The Dutch Word for Gift
A story of kindness.
Hello there! And welcome to Dandelion Seeds, an illustrated newsletter that is hand-painted and hand-lettered, from my desk to yours.
Friends, I’m thrilled to have a new illustrated essay to share with you today, accompanied by brand-new artwork I just finished painting over the weekend.
Ever since we moved to Antwerp this summer — which is located in the Dutch-speaking (or rather, Flemish-speaking) part of Belgium — I’ve been collecting moments, just as Elena and I love to collect walnuts in our new local park.
This essay tells the story of one of my favorite moments from the past few weeks, and it’s about the small kindnesses that can mean so much when you’re on your own somewhere new.
I can’t wait to hear what you think, and if there’s someone you know who might enjoy it, please feel free to send the story their way, too.
With love,
Candace
Your posts always feel like a cadeau when they hit my inbox!
Did you know that although ‘cadeau’ is the only officially correct spelling of the Dutch word for gift, informally the alternative spelling ‘kado’ can also be used? And since we love diminutives, we’ll often use ‘cadeautje’ or ‘kadootje’ when we talk about a (small) gift.
Such a sweet story. The cherry and plum paintings make my heart sing!