Hello again. We are finally back on the road where we feel most comfortable. This year we are lucky enough to start our trip with good friends in Haarlem, NL.
This is a lovely, picturesque city as you can plainly see.
Grote Market
Molen de Adriaan
Grote Market
But that’s not really what I want to talk about. I’ve noticed a rapidly increasing number of, let’s just call them, “Window Creatures”.
Bernie
I found the Bernie and the Cabbage Patch Kids peeking at me from a couple windows in Portland, Ore.
Cabbage Patch Kids
Because they’re cultural icons I didn’t think much of it until I got to Haarlem, NL. and noticed that there are Window Creatures peering out at the street everywhere I walk. I quickly realized this is not just about our political favorites or some nostalgia for childhood toys. The people that lodge behind this panes of glass are sending messages. I’ve always thought that what people chose to display says a lot about them.
Bear in mind that these miniature tableaus did not occur by accident. They represent a conscious effort to put a message in a bottle and send it out into the world, but with no request for rescue or any response at all. It is a kind of lo-tech social media that requires no Likes, Thumbs Up, emojis, bookmarks or cookies. This is strictly a one way communication, a lot like a piece of art that says, “ I think this is “something” and I want everyone to know. At least everybody that walks by my window.”
The Queen and her getaway car.
Does anyone know who this is?
Well, I’ve decoded all the signs and I’m now ready to reveal my findings.
” We’re all just a little wacky and want everyone to know.”
I love the figures in the windows. It makes me smile. God, I love the Dutch!
So fun! I like almost all of them! The only thing I have displayed in any of my windows is the lovely yellow glass plate you and Wendi gave me 🙂 The “getaway car” comment made me laugh. Happy Father’s Day btw.
Looking forward once again to some wonderful stories and pictures. Have a great adventure 🙂
OMG – LOVE THIS COMMUNICATION! YOU MUST DO A COFFEE TABLE BOOK ON THIS!
LOVE YOU GUYS…
PATTY
Interesting, eclectic assortment of visual messages. Yes, we are all a little wacky.
I must find something new for my window 🤪
Me too. These r great. But it is fun to see Grote Mkt again too!
How interesting!! Makes me want to check out exactly what’s in my windows!! Have a wonderful time 🌷
The cabbage Patch Kids have always creeped me out.
Time to look at windows In a whole new light, and join the movement…. Was Bernie really in Europe?
Oh no. I found Bernie & the Cabbage Patch Kids in NW Porland.
But it got me going.
You are a master visual storyteller. Keep it coming.
You have a way with pictures and words. Love it. Can’t wait to see more of you adventures.
Thanks for sharing. Looking forward to more. Martha and Jim