The Blue and the Gray

Two Portraits

I've been looking through some vintage photos, which are always a good source of inspiration.

The first portrait is based on a photo of Jeanne Eagels from the 1920s. I just

DAFT: KVK Registration

Dutch Immigration Part III

Photo from the KVK website showing how enoyable filling out forms can be.

 

The business you are starting under the Friendship treaty must be registered with Kamer van Koophandel, or KVK for short, which fills the role of the Chamber of Commerce. There is an English version of their website which explains how to register and provides the necessary forms. While there is an English form which is useful for your own records, only the Dutch form can be officially submitted. Since my company is a sole proprietorship, I filled out the 2 page form in English, and then my boyfriend helped me translate my answers into Dutch.

Dom Tower

Another city view in black marker. The Dom Tower is the highest church tower in the Netherlands and features intricate gothic style architecture. In this view it is recessed in the background while we look upwards from a canal. The canals are fun to explore since many of the old passages that connected the water front to the houses up above have been converted into cozy restaurants and other shops. You never know what you will find tucked away!

America...Dutch Style

USA Day, Voorburg

Psst...your Stars and Stripes are showing...

Every culture has stereotypes it is known for. Some are things they are proud of, some are things they would rather ignore. Some make for a good party (I'm looking at you, St. Patrick's Day). Seeing your culture from the outside can give you a new perspective when the mundane back home becomes exotic somewhere else.

Pieterskerkhof

You never know what wandering down ordinary city streets will lead you to. I found this classic GMC van parked in front of some of the old houses tucked behind the Pieterskerk in Leiden. The scene came together so beautifully I recorded it in simple black marker.