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Here I would love to share with you our travels and adventures as international mushroom consultants. MEMOIRS about husband Pieter Vedder, who was a SCIENTIFIC PIONEER in Commercial Mushroom Cultivation Education. His practical handbook is in 9 languages and is called the MUSHROOM BIBLE: https://mariettesbacktobasics.blogspot.com/2020/08/modern-mushroom-growing-2020-harvesting.html
Showing posts with label Blissful Relationship. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Blissful Relationship. Show all posts

Friday, November 22, 2024

Pieter wrote: Our Weapon—A Powerful Gesture together with Prayer

 At times we find messages that really stand out! This I found on August 17...
In Dutch, Pieter wrote: Ons Wapen = Our Weapon
It was glued to a kind of diary that Pieter kept.
A cross with the four letter word: INRI = Latin for King of the Jews
Iesus Nazarenus, Rex Iudaeorum
Latin uses the I instead of the English J
It actually is a Cursillo Cross and on its back it reads: CHRIST IS COUNTING ON YOU
Also a Crucifix Rosary Ring from Italy hails from Pieter's Cursillo...
On Thursday, May 4 of 1995, my Pieter left by 2:00 PM for Savannah. His friend Hank Basedow let him know last minute that he was not going. Pieter had agreed to join because of him, for being one more time together with a special friend...
But he left now with Church friend Pat Roche.
Pieter came home from Savannah on Sunday, May 7 by 8:00 PM.
A nice letter from Walt Kessel, the organizer, who passed away on January 23, 2021
Hank passed away in February of 1997 and Pat on August 8, 2005.

Fond memories of brothers in Christ.

Our nation has very strongly used its weapon of the cross and prayer over the past months.
God has listened to His People and things seem to be changing!

Happy Thanksgiving to all in the USA

Friday, November 1, 2024

FOUND a Pieter treasure from November 2018

 When I made a sale on eBay and had to prepare the Giovanni Raspini 925 silver Angel charms for shipping, I reached inside the TOP drawer of my Raphael Angel box...
Had this box made by an Atlanta Holland Club member; Paul Van Witteveen from Gainesville, GA from Italian Florentine wrapping paper.
Three drawers and I kept those silver charms in the bottom drawer but for whatever reason I reached for the top drawer...
Open Raphael Angel box...
But what I found in the top drawer was an emotional treasure!
My beloved Pieter's handwriting...
Sealed...
Dear Mariet
35+ years together!!
What is it that brings 2 people so inseparable together?
I don't know the answer exactly; in my opinion, it is one of those mysterious, complicated, possibly supernatural influences. 
Whatever it may be; we have found each other; two people with different personalities, ideas (and age) but also with many similarities. Some traits sometimes clashed with each other, but the love between the two of us always turned out to be stronger. 
With this in mind, I've always loved you, and that hasn't diminished over the years. 
We lived together for over 13,000 days; in general, sunny days with the occasional rain shower to keep things fresh. 
I still love you very much girl. Both of us are not such overly 'sweeties', not exactly such soft romantic types; we are too level–headed and too rational for that. We may not say often enough that we can't miss each other, nor do we kiss enough, but when we say something like that, it comes not only from our lips but from our hearts. 
I hope to be able to live with you for many more days; Our life together was, and still is, the result of the 'something' that brought us together. There will come a time when we will have to say goodbye to each other, but even then this 'something' will continue to exist.
Beyond doubt!!!

November 2018
your Pieter

Had to sit down and tears rolled freely as this was such an unexpected treasure!

Related link:

Sorry Antónia, accidentally deleted it.. but rewrote it.


Friday, October 18, 2024

The Book MELANIA

 Sure, I did read during the power outage caused by. Hurricane Helene. Using my Mighty Bright clip on LED Light, I finished two historical books in Dutch. One about Joan of Arc and the next about Love and Betrayel around Lucrecia Borgia.
It was fun as it brought me back to those Old World places I've been before.
#1 Best Seller
Ordered the book MELANIA and it arrived on Friday, October 11. A very elegant black cover with only her name on the center front and on its spine. Just as our First Lady Melania is—elegant and classy. On Sunday, I started reading in it.

On Monday, October 14, I finished it...
While living and working in Italy over 1989, I've worked with lots of Yugoslavian women. Those that fled the country before the war.
Living under a Communist regime was already tough enough.

So for that, I can understand MELANIA, as she dared to venture out on her own to Milan, Italy. Not easy for leaving your family and culture behind and to start in another language—but she DID.
Her Slovenian name: Melanija Knavs super model

From there she went to Paris and was quite successful as a supermodel.

Her next, brave move, was the flight to New York City for modeling in the United States.
For Melania, the former supermodel...

And the rest is history...
For me, having studied three years of Fashion and only been on the runway to model some self created outfits and finally showing my bridal gown, there is enough admiration for Melania.
On the runway in my bridal gown—my sewing creation. This was at the end of each year at Fashion School after I'd graduated already as they had no bride for that year. My youngest cousin was my brides maid.
Showing train of my bridal gown and damsel sleeves in April, 1973

It was touching how Melania described her arrival to the New World and also her courtship with Donald.
She is 24 years younger, so I could identify with that, as my Pieter was almost 22 years my senior.

It was so to the point how she wrote—about Donald, it was as if our souls had always known each other! 
Surely can identify with that...
Guess due to the age difference, the foundation of a blissful relationship is quite different and far more intensive. I've always lived to the fullest of every day and feeling grateful for that.

Her language use is incredible and knowing that she speaks several languages! 

She further described how she got warned that Muslim countries might not shake hands with women... She went to Saudi Arabia and I got warned before going to the world's biggest Muslim country of Indonesia—so I certainly could identify with that.
But Melania got welcomed in a very special way!
That is due to her poise and elegance.

Former Press Secretary Dana Perino said it best:
MELANIA
'She lights up the room, and I think she can light up the country.' —Dana Perino
Dana Perino was the 24th White House Press Secretary and is now an American political commentator and author.

Melania Wearing Her Escada Blazer at the White House, September 2017
Escada is also my favorite couture brand because of great fit and quality.

There is a lot of envy because of her exceptional beauty, her strong family ties (a cultural thing of her region!), her Faith, her intelligence, success as an individual and her natural grace and elegance.

The media never gave Melania the credit she deserves!

Well, I do—with my humble citizen journalism...
Lots of views...

Related links:
Our Historic Christmas in Italy - END of Romania's Communist Dictator | previous post by me also about Slovenia and Melania

Tuesday, August 20, 2024

Pieter was my Casper the Friendly Ghost

 Yes, my always smiling and friendly looking Pieter reminded me of Casper
August 27, 2002 our German son Andreas took this photo of us...
Happy times and fond memories forever!
Casper the Friendly Ghost...

On June 7, Pieter and another friend Judge Helen got honored at Rotary. A memorial votive candle got lit by the assistent governor Candace and she said: Pieter, smart and always smiling. 

Yes, that was my Pieter throughout his life... 

Related link:
{Tuesday May 4, dinner with friends} | Judge Helen at our home

Friday, June 14, 2024

4,500,000 Pageviews on my Humble Blog

 Just earlier today, while I was napping, I missed the actual 4,500,000 Pageviews but never mind.
Yep, there are 90 views over...
This month is not even half over but last month was high 
LOTS of visitors and also in regard to my Blissful Relationship with Pieter J.C. Vedder
THANK you ever so much for your support! 


Related links:
4,000,000 Pageviews on my Humble Blog | previous post by me on December 26, 2023
{999,999 Pageviews on my Humble Blog} | previous post by me on July 3, 2014
{2,000,002 Pageviews on my Humble Blog} | previous post by me on January 5, 2017
{3,333,333 Pageviews on my Humble Blog} | previous post by me on August 26, 2021

Sunday, June 2, 2024

May 10, 2024 Pieter J C Vedder's Memorial Service

 On exactly the day that WWII started in The Netherlands—May 10 of 1945—we held a meaningful Memorial Service for my Pieter.
Most has been chosen by Pieter himself and got listed in his Last Will as such.
Shortly before the service started...
Fresh white fragrant stock got delivered as they were Pieter's favorite flower.
He told me of growing them with his Dad in the greenhouse for use at the annual Sacraments Procession. 
I've used the fine silk batik tablecloths, gift from Indonesia in 2004.
Center cloth covers the cremated remains.
Turned out they fit perfectly with the chairs in the loft and with the carpet.
Indonesia meant so much for both of us so this was Perfect!
Left photo shows brother Toon, me and Pieter in Saint Augustine, Florida.
Toon's daughter Myriam was here with me and helping me set up everything...
Myriam was Pieter's only Goddaughter!
Christy's from East Dublin did such an excellent job in arranging these white stock or Matthiola incana inside a white vase.
Pieter J.C. Vedder
April 29, 1929 – April 30, 2024
Don't forget to turn on CC = Closed Captions!

Pieter's Requiem Choice

Pieter had requested in his Last Will specific music to be played at his Memorial Service.
That also included a request of participation from my former chancel choir music director, Michael Dwain Little and our former Pastor Keith Goodlett.
Catering a full luncheon would be done by Roy Grenade.
The usual technician handling the two big video cameras and the sound board with different microphones to be turned on during Michael Dwain Little's organ play and chanting... was not present during the Memorial Service.
We can never go back and do it over again and it sure was painful! We had it so well planned, set up and worked out. 
Oh, the book for registering names was not at the entrance of the Church but on a side table in the fellowship hall where the lunch was served.
She never used the cameras the way she was supposed to do. Only showing the front pews on the right side of the Church...
But after cutting out the spots without image or sound, I got this.
Dear long–time friend of both of us, Gil Gillis, who used to run the local TV station agreed to use the photos that I'd prepared for showing. 
That too was NOT done, only a few during the luncheon.
Pieter's favorite piece of music Adagio (Albinoni) that strikes a chord...
Also, Mozart's Lacrimosa (Tearful) was one of Pieter's favorites and he himself sang often DIES IRAE A Capella with some other boys from the impressive 100–member choir in Groessen, The Netherlands.
It just is SAD, that some insignificant people abused their power for denying my very humble, but larger than life Pieter, his final wishes.
Knowing that from Heaven, Pieter still is pleased with Keith Goodlett and Michael Dwain Little's efforts to adhere to his Last Will.
Kathy Jones as soprano, as requested by Pieter.
Also dear friend Mary Louise Goodie McRae added to that in a touching way.
Mozart's Lacrimosa (Tearful) was not audible...
It has such a depth of human emotions and thus transcends all languages and cultures!
See link below post.

I Believe, Mark A Miller
I believe in the sun, I believe in the sun, even when, even when it's not shining.
I believe in love, even when, even when I don't feel it.
I believe in God, I believe in God, even when, even when God is silent.
Indeed, the final Musical Moment – Hungarian Dance #4, Johannes Brams very much reflected the way we both lived...

Music is the shorthand of emotion~Leo Tolstoy quote
Thank you
Words cannot express how grateful our family is for your generous support, encouraging words, and thoughts and prayers. Your kindness will always be remembered with deep gratitude.
The Family of 
Pieter J.C. Vedder
If you would like to provide a memorial donation,
checks can be made out to Mariette Vedder for 
the Leprosy Project in Indonesia which was near to his heart.

Related links:
Lovely White Stock & Baby's Breath from Trader Joe's | previous post by me
Mozart – Lacrimosa | YouTube video
Gregorian Chant : Dies Irae (Lyric Video) | YouTube video as the microphone was OFF when Michael Dwain Little played it on the organ and chanted it...
I Believe SATB – Mark Miller – CGA1310 | YouTube video and SATB = Soprano, Alto, Tenor, Bass
My Pieter went to Heaven on April 30 | previous post by me and THANKS for your replies!!!
Our Final Easter Together | Previous post with link to Father Seán Coyle from Dublin, Ireland
Husband Pieter was the 3rd VEDDER Ensign Bearer in Groessen, The Netherlands | This shows another image of Pieter in his historic uniform, tailor made for him in Amsterdam. Gil Gillis found it the most impressive photo...
Pieter a Former Motorcycle Guy ALWAYS Remained one at Heart! | previous post by me
1958 Tragedy for Pieter's Mushroom Friends in Zichen-Zussen-Bolder in Belgium | United Again!

Feeling carried by LOVE from around the world and countless private messages 💞
Since Pieter's passing I have regained 2 kg or 4.4 pounds — weighing now 45.3 kg or 99.8 pounds.
In the end of March I was 45.9 kg or 101 pounds

A True Love Story NEVER ENDS | previous post by me...

Tuesday, May 7, 2024

My Pieter went to Heaven on April 30

 
This photo I selected for his obituary as it embodies him so perfectly!
A happy and humble man 

Pieter J.C. Vedder SCIENTIFIC PIONEER in Commercial Mushroom Cultivation and Education passed away on Tuesday, April 30, 2024 at his home.

Pieter was born on april 29, 1929, in Duiven, the Netherlands during the Great Depression, the youngest son of three. He was baptized the same day in the Catholic St. Andreas Church of Groessen. There he was a member of the Church choir, from his youth on.

The war years left a deep impression on Pieter's entire life. Being evacuated and finding the house half bombed when they returned home, as well as the glass greenhouses in shards. Pieter's Dad grew peaches, plums, grapes, and tomatoes under glass.

Pieter played the accordion for the recording of a spoken letter to his two brothers who were deployed in Indonesia during the national revolution.

Training partially interrupted for his military service, from 4 October 1950 to 1 February 1952. Graduated in 1957 with university education in Wageningen, for horticulture and horticultural engineering, with excellent grades. Pieter also had a degree in teaching.

In 1957 he became assistant A of the Research Station for Mushroom Cultivation.

In 1961 he published his first publication Modern Mushroom Growing; 5 more editions followed.

In 1962 he became an instructor and head of the Education Department and was involved in the establishment of the Center for Mushroom Cultivation Education.

Pieter's Dad died on April 21, 1967, so he knew that his youngest became principal!

By 1978, his book had been translated into 5 languages and was called a unique achievement by the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries, Directorate of Agricultural Education. Total of 9 languages now and has been called the MUSHROOM BIBLE.

Pieter was very active as a Committee Member for Youth Affairs, in the municipality of Horst.

Also, as Chairman of Youth and Nature

Member of the Board of Housing and Management, Venray–Horst region

Member of the Dean's Financial Committee of the Deanery of Horst

Member of the Diocesan Financial Commission Limburg

Pieter was a member of the Rotary Club Venray, since May 11 of 1976 and President Rotary Club Venray 1978/1979

Honorary President Rotary Club Royal Forest of Dean in U.K. 1978/1979

Rotary member Montebelluna, Italy

Rotary member Dublin, Georgia and Paul Harris Fellow 1996/1997 now Honorary member for several years.

In 1982, Pieter received the Sinden Award from the Mushroom Growers Association in the U.K.—the highest accolade in the Mushroom Industry.

Worked for Campbell Soup International as Vice President Training and Development from August 1983 to March 1989.

People to People Citizen Ambassador in March/April 1987. Pieter, being a world renown mushroom expert, got chosen for joining a group of 10, to visit Universities, lecturing and making field trips on behalf of the Mushroom Industry. His employer Campbell Soup did fully cover his expenses.

Head of the Technology Division at Fungi del Montello in Italy from 1 March 1989 to February 1990.

Dieng Djaya in Indonesia from 1 March 1990 to April 1992 and until 2001 as a consultant.

International Consultant with partner Mariette from 1992 to 2004 and only then time for our own house and garden. Pieter played the Es–trumpet and trombone while in the military. Pieter also played the organ for the Catholic Church, and he played the accordion. Music was one of his hobbies, as were photography and gardening. He also loved cycling and did so on his E–bike until April 7, 2024
In 2020, we together self–published our book 'modern mushroom growing 2020 harvesting' for print on demand worldwide. In this way, Pieter's intellect has been preserved and thousands more can benefit from it. Quite proud that it is listed in the U.K. as a university textbook.

Thus ends an intensive but very humble life, focused on Commercial Mushroom Cultivation Education and also a life of always being there for others and often pro bono. We both have always been very committed to lifting the stigma around leprosy, something Princess Diana did so intensely. A biblical disease of people who have no voice. We visited the same leprosy hospital near Jakarta, Indonesia that Princess Diana did visit and helped raise funds for those voiceless.

Pieter was a great supporter and board member of the local Heart of Georgia Community Concert Association and the Dublin Association of Fine Arts, Inc. Under his leadership and diplomacy, the two merged.

Pieter's Dad died in 1967 and his mother in 1989. Middle brother Toon in 2006 and eldest brother Thé in 2012. He has an adopted daughter Liz Vedder in Rotterdam, The Netherlands and foster daughter Anita Anggraeni in Semarang, Indonesia. His goddaughter and niece Myriam with daughters Sanne and partner with great–great niece Bobbie, Lotte and son Auke, and niece Judith (Hems) and great–niece Nienke.

His wife of over 40 years, Mariette VandenMunckhof–Vedder

A memorial service will be held at 11:00 AM on Friday May 10, 2024 at Dublin First Methodist Church.

Stanley Funeral Home and Crematory/Dublin Chapel has charge of the arrangements.

Related links:
Our Final Easter Together | wrote my final letter to Pieter...
Pieter's Music Booklet from WWII Era | how Pieter learned to play his first accordion

Saturday, May 4, 2024

Our Final Easter Together

 On March 31, I did sing in the Chancel Choir and we had a little Orchestra accompanying us.
So we had to practice all together at 10:00 AM and since we have only one car, Pieter came along.
After Mass, around 1:00 PM we took some pictures and as always the case—Pieter already had hung his Jacket and released himself of his tie...!
Pieter looks rather frail, his weight went down.
Pieter captured me next to our Easter bouquet from sweet friend
Feeling very happy!
Wearing my Escada leather skirt and shoes.
There are not many clothes I can wear, as at present I am only 96 pounds (43 kg) instead of my usual 116 (52 kg)...
Try to do my very best but it is not sticking!
During Mass at 11:30 AM I suddenly became very emotional and tears were welling up.
Did manage to not let them roll down my cheeks but twice I had to blow my nose...
Later I learned that exactly at that time my most favorite brother–in–law had passed away. He suffered from bone cancer.
My ESP was once again kicking in and I felt it.
On April 1, I wrote this letter to my Pieter...

Dublin, April 1, 2024

Dearest Pieter,

During Easter Mass, tears came to me when I saw you sitting there—how much longer? You get so out of breath from climbing stairs. It's frightening to think that you're slipping away like that. My Pieter, my rock and great help for the past year after accident.

Because of the enormous pain, I was certainly not the nicest conversation partner! My humor appeared to have dried up and the pain was unbearable. You felt powerless... But you kept me alive by feeding me what you prepared.

Suddenly the roles reversed! It hurts so much to see your elderly sweetheart struggling and I couldn't change it. Praying, a lot of praying, for strength and to be able to spend some more time together. Cycling together if I can still manage that... At least I want to take care of the laundry again. You're already doing too much outside! In bed you breathe very difficult—frightening.

Both of us are still too often exhausted. Reading makes me calmer, but the pressure of many things causes stress. Glad we have the trust almost complete! Before it is too late, I want to tell you that I still love you dearly and am proud of you. I have emphasized that pride often enough in my blog! A rare great love and it hurts to have ended up in the rag basket like that. Neither of us wanted this! Someday we will be together again without physical discomfort—our souls. It's going to be hard to ever having to live without you... 

I will fight for our cats, but I want to be with you again as soon as possible!

Your eternally loving L.L.

Pieter has read this letter several times and he said one thing to me in regard to this:

You have exceptionally keen senses. Nothing escapes you and in terms of hearing you never miss anything. 
You have a memory like an elephant and you are as sharp as a tack—mentally acute. 
In combination with your other characteristics, that is very special and that's why I loved you so dearly...

Indeed a Blissful Relationship!

Bring Flowers of the Fairest to Mary in the month of May | mention by Father Seán of Dublin, Ireland and Pieter worshipped Mary whole his life...

Monday, November 13, 2023

Milestone Reached

November 10, 1983...

Well, October 2023 was my worst month with October 10, being only 40 kg or 88 US pounds...
Determined to GAIN weight + strength—I've managed to add 10% to that!
40 kg... 
On November 9, best friend Ellie and family from The Netherlands sent us these lovely flowers...
On Friday November 10, we gathered with friends (23 in total, including us) around the table at Ristorante da Maria ←click link.
This was our THANK YOU for all the help, driving me, food brought, laundry done, cleaning, praying or whatever.
AND it was also the day that we had our 40th Wedding Anniversary... See first photo!
We did not tell that to our friends, but I announced it after the prayer was said by a dear friend.
So grateful!
The waiter made this photo but we FORGOT to have one of Pieter and me together...
Pieter is on the left in the back and me at the head of the table.
Lady Chef Maria prepared us a delicious 5–course dinner and each guest had selected their Entrée of choice.
Me in my wool Escada suit visiting with friends... FIRST time I wore block heels and also earrings and rings... 
Rings would still fall off one month ago!
Pieter took this...
That's my little purse on the table, had no space on chair as I still use a pillow for my back. 
Me visiting with friends in–between courses...
Pieter made those photos, including from his salmon with shrimps... We both opted for fish.
All enjoyed their dinner and we felt very blessed for being alive and having reached this milestone!
Prayers do get answered!!!

Related link:
Our Contract for Life | previous post by me with photos that I got from Mom & Dad's estate — new to us!

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MARIETTE'S BACK TO BASICS © 2009. All rights reserved - Text and images may not be copied for distribution or sale.

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