Blog / Chronik

 

To wake alive, in this world

What happiness.

-Shoha

 

I have returned home after a quiet retreat to an isolated island 13 miles off the coast, away from the temptations of cell phones, computers, social media, emails, and the constant influx of digital information. I now find myself back to the “real world.” How will I adjust again to the pressures of work, relationships, and society? I long to be back among the wind and the clouds and the bluffs. I will find my peace within the sounds of the traffic outside my window, the hectic comings and goings of the world around me. I will hold onto the slow, quiet life on the island, and keep its lessons within my heart.

G8F6+5M Richmond, Rhode Island

It’s a battle. Every single working day. Man against innerspring, the obligation to get to work on time versus the obligation to do some extra self-care by enjoying the comfort of my bed for as long as anyhow possible.

As a passionate late-riser getting up as early as 5:30am too often feels like a violation against the most basic human rights for me. But then, particularily in early spring, there are these days that don’t make me me feel like being an extra in a Day of the Dead sequel but like a truly unusual witness of how fantastic and majestic the appearence of these early hours at that time of the year over here can litterally be!

XV6P+GCF Guggenberg

 

Here we see the typical American feline in its natural habitat. Cold and unfeeling, American cats are much unlike their cuddly Austrian counterparts. We can see the almost lifeless eyes; this cat is ready to strike its poor, helpless victim in a fit of kitty rage. Be wary of cats in the United States, for they are ruthless without exception. And if you come face to face with one in some dark alleyway, you’d better hope you have some treats in your pocket.

FFJG+45 Kingston, South Kingstown, RI

Dimly lit, cozily warm – a lullaby for the cortex insularis and any visitor’s restless mind. Inspirational for centuries – may it be single persons or the masterminds behind global coffeehouse chains.

For me this picture is an Ode to not only the archetypical Kaffeehauskultur/culture of coffeehouses here in Austria but also for the miraculous side effects that visiting such a place traditionally has on the human mind.

People come here to read newspapers for hours, to drink coffee or tea all while diving into a book for half a day or longer or to simply grab some pen and a few sheets of paper to continue writing a letter that hasn’t found its finishing touches for a long, long time…

WQ9X+6Q Gmunden

the passing of time

a quiet contemplation

the nature of life

 

MH88+MX East Greenwich, Rhode Island

 

Years passing by

A strange Katamari rests

Rusty, thankful joy.

8FVMXRV2+FW – Steyrermühl

 

The sun rises on a special day–Stefan’s birthday!

While Rhode Islanders are just beginning their days, it’s already after noon in Austria. Several hours later, as I write this, it is evening overseas. When the day is over in Europe, I will still be celebrating. How long is a day? Wherever you are and whatever the time, let’s raise a toast to my dear friend Stefan. His compassion, thoughtfulness, and ability to make others smile is truly worth commending.

Happy Birthday from 4,000 miles away–an international celebration!

9GPF+C5 Narragansett, Rhode Island

It has already happened a few times. That maintaining this blog has some very, very curious side effects on me. It’s constantly adjusting and widening my general perception of various things that were formerly more or less “invisible” to me. Take the tradition of the Liebstattsonntag (Liebstattsunday) as an example: I knew it existed. I knew that many people were trying to meet in and around my hometown to have some good times with their close ones and to gift them one of these gingerbread hearts from the above picture. But what I didn’t know was that all of this was not some kind of newly invented “Cousin of Valentine’s Day” but that it’s indeed a several hundred years old tradition over here in the Salzkammergut. Honestly, realizing this feels a bit embarrassing to me. Bbut then I think: better now than never.

Oh, and the link between this post and it’s title is this one: there is a saying around and about the Liebstattsonntag. In German it says: “Gegen jede Art von Schmerz hilft ein echtes Liebstattherz.” which roughly (unfortunately without the nice rhime) translates into English as follows: “Against all kinds of pain helps a true Liebstattsonntag-heart.”

WQGQ+9W Gmunden

 

Standing over the highway, looking out at the city in the rain. Never a day wasted–there is always an adventure to be had.

 

RJ94+7F Providence, Rhode Island

Even the most mundane objects can hold a sense of fascination, and for some, even the smallest details can capture their attention. Take, for example, the humble light switch. While it may seem like an unremarkable part of our daily lives, there are those who find themselves captivated by its design, its function, and its place in our homes.

As the writer Annie Dillard once said, “Beauty and grace are performed whether or not we will sense them. The least we can do is try to be there.” And so, for those who are willing to take notice, even the most ordinary things can become a source of wonder and joy.

WQ9X+WPF Gmunden