Britta's Letters from her life divided between city-life in German's capital Berlin and life in a Bavarian village

Sunday 8 December 2013

Toodle-pip! (For a while I have to leave you...)

Britta Huegel

When I move... house...
... When I switch to a totally new parfume (from 'Balenciaga' to 'Shalimar' now) ...
... When I buy a new hat -
all these are indicators that 'something is going on'. All three things together have happened now.
My friends wouldn't be astonished to hear that I moved again - one said to me in Hamburg, where we moved three times in six years, (and then to Berlin): 'My next present for you will be a subscription for a movers company'. 
No - I only moved inside our big flat. Surprised Husband when he came back from university in Hildesheim: I had hired two men who secretly helped me with the big things like wardrobes, writing desks etc (though it still was a lot of work for me, how many tableware and glasses does a woman need?) - and now I am writing in the room with the three big bay windows, and Husband writes in the room opening to the balcony, (though I can still see our balcony from the chair where I sit reading).

Britta Huegel

As a teenager I was always fascinated by a line in a Thomas Mann short story, 'Tonio Kröger', where Tonio, a romantic youth with black curls and a mother who played the violin was deeply (and hopelessly) in love with the blond Hans, the model of a Northern German, said:

'But we are not gypsies in a green caravan, but respectable people, consul Kröger, the family of Krögers ... Quite often he also thought: But why am I so odd, being at variance with the teachers and alien among the other boys? Look at them, the bright pupils and those of solid mediocrity. (...) How orderly and approving with all and everyone they must feel! That must be good... But what about me, and how will all this go off?" (rough translation by me)

Well - how will all this go off? I mean: in my life. Oh no - don't fear - absolutely nothing dramatic has happened - it is more the feeling that I am entering another passage in my life soon. And not only because I have my birthday on December 29.
I need some time - Me-time - to sort all this out. Am a bit tired. Aimless. Not my true self.
So I will leave you for a while - but return, promised.
Next year :-)
(Ha - if you won't miss me you might even put me on your blog-lists - where I am very often not, a lot of you forgot to change that when I abandoned 'You are witty and pretty'. Don't miss my comeback!).
I will still translate a few poems on 'Britta's Happiness of the Day'.
And of course read your blogs.

So: I wish you all a Merry Christmas! And a Happy New Year! 

26 comments:

  1. And a merry Christmas to you, too. See you in 2014!

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    1. Thank you, dear Dominic - and yes: you will! (And maybe a comment before - I still read).

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  2. Best wishes to you in this and all seasons!

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    1. Dear Geo, thank you. Got very good (family) news today - I am happy.

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  3. Dear Britta, you will be missed. Merry, Merry Christmas and good wishes for a Happy New Year! Susan
    P.S. Happy Birthday...a bit early!
    Remember:
    “And the beauty of a woman, with passing years only grows!”
    ― Audrey Hepburn

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    1. Dear Susan,
      I like to hear that! I am quite sure I will return soon - after recharging my batteries. With the beauty: well, well, well,,, though Audrey was always really beautiful. And being the realistic type: I do what I can, and then good enough is good enough. And looking at the candles - hahaha: will they fit on a normal cake? - I am quite content with the results till now. :-) But I prepare (a habit I cannot get rid off). Always choosing the natural way - fitness, nutrition, mind and soul. A full programme - have to see that the point of view shifts a bit more outside, becoming world-wise and giving.

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  4. Well then,let me wish you a very happy birthday, merry Christmas, AND happy new year! (Three, three, three wishes in one!) The 29th was my father's birthday, too. Enjoy your break from blogging!

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    1. Dear Susan,
      thank you! Funny: in Bremen, where I come from, we have a saying "Three is the Bremer citizen's right" (though I do not know where that comes from - they were merchants and sailors). When your father's birthday was the 29th, you know what a row of festivities is following - with Advent, Christmas, Birthday, New Year, and, in our case, 6th January Wedding Anniversary.
      The free time I will use - among other things - to delve into your book on my Kindle!

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  5. 'Toodle-pip' Brigitta - everyone deserves some me time, but so pleased that you will be returning during 2014.
    The 29th December is also my eldest son's birthday - he should really have arrived towards the end of January, so was an early surprise.
    Hope that you enjoy the festivities, followed by your birthday, then New Year. Take care and enjoy♥

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    1. Dear Rosemary,
      so your son came early - I assume eager to explore the world?
      Thank you for your kind words - as every woman around Christmas I have so many little things to do - but I want to enjoy the more silent days in winter too (maybe reading Louisa Alcott's 'Little Women' again - "As Christmas approached the usual mysteries began to haunt the house", she wrote - as long as they don't haunt me :-) And I have to find out which way my blog shall take - though I also love meandering....

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  6. Happy holidays, Britta! See you in the New Year!

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    1. Dear Susan,
      thank you, and the same for you! Maybe you'll manage to see me in - Berlin?

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  7. Dear Britta,

    You will definitely be missed! Let me wish you Merry Christmas, Happy Birthday, and Happy New Year!!
    The two photos you put up are so beautiful and elegant I love the lovely colors in them. I think your saturation setting is really nice.

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  8. Dear Sapphire,
    thank you! At the moment, 'real life' is demanding my full attention - in a kind way.
    We were lucky to find this flat in a quiet but optimal suited nice quarter - the house was built in 1902, with high ceilings, stucco and huge slide doors. That has been a time when people had household help - now it keeps me fit, when I am in the kitchen and the cell phone sings in the entrance hall :-)

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  9. Hi Britta,
    I think that it does us good to have a change around now and again ….. things can get a little stale and boring, so it's lovely to have a refreshing change but not actually move !!!!
    ….. and, you are well and truly on my blog list !!
    If I don't speak to you before, have a wonderful Christmas and a very Happy Birthday and thanks for all of your lovely comments in 2013. Much love. XXXX

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  10. Dear Jackie,
    thank you! I love change - and would like to move to London, but husband has to work here. I know that I am on your blog list and appreciate it - the other bloggers had me before my blog-change too - so I know it is not 'deliberate barring - just forgetfulness. Thanks for all your good wishes which I return (presumably minus the birthday, not knowing which month you were born. :-) XXX

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  11. The holidays are a good time for readjustment: spinal, attitude, economic, vocation, avocation...you name it! I wish you much happiness and peace this holiday season and look forward to your new endeavors in the new year.

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    1. Dear Walk2write,
      thank you: I will use the holidays just for that. "Endeavour" -( Inspector Morse's always concealed first name) - I like it - and hope I'll find a 'line'. The best wishes for you all, too.

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  12. A very merry Christmas to you, my dear friend! I look forward to another wonderful year in which we will grow and learn--and, always, with style to spare!

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    1. Dear Suze,
      thank you, dear friend! I am sure we will do both: grow and learn - I love to read you again next year!

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    2. I feel the very same. xx

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  13. Der Clotee,
    thank you and best wishes for your e.store!

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  14. How odd - I was sure I'd commented! Ah well - the magic of the internet and its gremlins has struck!
    So, you will take a little break. It's a good thing to do. Give yourself the gifts of time to reflect, time to just BE, time to plan and argue with yourself over what is best.
    Then come back, Britta. Til then, Merry Christmas!

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  15. Dear Pondside,
    thank you! The comment function is sometimes very weird in working (or: not working). Having a lot to celebrate at the end of the year - and thoughts about my blog - I need some 'free' time. Merry Christmas too!

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  16. Popping in to wish you happy adventures over Christmas, your birthday and the New Year Britta. Hope you are having lots of fun!
    Paul :)

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  17. Dear Paul,
    thank you so much! On 6th of January we also have our Wedding Anniversary - so many festivities to celebrate.

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