Sometimes you get stuck in a rut. (Or I, to be more precise).
Miss the forest for the trees.
After an exhibition on "Harry Graf Kessler - Flaneur through Modern Era" we needed a coffee. Harry was such a restless Dandy, knowing so many people - Isadora Duncan, Josephine Baker, Henry van der Velde, Hugo von Hofmannsthal, Nietzsche, to name just a few. He connected people. Diaries of 10.000 pages - a man full of seemingly contradictions, political and cultural,
So we sat in front of Starbucks with full view of the Brandenburger Tor (between the columns tarpaulins - behind them the fan park for the European Football Championship) and the sun was shining like mad. No shade, no parasols.
But I wanted a coffee (so much that I even accepted Starbucks').
And so I changed perspective.
I had an umbrella in my handbag - and used it the Japanese way: saved!
I'd never expected that at this stage of my life I would often
Voluntarily or not: after doing it I suddenly feel - vulnerable in a pleasant way, alive.
Side benefit: I see solutions. So I say:
"If you brexit, my friends - I'll change perspective. You leave - so I will come. In August."
Looking forward! Westward Ho!
Dear Britta - new perspectives are on the horizon, as yet unknown - but you will always find a welcome here dear friend.
ReplyDeleteThat is a wonderful promise, thank you, Rosemary!
DeleteI hope and believe, that in politics they will work out a good solution - and hope that more young people use their right to vote next time (independent from what they vote).
That's it - stay positive.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Tom - in Germany we have a new CD from Udo Lindenberg (your Bremerhavener friend will love it), who sings "and if life makes you hit the canvas: hey, a fighter, he always gets up again."
DeleteDrop in here and meet us if you are in East Anglia Brit. See P for real, and me.
ReplyDeleteThank you , Rachel, we might drink a coffee or tea together, and that would be absolutely great! East Anglia (except a short visit to Cambridge) is new to me. In August I'm staying in London - but there will be other trips. And please remember vice versa: Berlin Calling!
DeleteA coffee and an umbrella can bolster your perspective any time.
ReplyDeleteThat's a very wise maxim, Joanne - and some sugar too, please!
DeleteThink pink, think positive, that's the way to go Britta! :)
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful picture of you with that pink umbrella as background. When my hair grows, I want to cut it like yours; I think pink too :)
Greetings Maria x
Thank you, Maria, that explains the lots of pink I have :-) I am still "working" with my barbiere (sounds strange to me - is acconciatore better?) for a perfect look - and every time when I have "tamed" them, I either move to another city - or they learn a new trade (happened in Berlin two times - but I was NOT the reason for that deporable decision :-) Greetings, Britta xx
DeleteA 'barbiere' is fine if you like to have your beard trimmed and a short back-and-side haircut but, I think you'd prefer a 'parrucchiera' instead Britta :) xx
DeleteHaha, I thought so - it sounded so wrong! But "parruchiera" didn't sound right either - it sounds like "wig-maker" - I don't need that either :-) xx
DeletePlease don't stop experiencing the "first times". They do come along every so often if we are observant enough to recognize them. They are what keeps us young at heart. And they need not be extraordinary. It may be as simple as being the first time to smell that particular rose. It smells so lovely doesn't it?
ReplyDeleteYes, dear Emma - the rose scent is so delicious - I like the more citrus-like version, though the Damaszener-roses, powdry-sweet, are lovely too. And you are right about the "first times" - but sometimes, when they are not that pleasant, one has to work hard to see the good in them (well, Pink sings: "What doesn't kill you makes you stronger") But you know: I am truly an optimist, and that always worked out in the long run.
DeleteThe Pink definitely gives you a brightness.
Delete"You leave - so I will come." That is a lovely, welcoming phrase to see in these hard times.
ReplyDeleteThank you, Sue. I hope you come here too!
DeleteOur country is certainly in a state of flux but it will all settle down as long as everyone keeps their heads and stays calm. Hope you enjoy your trip here in August.
ReplyDeleteTrue. It is so easy to fall into pts of excitement (if this image exists). I will enjoy my visit, I'm sue, thank you!
DeleteI voted ' Remain ' Britta but, as Elaine says, I'm sure that things will settle down and life goes on !!
ReplyDeleteWishing you a lovely time here in the UK and hope it warms up for you !! XXXX
Yesterday I made the acquaintance of a lovely English lady from London - we talked to each other in a café, for a long time, and she told me about the weather these days (flooded!). But, though Edna O'Brien titled "August is a Wicked Month", I am sure it will be fine. :-)
DeleteI am in awe of Kessler, an astonishingly intelligent man. But I am also impressed with the colors imparted to your image by a parasol --the candid snapshot is elevated to a work of art. In my mind, its title will always be "I had an umbrella in my handbag".
ReplyDeleteGeo., thank you! I love your title - Berlin friends always joke because, cautious by living for 6 years in beautiful but rainy Hamburg, I often carry the ultra-light thing - mostly it will not rain.
DeleteYou are the first person who gets an answer here on my new (rose-coloured, of course) MacBook - so proud of that little light jewel :-) Kessler was really interesting, very educated, moving from country to country, person and subjects. He had an impressing collection of paintings - and was robbed by the Nazis. The exhibition was well done.
Britta...I have experienced a few firsts lately, as well. What a treat at this stage in my life! And a pink umbrella is a good idea anytime...come rain or shine. With temperatures nearing the 100 degree F point here, air conditioning is mandatory...or at the very least shade! Enjoy the days leading to your westward journey. Safe travels... Susan
ReplyDeleteSusan, isn't it astonishing? (But then: I had very strange imaginations about getting older :-)
DeleteI love colour in rain, or winter - makes one smile. And you have lots of heat - but I bet: a parasol too.
The older we get, the less frequently we encounter the opportunity to experience a "first," but I think it's important that we continue to seek and appreciate them. Keeps us young, and enriches our lives. (whether we want them to or not!)
ReplyDeletePink suits you. I hope you wear it often. :)
Thank you, Susan - I have almost always a little bit of pink about me (at least my bright lipstick :-)
DeleteYes, looking for things new, being open-minded, is important for growth. Growth is not always comfortable (ask a butterfly :-) - but otherwise we would petrify.