#120 

What a fantastic video. I'm really grateful you let Lucas and I visit you for a few days. The space is every bit as epic and beautiful as it seems in the videos. And thank you for the conversations, really gave me a lot of food for thought.

At age 62, I can tell you that the questions of “What’s my life all about? What am I doing? Where am I going, and what will I do?” never really go away, and they shouldn’t! There are enough solid ways to grow and rules, and if we keep asking ourselves questions about our life‘s paths, and especially if we follow our curiosities, we will see and experience great things!

This is the RU-vid community I’ve been looking for!!! Kind respectful creator and a Wonderfully Kind and Respectful comment section. 😌

So another Sunday with Martijn. I’m sitting on my front porch with coffee waving to the old guy across the street (oh well…we’re both old) who I have introduced to Martijn. We raise our coffee mugs to each other and go back to watching this video. Oh to the joys of these Sunday mornings!

As a child when I went to the countryside in the summer to my great-grandmother's house, my father immediately built a swing under an old chestnut tree. Happy and carefree days. I have been living in this house for 10 years, close to seventy years of age. I'll build a swing.

Thank you Martijn, so happy that the boots fit like a glove. Let me know when it’s time for a resole. Enjoy the boots, wear them with pride, David.

watching it in 4k on a wide screen is a whole new experience. Thank you Martijn for the content you are providing us.

You probably know this already, but your channel is so important to so many that live in the craziness of city living. This is true living and not the rat race most of us are in. I hope to experience this before my time is up on this journey we call life. Thank you for reminding the world to slow down...

Today I learned about the large number of azaleas growing wild in the Italian alps. They're so beautiful. Thank you once again, Martijn, for making life richer.

One of the reasons I love Sundays- I get a Martijn video ❤️

Beautiful, thoughtful, reflective video. The garden? The old farmers knew they had to accept what nature gave them. At age 88, I can say we always look back and wonder "what if I had taken that path?". If you can cry, laugh, love, and make a person's life better, maybe, you had it right. Thank you Martijn. Your journey gives us hope and makes us happy.

oh my word ... the dinner conversation with Martjin, Nataniel, and Lucas really really hit a core. After the death of my mother, and father, and the suicide of my fiance (all within 6 months of each other), up uprooted from South Africa, gave my successful business away, and bought a house on a Greek island - I was looking for peace, quiet and answers. I spent 4 years of hard work as a now 61-year-old woman on my own renovating a 300-year-old stone house... my body is now "broken", the house was completed and is spectacular, but it did not fill the void... so I am now on the search of a new project... where ever that may be...

When a really great video ends, my first thought is usually "oh no, it's over already? ". Bravo, Martijn. Love the swing, and your hiking segment was breath taking.

I watch these great videos and wonder how many people living in the big cities in the USA who are experiencing life in the rat race would love to escape their prisons and live a much more rewarding life. I think I will now listen to some John Denver music. Have a great week everyone! God Bless all of you!

Noisy cows and goats made me smile, but most enjoyable was the hike and your capture of the breathtaking scenery. Thank you for sharing.

You are right about your video story being a partner with your adventure. It’s cross pollinating your purpose, keeping things oriented forward and giving you variety when the slog time hits. It made me smile today that maintenance has become part of your project. Everything you’ve created now takes time to maintain. Like any thriving homestead you now divide your time between creating anew (the sweet swing) and caring for what has become. Thank goodness your energy seems bountiful. You go, Martian! One day when you reach my age I hope you have a young, enthusiastic, gentle soul to watch, someone just like you, going all out on a project and sharing the story with you. Such a blessing you will deserve.

closed captioning subtitling the chickens "Oh Oh Oh" at 0:43 made my day a tiny bit better. (trying hard to see happiness in smaller things :) )

Dear Martijn, thank you so much for dragging along all your equipment, when you make a hike. For the first time, I saw you carrying it, so many times it looked as if you were marching just with a light backpack. Although it was clear, that you have to go back and forth for filming, I was not really aware of the weight you used to carry the whole way long for us! As an Austrian with many precious childhood memories of high mountains and hikes between the red flowers that we call "Almrausch" I am so thankful for the scenery, the views, the cow bells ringing, and every kind of grass that is growing only in that regions and I haven't seen since decades. 🥰

Dear Martijn, a swing on a stately tree with a beautiful view, you’re never too old to reap the pleasure. Thank you for including us into your conversation. You gave good and wise advice. The journey you are on, high in the Alps is a great adventure filled with hard work, sacrifice, uncertainty, beauty, tranquility, solitude and reflection. You share a huge gift with all of us by your videos. Thank you. ❤

So many get frozen in "What is my purpose", especially now for some reason. When you are paralyzed with that question you are unable to just be. Such wise words you offered, Martin.

"A lot of times we don't want to do the things we need to do..." Oh yes 🌼

The hike made me cry. Just the incredible beauty of pure nature. So breathtaking! Thank you for sharing!😍

GOOD MORNING , TO EVERYONE. SO FORTUNATE TO BE PART OF THIS WHOLE EXPERIENCE MARTIJN , BEAUTIFUL FIELDS THAT YOU REBUILD.🌞⭐🌞⭐🌞⭐🌞⭐🌞

Maintain, maintain, maintain... To maintain a video on RU-vid is a lot of work. To maintain your living space takes a lot of work, but in the process Martijn you show us that it is a pleasure and you are creative and developing different skills. You inspire us even when you explore your surroundings.

Listening to the wind in the trees, the best gift given to the ears ever 😌

We moved to an old run down house when i was young. My mother immediately took me to the backyard to show me where we could hang a swing. The magic of that moment came back watching this episode. Ty

I'm 70 and my life would not be anything without that old rugged cross..thank you for that beautiful shot of you sitting by the cross...Roman's 10-9-10

Good advice to younger men who need to understand and embrace the meaning of fortitude and patience. Most "jobs" or daily tasks are routine and "boring" but we simply MUST DO THEM. Our character is forged by the many small, boring, tedious, frustrating, and continuous tasks of life. Accept them, do them readily and well, and the virtue you earn from them is more beneficial than a wanderlust sensation. However, a bit of adventure or a holiday planned and looked forward to, is also a good motivator!

So serene. Thank you Martijn. Every Sunday when I wake up I think of spending some morning time in the Italian Alps with you, the chickens, and whoever may visiting. Blessings to you.

Thank you again, Martijn for allowing us to join on your journey with a little introspection from Nathaniel.

Every video has a special surprise - this week, for me, it was seeing the Alpenrosen in bloom 🙏🏼

i come to your channel every Sunday. This is my way of getting away to a more quiet and peaceful area that I dont have access to. It is a way to meditate. A quite Sunday after church, thank you for your content.

24:15 ....this is a heavy philosophical conversation about Life. Its a fascinating insight into both men's state of mind. But the sheer universality of these questions & answers: "I live my life but what is its purpose - I feel busy, but I don't really know for what or why? To what End am I doing it?" And Martijn offers some very sage advice: "technically speaking, all we NEED to do is eat & sleep to exist - but finding a defined purpose to activity - to identify your own needs & motivation - is the key to some modicum of fulfillment." Fascinating

I'm always impressed with the quality and quantity and diversity of individual shots in these videos - they just keep getting better and more creative. This video is typical - every one of those hiking shots, or the opening shots of flowers and leaves and plants - each one required its own set up, and each one had to be edited and put in place, with the right rhythm and flow! The work on each weekly 50 minute composition, every one unique, leaving hundreds of thousands of us calmer and happier, is such a wonderful gift! Thank you again Martijn! If I made custom fit leather boots, I'd definitely send you a pair. Failing that, I'll just pay attention and notice the details of your work, and let you know that I, and many many others, appreciate the craftsmanship and take pleasure in it - like a well chosen tree swing :)

2 things caught my attention: the magnificent flower bed at the top of the alps and the return of the spectacular cow parade. Nature is the best gardener and creator. I enjoyed watching as always!

I smiled so happily at the noisy spectacle of the cows and goats! There back! Love ❤

35:00 .... you gotta love these wide-eyed American visitors 😂 ...their energy & enthusiasm for MD's vibe is so palpable.

There is Martijn, the wonderful scenery, your woodworking mastery, the chooks, the birdsong and now to top it all off, a joyous tree swing! I live in the mountains of NSW Australia, The Hunter Valley region. My mountains are just hills in comparison. I wonder if I could manage to build a swing at aged 77 with terminal cancer? I reckon there is no reason why not! Lol Thank you Martijn for your wonderful. Videos. I do have one special event that I can share….a Kookaburra comes and sits beside me everyday. 😂 my piece of heaven.

Love the swing! What an epic hike with a view, just breath taking. I always enjoy this Sunday morning habit of having my coffee and watching Martijn video.

1) The hike was inspirational, especially once you reached the top! I was overwhelmed with emotions. 2) Really enjoyed hearing your perspective of life and expressing it through storytelling. 3) Love the swing! It's definitely an instagrammable moment! 4) THE LAWN!!!! OMG. Was concerned when you went back to the house to grab the inhaler. Hope you're feeling better and enjoy the rest of your Sunday Martijn! 💛

Just a suggestion and it's up to you: Create a cellar for food storage, now that you have your vegetable garden, with local stone walls and flooring, this will help you manage your food budget. Best wishes.

The Alps are beautiful. From snow covered to blossoming flowers. Thank you for sharing. 😊

Lovely mountain flowers who bloom in glory whether man sees them or not. Love that feeling of freedom you give with your videos.

As a Portuguese, I am proud to know that you wear boots made in my country. I really appreciate your channel, where I follow all your videos. One day I would like to visit you and see your space. I discovered your channel thanks to my passion for mountain bikes and I have been following every video you publish.

I am going to show this conversation to all my teenage students!!!

This is my Sunday fix.

balance , symmertry, and peace is what I get from your art of doing your work , keep on .

“WOW”… The mountains are so beautiful . Thanks again for sharing ❤

Tu sais Martijn, nous sommes nombreux à aimer tes vidéos, même si cela te prend beaucoup de ton temps, ne les arrête pas. Tu sais pourquoi ?! Parce que tes vidéos , elles nous font du bien. Entendre la rivière dans la vallée, les oiseaux dans les arbres, les cloches des vaches dans les champs, c’est merveilleux !! Nous sommes nombreux à vivre en ville, et certains d’entre nous n’ont pas la chance de voyager, de partir en vacances dans les Alpes, ou ailleurs. Alors, si tu lis mon message, je te dis merci, tu es un bol d’air frais, tu nous émerveilles par la beauté de la nature qui t’entoure. Moi, j’ai hâte de te retrouver chaque dimanche soir et je m’endors avec le sourire parce que j’ai vu de la beauté dans la vidéo que tu as partagé, alors merci à toi, Martijn !

you are also giving something very unique to people every week .. not just what you do, but who you are, and then creating, the serenity, the consistency and beautiful surroundings people get to share in every week;)

I truly enjoy watching your channel every Sunday! It’s a simplicity that I don’t get on any other channel! I find talking so much very irritating and videos are relaxing and calming! Thank you for this!

I never get over at how lovely the mountains are there, and the videography captures it to perfection. Thank you.

You also connect your narrative with several hundred thousand souls - a meaningful conversation.

Three men under a beautiful tree admiring a swing, and testing it out. Awesome! I'm always so thankful for your videos, Martjin❤

Great video Martin,I especially liked your hike,when you got to your sandwich, I thought , I hope it’s prosciutto my all time favorite .As a lad my grandparents made their own prosciutti ,my Dad never learned to make it but often bought it,the brand was La Perla,when it was down to the bare bone my mom would make soup. Such wonderful memories, as you age ,I,m 92 as you age you return to the happy days of your early youth and the love and sacrifices of your parents,they have enriched my life. I shall be ever grateful. Stay well dear friend , your videos are not only enjoyable but even essential to so many of us.

The view from the top of the mountain is just incredible. I'm just awe sruck by the beauty. I love how your getaway is to hike up a mountain. Thank you for sharing this part of your life with us. You live in such a beautiful part of Italy. ❤

Thank you for another slice of your beautiful life!

one of my most favourite Doorlaard videos! Amazing hilltop and very meaningful conversation!

See , that's what we all need ,A life that almost all worries are getting the goats and cattle to higher pastures .Beautiful indeed

Thank you Martijn for everything. I hope you realize how much your videos and yourself mean to all of us. God Bless you!!

Good morning from a humid summer day in Connecticut USA. Good luck to the Netherlands’ football team this Wednesday. 👏😄⚽️⚽️⚽️⚽️🧡

Peace and joy. Each Sunday I find it here. Peace be with you always.

I’ve been here with you on these journeys for many years. I love these conversations, they’re few and far between but really gives us some insight to your heart and what you think about what you’re doing. I’m enamored by what you can do. You’re so talented and it’s as if you’re living inside your creation. You’re not just creating something to put out for clicks your experiencing you’re putting out. Don’t know if that makes sense. I always imagine how incredible the air must be up there in those mountains. Take care of yourself. Keep doing what you’re doing. It’s exciting to watch.

Wow! Just wow! That view is so stunning. You could never feel closer to heaven than being in that moment! I just feel rejuvenated, thank you Martijn.

Been watching your videos since the very start Martijn, and like many others merely enjoying them and appreciating, immensely, the chance to go along for the ride. This was the first time you described how you deal with issues myself and many others struggle with too: finding purpose, drive, what it means to maintain a daily routine, and dealing with everyday mundane drudgery we have to deal with to survive. In other words, how to avoid getting bogged down in side quests, and how to not get burned out by the main quest. I witnessed your short excursions, walks, and recharging breaks through the videos, but until you explained it to your visitors in this video, I never realized how much those were a _necessity_ and what they actually told us about your mental state in those moments... That you are ever so human as well, struggle at times, and that this huge project (reconstruction is hard enough, but the videography? wow...) is not a monolithic effort, but a daily living test that could just as easily fail if you had not balanced the enjoyment with the hard work. Thank you for sharing that insight, you have gained the respect and admiration of myself and many others for this. Best of luck in your efforts.

It's always a treat to see people's reactions when they first learn about the concept of a swing.

Martijn your calming demeanor and methodical approach to things reminds me of why I loved watching Mister Rogers as a child. In all the best ways.

Thank you for taking us a long on your beautiful journey. Each week, there is something special. I hope this project will keep you going for a long time. It's heart-warming to see you gain so much pleasure in what you are doing.

Ok Martijn! Your mind never shuts down does it!? Wonder if it’s just an artist brain! Your ideas are amazing!

Thank you. You make Sundays more special for our household. 👏

You have such a wonderful attitude Martjin. I just love hearing all the birds, seeing those cute chickens, the cows and all the friends who visit. Very inspirational. Thank you!

You are the most intelligent, resourceful, creative, artistic, talented nature living person there is. We live watching your videos every Sunday night.

It isn’t Sunday without a Martjin video, lovely as usual. Fun to see Nathaniel Drew visiting! The cows and goats returning truly marks the season. Thank you as always.

WOW the cinematography is amazing. My Grandparents came from Italy and always told me how beautiful it was .

Thanks for posting and sharing. Nice to see and hear cattle, and goats being moved.

Beautiful mountain views and flora. I love those pink blooms. They look so fresh and vibrant! Thank you Martijn for the super captures. 🇲🇾

Greetings Martijn from New Orleans, I greatly enjoy our Sunday visits. May God continue bless you and your endeavors.

I admire your positive attitude And the way you take pleasure in the simple things of life. That was a beautiful panoramic view at the end of your hike. Good job with the swing. I’m glad you had company this week and they were able to help you. The Piemonte region has had too much rain this year so far not a good thing for your garden. Wish you health until your next video.

I just can't get enough of the clanky parade of cows and goats! What a auditory rush! I hope you enjoy it as well; it must be very loud in person.

Grazie Martijn, grazie di cuore! Quando sei arrivato in cima, alla Croce, ho ringraziato Dio che mi ha permesso di vivere in un paese unico!

I hope you like the boots. Regards from Lisbon/Portugal ❤

Thanks for sharing the conversation about life. In living day to day, if we are lucky, we ponder questions early enough to consider where we are going. That is why I love to travel and have conversations with people. I'm honored to share in their feelings about their lives. I'm retired from healthcare, so it was a privilege to peer into others' lives for a moment. Beautiful cinematography and loved watching the clouds this week. As always, love seeing your progress.

What a perfect view from the top of the mountain somewhere to think and unwind brilliant Martin

@nathaneldrew's enthusiasm for your old-fashioned tree swing makes me smile...never lose that childlike appreciation for simple pleasures in life! The drone shots going up the mountain as you were hiking are breathtaking! I loved the snippets of conversation about projects ... a whole video of a round table discussion on that topic with your friends there who are doing similar projects would be really neat to listen to! Thanks for sharing your life.

I always enjoy my Sunday mornings in Italy. Thanx

What a high traffic day on the mountain! First the cows and then the goats - what a noisy spectacle as you said. So fun to watch them try to break away for a visit with you! Thanks for another marvelous visit.

Martjin you have done an EXCELLENT job on your property ~ Truly a Mountain Paradise ~! Thank You for Sharing💚

My Sunday reward!

Awesome progress, Martijn. Beautiful footage of your walks in the forest. I enjoyed your heart to heart conversations with Nathan & Lucas. Thank you for sharing. Until next week xxx

My....Oh....My. It is just heavenly. Thank you Martijn

Love the wild flower patches…pollinators will too!

New boots!!!!! These are the best “tools” for all the awesome work you do ❤️👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

I had tears when you came to the Cross! Incredible! He loves you Martijn. I sat on Pikes Peak in Colorado. The was our flag whipping in the wind! It is overwhelming to see such created beauty!!

Ahh, so you ARE approximately at the same altitude as I am here on Whitetop Mtn in Virginia. I have often thought the mists and the terrain look so much like mine. Beautiful swing, what a great idea. I loved mine as a child and are still attracted to them. Here, the blackberries are ripening and, with them, come the bears. I have seen them rolling on their backs beneath plucking branches and having their fill like kids beneath a grapevine. With their huge paws, the cannot pick individual berries, so they tear off a whole cane and just munch away. They do seem very dexterous with their mouths, much like my border collie picks through his food to snarf out the pieces of meat. Lol, we love our environments so very much. Cheers to you, Martijn ❤️.

Martijn I have absolutely ran out of words to describe your beautiful beautiful videos. The hike to the top of the alps where I was so surprised to see the wild azaleas in bloom was perfect. A perfect time of day and evening twilight was so beautiful. Do you ever feel like you are living on top of the world? The swing, oh my goodness what memories that brings back to me. I had to chuckle when the “noisy spectacle”, came to visit. At least you don’t have to worry about the dogs attacking the little chick. So sorry the garden is struggling. It is difficult most anywhere to have the perfect weather for growing vegetables. As aways THANK YOU for delivering another great life adventure to so many of us. Have a wonderful week coming up. 👩🏻‍🦰 Ann from Va. USA 🇺🇸

Beautiful captures of chickens, birds chirping, and clearing out overgrowth - feels like I can breathe more freely. Also gorgeous pink flowers on the mountain side. Got a chuckle out of the shot of your bare feet, feels so wonderful with sun's healing warmth and the fresh air. Lovely hike as well.

Good to see you again, Martijn...

The whole meaning of life is right at the top of your walk. Beautiful! Thank you for sharing the country you live in and the space of your life.

Just now watching ,@ the 11:10 mark.. As I was watching you walk up that grassy hill with that beautiful expanse stretched out below ..It reminded me of a scene from the movie "Sound Of Music" ..when Maria twirled around on the mountain side..and sang 🎶 The hills are alive with the sound of music🎶 🎶With songs they have sung for a thousand years 🎶The hills fill my heart with the sound of music 🎶My heart wants to sing every song it hears🎶

Martijn you are a calm and nice artist. It’s always a great splendor to see and admire the nature with you. Thanks so much.