I can name one reason in particular. I have connections and interaction on Facebook with people that I don’t have elsewhere, nor can I easily migrate those interactions easily to a different channel. For instance the people related to my fencing club, the fencing community in general, old schoolmates that reconnect with me, members of my youth orchestra. Those connections are recent additions to my Facebook-experience and I’m not ready to let go of them.

Diaspora is a wonderful initiative and maybe I should give it a better try, but for now it feels too much of a YASN (Yet Another Social Network). There’s a limit to the spaces I can take care of and I prefer to take care of spaces where others talk back to me

At the same time, I truly believe that Facebook is heading for a drastic decline in activity and membership as soon as the general public starts to realize how much information Facebook unrightfully gathers (about their kids). However, people are now so accustomed to having online interaction that they’ll be looking for alternatives. Perhaps this is the time to start inviting all my reconnected friends to Diaspora. That’ll be a first for me, usually a passive networker.

Still undecided, so I don’t delete my Facebook account yet, will enjoy the conversations there and keep my eye on Diaspora’s development.

Last week Lee, of Common Craft, posted a wonderful video of Terry Gilliam (Monty Python) explaining his work flow.

This inspired me to make something for the 40th edition of the fencing tournament my club organizes in 2 weeks time. Here’s the result of my weekend project:

[UPDATE: download it now, read it and share your thoughts on Facebook]

Last year, when Ton turned 40, we organized an unconference to celebrate (of course we also had a bbq party!), and we invited people from our various circles. The topic was ‘Working on Stuff that Matters‘, ‘WSTM’. Some 40 people participated in the unconference, some 20 workshops were held, and it was an event that is still giving us energy almost 18 months later.

We always wanted to create something tangible as an outcome of the event, to create an ‘Epic Sh*t Multiplier’ as we called it on the day. We created an e-book, explaining ‘how to unconference your birthday’. The text was written during the summer of 2010. A professional designer (BUROPONY in Rotterdam, hire them, they’re great!) created the book itself in May/June this year. In the past days we sent out cards to all participants of the unconference to allow them to download the book. We’ll publish the e-book itself online later. Right now it’s a gift for those who attended. A small token of our appreciation for the big gift they gave us by attending the unconference, and the energy and inspiration that is still generating for us. Thank you.

[UPDATE: download it now, read it and share your thoughts on Facebook]

Below are some pictures giving you a sneak preview.

During the design process

First edition

Sending out cards to participants

Her husband Klaas and Ton were best friends at university. They were roommates for several years and stayed in touch afterwards. When someone you know well for such a long time (over 20 years for Ton, 12 years since I came into the picture) you want to reach out at such a difficult time. I offered what I’m good at: creating videos. And gladly Klaas called me, asking me to help putting photos to the music Marijke liked, to show during the funeral.

A tough job. A job done with love. A job I’m proud of.

Marijke was 11 years older than me. We were never really close, but I always respected her so much. From a distance I admired her optimism, especially when diagnosed with cancer. So this was my way to show her and Klaas, that they mean a lot to me.

I synchronised five pieces of music with pictures of Marijke. Two of the songs were played live during the funeral, so I had to gamble that the live performances I found online were at the same speed as they would be played during the ceremony. Klaas selected the photos for each of the five songs. His ideas were leading, I just made it technically possible.

We even managed to receive footage from a local TV station, that interviewed Marijke last June, when Klaas was cycling for the Dutch Cancer Foundation. (interview starts at 1:15) I texted and phoned with complete strangers, something beyond my comfort zone.

Balancing between feeling very sad while watching all the beautiful pictures of her, so energetic and full of life, and keeping a professional attitude towards the end result, all under significant time pressure. Difficult during the process, but it feels so good to have done it afterwards.

Two times we drove to the crematory to test-drive: first to check their installation and the second time to check the clips and the music, one day before the funeral. Perfectionists at work.

I will never forget the tears in Klaas’ eyes when I started playing the first song, with the beautiful pictures of Marijke projected on the screen.

The day of the funeral was intense. I witnessed how Marijke was put in her coffin, carried over the threshold of her house for the last time, put in the car, and was driven to the crematory.

I was very nervous: this was not a dress-rehearsal.

It all went so beautifully. All speakers had such a wonderful story to tell, including Klaas himself. The music was perfect. So much love, right to the very end when Klaas, the family, us and other close friends stood in a circle around Marijke’s coffin to say our final goodbye to her physical presence

The day ended with a dinner with the family and close friends. It felt very special to be part of that circle. The warmth of everyone made me realize how empathic we all are in times of need, even those who normally struggle with emotions.

Afterwards Klaas received many compliments how beautiful the ceremony was. It makes him feel he did a good job in commemorating Marijke as she truly was.

The five songs still play in my head and every time it brings a smile to my face. Although we lost Marijke, we can think of her all the time and see her smile. Tears, for sure, but her death also amplified our love. It made me and Ton realize to spend even more time with people that matter to us than we already do.

Thanks Marijke, for almost 45 years on this planet.

Thanks Klaas, for calling me.

Happy Easter from Elmine Wijnia on Vimeo.

I can’t remember having such a warm Easter Holiday. All I can remember is the chilly version when, as a child, I couldn’t wear my new spring outfit bought the week before. Today it’s Summer, though. Skirts galore! Pleasant, not normal (I hope).

Happy Easter everyone!

Begraaf het dode paard from Elmine Wijnia on Vimeo.

Fablab in Enschede! from Elmine Wijnia on Vimeo.

So glad I have a Fablab nearby now!

Snapshot Berlin: concert in the U-bahn from Elmine Wijnia on Vimeo.

What a difference music makes. Watch the woman in the white enjoy herself.

Ton and I spent a week in Berlin, for both work and fun. I’ve never been to Berlin before, so at last I got to know this city. I absolutely loved it and want to go back there.

I just bought a new camera (Canon 60D) and have been experimenting with it during this trip. Lots of material to review, but for now I just wanted to share this short snapshot with you. I love it when proper musicians play at unexpected places. So much better than the average ’street artist’.

Addictive stress: a game for cats from Elmine Wijnia on Vimeo.

Watch one of my cats play Game for Cats on my iPad. A strange mix of enthusiasm and stress over failed attempts to catch something. Still, she often looks at or touches my screen to hunt for mice. Know what you get yourself into

Filmed with my neighbour’s Nikon D7000, using my own 18-200mm Nikkor lens.

Music: café connection by morgantj