Blog Update

Dear blogger friends, 

 

Herewith I want to let you know that you can find the latest news about Pipke's life story on my other Blog: Life Story of Pipke the Duck.

Klick on the link above to read the latest post.  

Thanks in advance and - stay safe!

Bye bye!

Fran

PS: Although I haven't published new posts for some time, it doesn't mean that I'm not in the neighborhood. I'll keep an eye on your comments.

So: feel free to comment. 

Thanks in advance. 

Attention. 

Note on March 1, 2025.

The post: 'Our garden: Pipke's little world' is updated.

Click on this link to read  the updated post.

If you only want to watch the new version of the slideshow on YouTube click on the link below. 

 'Our garden: Pipke's little world'. 

Note on May 25, 2025. 

The post: 'Will you be my running mate' is updated. 

Click on this link to read the updated post. 

If you only want to watch the new version of the slideshow on YouTube click on the link below.

My running circuit.

 

Thanks for watching. 

A Message to my Dearest in the Hereafter

Today - nine years ago you left us.

A lot has happened since then, and sometimes life was difficult to carry,

but -  with my head up high, I have continued in spite of everything.

Pipke - you were the best that happened to me!  The memory of you keeps me going and still gives me comfort.  

Pipke

May 25, 1995 - September 14, 2009

Rest in peace  sweety!

Till we meet again,

Your 

Oma

   

Loving Memory Pipke

 today, eight years ago .... 

it was the saddest day in my ife.

Gone but not forgotten!

 Pipke

 May 25, 1995 - September 14, 2009

*Her life story in a nutshell.

Note:

  A GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION TO INTERNATIONAL BIRD RESCUE HAS BEEN MADE IN MEMORY OF  

PIPKE THE DUCK

THIS GIFT HELPS SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL BIRD RESCUE’S ONGOING WORK REHABILITATING INJURED AQUATIC BIRDS AFFECTED BY NATURAL AND MAN-MADE THREATS WORLDWIDE. YOU CAN FOLLOW OUR WORK AT BIRDRESCUE.ORG.

Your memorial contribution has aided in emergency efforts to rehabilitate hundreds of birds like this Surf Scoter in the San Francsico Bay mystery goo incident. 
This gift made possible by: Ruxandra Balcangui

Loving Memory 2016

Pipke 

 May 25, 1995 - September 14, 2009. 

Your 

Oma

Seven years!

All I know is since you've been gone

I feel like I'm drowning in a river

Drowning in a river of tears

I wished that I could hold you

*One more time to ease the pain

 
PS: *link. 

What a New Year's Wish is this?

I am sure, this will be a question that comes to your mind, after reading this post.

Yes folks, I'm not at all the kind of writer that writes 'masterpieces', I just let my thought go their free rein and put them on virtual paper.
I also doubt if putting a question mark in a title is correct, perhaps it's not done.
So - I leave it up to you to define what this is.

Anyhow, it comes straight from my heart, and before going further, I want to wish you all a 'Happy New Year' with the hope that you will have many blessings in the year to come.

- I started the new year with running in the early morning, just after dawn.

I was whole alone on the road, it seemed as if everyone else was sleeping off his whirl from yesterday evening.

- I myself - had nothing to celebrate yesterday. I went early to bed, I only awoke '*around midnight' because of the noise of the fireworks here in the neighborhood.

*That was for me the right time to hug my dear Pipke's 'Golden heart'!

It brought me back to the time that she was still alive, then we took her indoors to prevent that she would become afraid for the popping fireworks.

That was the time for hugs and reassurance, such a happy time!

From those happy times I have one picture that's taken 'exactly', on this very day, twenty years ago.

New Year's day 1996! 
In the early morning. 

(As you can see: my sweet little girl could not appreciate to be 'dolled up' for the occasion! She shook it off as quick as possible.

She loved sobriety. She didn't like frills! Pure white was her favorite color. The material of her packing always had to be clean, soft and waterproof.)

However - I don't think that I will ever be able 'to celebrate' a New Year.

No! Celebrations - of what kind so ever - are no longer wasted on me.

Actually, the world wherein we live now, it makes me sad!

There's too much hunger for too many of us. Not 'the hunger' in the real sentence of the word, but - the kind of hunger where Mother Teresa once referred to!

For all who's hungry, I hope you will be fed today!

If not, *this message is intended to you.

Let this be your New Year's *resolution for the year 2016:

 let No-One be hungry again. 
*It is surely mine!

I wish you all the very best!

Fran 

PS: for those who don't know it. 

Pipke's 'Golden heart' is the little urn with her ashes, in the shape of a heart.

Many Thanks

 Herewith I want to thank my blogger friends for the beautiful e-cards and friendly emails that I may receive for my birthday.
I was surprised that you* - *blogger friends - knew the correct date!
This is not so evident.
People who know me already more than 50 years even got the "wrong" date in mind!
Not that it's so important, but - It says a lot
Anyway, thank you dear blogger friends for thinking of me on the correct date.
It made my day!

- I will continue soon with Pipke's  life story.
Till soon, I hope ! :-)

Loving Memory

I'll remember you, 
when I've forgotten all the rest.


You to me were true, 
You to me were the best.

For always in my heartClick on the link above to watch. 
Pipke

May 25, 1995 – September 14, 2009

The Ultimate Gift for an Oldie

Isn't this poignant.

I'm sure - if this product would ever be available on the market, nowadays - for some of the younger generation - this would be 'the ultimate gift' to bestow to an oldie. 

So ..... problem solved!

The message that comes with the gift says it all.
Two birds with one stroke: a gift with a bitter after taste!

Hope there are enough batteries included with the gift to keep on going for a little while!

PS: this moving 3D animated short called 'Changing Batteries' is created by the talented folks over at Sunny Side Up Productions!

Based on the theme 'Change', the story tells about their relationship development with one another through time and is their final year animation production made in Multimedia University, Cyberjaya, Malaysia. 


They are currently up and running for BANG Awards!

Twenty Years Already.

Twenty years ago today, this tiny being entered my world and changed it forever. 

It remains the greatest joy of my life, 

and I will cherish every moment we've shared for the rest of my days.

Pipke 

on May 25, 1995.

Only a few hours old.

It was so good that I might know you sweetie!

For ever in my heart, 

your 

Oma 

PS: If you came by pure change on this blog, then I invite you to read Pipke's full life story. You can find it here. Hope to see you there. 

Thanks in advance.

Generous Contribution to International Bird Rescue in Memory of Pipke the Duck

This is something I want to share with you!

Some time ago I received this message from the International Bird Rescue. 

(You can find the message below in this post.) 

Isn't this a lovely gesture of Ruxandra! 

- Amazing how much love and laughter pets bring into our lives and even how much closer we become with each other because of them.

Our love for pet ducks brought us together.

Dear friend, in gratitude for your friendly gesture I want to share this picture in loving memory of your duckies.

Loving memory of Esme and Bruna 

Ruxadra's beloved pets.

Thank you dear friend.

Hope all's going well with you!
Here below follows the message with certificate where I talk about.

 *****

Dear Fran,

We are pleased to inform you that Ruxandra Balcangui has made a generous contribution to International Bird Rescue in memory of Pipke the Duck. This gift supports year-round care of injured birds brought to International Bird Rescue wildlife centers throughout California, including the recent “mystery goo” spill into the San Francisco Bay. As of this writing, we’ve released dozens of sea ducks and other birds found oiled. Many more remain in our care and are thankfully nearing their release date.

We’ve attached a memorial certificate to this email.

Thank you so much for your support.

Team International Bird Rescue

International Bird Rescue - Gifts 

PO Box 2171
Long Beach CA 90801

gifts@bird-rescue.org

Twitter: @intbirdrescue

birdrescue.org

A GENEROUS CONTRIBUTION TO INTERNATIONAL BIRD RESCUE HAS BEEN MADE IN MEMORY OF 

PIPKE THE DUCK

THIS GIFT HELPS SUPPORT INTERNATIONAL BIRD RESCUE’S ONGOING WORK REHABILITATING INJURED AQUATIC BIRDS AFFECTED BY NATURAL AND MAN-MADE THREATS WORLDWIDE. YOU CAN FOLLOW OUR WORK AT BIRDRESCUE.ORG.

Your memorial contribution has aided in emergency efforts to rehabilitate hundreds of birds like this Surf Scoter in the San Francsico Bay mystery goo incident. This gift made possible by: Ruxandra Balcar

Remembrance

Today, September 14, 2014 - 

it's already five years ago since Pipke passed away.

 Since then, each time as the date September the 14th gets closer, I go through a very emotional period, and I get overwhelmed by grief. 


If you know me already a little, then you will have noticed that I have apologized myself already a few times for being rather sensitive and emotional.

Well - now I know that I have to change this attitude because I've learned a lot about emotions.

Some time ago I discovered this following quote, and I'm going to use this as guidance.

I'm going to keep this in mind.

'Never apologize for being Sensitive or Emotional...

It's a sign that you have a Big Heart... and that you aren't afraid to let others see it.

Showing your Emotions is a sign of Strength...'

So - I'm not going to suppress my emotions this time because

I've learned that 'that's fighting against myself'! 

No, I will let my emotions go their own free rein today.

*******

'Five whole years' already since she's gone! 

I just cannot believe that it can be that long ago. Never thought that missing her would be so tough.

I know - for the world she just might have been a silly duck, but to me, she meant the world. 

Missing Pipke still brings tears to my eyes, but remembering all the good times can bring a smile on my face!

Therefore I prefer to remember the good times.

As a tribute to her I want to share these images with you.

Fulfilled with gratitude that she came into my life, 

I'm watching now these images. 

 ^      

 At dawn, when leaving her pen, well rested and cheerful,

ready to start a new day. 

^

After *smooching in the laundry room (*our daily morning ritual) 

ready to inspect the flowers for bugs.

Be sure she took her task as inspector pest controller very serious. 

Not one bug could escape her eye!

^
Time to assist the gardener with weeding.

^

After all that work enjoying a good wash in her pond.

^

Now - time to take a nap on her favorite spot - 

under the easy chair.

^

Around sunset, for darkness falls.

 Before going to bed - searching for some bugs in

our garden - Pipke's little world - the place I had to leave behind.


For me this was heaven on earth. 

My heart aches!

My little one,

You will live on in my heart

my little friend so true,

and memories of you will fill my mind

until I go to you

Your 

Oma

Pipke

May 25, 1995 – September 14, 2009

*In loving memory

*Watch: Pipke's life story in a nutshell on YouTube.

September ... When It Comes.

Today, here in Belgium it's Mother's Day, and it's a gray and rainy day.

It's like they say here: "it's Belgian weather". It's pouring rain! 

We're now half August and September comes closer.

September .... the month that includes so many memorable dates to me!

It makes me silent.

In September - now 52 years ago: I got married. 

In September - now 50 years ago: my son was born. 

In September this year: it will be already 5 years ago - since Pipke died.

- So I suppose you can imagine - 

when I heard this song 

last week on the car radio, that I can't get rid of the song.

Ever since it keeps haunting me. 

Especially the corresponding images on the YouTube film gives me shivers. 

You see a lifetime passing!

It makes me aware that life is short and that my life could have been so very very different.

September when it comes .........

 

Remembering Pipke on her Birthday

I have so many thoughts and emotions swirling through my head and heart today. 

Today is what would have been Pipke's nineteenth birthday!

^

On the day she was born May 25, 1995.

^

On her very last birthday May 25, 2009.

Inspecting the flowers.

*****
If anyone should ever write my life story

For whatever reason there might be

You'd be there between each line of pain and glory

Cause you're the best thing that ever happened to me 


Missing you sweetie!

A Post Without a Tittle

(I started writing this post with an entirely different intent, but ultimately my mind has strayed, with the result that it has become something that I can't define. Therefore, I finally couldn't give this post a title. I leave it to you how you want to call the result.)

Perhaps bantling?

- At the moment I'm still working with much pleasure on 'Pipke's Life Story' on my second blog.
If you've read the PS. of the post  'Pipke on TV' then you will have noticed that I've problems to retrieve film images.

So while preparing the next chapters I started to search after particular  film images which I wanted to add to the story later on.

Those film images were taken during a consultation at the vet, and in this particular scene Pipke was brought under narcoses.

After searching through all my photo and film files I couldn't find them.

Therefore I started to think back, and then I remembered: 'I've seen the film images where I was looking for,  the day after Pipke died'.

I've seen them together with my  '*hubby' at the saddest moment in my life.

Watching them was our way to try to process the death of Pipke. 

So – after searching everywhere – it dawned on me why I can't find those images anymore! Then I realized! Of course - those particular film images are standing on the original small tape of the film camera, and this tape is sitting in the movie camera itself wherewith the film images were taken so long ago.

And that's now exact the problem: after moving to another place, 
I no longer have the film camera with the original tape. They are no longer in my possession.

It's really a pity because, not only several film images of Pipke, but also almost all the film images of our family, and my granddaughter as a child are standing on that tape.

So I wonder where those images ended?

Now I only hope that they're not thrown away, that would be a real sin.

But what do you want - that's the way it goes in life!

Not everyone cares about images, for some it doesn't mean much, not to say anything.
You perhaps know it already. I cherish memories. A part of me even thrives on it, it's actually almost all I have left now.

Maybe I've too much of them, but – what do you want: the older you get the more memories you have!

Memories – if you don't have them – then you must have lived a very superficial life.

Of course life goes on, and you don't choose to live in the past, but - just listening to a song can suck you back in time, and that happened to me not so long ago.

While I was driving the car they played this song on the car radio.

I'd almost forgotten this beautiful Abba song from long time ago. 

It touched me in such a way, that I became very emotional.

So it brought me back in time

At that time it was just a beautiful song for me, but now it has become a song with a kinda bitter aftertaste.

Now my present runs into the past, now and then becomes entwined – playing games within my mind. 

So while I listen to the song, I close my eyes and imagine that ...... !

Unfortunately – I have no longer a fireplace, but I still have a clock, and this clock is ticking already more than 37 years! 

Now I hear her ticking at my place. 

Then I could hear her ticking in 'our house'.

The ticking has remained the same, but the early morning ritual that made  ​​it possible that she continued ticking has totally changed.

Now – I'm the one who does the winding of the clock, and every time I do that – I think of the past. 

Memories -- even a clock has a history! Tik..tak ... tik ...tak  ...

Enjoy the song!

Hope you gather many beautiful memories, only then life will be worth living.

Note: Discover an other version of the song sung by 'Sissel' the 
woman with the voice of an Angel. 

It will give you goosebumps!