I wonder if something changed. I did not get credited for my latest two blogs. Does anyone experience the same or is it me?

Whaha, our cats came in, a few days ago, soaking wet. Since this morning I know why.

I got out of bed and looked outside to see a little pool of water next to our neighbors house. Well, I thought, the snow is gone, here's the mud. When I turn around, to make myself a nice cup of good morning coffee, I realize I hear water running. I look outside a second time and notice it is running our of the corners of our neighbors house. A closer look and I see it is not a small pool but a big one ;-)

After calling the authorities we find a house where it is raining inside.

What happened. The occupants were people from Poland who came to Belgium to work but left for Poland to spend Christmas with their family. The forgot the freeze we were expecting this week. This freeze made their ...

Did you see the newest trend being set by one of the first and biggest stocks around (can't mention name here).

They are selling licensed music. How far will it go?

Ofcourse if ayone needs to upload their Christmas pics they are probably too late. It is time to think about valentine and the Easter bunny.

But how about snow pics?

Is it too late for that also. Is it time for summershots already?

What do you think?

This weekend we'll be off for three days of relaxing in a wellness hotel in one of the most beautiful surroundings of Europe when it comes to forestry. Schwarzwald Germany. We are hoping for some snow to be able to make some nice photo's.

Earlier I wrote a small blogmessage about me going to myself a, so called, chamber of commerce number so I can start doing business with DNF-Style.

Well..............

I didn't.

Why?

As some know I have just been laid of buy the company I worked for, but since I worked there for 8 years they are paying me till February 5th and after that I will have rights to unemployment money (2 months 70% and 12 months 70%of that same 70% of my last earned wages.

Well guess what, If i get a chamber of commerce number before I am enlisted for unemployment money, I won't get anything. I have to make sure I get that money first and then tell them I am starting my own business so they will support me. Else they will say, you do not need money you have your won business.

So...I can'...

Wish me luck you all.

I am now leaving for the Dutch Chamber of Commerce to get myself a commerce number to make DNF-Style an official company.

Tax bureau is next.

I need to talk about something that really is starting to annoy me.

This whole year we have been getting mails about entering contests. of course there are a few that really bring you your exposure and a slight amount of fame.

But most of them don't bring you anything. They only bring the organisation your money.

10 USD up to 150 USD for just entering your photo in the competition. And what do you get when you win? 1500 USD and a publication in a their own book which of course you get for free but will be sold worldwide to others. Think about 1000 entries a 50 USD and it is very simple mathematics to see who really wins the contest.

Only one time I entered myself and the result would be known next week. But it seems they have not raised enough money from the contestants ...

We'll I decided:

I am going to become a full time pro photographer or die trying.

But first I have to get past all the bureaucrats that are momentarily making it very very difficult for me.

My situation seems rather special to them.

I am working for 8 years now in The Netherlands and I am of Netherlands nationality. However moved to Belgium where I bought my house. In my case I am paying all my income tax to the dutch gov.

Now it comes. I first will have to proof that my only connection with Belgium is my house before I can get my unemployment money from them. In this age you'll have to do everything online. Easy and convenient. Where it not that they introduced the digital autograph or so called DigID. You'll nee that in order to do all these things online. BUT in order ...

Yesterday I got the message that after 8 years of working for the same company they had to shrink down and they decided to make my function obsolete so the requested my resignation.

Damn, job gone, 42 years old, almost no education. How in hell am I gonna find a new job. What is it what I'm good at.

Besides talking and inspiring others, there's photography.

We'll let's find out what we can do.

I am scared shitless but my new life or career starts here.

Easy scary and silently.

I'm gonna try to keep you guys updated.

Luckily Danielle is getting offered a solid contract at the firm she works.

edited by admin - moved image to the top