Looking back on never looking back…

I went back to where it all began this weekend. On Saturday morning, I headed back to the prestigious language institute Regina Coeli (de nonnetjes van Vught) for a retirement party for a beloved former colleague and friend. I was hired by Coeli in February of 1991, when I was still working in Prague (as […]

How to ruin a first impression in 5 easy steps…..without even knowing!

Hey dear, Thank you for your birthday wishes, I had a wonderful 51st birthday!! Many of you generously donated to my new Educational Foundation, the B.DEAL FOUNDATION. I cannot thank you enough for making a difference in the lives of children on Bali. Thank you so much! (And of course you can still contribute anytime!) […]

I turn 51 today and I’ve got a present for you!

It’s my 51st birthday today! And I’ve got a gift for YOU! I’m giving out free hugs on Saturday! On August 31, I’ll be at the Den Bosch train station from 10.00-11.00, and then at Utrecht Centraal (inside, on the Jaarbeurs side) from around 12.00 till 13.00. Come and grab your free birthday hug! I’ve […]

You are stealing. And this is why.

Oh oh oh … Guess what? You are stealing. I know you are. And that’s not good. You have ideas that are worth sharing. You have a story to tell. But for some reason, you’re holding back. Doubting yourself. Wondering if you should really share your ideas. You wonder if your English is good enough. […]

Help me celebrate my 51st birthday with 51derful things!

Happy Monday! I’m turning 51 on August 28th. I am really excited! In English, we have the expression ‘Age only matters if you are a cheese or a wine.’ The last time I checked, I was neither! So many people fear getting old. But not me, I am proud to be 51! I have honestly […]

It’s not a Monday but I have something to tell you that can’t wait…..

I’m BAAACK! I know some of you reading this might still be on vacation, but I just returned and it was marvellous. I felt like this, every day, for 3 weeks. ….But that’s not why I’m mailing you. It’s about this. You, and your dreams. You’ve got them. And some of them might be crazy. […]

3 for the price of 1! How to triple your vocabulary….

I keep using the same words over and over again. I don’t know how to expand my vocabulary!’ Does this sound familiar? I hear this every day. And I get it. Painting with the same colors can be pretty boring. Not only for you but also for your readers and listeners. There is a gorgeous […]