Gerjen

#aboutme

2020-03-26T09:30:00.001-07:00

#travel

2012-01-25T21:05:00.000-08:00

It is great to explore the world as every place on this earth has its own beauty. It really takes an open mind to appreciate our experiences, as our world is one amazing place. The diversity of planet Earth is mind boggling and one can only watch how the creation unfolds in front of your eyes as new sights and beauty come into view.

The perception of beauty really lies in the eye of the beholder: Traveling through Arabia, one’s amazement just never stops; as the color of sand changes the further you go. The astounding beauty of nature will leave any travel party in awe. Who said that the desert is only about dry sand and windstorms? This experience is really something that should be shared with someone special who would also appreciate the wonder and magnificence of our creation. Being in the midst of perfect harmony, incredible sunsets, rock formations and total contrasts of landscapes and color, one cannot help to think about the perfect companion, to share experiences like these.

Thinking about the contrast, the beautiful Switzerland covered in ice, as a place of love and romantic sites against Arabia, covered in sand, a place of heat and dull dry land. Going far north, the heat gets bearable, as one experiences some European weather. It is great to wear a sweater after the spectacular sunset, keeping warm, in the aftermath of a sunny and mild weathered day. I am convinced that this place is romantic like any other.

At night, just after sunset as things quiet down, one can take long walks, bare feet on the cool red and yellow sandy spots between the towering rocks, which are creating an irregular skyline. It is so great, leaving footprints in the sand that only the wind could transport to another place…keeping memories buried in the desert for always.

One should capture those moments, and only unleash it at the right time and place. Even the desert would keep secrets safe and the echo of voices are transported into space through the alleys between the eroded boulders and massive rocks, never to be heard again, only playing back in our own heads.

Like Switzerland, Arabia is as beautiful and can be romantic, if you share this dream world of true tranquility and splendor.

Looking at the tropical paradise of earthquakes and volcanoes. About 127 active volcanoes and situated on the pacific ring of fire, this is one of the most diversified countries I can think of. Astounding truths of the constant volcanic activities, earthquakes and thunderstorms, make this a real busy natural wonder of the world. From shaking buildings and eruptions, creating massive balls of fire, and lightning, water masses and heavy rains, ensure the uniqueness of this destination. The calmness of the pacific ocean around the sinking country, preparing for yet another possible tsunami, hosting the roughly 17000 islands, to form the archipelago of Indonesia.

#change

2012-01-25T19:30:00.000-08:00

Our constant urge and hunger for change, is the main reason for our misinterpretation of growth in our ever-unsatisfying lives. Blinded by our unrewarding reality, gives us a peek into the unknown future, showing brightness and a greener world to put our minds at ease, while convincing ourselves that moving on is the correct thing to do. Even though, choices can only be made with knowledge and vision, we still fail to comply and open ourselves to error far beyond our grasp, and abilities.

Great choices can only be mastered by those with clarity of mind and purity of heart! As they, only see a vision so precise and clear, that the very distant future is with them now! As they never see beyond today and act instantaneously, but responsibly. No time is ever wasted, as tomorrow might never come. With the above in mind, Sacrifices are made and our lives are dramatically affected. The self earned right to decide what is worth sacrificing for, selfishly thinking about our own needs rather than those close to us, and how we see our future should be. Nevertheless, we move on and make sure that we prove to fill our rightfull place in the multicultural community of the world.

Never can one be sure that the direction in which you go will be the answer we are seeking for, but at least the chance has been taken and life started its course forming new personalities and characters of all those involved. New friendships are built and enemies are made. The brutal truth of life comes to the fore and a new world of information hits you right between the eyes. Unprepared for what awaits you, your new future is molded moving like a loose floating buoy on the open ocean, without control or direction, throwing yourself wide open to the storms of life.

Dealing with your new truth, you forcefully steer your mind into this new make belief direction and before you know it, you find yourself completely sucked in by what you think is the answer, while neglecting the existing reality, moving further and further away from yourself and all that was once important to you.

All previous vendettas and bad thoughts vaguely disappear and a new way of thinking guides you towards humanity and truth. You become a product of your own new experiences and you can’t bare the sound of deceit, as it is not you and it is not what you wanted. Suddenly, a new you emerge and already tightly glued into the clutches of your choices, there is no way out. Like a malicious drug you are hooked and no end in sight. I had set my course and there was no turning back. This is my new reality, Oh, little do we know!

#dreams

2011-12-16T20:08:00.000-08:00

Our need to dream never stops, whether we want to or not, they just pop up automatically, mostly when we are asleep, but very often when we are awake. Dreams do not put age first, so young and old experience the beauty and wonder of what can be. Everyone dreams about something.

Do you realize that even as we grow older the dreams are still the same? in many cases just more intense. Yes, we thrive on our never-ending dreams and hope that one day at least one will come true. You are the one who should work towards making a change and make those dreams come true. Keep going, believe and most importantly, keep dreaming as life has no meaning without them.

Without our wishful thinking, hopes and dreams, our lives are empty and we have nothing to live for, therefore we pile up a tons of empty "Yesterdays and Last nights" scampering along through yet another empty day, only for the pile. Please start living again...Dream....It is healthy and keeps us going: No matter what, "Life is Worth Living". Be Alive.....Dream!

#simplicity of life

2011-11-20T00:58:00.000-08:00

I have come to realize that life should be really simple, but we are forcing ourselves into complex directions that we regret later and it is hard to rid ourselves from what we really need. We believe in independence, and once we secure that, we then feel great if others can depend on us. In actual fact, even though we are in a psychological and emotional position of strength, we all need someone to depend on, too. There is nothing like a shoulder to cry on, an ear to listen or just a great companion, even for the strongest and the most powerful. The greatness of being human is that we are made to belong and this is one aspect that is life changing, when it is taken away from you.

In our exhausting fight for survival and acceptance, it is a race against time, to rid ourselves from thought and pain, and the endless contest to earn our rightful place, our existence then seem only to be a rat race…. nothing is guaranteed! When we reign supreme above ourselves and feel that we have it won, then, only then, one realizes the emptiness from deep within. Our protection against our own troublesome but inquisitive minds might not always be failsafe and we know that we have to move on, ready to make another attempt to get us going, for another illusive time of freedom.

#life is easy

2011-11-19T22:34:00.000-08:00

Our entire existence is based on three important aspects:

Perception: The way perceive things around us.
Understanding / interpretation: no matter whether we agree to it or not.
Explanation: How we explain to others.

#anger

2011-11-19T18:33:00.000-08:00

A short but powerful idea ! "Anger lasts for only one minute" Longer than this, takes a lot of energy and forces us into a state of unnatural behaviour, which becomes hard to maintain! So, to all my family, friends and everyone who feels this, keep it short and simple, it is beneficial to our health and personality.
Take your minute, smile and move on!

#Steps to Success and ultimate satisfaction.

2011-11-14T04:38:00.000-08:00

Step 1. Identify your final objective and work towards it.
Step 2. Be determined and committed in reaching your goal.
Step 3. Accept disappointments and regards them as lessons.
Step 4. Reaching your GOAL!!!

NO MATTER WHAT YOUR GOALS ARE, SUCCESS IS MEANT FOR US ALL!!!

#Introducing opportunity and possibilities

2011-11-13T09:17:00.000-08:00

Being a keen and interested photographer, means capturing those images that might interest a vast majority of different groups of viewers. The intention here is to introduce to the novice and the hobbyist, the way forward to make their photography not only exciting but also rewarding.

The difficulty that most photographers face in getting to the online secrets of those already using the Internet to their advantage will be made known. This is an opportunity to become part of the online family supplying or rather selling images to the many expected clients.

Taking pictures can be your hobby and a source of income. Be it part time or fulltime, your hobby could become even more exciting and lucrative when you are getting paid for what you love to do most. Choosing what to capture and what is important to others as well as to yourself might be the answer to your long awaiting financial freedom.

Knowing your camera and equipment and what you are able to achieve with the images taken, is key to your success. You obviously do not need to be perfect or get it right all the time, but your ability to use most of the images taken, as a possible selling product. Basic photography is just as important and if you familiarize yourself with the basic techniques, you will be able to start immediately.

Posting your pictures online is also easy, but you need to get them to the correct websites that will pay your for your work. You also need to know how, when and to whom to submit your images and importantly getting paid for them. Many opportunities will come your way and you will have to see it. You will also have to make a firm decision and stop thinking about it, get up and do it! You have the tools and now you get the information, it is completely up to you on how your hobby will change into your photography and financial freedom. Turn your camera into a cash-making machine.

#Basic rules of Photography

2011-11-10T23:30:00.000-08:00

As you know photography is all about processing light. This means that if the camera's sensor receives the correct amount of light, it results in the subject being perfectly exposed to the light elements, and the color and tones are correctly displayed in your picture.

The basic idea is to use a combination of techniques to achieve satisfactory results. Light is distributed through : ISO, Aperture and Shutter speed.

1. ISO sensitivity set on maximum,: depends on your camera: 100 / 200
2. Lens aperture set at F 5.6
3. Shutter speed between 1/100 and 1/125 sec.
4. White Balance set on Auto
5.The angle of the light falling on the subject
6. The focus Area placed i the middle of the finder.

These are the basic and normal settings to point and shoot. getting a satisfactory result.

#About the world of photography

2011-11-10T06:42:00.000-08:00

It is only when we indulge into the wonderful but complex world of photography that we realize the endless beauty of our creation. Snapping away at first, capturing everything in our path, forced us to realize the technicalities of the art and the urge to experiment.

Stepping into the perfect frame of mind, armed with the most powerful tools at our disposal, a new world emerges and we open ourselves to learn from the best but always compete with the rest. Knowing your equipment is key to successful photography. We see the world differently and change from project to project, distorting angles,changing shapes and sizes to satisfy our artistic eye; hoping that others can appreciate all the fun we capture under the sun.

To all my family, friends, colleagues and photography communities, enjoy and make the best of what we have. The old...,old.... saying; "beauty lies in the eye of the beholder", is so true as all of us see beauty in what we do. This makes art so much more rewarding and satisfying, as there will always be someone who appreciates your work, like you do.

Capture the moment when it appears as it comes and goes like a memory that fades in time while the story continuous.

"Memories are lost, pictures last for a lifetime"

#A True life story to learn from.

2011-11-10T01:34:00.000-08:00

This was sent to me years ago and I am only passing it along. I thought that it is very appropriate for this blog as this is a true-life story and may well be something that knocks on our door. This lesson might just be the kick-start you need to start your journey to freedom!

“His name was Fleming, and he was a poor Scottish farmer. One day, while trying to make an honest living for his family, he heard a cry for help coming from a nearby swamp. He dropped his tools and ran to the swamp. There, mired to his waist in black muck, was a terrified boy, screaming and struggling to free himself.

Farmer Fleming saved the lad from what could have been a slow and terrifying death. The next day, a fancy carriage pulled up to the Scotsman's sparse surroundings. An elegantly dressed nobleman stepped out and introduced himself as the father of the boy Farmer Fleming had saved.

"I want to repay you," said the nobleman. "You saved my son's life." "No, I can't accept payment for what I did," the Scottish farmer replied waving off the offer. At that moment, the farmer's own son came to the door of the family hovel. "Is that your son?" the nobleman asked.

"Yes," the farmer replied proudly.

"I'll make you a deal. Let me provide him with the level of education my own son will enjoy. If the lad is anything like his father, he'll no doubt grow to be a man we both will be proud of. "

And that he did. Farmer Fleming's son attended the very best schools and in time, graduated from St. Mary's Hospital Medical School in London, and went on to become known throughout the world as the noted Sir Alexander Fleming, the discoverer of Penicillin.

Years afterward, the same nobleman's son who was saved from the swamp was stricken with pneumonia. What saved his life this time?

Penicillin.

What was the name of the nobleman? No other then Lord Randolph Churchill. The father of

Sir Winston Churchill.

Someone once said: What goes around comes around.

Work like you don't need the money.

Believe in yourself and love like you've never been hurt.

Dance like nobody's watching.

Sing like nobody's listening.

Live like it's Heaven on Earth.

May there always be work for your hands to do; May your purse always hold a coin or two; May the sun always shine on your windowpane; May a rainbow be certain to follow each rain; May the hand of a friend always be near you; May your heart be filled with gladness to cheer you.

#About personal Growth and Development

2011-11-09T00:44:00.000-08:00

Personal growth and development seems to be very challenging, as most of us believe in the illusion of being “secure” and stay in our comfort zone. First and foremost, the most demanding step that faces us is to get up and free ourselves from the choking shackles of our lives, see the light and discover your purpose of life.

This blog is intended to assist in your growth and development towards a free and conscious person. Development of the mind doesn’t only include knowledge but motivates you to become intuitive, empowered, energetic, explorative and most of all, curious to go beyond your zone of comfort. This is also a means of encouragement, broadening horizons, and certainly to fill your place as an open-minded contributor to your family and friends, your community and ultimately to humanity as a whole.

Life is a journey on a never-ending road; you will always meet up with new things as you progress. Here, on your journey, you can discover your unused abilities, realize your dreams and hopes, determine whether you have what it takes to make mature decisions affecting everyone around you, and take full responsibility of all consequences. Commitment and willingness are key factors for change.

If you are really serious about change, then this blog will guide you in achieving a deep insight of your feelings, skills, and desires, in achieving your goals.

Finally, our aim here is to be your partner in your journey towards positive growth.