Tuesday, June 19, 2012

Miluji tě, tvoje Evička


Žádná smrt nemůže být zlá,
které předchází dobrý život.
               - V. M. Kramerius


Last week we lost a beautiful man.  A man who loved with all his heart, put his family before himself, saw the beauty in nature and all of God's creatures, didn't have a selfish bone in his body, and lived his life with a passion.  Last week I lost my beloved DinDin.  

With tears running down my cheeks and eyes blurred by tears, I share this not because I want your sympathy, but because it makes me feel better to express my love for him and because I think that maybe, just maybe, he's reading it wherever he may be.  I can only hope that he's with his loved ones...with his beloved wife who he lost 18 years ago this December, and whom he never stopped loving. 

DinDin didn't want us to be sad, he didn't even want me to know of his passing until after the service, but my father couldn't hold that wish, for which I'm thankful.  It seems that he knew his time was coming; that he made peace with it and was ready to move on from this life.  Maybe that's what is so hard for me...to think he was ready, to think that maybe I could have done something to make him want to stay longer.  And it tears my heart in two knowing that I didn't get one more chance to hold him; one more chance to tell him that I love him.  

He knew we'd cry, and he said that's ok because tears are cleansing, but he wanted us to remember him with a smile and a glass of wine, schnapps or beer.  This is how he'd want to be remembered...happy, always toasting to life



 God looked around His garden
and He found an empty place. 


He then looked down upon this earth
and He saw your tired face. 


He put His arms around you
and lifted you to rest. 


God's garden must be beautiful.
He only takes the best. 


My father chose this song for the service because in so many ways the words are perfect for DinDin's life...it's beautiful, makes me cry, but is beautiful, touching, and true.  DinDin did see the beauty in things so many of us take for granted, and I'm glad to have learned that appreciation from him.


 DinDin, my entire life you have been there, watching over me, teaching me, making me laugh and comforting me when I was sad.  I'm sad now, and although I would love nothing more than to hear your voice or hug you , I'm taking comfort in knowing you're still with me, watching over me, by my side...and always will be.  

Miluji tě,
tvoje Evička



Happy Name Day, Květa! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!


Today we honor Květa.  Happy name day, Květa!
The name Květa is of Czech origin and means "flower; blossom".  Květa is the English equivalent of Florence, which is of Latin origin and means "flowering; in bloom".

Happy Belated Name Day, Milan! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!


Yesterday we honored Milan.  Happy belated name day, Milan!
The name Milan is of Czech origin meaning "dear, beloved".

Sunday, June 17, 2012

Happy Name Day, Adolf! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!


Today we honor Adolf.  Happy name day, Adolf!
The name Adolf is of Old German origin and means "noble, majestic wolf".  The Latin form Adolphus arrived in Britain in the mid 19th century, having been a German and Swedish royal name as well as a saint's name.  The name had become less popular since the infamous Adolf Hitler and World War II.

Saturday, June 16, 2012

Happy Name Day, Zbyněk! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!


Today we honor Zbyněk.  Happy name day, Zbyněk!
The name Zbyněk is primarily used in the Czech language and is of Slavonic origin.  Zbyněk is the pet form of the Polish name Zbigniew, meaning "to dispel anger".

Friday, June 15, 2012

Happy Name Day, Vít! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!


Today we honor Vít.  Happy name day, Vít!
The name Vít is of Germanic origin and is mainly used in the Czech & Slavic language.  Vít means "wide; wood, forest".

Thursday, June 14, 2012

Happy Name Day, Roland! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!


Today we honor Roland.  Happy name day, Roland!
The name Roland is of Old German origin and means "renowned land".

Wednesday, June 13, 2012

Wake Jam 2012

Fifth annual Wake Jam 2012 
Sunday, June 17th at 2 pm

If you're into BMX, skateboarding, and/or wakeboarding ...this is one event you won't want to miss!  Get on down to Žluté lázně this Sunday - music, cocktails, beach, fun!

Address:
Podolské nábřeží 1108/1, 147 00 Praha 4-Podolí



Before and After

Wenceslas Square in 1883

Wenceslas Square today



Happy Name Day Antonín! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!


Today we honor Antonín.  Happy name day, Antonín!
The name Antonín is of Latin origin and widely used in the Czech language.  It is the Czech form of Anthony, which means "priceless; inestimable".

Tuesday, June 12, 2012

Once upon a time...

Old Town Square when the trams still ran through the square and right by Orloj

Happy Name Day, Antonie! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!


Today we honor Antonie.  Happy name day, Antonie!
The name Antonie is the Czech form of Anthony.  Its origin is Latin and its meaning is "priceless; inestimable".

Antonie holds a very special place in my heart as that was my grandmother's name.

Happy Belated Name Day, Bruno!


Yesterday we honored Bruno.  Happy belated name day, Bruno!
The name Bruno is of Old Germanic origin and derived from the element brun, which means "brown". Brun is an old form of Bruno.  The name was originally bestowed upon people with brown hair eyes, or complexion.

Sunday, June 10, 2012

Happy Name Day, Gita! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!


Today we honor Gita.  Happy name day, Gita!
The name Gita is of Celtic, Sanskrit, and Old Greek origin and means "song".  In addition, in Czech, Gita is the short form of Brigita, which is of Celtic origin.

Saturday, June 9, 2012

Happy Name Day, Stanislava! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!


Today we honor Stanislava.  Happy name day, Stanislava!
The name Stanislava is of Slavonic origin and means "strength, firmness; fame, glory".

Friday, June 8, 2012

Happy Name Day, Medard! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!


Today we honor Medard.  Happy name day, Medard!
The name Medard is of Czech origin and means "great; strong".

Thursday, June 7, 2012

Happy Name Day, Iveta! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!


Today we honor Iveta.  Happy name day, Iveta!
The name Iveta is of Old French origin and means "yew".

Wednesday, June 6, 2012

Happiness is...

...Summertime in Prague

Happy Name Day, Norbert! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!


Today we honor Norbert.  Happy name day, Norbert!
The name Norbert is of Old German origin and means "northern brightness".  St. Norbert was a 12th century German saint.

Tuesday, June 5, 2012

Happy Name Day, Dobroslav! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!


Today we honor Dobroslav.  Happy name day, Dobroslav!
The name Dobroslav is of  Czech origin and means "good glory".

Monday, June 4, 2012

Happy name Day, Dalibor! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!


Today we honor Dalibor.  Happy name day, Dalibor!
The name Dalibor is of Slavic origin and means "fighting far away".

Sunday, June 3, 2012

Happy Name Day, Tamara! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!


Today we honor Tamara.  Happy name day, Tamara!
The name Tamara is of Hebrew origin and means "date palm".

Saturday, June 2, 2012

Happy Name Day, Jarmil! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!


Today we honor Jarmil.  Happy name day, Jarmil!
The name Jarmil is of Czech origin and means "spring favor".

Friday, June 1, 2012

Happy Name Day, Laura! Všechno nejlepší k svátku!


Today we honor Laura.  Happy name day, Laura!
The name Laura is of Latin origin and means "the bay, or laurel plant."  In classical times, a crown was made from the leaves of the bay laurel for heroes and victors as a symbol of honor and victory.  It became a popular name after the 1944 film "Laura".