I'm back! :)

Due to several problems in real and virtual life, I couldn't publish here since many weeks.
But now I'm back, I'll try to fill the gaps as soon as possible. Stay tuned!

Happy new year of the metal tiger!

And happy valentine's, too!
All we need is love!
The Beatles were so right then singing it. It was broadcast live around the world in 1967. I watched it on tv with my dear grandmother. More than a quarter of a century ago now. Well, actually almost half a century. Can you believe it?! It was only yesterday, wasn't it? Or maybe last millenium, but not t h a t long ago. Sigh.
Today, the year of the tiger started. Metal tiger. Lots of fresh energy, the chinese tradition tells us. I can well do with that. ;)
Happy new year to you all, dear friends, and lots of love to you! Spread the word and the hugs!
P.S.. The fireworks were part of the festivities to the chinese new year at Berlin main station yesterday evening. Wonderful, with lights and sound!

Advices for a good life in 2010

A poem my friend Bettina sent me last week.

Print it out, put it in a frame that you place where you will see it often, and make sure you follow these advices, at least one of them, every day.


ANLEITUNG zum GUTEN LEBEN von Joseph Beuys

Lass dich fallen, lerne Schlangen zu beobachten.
Pflanze unmögliche Gärten.
Lade jemanden Gefährlichen zum Tee ein.
Mache kleine Zeichen, die "ja" sagen
und verteile sie überall in deinem Haus.

Werde ein Freund von Freiheit und Unsicherheit.
Freue dich auf Träume.
Weine bei Kinofilmen.
Schaukle so hoch du kannst mit einer Schaukel bei Mondlicht.

Pflege verschiedene Stimmungen.
Verweigere dich,' verantwortlich zu sein' - tu es aus Liebe!
Mache eine Menge Nickerchen.
Gib Geld weiter. Mach es jetzt. Es wird folgen.
Glaube an Zauberei, lache eine Menge.
Bade im Mondschein.

Träume wilde, fantasievolle Träume.
Zeichne auf Wände.
Lies jeden Tag.
Stell dir vor, du wärst verzaubert.
Kichere mit Kindern, höre alten Leuten zu.
Öffne dich, tauche ein. Sei frei. Preise dich selbst.

Lass die Angst fallen, spiele mit allem.
Unterhalte das Kind in dir. Du bist unschuldig.
Baue eine Burg aus Decken. Werde nass. Umarme Bäume.
Schreibe Liebesbriefe...

P.S. Now even though I love this poem, somehow I had my doubts. Was it really from german artist Beuys? It seemed english to me. And in a very bad translation. Am I right? Check here for an english version.
P.P.S. Here, we are supposed to watch snails, not snakes. Makes so much more sence. And asks for a better translation.
P.P.P.S. Research has to be continued....

Falling in love with a cupboard

Isn't this a beauty?! A friend of mine is moving, and can't keep all of her family furniture. So I decided in the spur of a moment, I'll buy some. I was lucky and got this Biedermeier cupboard today.
It's too big for my small house in Vaihingen, but Anna and Volker want it. And I got them a table, and a few chairs plus more goodies from 19th century.
Which I'll be the lucky owner of until I'm moving back to Stuttgart. :)

Have a very happy, peaceful and prosperous new year, y'all!

"Dinner for one" on tv - a mustsee on new years' eve in Germany!
Another traditon is a song that will be sung all over the world tonight by millions of people: "Auld Lang Syne" by Robert Burns. My favourite version is the one sung by Dougie MacLean. I love it.

Xmas in Finland

Elsis from Finland (now in Riga) sent me this music video.
Have a wonderful time with family and friends, as I do in Stuttgart!

Merry Xmas from Simon's cat

And a very merry Xmas from me, too!
Enjoy more from Simon's cat (and all the videos) here.