Hup hup horray Hup

Almost July already! This week was about firsts, laughter, and slowing down: my first live football match after 22 years of marriage, the incredible energy of the Dutch Orange Army, a much-needed break, and rediscovering the world through my artist’s eyes… plus one unexpected victory—a pair of pants! 🤣

Sunday, June 28, 2026

What is happening?! We’re almost in July already. I can hardly believe it.

I’ll come back next Sunday with more details about this past week, but I wanted to share one highlight today: the Orange Army.

Watching the Oranje march through Kansas City before the match was an experience in itself. And yes… after more than 22 years together, I finally went to my very first football (soccer!) game in a stadium.

For those who know us, here’s the funny part.

When my husband and I first started dating, I told him there was one type of man I would never date—let alone marry: someone obsessed with sports, especially soccer. I simply wasn’t interested in building my life around it.

He assured me he wasn’t.

Then came the night before our civil wedding in Paris. We had planned to spend the evening apart. He headed off with his Dutch family and friends to watch a soccer match, while I was sitting around my parents’ living room table with my mom, her best friend, and my own best friend—carefully stretching my wedding shoes, putting the finishing touches on the seating plan, and writing each guest’s name on the place cards.

Looking back, I probably should have taken that as a sign… but it all worked out anyway. 🤣

Well… I married him anyway.

And somehow I managed to avoid going to a match for more than two decades!

This time was different. We turned it into a family road trip with our son, met one of my husband’s closest friends who came all the way from Breda, and made wonderful memories together.

I have to take my hat off to the Dutch supporters—myself included! There is something special about them. They know how to create such a joyful, welcoming atmosphere. Their energy is amazing.

I still believe the French win when it comes to nightlife—especially from 1 a.m. until sunrise, it’s hard to beat Paris—but if you want an afternoon and evening full of laughter, music, singing and celebration, the Dutch are hard to top.

The Fan Zone was fantastic too. Great DJs (including this amazing dj (woman) leading the crowd), lots of dancing, and a wonderful atmosphere from start to finish.

We were also incredibly lucky. The rain came, but we happened to be perfectly covered.

What surprised me most was witnessing, in person, the connection between the supporters and the team. You can actually feel the energy flowing both ways. It was far more powerful than I ever expected.

Will I suddenly become someone who spends weekends watching every match on television?

Probably not. 😄

But tomorrow you’ll definitely find us in front of the TV cheering for the Netherlands as they face Morocco.

Another little realization from this trip…

Before leaving, I had promised myself I would take 5 to 10 days away from my work with Unchained Mothering.

I was honestly shocked by how difficult it was.

Even though I completely unplug every Shabbat, I realized that’s almost the only time I truly stop working.

The first few days were surprisingly hard. My mind kept wanting to plan, organize and create.

Eventually, though, I relaxed.

I let my “artist hat” take over instead. I simply looked around, took photographs, observed people, noticed light, architecture and little moments that often go unseen.

I’d say I managed to stop working about 90% of the time—which, for me, is actually a pretty good achievement. During Shabbat, as always, it was 100%.

As an artist, though… maybe I was still creating at about 60%.

I’ll happily call that a successful reset.

And finally… perhaps the biggest news of all…

I bought a pair of pants. 🤣

Those who know me know I probably own one… maybe three pairs in total… and I almost never wear them.

So yes, I was ridiculously excited to find a pair I actually love.

Life is made of both big adventures and tiny victories.

Wishing you all a beautiful end to your weekend and a wonderful start to the new week.