RAINBOW

When I turned onto the A1 Friday morning around 7.53, I was unexpectedly welcomed by a beautiful rainbow right in front of me. My hart made a little jump and I thought of M. The day before was M's memorial service. It was the most beautiful goodbye that he could have been given. An emotional but also comforting day. I could not see whether the rainbow was a complete semi circle, but its colours were so bright... these small things give me little happy feelings, especially when they come on unexpected moments and places.

Things are a bit too much at the moment: M's death, moving house, Mr. around (he flew in for M's memorial service and I was very happy to have him by my side, but the split-up is still fresh), signing divorce papers...., and a demanding job. I am doing quite good, but I need peace of mind. And better sleep.

CAULIFLOWER RISOTTO

Today I am going to make cauliflower risotto for friend I. She spends every minute of the day and night taking care of her terminally ill husband with all the love and strength she has. I can only admirer her for who she is and how she copes. As a friend there is not much I can do, but be there for her when she needs me, write cards, send text's, call, and cook. With a group of friends we set up a 'meals on wheels' schedule and Sunday's are mine. I bought a huge cauliflower the other day and have been looking forward to cooking (and eating!) this risotto since. I never cooked this dish myself yet, and as Mr. took the recipe book (Jamie's Italy) to the US, I gave it a try online and there it was: 'Risotto ai Cavolfiori'. Turns out Jamie Oliver has put many recipes on his website. That's good news:  I have been cooking his recipes for years now, and never get bored of them. I also got his app, very handy when in a supermarket not knowing what to cook...

OUDHOUT

My work week ended in the Museum Hilversum where 85 of my (yes my, they're mine, all 807 of them...) students worked as host curators this week. Today at 15h the museum director and I opened the exhibition for which the students selected the art, interviewed the artists, designed the displays, wrote the text for the text frames, did all PR and organised the opening reception. One of the artists whose work was put on display, turned out to be a father of a former student of mine years ago at my previous school. His oudhout project, that contains a portrait of Obama which gave him international recognition, are images of (US) icons, made of used wood coming from old gym floors, African shipwrecks and 'regular' old paneling. My students really liked his art, I understand: I liked Andy Wharhol when I was 15... Anyway, the students did great and I was really proud to be representing my school as acting head. A nice way to start the weekend.