"Raindrops on roses and whiskers on kittens
Bright copper kettles and warm woolen mittens
Brown paper packages tied up with strings
These are a few of my favorite things"
Do you know this jazz standard from the musical "The Sound of Music"? You might be wondering what it's doing here. What does it have to do with painting? What does it have to do with me? Well, this song inspired me to write my blog post today. So I try to show a little bit more about me. I talk about my favorite things.
I believe that you can learn a lot about people by knowing what brings them joy. So today I'm going to give you a glimpse of my inner self. And I want you to join me. I'm curious to get to know you. Maybe you'd like to answer these questions and share your favorite things with me? The "rules" are simple: answer spontaneously and honestly. Are you ready? Let's get started!
What's your best advice?
"Allow yourself to make mistakes."
I think this is one of the best pieces of advice you can follow. Of course, it's not appropriate in every situation, but most of the time our lives don't depend on our mistakes. I also know that this is often easier said than done. We all want to be successful, and who likes to make mistakes?
But the fear of making mistakes can limit us terribly. It blocks our creativity. Creativity thrives on trying new things and moving out of our comfort zone. Allowing ourselves to make mistakes doesn't mean being sloppy or not doing our best. It means accepting the possibility of failure. Mistakes are not final, they are just another step.
Only those who are intrepid can be creative. Not being afraid of failure opens us up to the possibility of wonder - of things we can only accomplish because we dare. I, for one, have learned a lot from my mistakes, and I fully intend to make a few more.
P.S. If you're a heart surgeon, forget this advice.
What brings you joy?
The moment when a project is finished, and I realize that it has worked out. An indescribable feeling!
What are the 5 must-have items in your picnic basket?
When I think of a picnic, I think of sunny days in the park, with my loved ones, surrounded by nature and good food. My picnic basket is probably not that original. I'm sure you'll find similar things in many picnic baskets. Things that arouse desire:
- Cheese is perfect for a picnic. It's easy to transport, and if you bring a small selection, you can try different flavors. I like cheeses that are full-bodied but not too tart. I like it with fruity or nutty notes. Gruyère is one of my favorites.
- Fruit is the perfect complement to cheese. Have you ever tried fresh peach on cheese, with a touch of freshly ground pepper? A delight! Or grapes, blackberries, figs ....
- Bread or baguette fresh from the bakery - delicious! Accompanied by hummus or some dips.
- A selection of olives, pickled vegetables or other antipasti. Little things, just for the evening.
- And of course, a good wine or fresh juice.
A blanket and a book are also a must!
City - Country - River: The destination of your dreams
Without a doubt, my favorite travel destination is Italy. From the beautiful landscapes of Tuscany to the fascinating ancient cities of Rome and Pompeii, this country has so much to offer. There is nothing like spending an entire day wandering the art galleries of Florence and admiring the works of the greatest Renaissance artists. And the cuisine ... mmh ... delicious antipasti, pizza and pasta ... and gelati ...
Italy just has it all: art and culture, enchanting landscapes, flavors and colors, that delicate light, and wonderful people. Every time I travel to this incredible country, I discover more of its beauty. Rome is simply my city. Nowhere else do I feel like I do in Rome. But there is so much more I want to see in Italy.
I dream of strolling through the narrow streets of Venice, gazing at the romantic canals and magnificent palaces. Or a tour along the Amalfi Coast, visiting the local markets and sampling all the delicacies.
Favorite pastime
I cannot possibly limit myself to one answer here. Even this is only a small selection:
Togetherness
Painting
Sleeping in
Visiting museums
To laugh
Letting the sea caress my feet
Dreaming and making plans
To read
Go for walks
What is good for you when you need comfort?
- When Stefan is around
- A day in bed with a book
- The sea
- A hug
- Ice Cream
- A walk in nature
- Laughing with my sons
- Sitting at the kitchen table and talking for hours
- The arts
What would you still like to learn?
I always wanted to be able to play the piano. I would like to learn that. And Italian - a beautiful language.
Quick Question Time
Short question, short answer. Try to keep it to 1-2 words.
Favorite smell
Forest soil after rain
Favorite animal
Elephants and giraffes
Favorite weather
Wind
Favorite flavor
Fresh berries
Favorite plant
Weeping willow
Elephant, leaving | Lea Finke | Privatsammlung | Private collection
What's your favorite time of day?
Even though I'm a night person, morning is my favorite time of day. At least in the spring and summer. I like it when the sun is still shyly peeking over the blades of grass. It gives such a sense of ... Possibility...
But balmy summer nights have their own charm, especially when the sound of the sea is nearby. But the chirping of crickets does the trick, too. In the cold season, I like the afternoons more. Preferably with candlelight, tea and meandering conversations with Stefan.
What quality do you admire in others?
Quick wit. I admire people who are able to counter with quick wit. I myself always come up with the right answer a week later. I find sophistication, cleverness, empathy, and the ability to laugh at oneself very attractive.
Bert Brecht's pleasures
It's amazing how much we can learn about people from the things that make them happy. Bertolt Brecht, one of the most important German poets of the 20th century, wrote the poem "Pleasures" in 1954 for his last lover, Käthe Reichel. In just a few words, he manages to paint a vivid picture of himself. The verses describe how Brecht enjoys life by taking pleasure in simple things.
Pleasures
The first look out of the window in the morning
The rediscovered old book
Enthusiastic faces
Snow, the change of seasons
The newspaper
The dog
The dialectic
Showers, swimming
Old music
Comfortable shoes
Comprehend
New music
Writing, Plants
Traveling
To sing
Being kind
Bert Brecht 1954
What are the things that make you happy? What are your favorite hobbies, music, or places of desire? Maybe you want to leave your answers in the comments? I'm curious and look forward to learning more about you!
