill in the kitchen near the Stephanotis Floribunda.
From the INTERNATIONAL SILVER COMPANY.
This did come home with me on June 17, 2022 when I took my final trip home from Limburg...
More items that were inside my suitcase: Mom & Dad's Trio of Crucifix with Corpus and Plaques with Red Copper Relief Statues ←click link
A very elegant set—except the clock had stopped working...
A better view—without glare...
Photo is from Pieter and me on September 5, 2002
Pieter wearing his Burberry tuxedo and I my silk Escada rose gown and shoes with Majorica pearls.
Pieter always has been an excellent photographer!
In our office, our oak Meubelfabriek Oisterwijk clock also had stopped working...
But my Pieter did repair both of them!
Wrote him a thank–you letter on October 14 of 2022
English translation follows below...
Dublin, October 14, 2022
Dearest Pieter,
My rock–my intellectual–hardworking, down–to earth 'better half'!
We first saw each other 53 years ago. An inexplicable sympathy that grew into a pure—real love.
More than that: a fusion of two souls.
With the same feelings and drive – never lazy or too tired to do anything.
Committing yourself to many and only thinking of yourself at the end... And that even reluctantly!
A deep faith and with the help of God's blessing, has yielded us so many years.
Also, undoubtedly many souls of loved ones who have accompanied us on our path together.
You asked so little for yourself. Often even pro bono for so many.
We are convinced that God will one day settle it! Our behavior and that of those who scarred your heart. We can only pray and ask: Father, forgive them—they don't know what they are doing—just as Jesus said in all his sufferings.
You are still good to all the birds and animals on our estate. You feed and protect them.
Even more intimate with our cats—they don't hang onto you so much for nothing. Animals feel how you really are and love you unconditionally. How proud I am of you—as I walk through the garden, where your hard work is visible everywhere. And no less in the house—what you've done yourself!!!
There is no second Pieter.
Even the little oak clock that you recently managed to repair. And the silver clock! No, such an intelligent person, who still reads so much, is immortal—if it weren't for the body's inaction.
Thank goodness we captured your intellect in our book in 2020—for others especially. I was also able to highlight some things about our life together. You like to read it on your iPadPro and enjoy it. Makes me feel good and especially because I know there was never time for it before. Always doing a mega job or often driving someone else around and proudly showing our new homeland.
All those memories will remain—that is my anchor when you leave me behind to receive the final reward for your soul. I know you'll still be with me until I get to follow too.
Thank you for so much real love and see you later!
L.L.
L.L. is Lieve Lieverd or Dear Sweetheart
Related links:
modern mushroom growing 2020 harvesting | Pieter's intellect captured in book...
Niagara Falls with Sister Diny | one of the road trips made with family and friends
under labels below my blog, scroll to Mega Task and see the many projects Pieter accomplished
That is super cool and not an easy task. My Dad used to spend hours working on clocks and watches, he love it. That's a very special letter.
ReplyDeleteDearest Terry,
DeleteThank you and yes, it is a rather complicated task but my Pieter has done it all and mostly with success. He dug out the 60 tons of dirt underneath our home and built the Rose Suite for guests, the plumbing, electricity and all.
He was/is so deserving of such letters!
Hugs,
Mariette
Your letter to Pieter is incredibly beautiful. Mariette. The love you and Pieter share is inspirational. (He may be a talented photographer but it's a bit easier with a beautiful subject!) I enjoyed every bit of your post. You are truly an amazing couple. From Helen.
ReplyDeleteDearest Helen,
DeleteThank you so much for your words of praise here.
Yes, we both are fortunate for having met each other!
Hugs,
Mariette
Hello Mariette, You have often given us examples of Pieter's cleverness and prowess, so it comes as no surprise that he was able to fix these clocks that are family heirlooms. Since you are no stranger to intricate handwork (as back up by much evidence), I have a feeling that if clocks were not Pieter's forte, you might have taken a crack at fixing the clocks yourself!
ReplyDelete--Jim
Dearest Jim,
DeleteNo, only Pieter could manage this—not me.
But I'm sure proud of his multi–talents and that's why I wrote him this letter.
Hugs,
Mariette
Dear Mariette:
ReplyDeleteHow lovely you both are. Not only in looks, but also in your love for each other. It's important to show our beloveds how much they mean to us. Pieter's skill in clock repair is wonderful. My husband is very talented in building things - he retired a year ago and has been renovating our house. It's just beautiful.
Lorrie
Dearest Lorrie,
DeleteThank you and yes our love is a deep one and it makes you look happy on the outside.
You too seem to be lucky for having a husband that is a handyman and can manage renovations.
Pieter has done so much himself.
Hugs,
Mariette
Mariette, the silver clock/photo frame is especially beautiful, as is your letter. What a blessing to have found a true life partner in each other.
ReplyDeleteDearest Kim,
DeleteThank you and I will cherish the clock/photo frame for as long as I live.
Indeed, God has blessed both of us richly with true love.
Hugs,
Mariette
The clocks are wonderful time pieces and it is good they are still working now. I love analog clocks, not digital. I learned to read time from and for my mother when I was 5 and going into first grade of school. You look stunning in your dress and pearls! And I enjoyed the new header today with flowering tree. We are starting to see crab apples open and my 2 apple trees should open in a day or so. Thank you for sharing. Lynn and Precious
ReplyDeleteDearest Lynn and Precious,
DeleteMy header is a closeup of one of our Azalea shrubs. Glad that spring is starting in your area.
Thank you for the compliment of my rose dress—don't think I can wear that any time soon as I have to gain nearly 20 pounds for filling it.
Hugs,
Mariette
Aww!
ReplyDeleteDearest Eastside Cats,
DeleteThank you!
Hugs,
Mariette
Your love letter to Pieter is so touching, honest and a testament to God's love for both of through the years you have shared together. Indeed, you are soulmates and kindred spirits.
ReplyDeleteGod's blessings!
Dearest Martha Jane,
DeleteThank you and yes with God's blessing we've made it this far. May he still watch over us.
Hugs,
Mariette
You look lovely in your rose dress, Mariette. What a vibrant color that is, and the pearls add a special touch. This is a dear photo of the two of you. That clock is very nice that belonged to your mother, and I can see why it means so much to you.
ReplyDeleteMay the April days enrich you with peace and joy.
~Sheri
Dearest Sheri,
DeleteThank you very much for your words and yes, those are things we have to hold onto.
Memories and words that mean a lot.
Hugs,
Mariette
Beste Mariette,
ReplyDeleteDat is echte liefde, zo mooi.
De rozenjurk, wat een plaatje.
Wat mooi haar heb je ook.
Lieve groet,
Hilly
Beste Hilly,
DeleteDank je voor je lieve woorden!
Oh, rozen zijn mijn favorite in alles, echt en anders.
Dat haar is niet meer zo dik sinds mijn ongeluk...
Liefs,
Mariette
I love that clock. That's very unique.
ReplyDeleteYou and hubby are most good looking. I love your dress.
Have a fabulous day and week. ♥
Dearest Sandee,
DeleteThank you for your compliments and yes, it is indeed a very unique clock.
Hugs,
Mariette
What a wonderful memory.
ReplyDeleteDearest Anne,
DeleteYes, it sure is and we both love to write...
Hugs,
Mariette
Mariette
ReplyDeleteThis is a beautiful post...truly each photo and each word.
I too love your dress.
Many hugs and thank you for sharing
Cecilia
Dearest Cecilia,
DeleteThank you so much and I'm hoping that one day I will be able to wear that dress again—to fill it up that is.
Hugs,
Mariette
Love the clocks, but I do have a thing about clocks and how wonderful and clever is Pieter repairing them.
ReplyDeleteDearest Jo-Anne,
DeleteThank you and yes, Pieter has always been a clever man that tackled almost everything.
Hugs,
Mariette
Beautiful photos and I love the letter, so filled with love and admiration. XO
ReplyDeleteDearest Ellen,
DeleteThank you and yes, written from the heart and thus meaningful.
Saying it in your own words instead of borrowing someone else's words is always the best.
Hugs,
Mariette
How marvelous that your precious Pieter has been such a blessing in your life - God's gift to each of you! Such beautiful pictures of you both, and how amazing that he can fix the clocks - this is a skill being lost in these days! Such a precious treasure indeed! You are both beautiful people! Blessings to you dear friend :)
ReplyDeleteDearest Marilyn,
DeleteThank you and yes, we no doubt were meant for each other!
Pieter always would find a way to fix things himself and I am mighty proud of him for that.
Hugs,
Mariette
Beautiful heirlooms, so filled with precious memories!
ReplyDeleteYour sweet letter to Pieter brought a lump in my throat...
I have severasl clocks in my home, too....from my parents home. They are with weights that need regular pulling up. My father was a Dutch trained watchmaker/clockmaker/jeweller. And eventually, many years after they immigrated to Canada he had his own business; from 1966 - 1987, when he retired, and fixed clocks for a hobby, he loved it so much.
Dearest Ingrid,
DeleteThank you and yes, such a letter from the heart is different...
How special that your Dad was a watchmaker/clockmaker and started his own business in Canada after immigration! You can feel mighty proud of him for doing so.
Hugs,
Mariette
What a heartfelt letter, Mariette!
ReplyDeleteYour love for Pieter shines through every word.
It's beautiful to see how much you appreciate each other and the life you've built together.
The clocks repaired by Pieter hold so much sentimental value, and it's wonderful that he was able to restore them to their former glory.
Your dress and pearls are absolutely stunning, by the way!
Wishing you both many more years of happiness and love, dearest Mariette.
Hugs and blessings
Dearest Veronica,
DeleteThank you so very much and yes, it was a letter straight from the heart.
So many things with sentimental value and my Pieter has accomplished so much.
That rose dress has been a favorite and I'm hoping that one day I can fill it up again...
Hugs,
Mariette
Great photos. You both look wonderful and happy. Your thank you letter is so special and full of love! Thank you for sharing it with us. :)
ReplyDeleteDearest meowmeowmans,
DeleteThank you so very much for your wording!
Hugs,
Mariette
Querida Mariette, o que li agora é quase uma oração
ReplyDeletede gratidão, reconhecimento e um grande e lindo amor!!
Votos de muitas felicidades por longo tempo,
estão lindos nas fotos!
Grande abraço ao querido casal!
Caro Taís,
DeleteObrigado por suas palavras significativas e elogio.
Abraços,
Mariette
Thank you for sharing your lives with us.
ReplyDeletewww.rsrue.blogspot.com
Dearest Regine,
DeleteThank you for your words here!
Hugs,
Mariette
Oh Mariette, ik kreeg tranen in m'n ogen van ontroering bij het lezen van de brief aan je lieve man. Gelukkig is hij nog even bij je en ik hoop langer dan jullie verwachtingen zal zijn. Tweelingzielen, dat is wat ik zie 💞 En wat zien jullie er mooi uit, mooi paar, mooie liefde en zo bijzonder💗 Double Pawkisses for a Happy Day to the both of you🐾😽💞
ReplyDeleteBeste Marlene,
DeleteDank je voor je mooie woorden en ja, tweelingzielen dat klopt wel want we zijn zó aan elkaar gehecht. Losmaken zal heel moeilijk zijn.
Hard gewerkt maar we konden ons nog wel netjes vertonen... mijn lievelingsjurk die ik nog heb maar nu veel te wijd is.
Lieve knuffels ook voor Peachy en Stippie van ons alle vijf!
Mariette
Such wonderful memories. You and Pieter make a very handsome couple!
ReplyDeleteDearest Peter,
DeleteThank you and yes, our memories are oh so valuable.
Hugs,
Mariette
You two are a wonderful couple. There are few like this, it is the reunion of two soulmates.
ReplyDeletexoxo
Dearest Cristina,
DeleteThank you and yes—soulmates we are and will forever remain!
Hugs,
Mariette
Mariette, not only are these clocks beautiful, so are your photos. I especially like the
ReplyDeleteone of you and Pieter. 💖💙 I have the clock, a Seth Thomas, my grandpa gave my grandma
on their first anniversary, and their mantle clock, a wind up, that chimes on the hour, called
“lion “. happy week a head to you both 😺💚 laura
Dearest Laura,
DeleteThank you so very much for your compliments!
Yes, the one of Pieter and me is a very precious one to me.
You are lucky for having such heirlooms of clocks that mean so much to several generations.
Hugs,
Mariette
Olá, Mariette, gostei muito de conhecer mais um pouco da história do distinto
ReplyDeletecasal, Mariette e Pieter, uma vida de companheirismo e de amor, sempre
com o merecido êxito e felicidade. Um bom fim de semana para vocês,
grande abraço.
Caro Pedro,
DeleteObrigado por suas amáveis palavras aqui. Sim, amor e respeito verdadeiros e com certeza compensa ao longo dos anos! A felicidade não é de graça.
Abraços,
Mariette
Liebe Mariette,
ReplyDeleteIhr seid ein wunderschönes Paar. Die herrlichen Farben in Deinem Designerkleid harmonieren mit den Blütenfarben in Deinem Headerbild. Sind das Amaryllisblüten? Der mit so vielen lieben und wertschätzenden Worten geschriebene Brief geht mir sehr zu Herzen und berührt mich tief.
Alles Liebe für Euch.
Moin aus dem nasskalten Ostfriesland von Traudi.❤️🥰
Liebe Traudi,
DeleteDanke für deine Wörter!
Nein, das Headerbild sind Azaleen.
Pieter sagt immer das ich sehr gut bin um Gefühle zu beschreiben—es waren seine vorgestrige Wörter.
Bei uns war es Gestern und Vorgestern 32°C und heute 'nur' 31°C und Gewitter kommt und morgen wieder Regen...
Liebe Grüße,
Mariette
Hej Mariette,
ReplyDeleteDe eerste zin van Traudi zou ik hier zo over kunnen nemen. Ze heeft helemaal gelijk.
De brief is ook prachtig geschreven.
Fijn weekend, lieve groet Willy
Beste Willy,
DeleteDank je wel en schrijven is mijn gave denk ik. Vroeger mocht ik al als kind brieven schrijven naar Heeroom in Indonesië omdat Papa & Moeke vonden dat ik zo goed vertellen kon met de pen...
Liefs,
Mariette
It's so heartwarming to read about you and Pieter and your everlasting soul connection. And the clock from the International Silver Company is beautiful. I actually lived in the town where the company made the silver. It's wonderful to see one of the pieces. Thanks for stopping by and always with your wonderful comments. xo
ReplyDeleteDearest Tommy and Teaghan,
DeleteThank you so much and indeed—everlasting soul connection!
What a surprise that you lived in the town where they made the silver.
You are most welcome about my comments, now you know a little more about my writing.
Hugs,
Mariette
Heel mooi geschreven, alleen maar liefde!
ReplyDeleteLieve H,
DeleteDank je wel en dat was en is het nog steeds!
Liefs,
Mariette
How great that you were able to get to know each other.
ReplyDeleteIt's important in life to show your partner how important they are to you and why.
A wonderful letter, dear Mariette.
A hug for you.
Very best wishes from Viola
Dearest Viola,
DeleteYes, the best thing that ever happened to me was meeting Pieter!
It sure is important to show your husband or partner what they mean for you—and doing so in time!
Thank you, writing from the heart has been my lifelong ability and I made several people very happy with my letters. For instance my Heeroom while he was in the Mission, my Aunt who suffered from cancer and often was at the hospital, weekly letter to my Mother–in–law, my Parents and many more.
Hugs,
Mariette
Have a beautiful day in the Lord. Regine
ReplyDeleteDearest Regine,
DeleteThank you so much!
Hugs,
Mariette
A talented man, indeed, but you make taking beautiful photographs an easy task. :D I'm sorry you have stage IV CKD. ~hugs~ I read that from Katie Isabella's blog. Best wishes, my dear.
ReplyDeleteDearest Darla,
DeleteYou are too kind and I'm not as talented as my Pieter is!
Yes, life can become tough as we age...
Hugs,
Mariette