AnWiMeDi

Annemiek, Melissa, Wietske... I've studied with these girls (Bachelor in Creative writing) in Amsterdam. We did most assignments together, stayed a tight group when each of us did our internships in different places, we are all still writing in some way and can always rely on each other for feedback.

But more important, we've grown together since our first year at the Hogeschool Holland. It's funny to see how incredibly different we are from each other. Our appearances, where we live, where we come from, our life styles and most of all our interests. Still, it's always good, whether fun or serious. I guess it's these differences that makes our get-togethers always so interesting.

During our internships we launched an internet community in order to keep in touch. Yes, it was very girly in some ways, nothing wrong with that. After the Hogeschool Holland we all went our different ways. We only see each other occasionally, but we keep in touch. The old internet community is no longer active, but it's fun to read our postings; from the four of us, who do you think will be the first to become a mother? Answers or guesses have changed a few times since then. What would our answers be at this moment?

It seems as if we are entering a new period in our writing, publishing and keeping in touch. Three of us recently started a blog, sharing with all friends and family. I'm not sure how it is for the other girls, but publishing more personal thoughts on a blog, for me, is to dare to open up, show yourself. Vulnerable, or strong?

So, our former internet community has some what died and we are now publishing our own thoughts out in the open. The connection between us, however, seems to've grown more intense. What an interesting paradox. Going your own way, taking your own space, share in the open and feel more connected. I love this way of personal growth (no, not trying to reach the 1.60m), it gives me so much pleasure to watch others grow and it delights me to be part of my friends' lives.

Do you thing, sweeties, continue to shine...