Make My Joy Complete

If you snooze you...

2010-11-21T22:00:00.000+01:00

7:15
I will not unlock my eyes.
7:20
I nestle in the sunshine, clutching it.
7:25
I want to linger in its delicate warmth.
7:30
I want to linger in its radiating newness.
7:35
I cannot spoil a new day if it hasn't truly begun.
7:40
I can dream in this light.
7:45
I can wallow in possibility.
7:50
I pull the covers even closer, shielding my face from inevitability.
7:55
I peek as the sun is sitting high.
8:00
I see the hour hand make its mark.
8:05
I feel logic's nag.
8:10
I remain wrapped.
8:15
I fear and loathe the clock.
8:20
Spoiled.

Silhouettes–Definition Through Simplicity

2010-10-15T05:47:00.000+02:00

All images featured are from Lens, a photography blog associated with The New York Times.

The [Brent Spence] Bridge Song

2010-10-14T03:38:00.004+02:00

You were intertwined with him on your father's couch, and I lay displaced nearby. I overlooked the river as we talked, seeing it divide city from country. As grown up as I felt with elitist upperclassmen, I was aware of the divide, and certainly on the fringe. If I had my license, I would've left, but you wound me around your finger, convincing me to stay and watch The Royal Tenenbaums, braiding me into belonging. You bathed in the uniqueness of this "new" music, mimicking the poetic sounds while deaf to their meanings. I mimicked you.

I discovered the "59th Street Bridge Song" by Simon & Garfunkel long before I recognized that the 59th Street bridge connected Manhattan to Queens, and that for three months, I walked past this bridge almost daily. Past, not over. I was never in the lighthearted mood the poetic sounds insinuated, but then again I was moving so fast, stirring up a deafening wind, that I camouflaged any possibilities of connecting. I ran past, and continued to encounter the divide.

I'm intertwined into an unlikely city now with 1/7 of the population. I drive the Brent Spence Bridge daily, linking work and home. Windows down, I blare "The Seventh Seal" from an old high school mix, the only CDs that play in my car now. The car, the music, the bridge—nothing unique, but all propelling me toward and through. Spinning my straw into gold, I am sewn into the fabric of this city.

Meyer Lemons

2010-09-22T02:32:00.002+02:00

How do you view the lemons that are handed to you? Do you see the sour truth or contemplate the possibilities?

Scattered Pieces

2010-09-09T07:41:00.003+02:00

Between the beaches and the mountains the fog churns. I sit outside the Kodak Theater in the grey, tangled in dreams of the past and present. Angela Lansbury and Lawrence Welk are sex shop doormats, and the Golden Age of this city hangs as a mink stole across my arms, tossed by the gale of a passing Porsche. I feel blindly for a totem, for time has folded up onto itself, broken into pieces and rearranged into something indistinguishable.

The ground is covered in a mosaic of small pieces, stories of dreams realized and grouted into place, stories about packing up and heading west, about leaving everything to gain something. But what happens when plans change, when the mosaic you have laid is now scattered in front of you?

"I went to film school but became known for the dinners I gave, not for my camera work. Now I am a producer of parties, with the guests and the food as co-stars." —Caterer

I gather these pieces from my once mosaic, distorted ideas that are now shrapnel. The pieces cut my hands as I am unable to let go of my design. How do I create from this brokenness?

My pieces must be sorted and rearranged into something more exquisite, to tell a story exceeding my dreams. I can't sort these fragments of my life on my own, yet the pattern of the One who knows the passions of my heart is hidden. How do I trust in the fog?

Music: G-H-I-J-K-L-M-N-O-P-Q-R

2009-09-22T05:01:00.002+02:00

[Album/Artist] "Song"—memory

[Give Yourself Away/Robbie Seay Band] "Rise"—Crossroads
[Gotee Records/Family Force 5] "Kountry Gentleman"—Julie
[A Grateful People/Watermark] "More Than You'll Ever Know"—Kris and Cami
[Grease] "Summer Lovin'"—Andrea's house, middle school, along with that mall board game, and that metalcasting set
[Guero/Beck]—freshman year of college
[Guys and Dolls] "Sit Down You're Rockin' The Boat"—an overwritten cassette, hello how are you doooing...

[Harmful If Swallowed/Dane Cook] "Stupid Alarm Clock Games"—Meghan, freshman year of college
[Hello Dolly!]—Steph, sleeping in muslin piles
[Hideaway/The Weepies] "Just Blue"—driving away from the Hatchet on a cold rainy morning
[The Highest Heights/The Lovebugs] "21st Century Man"—driving with Darwin on the way to Herzogenbuchsee
[Hits/Joni Mitchell] "Both Sides Now"—March 2009
[The Hits/REO Speedwagon] "Keep On Lovin' You"—Dad, the falling over letters
[The Holiday] "Three Musketeers"—Allison
[Home Alone Christmas/Fox Albert Choir] "My Christmas Tree"—Matt, and the Thanksgiving tradition
[Hook] "Presenting the Hook"—a certain bet
[Hopes and Fears/Keane]—Julie
[Horse of a Different Color/Big and Rich]—Senior year of high school, backstage at JLJ, Todd
[Hot Fuss/The Killers]—Julie, getting into the car in the park in Napoleon
[Hotel Paper/Michelle Branch]—Tiffany, painting the 4-H booth
[How It Ends/Devotchka] "How It Ends"—Megan and our drives freshman year
[How To Dismantle An Atomic Bomb/U2] "City of Blinding Lights"—watching A Devil Wears Prada, dad, warm socks
[How To Save A Life/The Fray]—Alyssa
[Hunchback of Notre Dame]—freshman year art history
[Hungriges Herz/Scala and Kolacny Brothers] "Hungriges Herz"—late nights at the Lindenhof flat

[I Am Telling You For The Last Time/Jerry Seinfeld]—Julie, the Kramer silkscreen, Lord of the Flies and AP Lit
[In Bruges]—Katie, assigned theater seats
[Into the Light/Gloria Estefan] "Coming Out Of The Dark"—Dad, the blue Toyota
[Into Your Head/BB Mak]—high school
[Invincible/Skillet] "Best Kept Secret"—wrecklessly pulling into the high school parking lot
[It's Time/Michael Bublé] "Home"—Linda, and driving to Denver

[Jagged Little Pill/Alanis Morissette] "All I Really Want"—Full House
[Jeff Buckley] "Je Nein Connias Pas La Fin"—Jeremiah
[Jerry Maguire/The Who] "Getting In Tune"—late night TV with Dad
[Jock Jams 4/Backstreet Boys] "Everybody"—bedroom dance routines
[Jock Rock 2000/Barenaked Ladies] "One Week"—learning the lyrics in the piano room
[Jock Rock 2000/Fatboy Slim] "Rockerfella Skank"—Christmas at grandma's, She's All That
[Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat]—watching high schoolers in awe
[Josh's Mix/Eminem] "Lose Yourself"—memorizing the lyrics, singing them to Brian freshman year of college
[Joshua Tree/U2] "In God's Country"—driving towards Pikes Peak on a clear morning
[Joshua Tree/U2] "
[Journey Greatest Hits/Journey] “Don’t Stop Believin’”—the Accord
[Juno/The Moldy Peaches] “Anyone Else But You”—When Harry Met Sally

[Kala/M.I.A.] “Paper Planes”—Brooke

[L’integrale Piaf/Edith Piaf]—Camille
[Lady Antebellum] “I Run To You”—Heidi, driving to white water rafting
[LeftRightLeftRightLeft/Coldplay] “Glass of Water”—Coldplay concert/June 2009
[Les Misérables] “Castle On A Cloud”—Solo and Ensemble, middle school choir
[Let Go/Avril Lavigne] “Tomorrow”—driving in the dark, high school
[Let It Die/Feist]—Alicia, Brooklyn
[Life in Cartoon Motion/MIKA]—Julie, New York summer 2007
[Lift/Audio Adrenaline]—Dave and Youth Crew
[Lykki Li] “Dance Dance Dance”—Lily
[Line Dances] “Electric Slide”—Camp Palmer
[Lion King]—collector cards, the genius idea of combining them
[Listen To My Heart]—seeing it at CCM, emotional turmoil
[Little Voice/Sara Barielles]—Christie’s, the Upper East Side in the rain
[Love, Angel, Music, Baby/Gwen Stefani] “Hollaback Girl”—

[Man Comes Around/Johnny Cash] “Hurt”—the upstairs apartment, Basel
[A Mark, A Mission, A Brand, A Scar/Dashboard Confessional]—high school in the rain, driving home for Thanksgiving break sophomore year of college]
[Mary Poppins]—Matt, junior year of high school
[The Matrix/Rob D.] “Clubbed to Death”—the parsonage, Luther League
[Mean Girls/Joe Budden] “Fire”—teen angst
[Memory Almost Full/Paul McCartney]—New York summer 2007
[Miles Davis]—Todd
[Millennium/Backstreet Boys] “Larger Than Life”—
[MmHmm/Relient K]—Phil
[Moulin Rouge] “Lady Marmalade”—Erica’s house for a sleepover
[Move Along/All-American Rejects]—Amanda
[Movie Love Themes/Cincinnati Pops] “Main Theme from On Golden Pond”—Mom
[Movie Music–The Definitive Performances/The Byrds “Ballad of Easy Rider”—Survey of Film, spring 2008
[Mr. Holland’s Opus]—middle school band
[Mrs. Doubtfire]—grandma’s living room
[Music Man]—New York
[My Girl] “Main Theme”—Sunday mornings eating pop-tarts

[Newsies]—middle school choir
[Nickel Creek]—Kris
[Nina Simone]—Sam, A2
[No Line on the Horizon/U2] “Unknown Caller”—the Voltaplatz hi-fi system, Sam, Dublin pubs
[No Pads, No Helmets, Just Balls/Simple Plan]—Amanda’s mixes
[Now/Fastball] “The Way”—
[Now 2/Fatboy Slim] “Praise You”—
[Now 4/Train] “Meet Virginia”—
[Now Christmas/Bing and David Bowie] “Little Drummer Boy/Peace on Earth”—grandma and WNDH

[Ocean Avenue/Yellowcard] “One Year, Six Months”—high school
[Ocean’s 12]—Todd
[On A Clear Night/Missy Higgins] “Where I Stood”—driving with Linda, the Springs
[Once/Glen Hansard and Markéta Irglová]—salmon spaghetti and missing keys
[One Cell In The Sea/A Fine Frenzy] “The Minnow & The Trout]—Allison
[One Cell In The Sea/A Fine Frenzy] “Hope for the Hopeless”—post New York trip, December 2008
[Only By The Night/Kings of Leon] “Sex on Fire”— driving with Darwin to Herzogenbuchsee
[Only the Lonely/Frank Sinatra] “Guess I’ll Hang My Tears Out To Dry”—
[Our Endless Numbered Days/Iron & Wine]—Kris

[The Parent Trap/The La’s] “There She Goes”—Amanda, dreams of traveling
[Patch Adams/Stills and Nash] “Carry On”—
[Paul Simon Anthology]—Amanda
[Pee Wee’s Big Adventure]—Amanda
[Phil Collins: Hits] “I Wish It Would Rain Down”—my parents
[Philadelphia/Bruce Springsteen] “Streets of Philadelphia”—freshman year of college, winter break
[Pink Moon/Nick Drake]—
[The Producers]—the Odyssey
[Psycho–The Essential Alfred Hitchcock] “Dial M for Murder Suite”—watching AMC with mom
[Purest Place/Watermark]—Cami
[PureVolume/Houston Automatic] “Brilliant”—high school

[Rain Man/The Belle Stars] “Iko Iko”—Lamborghinis, mom
[The Reason/Hoobastank] “Lucky”—high school, driving from play practice
[Rent]—Alyssa, Jeremy
[Revolutionary Road/Thomas Newman] “Golden People”—Pathe! Theaters, cultural misunderstandings
[Rockferry/Duffy] “Mercy”—A2, giraffe dress
[Rocky/Bill Conti] “Gonna Fly Now”—Philly art museum
[Room for Squares/John Mayer]—the light booth, Bye Bye Birdie, spring 2003
[Royal Tenenbaums]—Kay and Jordan, the house on Wayne Park Drive

Music: A-B-C-D-E-F

2009-09-11T05:33:00.004+02:00

Isn't it amazing how music can unlock a secret hatch in your brain? The staff lines peel apart, and spew 10-year-old lyrics flawlessly.

I have a little free time tonight. Went through my iTunes. Now regurgitating my music memories.

[Album/Artist] "Song"—memory

[Aladdin] "Arabian Nights"—my cousins' basement, laying on the longhair carpet
[Albertine/Brooke Fraser] "Seeds"—the F train, New York
[All For Coffee/Shane Piasecki] "She Falls Like Rain"—junior year of high school
[All That You Can't Leave Behind/U2] "Walk On"—the Friends finale
[Anthems for the Imperfect/Everyday Sunday] "The One"—AALC Youth Conference, 2005
[Armageddon] "Animal Crackers"—Napoleon Public Library
[Assassination of Jesse James/Nick Cave and the Bad Seeds]—Melody and the Voltaplatz flat
[Atlantic Records: 50 Years] "Yakety Yak" and "Mack the Knife"—singing to myself in the Civic
[Atlantic Records: 50 Years/Sister Sledge] "We Are Family"—Old Navy
[Autobiography/Ashlee Simpson] "Shadow"—high school

[Back to Black/Amy Winehouse]—cleaning the Lindenhofstraße flat
[Balance/Van Halen] "Seventh Seal'—driving home from shark dissections
[Blue Man Group]—Chicago
[Baum Pre-Production] "Hope That We Once Had"—Fasnacht 2009
[Beatles 1/The Beatles] "Ob-La-Di Ob-La-Da"—pizza making party in Indian Hill
[Beautiful Lumps of Coal/Plumb]—Krista and ROAR, 2005
[Beauty from Pain/Superchick]—painting the Calvins in the high school hallway
[Bedknobs and Broomsticks]—red card table, felt bears, toast with brown sugar, sink-washed hair
[Beethoven]—Homecoming dresses and champagne flutes of Mountain Dew
[Begin to Hope/Regina Spektor] "Samson"—jan 2009
[Ben Folds Live] "Zac and Sara"—high school
[Best Of/Ricky Martin] "Livin' La Vida Loca"—middle school dances
[Best Of/Steppenwolf] "Magic Carpet Ride"—Spence from "The King of Queens"
[Billy Joel Greatest Hits] "We Didn't Start The Fire"—middle school choir
[Billy Joel Greatest Hits] "Piano Man"— Senior AP Comp
[Blue/Third Eye Blind] "Wounded"—summer nights in Napoleon
[Breakaway/Kelly Clarkson] "Breakaway"—high school graduation
[Breakaway/Kelly Clarkson] "Since U Been Gone"—a certain speeding incident
[Busted Stuff/DMB] "Where Are You Goin'"—high school art

[Cake] "Wheels"—freshman year of college
[Candycoatedwaterdrops/Plumb] "Late Great Earth"—painting the 4-H booth in the garage
[Chutes Too Narrow/The Shins]—watching Garden State
[Circle/Eddie Izzard]—watching Lego YouTube videos at the WG table
[Classic Hits Live/Foreigner] "Juke Box Hero"—high school
[Classic Queen] "Bohemian Rhapsody"—Brianna's house, 7th grade
[Collection of Short Stories/Houston Calls]—Phil
[Come Away With Me/Norah Jones]—sleepovers at Kristen's apartment
[Cracked Rear View/Hootie and the Blowfish]—the Dodge Grand Caravan, driving to Cleveland

[Dan's Mix III/Beck] "E-Pro"—freshman year of college
[Dance Into The Light/Phil Collins]—driving to Cleveland
[Devil Wears Prada/KT Tunstall]—"Suddenly I See"—walking in heels with a big smile
[Dixie Chicks] "Travelin' Soldier"—Katie with her new driver's license
[Dizzy Up The Girl/Goo Goo Dolls]—
[Dog Problems/The Format]—Spoon concert at Battery Park
[Drastic Fantastic/KT Tunstall] "Paper Aeroplane"—grey cube at HQ

[Edward Scissorhands]—the TNT network
[Elliot Smith]— "Good Will Hunting'
[Enchanted]—St. Louis with Katie
[Essential Simon and Garfunkel]—walking through Central Park in the winter
[Eve 6] "Anytime"—peeling out of the high school parking lot
[Everything You Want/Vertical Horizon] "You're A God"—
[Eye To The Telescope/KT Tunstall] "Black Horse & Cherry Tree"—Soho Apple store
[Eyes Open/Snow Patrol] "Chasing Cars"—St. Louis with Megan

[Feels Like Today/Rascal Flatts] "Skin"—HCF grandstand
[Finally Woken/Jem] "Save Me"—paint chips freshman year DAAP
[Finding Neverland] "Impossible Opening"—Bible study in Siddall, freshman year
[Firm, The] "Memphis Stomp"—piano music store in Chicago?
[Five] "When The Lights Go Out"—middle school with Brianna
[Five Leaves Left/Nick Drake]—winter snow falling
[Freaky Friday/Diffuser] "I Wonder"—high school

[Ga Ga Ga Ga Ga/Spoon] "You Got Your Cherry Bomb"—Dunkin' Donuts by the WTC

Denver Dancing and Other Weekend Fun

2009-06-29T07:34:00.007+02:00

So for the heck of it, I drove up to Denver with a fellow intern on Friday night to go to the Colorado Country Classic.

I really had no idea what to expect. I knew that there would be open dancing, I knew that I can't dance, but agreed blindly anyways. My friend Linda had met some of the dancers in a club in downtown Colorado Springs the previous weekend, and learned West Coast Swing, so I was excited to learn that, and then see what else came our way.

Stopped in Aurora to pick up another fellow intern, who was graciously letting us stay at her house for the night, and then headed to the competition. Reaching the hotel where the competition was being held, I was floored by 90s, Full House atmosphere that was being exuded; diamond studded everything, clothes that could have easily donned Tara Lipinski, stage makeup, two-tiered ponytails, dancing shoes, pre-competition massage stations... it was a total subculture. We sat down to watch the Pro-Am competition, a lot like Dancing with the Stars. We felt sort of stalker-like, because by the end we knew all the competitors' names, and had our favorites.

On Saturday, we went to a Cherry Blossom Festival at Sakura Square in downtown Denver. It was much smaller than we anticipated, and I couldn't find any homemade paper, so we made our way to the to Tattered Cover, a bookstore in LoDo (Lower Denver) that is eclectic, and has a pretty amazing selection. I have been recently introduced to McSweeney's, which is a literary magazine that has some killer package designs. I loved the homey, lodge-like atmosphere.

Before we left, went to a restaurant called Mad Greens, a salad place on the 16th Street Mall. With salads like the "Edgar Allen Poe" and "da Vinci" it was certainly quirky and delish. When coming back to the Springs, I headed to the baseball park to see the Colorado Springs SkySox play the Portland Beavers (farm league). It was Navs night, and I stood at the table with my roommate, Julie, telling people about NavPress and giving out free devotionals. It was freezing and raining, definitely not good baseball weather. There were two rain delays, and after awhile Julie and I got too cold and antsy to wait any longer... so we decided to get ice cream instead!

This morning, I tried Woodman Valley Chapel, a church just a few miles away from my apartment. One of the funniest moments of the service was when the British worship leader said, "You will probably never hear this from anyone else, but Happy 4th of July from England!" The message was really pertinent, speaking about change, and how we deal and persevere. Afterwards, the couple sitting next to me invited me out to brunch, so that was fun, getting to know new people and hear their viewpoints on the church.

So much more to say, since everything is new at this point, but too tired. Excited to share more as the days progress!

Colorado Architecture

2009-06-29T07:25:00.003+02:00

Besides the natural architecture of the mountains, and some of the crazy-big homes that are nestled in them, Colorado Springs has the same corporate "boxes" as a lot of other towns across America. It's funny, though, because boxmakers make some sort of attempt to "Colorado-fy" their boxes by adding stone facade and veneers. Check out this Lowe's:

Sometimes I feel like the chains are trying to fool us; we are not the Big Bad Wolf, we are products of the mountains, that have been unearthed and now bring you low-price goods. Eh, just a thought.

"Lawn Ornaments"

2009-06-25T08:15:00.006+02:00

Ute Valley Park in right across the street from my house, so lots of convenient hiking! I have really been trying to take advantage of my surroundings, and love to have beautiful views of the sunset and of Pikes Peak. I have seen so much wildlife, as you can see from the photo, there are always a few Bambi lurking about. I want to keep a "Creature Count," but I have seen so much so far. I think I have seen at least a deer a day, many jackrabbits, and the Colorado state bird, the Lark Bunting.

"The Glen"

2009-06-25T08:13:00.003+02:00

So when you wake up in the morning, and see Pike's Peak, you think it can't get much better. And then I remember that I work near a castle. Woah.

This castle is part of Glen Eyrie, and was built by General Palmer, the founder of Colorado Springs, near the Garden of the Gods. It was once owned by Billy Graham, and then the Navigators. Now the Carriage House is a coffee shop, and there are tours that run through regularly. They also have a High Tea, which would be fun to check out. At this point, I've only been on the trails, so I am excited to see and learn more.

The trails and the grounds are always open to NavsStaff. It's pretty cool, flashing my ID badge and entering the grounds.

Below is a picture of Dawson Trotman's grave, founder of the Navigators. He has a really good view of the grounds and of the Garden of the Gods! I learned of Dawson a few years ago in Large Group (in Cincinnati), but have learned much more about him in the last week. Will probably dedicate a post to that later on when I know more.

Navs Headquarters

2009-06-25T08:11:00.005+02:00

Began work on Monday, and dove right into my project! I will be designing the 2010 Short Term Summer Missions brochure for Navigators, and working on an overall identity and grid system design for the group, part of their "Reimagining" process. It has been awesome learning about the behind the scenes work that goes into mission work, and seeing all of the arms of the Navigators reaching out to the World. I've heard our team, USIMG (United States International Missions Group), described as the "home" team, and the overseas workers as the "away." I love to see how our work here can supplement others'!

I am excited for the Family Gathering, which will be July 10–16. This is an event where nearly 60 people from their stations around the world will come to relax and enjoy time in Colorado, while also work through hardships that they are facing there. I will be working with 3–6 year old, teaching a sort of Vacation Bible School program on the Armor of God. I am thrilled to be mingling with this age group, and very excited to do crafts with them! I am also interested to see if they relate more to American or their other culture, or see what languages come most easily to them.

The people here are extremely encouraging and inviting. My boss, Mark, took me to each cubicle on the first day, and introduced me to the entire team (United States International Missions Group). It seems like people genuinely care about each other here, and have time to listen and answer questions. One woman took a good 45 minutes of her morning to answer questions that I had concerning identity crises of missionary kids, or living in dangerous situations. She was willing to share some of her experience living in Bahrain during the wars. I really hope I can soak up all of their experiences, and see the mission world with open eyes.

I have been experiencing an acronym learning curve: USIMG (see above), PRT (People Resources Team), D4D (Discipleship for Development), NLT (National Leadership Team), EL (Eagle Lake), B2G (Better 2 Gether), MK (missionary kid), TCK (third culture kid) to name a few. And then of course, I am familiarizing myself with NIV, NLT, KJV, NAST... and The Message. Frequently, I think of that scene in RocketMan where Fred Randall is trying to blend by inserting acronyms that he knows into the preflight check... BMW, CNN, ATT...

Here is my cubicle. It is amazingly grey. Added some "spice" with photos and to-do lists, but is still in need of some help.

And this is around the corner, and a true joy to see everyday as I go to to the lunch room or to the bathroom. What is it? It's YOU! All of you that are going on Short Term Missions! I am thrilled to hear about all of the trips, and to be involved in this way. I can't wait to hear all of your stories, and see the ways God is developing you and the people you have been meeting. I think of you very often, and try to pray regularly for your safety and growth. AH! I am so excited for you, and what flavor this will bring to Navs in Cincinnati!

Wy-roaming

2009-06-20T05:37:00.006+02:00

Greetings from the road! Currently in Cheyenne, on the way to Colorado Springs. It's been an epic journey with Mom so far, with hectic cities, wide open spaces, and time for conversation. I am so proud of my little Civic, because it is consistently getting 40 mpg, and we have traveled 1295 with no problems. Here's a map of our path so far:

Some observations on the road:
Chicago=Tolls. Tolls. Tolls.
Follow close behind a car with a bike on the back in heavy rain.
Throngs of windmills. Sometimes one, out of a group of ten, is turning the opposite direction. Why?
Abandoned cows, mostly dark brown
Land laced with infinite power lines, no house in sight
Sun-bleached pavement
"Amber waves of grain" that look very soft

A huge highlight has been the Field of Dreams in Heaven, I mean, Dyersville, Iowa. No advertising on the highway, nothing but a sign when we were three miles away (in the middle of nowhere). We arrived, and there were only a few cars there, but after an hour, there were about 15 people roaming and enjoying the absolutely perfect weather.

I had a catch, felt "the cool of the grass on my feet," and walked through the corn, which was not even a foot high yet. They said that for the movie, they needed the corn to be shoulder-high by shooting time; it was a very dry year, and they needed to dam a nearby river to create a reservoir to water the corn. They ended up watering it so much, and it grew so high, that Kevin Costner had to stand on a platform!

Saw a Pony Express station today, as a sidetrip off of i-80. The Pony Express existed for nine months, to speed up delivery of letters to California. Letters were literally transferred from horse to horse in a "mochila," kind of a second saddle.

Tired. Stretching my legs, then sleep.

Locks for Love

2009-06-04T07:59:00.001+02:00

Forgot to post this, but Stephanie came up to Napoleon for, literally, a few hours, to get our hair cut together for Locks for Love. Kailee was the master hairdresser. I was nervous, I admit, since I haven't had short hair in a long time, but I am so glad that I have it cut now. Someone once told me that getting a haircut is a way to transition into a new chapter of your life. Totally true now. Check out the crazy hair model photo in the background of our portrait... :)

Pound for Pound

2009-05-22T23:35:00.007+02:00

Designers consistently create based on intentional choices. From the very beginning, function drives form, intentions become the basis for the vehicle, and a structure is developed that can be fleshed out.

To many people, paper isn't intentional; whatever's at Staples, whatever comes free with returning an ink cartridge is good enough. But for me, I see it is as an opportunity to be intentional. Paper, believe it or not, can be invigorating. It is a sensory explosion when the Mary Kay reps of the graphic world, the paper reps, come to your workplace for a promotional show-and-tell. Brochures exhibit paper and printing techniques for the deep-pocketed; sample books pegged in one corner fan out like a touting peacock; and over the course of lunch, we melt like we've just been read a Shakespearean sonnet. It's a special time, really, because you dive in the tactility, closing your eyes, rubbing your fingers together, recognizing the impact of the details.

I am thankful that I have this heightened sensitivity.

I guess with all of this said, it is only natural that I have been identifying myself with papers lately. Why do I feel connected to Mead instead of Mohawk? Why do I find comfort in the structure of college-ruled instead of a grid system I have lain myself on a pure sheet of white?

Debonair

2009-05-19T06:38:00.002+02:00

Disc Four

2009-05-01T20:58:00.007+02:00

Saw The Soloist yesterday evening, and it whisked away some dirt from memories in my mind.

My grandmother gave my family a boxed set of Beethoven symphonies more than ten years ago. They were a free BP giveaway from when she worked in their downtown Cleveland office. I remember the distinct manilla box and cases with their bold yellow and green crest, nomadically migrating through our lives over the years. They traveled from the desk of our second desktop computer in the piano room (which was called a piano room when we had a computer in it, and a computer room when we had a piano in it). The five Beethoven discs made up half of our family CD collection, along with Molly Hatchet's "Flirting with Disaster" and Hootie and the Blowfish's "Cracked Rear View, and an ambient CD entitled "Stream of Dreams" from the Unique Little Gift Shop in Defiance per my birthday request (I can remember alternating the Stream of Dreams CD and the Spice Girls CD I borrowed from the library around the same time in my life. I felt so sophisticated with my very own Sony Discman...) The manilla set made it into the Dodge Grand Caravan, where they didn't fit into the magenta, royal blue, and black CD organizer, because the jewel cases each held two or three discs. So the CDs went into the compartment under the console, forgotten. Probably when we got a new van, they were unearthed and ventured back inside near the surround sound system. All of this moving, and never played.

Probably the end of my freshman year of high school, that is when I found Beethoven again. He was in my room by that point. I went through a phase where I appreciated quantity, even if meaningless; seeing a shelf of CDs was a trophy, even though most of those CDs were singles. Beethoven was an unopened, space-consuming chunk. In an attempt to learn how to tilt up my nose, I opened the set, and found five identical discs, only distinguishable by the small 8pt. "DISC ONE" in the upper right. I haphazardly picked disc four first, so Symphony No. 6 Op. 68 and Symphony No.7 Op. 92 are to this day my favorites. I listened to the other CDs, but there was nothing quite like disc four. I escaped into a formal party, imagining men in fitted jackets with impeccable buttonry, women in pearls and dresses that would take up a room's corner: their whispers, smirks, and fan language. Mind you, these images were fueled mostly by Kate and Leopold and Wishbone. I practiced waltzing (yes), using the reflection from the TV as a guide. I would pour Sprite into a champagne flute and thoroughly enjoy the feeling of the crystal in between my fingertips. Somehow I considered myself better because I opened a free set of CDs.

This movie portrays Beethoven in an entirely different nomadic sense. It was refreshing to hear familiar tunes, with no frills; actually, within serious contexts of downright poverty. He doesn't need to be associated with tilted noses liked I pegged him before. He has the power to permeate a man's soul because of his music. All along, it should've been about the music, not the societal insinuations. I will always appreciate the gap classical music provides, allowing us draw our own illustrations, but I want to approach it humbly. I want to hear it from a cello that was carried in a shopping cart. I want to hear it from a musician that's home is at Beethoven's feet.

I want to approach God like Nathaniel approaches Beethoven. God has always been there in my life, and He has been waiting for me to open Him up, so that he can share his tunes of grace. I want to understand Him, and let his music pour out of me. I want to be humble. I want to make my home at His feet.

Diamond In The Rough

2009-05-01T00:27:00.004+02:00

Recently discovered negative of Robert Capa, from the times of the Spanish Civil War.

Switching Gears

2009-04-30T05:14:00.004+02:00

I am back in Cincinnati, switching gears, and in preparation mode for this summer. My passions for God, people, and art will intertwine into one summer mission: working as a graphic design co-op for the Navigators U.S. Headquarters in Colorado Springs. I am so excited for this opportunity—to deepen my relationship with God, and to experience how graphic design can be an act of service, and a way to encourage and inspire others. It is also going to be awesome to drive out West, and to be completely surrounded in nature (maybe one of these quarters I will make it to the beach, but for now, my place is in the mountains).

Sidenote: when people use the term "switching gears" I always seem to think about Charlie Chaplin and Modern Times. To be honest, I have never even seen the full movie, but this image is engrained in my mind, probably from Sources oh so long ago.

White

2009-03-20T00:58:00.003+01:00

My stomach is churning and eyes are watering. I just packed up my room. It is very white again. It is uncomfortable to be in alone, a white island.

On Saturday, I assembled some new IKEA furniture with my roommate—oh, the mighty power of women—and the old sideboards from the living room migrated to my bedroom. That meant that I was packing in, taking the books from my windowsill and putting them into the lockers, storing all the stacks of posters and pamphlets I have been shamelessly accumulating the past few months. Everything looked so seamless, so Swiss. I avoided thinking that I would be unpacking these same things and repacking them into my suitcase in less than a week, transforming back into an American Tourister, "like none of it ever was real."

This week has been difficult, my mind teetering on departing thoughts, as well as arriving again in Cincinnati. Wrapping up projects and writing cards; quite honestly, I don't have anything profound to say. My mind is racing so fast that it is blank, one big white blur.

Research shows that white can symbolize death. Some things that needed to be in my killed in my life have died in the past two weeks. This was painful, is painful (who am I kidding, the pain won't be over for awhile), but it was the right thing to do. White is also purity. Because of this death (and His death), I am pure, even if I don't feel like it. And purity can bring peace. I can't wait for this one. I am white, and I am ready for peace.

Welcome Amanda.

No Coat Weather

2009-03-15T01:59:00.002+01:00

As consistently tends to be the case, I will write later. It was a beautiful day in Basel and Basel-Land today, in the mid 50s! Love.

Both Sides Now—Joni Mitchell

2009-03-13T08:53:00.002+01:00

Rows and floes of angel hair

And ice cream castles in the air
And feather canyons evrywhere
Ive looked at clouds that way

But now they only block the sun
They rain and snow on evryone
So many things I would have done
But clouds got in my way
Ive looked at clouds from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
Its cloud illusions I recall
I really dont know clouds at all

Moons and junes and ferris wheels
The dizzy dancing way you feel
As evry fairy tale comes real
Ive looked at love that way

But now its just another show
You leave em laughing when you go
And if you care, dont let them know
Dont give yourself away

Ive looked at love from both sides now
From give and take, and still somehow
Its loves illusions I recall
I really dont know love at all

Tears and fears and feeling proud
To say I love you right out loud
Dreams and schemes and circus crowds
Ive looked at life that way

But now old friends are acting strange
They shake their heads, they say Ive changed
Well somethings lost, but somethings gained
In living evry day

Ive looked at life from both sides now
From win and lose and still somehow
Its lifes illusions I recall
I really dont know life at all
Ive looked at life from both sides now
From up and down, and still somehow
Its lifes illusions I recall
I really dont know life at all

Did Ye Go To Dublin, Or Arrrr Ye a Pirate?

2009-03-12T22:43:00.009+01:00

Been a total slacker with postings this quarter. Quite honestly, I have had a lot of opportunity this week to post, but have conceded to sleeping, or kidding myself into thinking I could watch A Few Good Men, and then sleeping. I "can't handle the truth" that I don't give my body enough time to catch up.

Went to Dublin this past weekend for a nice getaway with Basel friends—nie—friends. I can't classify people as "Cincinnati friends" and "Basel friends." They are all my friends, location insignificant. So yes, Cedric, Laura, Melanie, Daniel, Marco, and I travelled from Basel to Zurich to Dublin, and got to spend some serious quality time together, time that cannot be hindered with exam and work schedules. They even tolerated me saying, "Emmentaler!" instead of "cheese!" which was great.

I can't really explain what I thought Dublin would be, but I don't really think it matched my stereotypical expectations. It was so much smaller than I imagined! It felt a lot like Philadelphia, actually. I had some pretty pleasant interactions with the Irish I did meet, and I enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere.

The first evening, after unloading at the hostel, we went to a traditional Irish restaurant, and I had lamb, I think. I don't know if that is a traditional dish, but it was on the menu and it sounded good. I cannot tell you how thrilled I was to get the menu, and be able to READ it! I thought I might be of some help to my non-native speaking friends, but they totally held their own, even with the strong accents. Sometimes I even found myself ignoring people; I wasn't doing it on purpose, I am just accustomed to never understanding. One thing I did take advantage of: breaking the law and walking even if there wasn't a green man. I am really getting sick of the Swiss following this law all the time, mainly because I just feel so dumb standing at the intersection when there are CLEARLY no cars coming. Not even an ever-sly tram to creep up on you. Crossing the street on red... I have such a rebellious soul.

Went to a bar with Gael Force, a somewhat cheesy but altogether fun band who played traditional Irish music. He pulled Melanie and Daniel on the stage to do some singing renditions, which was great to watch (and thank God I wasn't chosen). The music made me reminisce of Titanic and the third class party on the lower decks that Jack and Rose escape to. During one of the songs, I couldn't resist the urge to get up, grab an arm and do a little swinging to the music. If only I could rise up on my toes (and have such a great dress as Rose to go bar-hopping in!).

Friday we did some explorations of the city, after an unruly bacon, ham, egg, toast, instant coffee breakfast. I found this beauty. I just love this color.

Went to a natural history museum and saw some dead, fossilized human bodies, and had really one of the best latte macchiatos I have had in a long time. Went to St. Patrick's Cathedral, and was deeply disappointed that they were charging ADMISSION to the church itself. It is normal for a church to charge a fee to climb their spires, but it is just wrong to charge admission to the sanctuary. I refused to pay admission, and preferred to be outside and watch the Harry Potter children leaving from the choir academy across the street. Honest, it looked like Hogwarts had come to life, and all of the beautiful little redheads came pouring out in their plaid and sweaters. Then headed to the Guinness factory. Such an impeccably designed exhibition! Even if I didn't like the beer (stout), which I do, I would still love this factory sheerly for the design. They showed us how it is made, the advertising history, and of course, sampling. I know this photo means nothing to you, and shows you nothing, but I like it, and I took it in the factory.

At the top of the exhibition, you receive your complimentary Guinness, and are able to overlook the city while you drink a ridiculous amount of calories. I didn't think I really liked dark beers, and I am really more of a wine person, but I did enjoy this beer.

Here is just something fun:

That evening we went to a few different pubs, and I was able to get my Irish coffee. Perfection.

I think the best thing about seeing all of these different pubs was being able to see all the different types of architecture, and how their live music seemed to fit them perfectly. There was a clearly Jugendstil bar with more lively, free-flowing music, and my favorite, a small room in the second story that felt a lot like a secret, and had some fiddle action. I loved this place. The second night we came back and there was a duo that played American bluegrass/blues. I have never heard such a mean "blues harp."

One of my priorities while I was here was to get the new U2 CD, specifically from their hometown of Dublin. There were a lot of posters around announcing the album, and every record store was fully stocked. I caved, and bought a lot of U2 CDs. My excuse: "But it is so cheap here!"

Went to the sea on Saturday, to Howth and Dun Laodhaire. I would describe the area as the Hamptons with a more down-to-earth and European charm. We went to a restaurant for lunch that was stone-walled with fireplaces in every room. I wanted to be snowed-into this building. I had to have a cup of coffee in this atmosphere. And soup.

The girls took a nice long nap on these rocks as the boys explored the city. It was so relaxing to bask in the sun, hear the seagulls, and soak up the lapping of the water. There was a beautiful layered cake of rocks, seaweed, and barnacles. This was one of my favorite moments on the trip.

As the weekend was coming to a close, I had to deal with a lot of red tape to get back from Ireland and re-enter Switzerland. At each checkpoint (at check-in, at boarding, at customs) I was asked to show some sort of proof of intent to enter Zurich, some sort of request or train ticket or something. I have never been so on edge about entering a country. I guess I somehow deserve it as an American, since our borders aren't difficult to get through either, but when traveling with a group of Europeans, I felt a bit discomforted to be hassled all the time. I cannot tell you how thankful I was to set foot back into Switzerland, past the customs gate. As we were grabbing a bite to eat in Zurich before heading back to Basel, Marco commented, "Ah, it feels so good to be home. Oh...sorry." But I told him there is really no need to apologize. Because when I do set foot in Basel, coming out of the train station and looking towards the park, I do get an "at home" feeling. I am comfortable here. Somehow, I am a Basler.

I am so thankful for this opportunity to jet-set to Ireland, to be living in Europe for a time. I have grown inexplicably.

I am not avoiding writing about Fasnacht, but clearly I have a lot to say, and even this weekend post has gotten massive. I want to give full respect to all that is Fasnacht, so I will save it for a time when I can do it justice.

My Science

2009-03-11T22:50:00.001+01:00

Sick but Smiling

2009-03-03T23:37:00.008+01:00

So much has been happening in the last few days, that if I don't write, I will totally regret it. So. Here I am! Listening to the new U2 CD and totally thrilled with it.

Here is a story that happened a few weeks ago, but I want to tell. There is a restaurant on my way home that is just full of Giacomettis, probably 20 or 30 of them. I always look into the windows of this restaurant as I walk, because they are just beautiful, and I am still astonished that they aren't locked up in a museum somewhere; no, they are in a corner pizza place, and everyone can enjoy them. So one day I walked by the first window, and a busboy was walking with a carrier of glasses, and we saw each other. Then brick. Walked by the next window, and the boy was there again, and turned his head, and we looked at each other again. Brick. Walked by the next window, and the boy and I were just laughing and laughing. Brick. Walked by the next window, and I was alone. I stopped, looked for the boy, at the Giacomettis, and then he popped from around the corner, having changed pace on purpose. So so simple. So so amazing.

Thursday I took a visit to the pharmacy on Spalenberg. Literally, this was a step back in time; the wall were covered in wooden drawers with small labels on brass fixtures, and rows and rows of bottles with blackletter script, that for all I know said "Witches' Toes." I went up to to counter, wanting to get some aspirin, and the woman looked at me like I was nuts. "Have you ever taken aspirin before?" she said with a concerned face. I said yes, that it wasn't a problem, but she insisted on telling me to only take one every six hours, because they were so strong. I should have told her that I am from America, and that I can handle pretty much everything she had behind that counter, none of which was maximum strength or anything beyond herbs with a little chemicals mixed in. When I got the aspirin, it was packaged totally Swiss-like, beautiful type and solid color fields. Beautiful packaging, totally ineffective medication.

Came home that evening, exhausted, and getting sicker by the hour with a bad sore throat. Woke up in the morning on a bed with no sheets (fell asleep mid-laundry), and some herbal medications by my door from my neighbor and roommate: cough lozenges from Zürich that are black and chewy; a cough syrup that is literally caramel, and puts Dimetapp or Robitussin tastes to shame; throat medicine that tastes like Fisherman's Friends; cough and bronchial herbal tea; and Vicks. The room was spinning, my body couldn't decide whether it was hot or cold, and I knew that I needed to call in sick, and with my barely-there voice and nonsense thought patterns, my boss was completely sympathetic. The morning was absolutely stunning, bright and sunny, and I was stuck in and out of sleep inside. I tried to be somewhat productive, but I just couldn't concentrate, and resorted to Seinfeld instead. Watched Ocean's 12 that evening, and had no problems falling asleep yet again that night.

On Saturday, I got up early, took a quick trip to the flea market with Bruno, a photographer friend of Melody's staying at the apartment. It was cool to speak with him. We talked about a lot of things, but it was especially interesting to discuss the "first date" concept, and how that really doesn't exist in Switzerland/Europe. He thinks that there are less mind games here, but I am not convinced of that. We then went back home because I was scheduled to be a portrait subject for my roommate's photography class; her 8 students photographed me in my bedroom, trying to tell my story via photo. It was a lot of fun, but also very tiring. Each of them had 40 minutes to do what they wanted with me. I really enjoyed getting inside their minds, and seeing their approach to a subject they had never met, but still had to depict in truth. It was cool when they would let me get involved, and throw in my own ideas, or be encouraging, because it was really intimidating. It was helpful to be on the other side of the camera, because now I have a better understanding of how to direct my own subjects. I haven't received all of the photos yet, and in all honesty, I think I would be really creepy to post them, so if you are interested (and I like them, haha), I will show them to you sometime. Here was an impromptu from a photographer of my roommate and I at the shoot:

My friend Sam arrived from München, and after the shoot, we went on a long walk along the river and around the city. Melody prepared dinner for all of us, and it was great bonding time, with no cameras involved. Afterwards, Sam, my neighbor, and I watched "Wetter Das..." a show that apparently has a huge following. It is a sort of betting show, where contestant guests with a certain talent need to complete a task, and celebrities bet against them. After the guests do the bet, the loser has to do some sort of weird or embarrassing act. One of the bets I saw were horn players that had to play Jenga, removing the blocks by blowing them out. These guys were amazing! And they successfully built 10 extra stories in something like 10 minutes. So the celebrities lost and had to do some gymnastics. I don't think I would've watched it if I was flipping channels in the States.

Afterwards, went to a party with Bruno and Sam that was near to the apartment. Spoke with an architect and her husband. She happens to work for H+dM, and she claims there are no stalker emails going around about me, so that is good. Met a woman names Arian, and had some interesting discussions about Swiss culture. She said that she could not live in the States, and her reason was because of the death penalty being legal. I found that as an intriguing answer to the question.

Totally exhausted. Will write about Fasnacht and other current festivities in the near future. Here are a few pictures that I will explain later. Until then, good night.

Slumdog Sweep and Basel Passions.

2009-02-23T22:25:00.009+01:00

This week has been fairly uneventful. On Sunday evening, I watched the Oscars. When I say "evening" I mean morning, because they didn't actually begin until 2:30am here, ending at 6am. It was sort of surreal to see the red carpet in daylight, when my daylight had ended ages ago. I was glad to see that Slumdog had such a killing, and of course, Ben Stiller's Joaquin impression.

Fasnacht preparations are underway. On Wednesday was the traditional guild exchanges and meetings, and there were a lot of groups marching to each other's "clubhouses." Met a photographer from the Basel Historical Society, and he was telling me of some of these traditions. Hopefully in the next few weeks, we will be able to get together, and he will be able to bestow me with some more knowledge about Basel. Here's some "beverage" preparation set outside the Zum Schnabel.

And a Safran guild member before the march.

Things That I Love Here

—Eating lunch by the river, having birds waiting around you to see if you will drop anything.

—The view from the Münster overlooking Kleinbasel and the Mittlerbrücke.

—Finding new alleyways in areas that you've walked a million times.

—The Mittendrin. Ran into two people that I know when I was there on Wednesday night, which is just so cool to me, since I don't know that many people in this city. It is such a casual place to get a coffee or drink and just chill. I can be found here reading and journaling. I want to pack this place up and bring it back to Cincinnati, although it will be great to be back at Rohs again.

—Tea. I think my love for tea may have triumphed my love for coffee. There is a place called the London Tea Huus, and they greet me with open arms now. I am a committed customer.

—The "H" bread shop. That is what I call it, mostly because my brain just sort of shuts down when I see the long list of letters that is supposeofly only one word. The "H" bread shop on Andreasplatz is literally a hole in the wall, looking like it came out of Hansel and Gretl. The walls are stone, there are wooden benches and tables inside, and they consistently have good recommendations on fun new breads to try. There is just something about going to a bakery for bread, flower shop for flowers, cheese stand for cheese, that I just love.

—Piadina

—Stumbling across Swiss-geniusness, such as this USB-Swiss army knife combo

—People sitting outside to drink there coffee, even in winter. Shops even provide blankets to encourage this.

This is it for now. I have a lot of stories to tell, hopefully time to write them down soon. As for now, schönnenabend.

Cookie Caper

2009-02-21T17:45:00.012+01:00

So this is clearly a Lindsey story.

I walk to work pretty consistently. I have calculated that I walk nearly 4 miles round trip to/from work daily (that is, if I am not running late and must guiltily grab the tram). Every time I walk, I pass the Herzog and de Meuron studio, and see people seriously, diligently working. No Gmail breaks, no Wikipedia, just serious work. And everyone is individually plugged into their iPods, and probably off in some other world, not realizing that real people are really living on the outside of this glass tank. They seem like some sort of caged specimen.

So. I pity them. I know how it is to be completely consumed by work. I also know how great it is to have people visit you and bring you break food. I was telling this to my neighbor as we were walking home, and told him that I really just wanted to make them cookies. I didn't know if that would be creepy, or if they thought I would be doing something sketch like poison or something, but I just wanted to be nice. When we reached the H+dM studios, he stopped a man going in, and started talking Swiss German. I of course understood only keywords like "Ohio" and "graphic design," but knew he was telling them of my cookie bailout desires. The man responded, "We like cookies! Yes! Anytime, cookies are good."

So. On Monday night I planned to make them all-American chocolate chip cookies, and I went to the grocery store to find the ingredients. I never knew how much I depended on pictures on packaging until this experience. There were about twelve types of flour, and I couldn't find baking soda to save my life. Cookies did not happen on Monday, out of literacy issues. Vanilla comes in little test tube vials and not a bottle. Domino, somewhat moist brown sugar doesn't exist here, and I couldn't even find chocolate chips in this chocolate hub. So by Thursday I had looked up the necessary word translations online and got the closest ingredients, and decided I would cut up my own chocolate chips. There are some shortcuts you can do in cooking, improv cooking, but in baking you usually have to be pretty dead on. I was scared that I would fall short, but in the end, they looked like cookies and tasted pretty close. I think the brown sugar I got wasn't completely right, but it all worked.

So. Friday after work, with a bag in tote, I walked my normal route, and just had to start laughing at the absurdity of it all. I rang the bell, and stood there trying to figure out what I would say. First, I must talk English. I have no chance in German. Second, how do I explain this, and not look like a complete psychotic nutcase? Then, a guy approached the door, and I just started spilling and stuttering about how I am from Ohio, a graphic design student, see them working so hard, blah, hoping something would make sense. He said to come back on Monday, so that the women in the reception office could distribute the cookies. It felt like the Wizard of Oz. I told the man, well, I have them now, and pointed at the bag. So he just sort of shrugged, unlocked the door, and brought me to this woman, where they proceeded to discuss what to do, in Swiss German. I just sort of chimed in, "Do you care if I just bring these cookies to the people in that glass room over there?" They didn't care, so I just sort of went over there, and knocked on the glass. A woman opened the door, the entire room of 8 of them just looked at me, like who are you and why did we just let you in. So I went through my spiel again, and then pulled out a plate of cookies. One guys eyes got really wide. He was like, "Are those homemade?" And I said ya. It was really quiet for awhile, and when I had gone around and given them all, they just sort of held it, looked at it, probably in wonder and suspicion. I was like, "Umm... I can eat one with you if you feel like this is really creepy or something." And then in a sort of unison they all took a bite. I think when they realized I was harmless, they warmed up and started asking me question about my schooling, about Fasnacht, why I am in Basel, etc. One woman invited me to get a drink with them later sometime, so that we could really talk, and when they had their project finished.

We took the leftover cookies into the kitchen, and I met some other people there. It was definitely awkward the entire time. But I went home with the biggest smile on my face. I still can't believe I did that. Now, I am wondering if when I walk by on my way to work, if I should wave.

Hope you got a good laugh. Love.

A Table Full of Papers, A Mind Just As Cluttered

2009-02-21T17:45:00.010+01:00

I am sitting at my dining room table, freezing. I have about a million documents open on my desktop, and papers scattered all around me. It is only 7pm, but I am curled up by candles, sipping on Mövenpick deliciousness, and sad to see it get dark, a sign that it is still winter. I am typing, which always makes me colder, and I am thinking about investing in some gloves without fingertips, or making my own "alteration of glove," like in The Royal Tenenbaums.

It is kind of sad that I haven't been blogging regularly. I think I will hit my peak sadness when I return and see I didn't bridge my worlds. This is uncomfortable for me, to have these two worlds, and not understand how to connect them, and ultimately find I have become a square peg that no longer fits into any of the round holes of my life. I will leave here, inevitably, and have to face the moat of the Atlantic head-on. There is a quote I often recall, that says "In the depths of winter I finally learned there is within me an invincible summer." BrainyQuote.com claims it is from Albert Camus. I am trying to reconnect with this invincible summer, a warmth that transcends location and forgives mistakes. I am so cold. Until then, I remain blinded by this hat.

...

It is something about my personality, that I see it as a weakness to stop and think, when heck, it is inevitable that we all need to rest at some point. This quarter, I just don't have the drive or energy to run around all over Europe... and that is ok. And it is ok, too, to blog when I haven't gone on some epic journey. So, not in failure but in necessity, I have stopped a bit, trying to catch up with myself.

On last Sunday afternoon, I made a small Germany journey to the Vitra Museum in Weil am Rhein. It is such a small town right on the border. When I see the Gehry building in the middle of a giant field, it somehow gives my heart hope for Napoleon, that we may have a signature architect pop up on County Road X at some point, too. It is a total anomale, really. I wanted to go back to see the George Nelson exhibit, famous for his furniture collaborations with Herman Miller and his clocks with Howard Miller (yep, they are related).

Usually, when I go to a museum, I am just thrilled to be able to recall date, maker, blah-blah, but that day, I was somehow convicted of this "name game" philosophy. Who cares, right, if I know that this is a George Nelson or a Corbusier or Bill? In the end, where does that get me? The real question, is what was their passion? And why did they do it at all, to get them to this deserving, memorable status? And is that legit? I have a newfound respect and love for George Nelson. Yea, I like his coconut chair and the ball clocks (he was the guy to realize that we read time by the position of the hands, and not necessarily from the numbers), but the way he looked at people and process to find a solution is unreal. Usually I bypass the audio booths, just because I think it's boring, but I actually sat down to listen to some lectures that were fantastic. The obvious nerdy designer in me now comes out.

Sidenote: my iTunes just shuffled into the past, by playing "Walking in Memphis" by Marc Cohn. This song makes me think of summer, driving (riding) in the Honda Accord.

Here is a photo of a current Globus display:

I have been having some really wonderful conversations at work recently, about politics and financial things, and just plain life. I love this. I love working at a small firm, really ridiculously small, and enjoying these conversational perks.

Basel is cold. In the past few days, I have seen three other people with larger UGG-like boots. The first week I wore mine, and realized the trend has yet to hit Europe, that I am some sort of poser pioneer, by accident. It will be interesting to see if this trend blooms here.

The World As We Know It

2009-02-20T02:10:00.005+01:00

What this world is coming to:

—the candy store on Barfüsserplatz is selling Oreos, a true sign of globalization

—Swiss private banks are no longer private (New York Times)

—Lindt is putting out pallets of their golden chocolate bunnies seven weeks before Easter.

My response:

—making my own American chocolate chip cookies

—moving all my millions to the Caymans (kidding, obviously)

—doing cartwheels with my roommate in the living room, trying not to hit the vintage Panton lamp

Sankt Valentinstag in Zurich

2009-02-15T01:36:00.004+01:00

Today was a cleansing day, a day to escape the routine of Basel and begin to open my eyes again. Here are a few pictures, and I will write again sometime soon.

Mossy Idiosyncrasies

2009-02-09T19:48:00.006+01:00

Prepare for spasmodicy.

Just today I changed the background of my computer to a picture that I took this weekend. Of moss.

People (in literature mostly, I think. I don't really know these people) say that a rolling stone gathers no moss. I think I subconsciously want this moss because I want some roots, even if only in pixelation. I enjoy the roll, but I am ready for some brawny roots, fruit from being stationary. And then, to not fear the moss when it does come.

A few hours ago, it was raining. I love the smell of a fresh rain, and the patchy, grassy field that wants to be a park in front of my building had children dancing in it. So I opened all the windows, so I could really hear the rain and the laughter, and lure in the smell. So. Now it is cold and I am wearing four shirts and two pairs of socks, and succumbing to warm liquids. Swiss Mövenpick espresso is to die for, and I just bought an orange-vanilla tea that smells like dessert. With no caloric consequences.

You know you are catching European when you start typing "z" for "y" (my Euro work computer has them reversed, along with a lot of other keys).

Made homemade sushi with my neighbor and roommate on Friday. Shopping in the Globus Delicatessen (similar to Saks, I think), you stand a little straighter, pretend like you belong, and hide that you normally buy the off-brand or AKTION sale stuff at Coop.

Went to Olten (the picture above), and then the Baum concert in Herzogenbuchsee (baby town in the middle of nowhere central Switzerland) on Saturday night, at the Altes Schlachthaus. The bar is actually a converted slaughter house, and they still have the hooks on the ceiling. It isn't quite as creepy as you would imagine. There was a real camaraderie between the band and the establishment, which I loved. Got to meet some people, and talk more about my opinions and hopes for America (the first thing people say to me is consistently, "Oh! Obama! Yea, Obama is the answer, he is going to turn it all around! You hate Bush, right?" I would prefer a "hello and how are you" rather getting grilled with how this single human can save the world, but I will take the conversation). Tasted Cynar (Chee-nar),an Italian liquor made of herbs and artichoke, and liked it!

Kathleen Kelly (Meg Ryan) in You've Got Mail says, "So much of what I see reminds me of something I read in a book, when shouldn't it be the other way around?" Even though I want to be a bookworm again, a fourth grade book maniac, rather, I am still more of a movieworm. My life seems to be a series of movie moments that become "reality" and then dim back into recollections. I am detached, looking at life through a camera lens on autofocus that can't seem to make up its mind. "...ever so strong that it's over and none of it ever was real."

Went to Lily's, an Asian restaurant that is cafeteria style, and in Kleinbasel, with Lisa on Sunday night before church. I can't explain how nice it was to find a place with decently priced and still delicious pad thai. Eating out in Switzerland can really hit your wallet hard.

I met someone from Etritrea (near Ethiopia) last week at church, and got to talk with him a little more this week. I still don't understand fully why he needed to come here, but I am pretty sure it was not completely by choice. He has a large family, with one brother in Norway and the others back in Africa. It is amazing (and heartbreaking) to hear the hurdles he has to go through to establish a life here in Switzerland. Get some moss. I hope to hear more of his story soon.

The vote (that I spoke about from the previous post) passed with a JA! Ja-hoo!

Fun of the day:

—an old man with a big white wirey mustache and a beret

—a man waiting for the train, actually happy, smiling with bouquet of fair trade roses in hand

—small talk with the Coop cashier, in German

—breaking the crosswalk law to catch the tram

—making my brain work at work

Swiss-ues

2009-02-05T20:41:00.006+01:00

Good evening. I wanted to start out by sharing with you a little of the political scene in Switzerland right now. On February 8th, the Swiss will vote on a key issue concerning their relations with the European Union. Because Switzerland is a direct democracy, if citizens get enough signatures on petitions, the issue can be brought to the Federal Council. [SIDENOTE: The executive Federal Council consists of seven officials elected by the Parliament, and the legistlative Parliament is elected by the people. Also, there are four major political parties.] Currently, Switzerland is not a member of the EU, a "neutral" island amidst the mass, but does have bilateral agreements for the "free movement of persons." This means that even though Switzerland is not in the EU, its borders are relatively easy to pass through, and people living in other countries can work here. People in Basel, Geneva, and Zürich are in general more liberal, and are accustomed to living in an international melting pot, while inland on the farms and in the mountains, there are more conservative viewpoints. Their fear is that if the borders are kept open, foreigners will take all of the Swiss jobs, mainly because they will work for less (which would still be more than in their home country, most likely).

The other side is that if Switzerland continues to shut itself off from the rest of Europe, it will damage relations and trade, and Switzerland cannot be completely self-reliant.

My roommate has two plastic crows hanging on our balcony (this is common. There are crow window clings on large public windows, even, to warn the birds of the glass and to just keep them away). We have now named them Bulgaria and Romania (Bulghee and Romi), the newest members of the EU, because we wanted to invite them to stay with us and show our love to the foreigners. This vote will be very critical, to say the least, for the future of Switzerland. There are poster campaigns everywhere, and the liberal party even has people that are carrying around giant balloons that say "JA" on them, probably a yard in diameter.

Life has been very busy, (but with wonderfully fun things). This is my first evening home in awhile, and it was refreshing to make dinner and just enjoy the halt. Monday was dinner and violin lessons; Tuesday Bible study and birthday drinks at Eiopso with the Lindenhof; Wednesday dinner at my boss' [insert adjective for "breathtaking" here] house. It was about 42°F today, perfect for strolling on the Binningerstraße creek and dancing in the streets. I looked like even more of an idiot because I was carrying a 12-pack...of toilet paper! But who cares, let them laugh.

Saw a man picking up trash from the street with a pair of tweezers and putting it into a small ashtray since I last wrote. I think that is worth mentioning.

Music worth listening to: Kashmir (Danish)

Photography worth looking at: garrywaller.com

Photography you are subjected to because you logged onto this site:

Liebe grüsse,

Linds

Pungent Thoughts

2009-01-31T18:06:00.008+01:00

Something artsy to check out, a promo for House Of Saddam on BBC.

www.diretodoforno.com.br/bbc-house-of-saddam-hussein/

It has gotten colder here, meaning it is actually feeling like winter! It is 30°F now (at 18:30), 21°F in Cincinnati, and 16°F in Napoleon, so needless to say, I have been spoiled and I am due to wear gloves for once.

Friday evening was deemed a "girly cheesy night." I had asked my roommate earlier in the week if we could just sit down and try a bunch of cheeses together, so I could learn a little and experience the taste of the Alps, and she thought it was a great idea! So she bought some cheeses and special breads from the market. When she was talking to the "cheese man," she told him about me being an American wanting to get a feel for the cheese here in Switzerland. He was so happy about my interest that he gave her a free wurst to match the cheese flavors. Paired with some Italian Prosecco and red wine from Portugal, Melody, Chris, and I had quite an evening. I was surprised that I liked the more pungent cheese. I asked about the Swiss cheese holes, and Chris explained that they are created when the cheese "sweats." There are even salt deposits in the holes from the sweating! We also had Melody creations of a sort of carmelized onion appetizer, and balsamic ice cream. I am so glad I live around people who can really cook—my omelettes are put to shame, for sure! We had some pretty deep discussion, about the purpose of music and performance; "Must there be a gap between the band and the audience?" We also dove into the weighty question of, "What is love?" These questions pretty much consumed the entire six hours, and could've lasted years. I am confused more lately. But I am constantly reminding myself of how blessed I am to have this opportunity to be living and breathing Basel.

Got up early this morning to go to Rheinfelden for breakfast with a girl from my Bible study, and the family she is working with as an au pair. Rheinfelden is a small town about 10 minutes outside of Basel. It was great to be around kids again, and to soak up their energy, but realize I am not ready for that responsibility. Maia and I went for a walk about the old town, by the wellness spa, and to Germany. :) Don't be too impressed, because it is literally right on the border!

I am off to see the Lindenhof gang at the Hawaiian party. I will leave you with some photos of the day's excursion.

Oh Ewe Know...

2009-01-29T01:53:00.006+01:00

So let's see... Cincinnati gets holiday for Martin Luther King, Presidents' Day, and now snow? And where are the rest of us... at work, that is! (And having a lot of fun, too.) It's funny. Switzerland is supposed to be all snowy, but it's vice-versa.

Went to Mitte after work today, and did a little reading and journaling. I saw this guy next to me in classic and minimalistic European getup—angular glasses, form-fitting sweater, designer jeans, and sleek loafers—writing vigorously in his oversized moleskin. And he had an amazing fountain-type pen. When I saw this pen, I thought he could be drafting a Constitution. He had his iPod on, and he must've been listening to Van Halen or something to get that kind of pen speed. But it was completely, intoxicatingly inspiring. He had passion! It was like Tom Cruise in Jerry Maguire. At some point, I hope to exclaim passion in a mission statement like that some day. With a good fountain pen. But then, all I had was my Seinfeld ball point, and 5 mere pages left in my journal. I ended up writing on the end pages, the back cover, and a random page in the middle.

Funny story. I got a package today (thank "ewe" Mom), and during all the commotion of trying to get it out of the slot, the light turned out in the lobby (the automatic timer-makers need to plan for people like me, people that really need a couple extra minutes for everything). I got the package out, and decided hey, I am just going to wing it, put in the key in the dark. What do you know, I put in the wrong key, losing at a 50/50 chance. Here's a Google reference:

As you can see, the keys for the most part all look the same, feel the same. I distinguish them by a little white paint rubbed into the holes of one, not a darkness-foolproof method. So the door happened to already be unlocked, and I could get to the lightswitch inside the door, but the key was completely stuck in the slot. I pulled with all my might for fifteen minutes, taking slight breaks to look up the stairs, questioning whether I really could walk up in shame into my roommate's dinner party, and tell her I had another key mishap. I had no chance, I had to succumb to shame, and fetch Melody to bail me out. I came in, and met her guests, one of which will be the new director of the Tinguely Museum soon. I tried to discreetly ask her downstairs, but that didn't really work. She tried, I tried again, to no avail. Time to recruit Chris. He came to the rescue, again, and he pulled with all his might to success.

So through all this key nonsense, I got an invitation to join Jonas and Chris for fondue, and watch the Zürich/Russian-city-I-can't-remember European "Stanley Cup." Zürich destroyed Russia, which is apparently a huge thing because Russia is really good and has a lot of teams, and Switzerland only has two. We had a lot of laughter, discussing mostly the Swiss Army, handball, the Macarena, Walküre, Phil Collins, the Jonas Brothers, and New York. I still think the worst thing about fondue is the traditional kirsch shot after, for digestion purposes (instead of reconsidering the eating of a huge amount of cheese, we decide to just help it along with some liquor, ha). Fondue is delish, but the liquor taste is just not for me.

Last night, I had all intentions on making some progress on emails, but was dead tired, so decided I would take a short nap. I didn't set an alarm, classic, and I woke up at 4am, a seven hour nap, rather. So there you go, I guess. They are coming.

P.S. I think I have discovered my purpose here. Thank you for your prayers.

"I Love The Unexpected."

2009-01-26T23:32:00.004+01:00

Famous Last Words: I love the unexpected.

Friday was fun, because I got to refine my concepts at work, and we had some pretty good conversation in the office. After work, I left and decided to read some of my book at Mitte, a café between the 'platzes that I frequent during lunch and after hours. I started getting tired and wanted to just go home and relax, maybe watch W, a movie I have been putting off for awhile now. I had a nice stroll home with A Fine Frenzy, took time to peer in the store windows and just enjoy the evening. Got groceries, and then went to my building to find out I didn't have my keys. Most likely hanging sprightly on the window hook by my desk. I tell you, my purse literally upchucked all over the entryway; there were clementines a'rolling, books and journals, gum and pens and tram ticket confetti. I thought if I just clear out all the debris, maybe there was just some secret compartment at the bottom where they would be, exclaiming, "Haha, I am just your stupid keys, playing stupid key games." Finally, kneeling amongst groceries and purse vomit, the hallway light went out. I just sat there. My roommate is in Zürich until Tuesday. My co-worker is already home for the weekend. My neighbor who has the spare key isn't home. Am I homeless?

Did some calling, found out that my neighbor would be home in a few hours. And who knew, I didn't have the cell numbers of my co-worker or boss. So, I thought, I guess I might as well just go back to the city and hang around. I read again, totally preoccupied and absorbing only a fraction of the plot. I decided to go back to Mitte, just to make sure I didn't leave them there accidentally. Nope. Saw a Swisscom telephone booth and thought, hey, phonebook? So, being Switzerland and all, there was no phone book, but an electronic look-up service (must we eliminate all elements of print from our lives? I don't think I will ever trade my "old-fashioned" planner for a palm pilot. I won't buy an Amazon Kindle over a worn-scribbled in real copy. Let us cherish the Form of the Book!). I was completely confused, and fed up, so just turned around to get out, but I was trapped inside the clear box. Finally, when I discovered how to get out, I realized that Mohammed, that I had met earlier this week, was there and saw the whole embarrassing episode. I was at a loss for words, English or Deutsch, so I mumbled, shrugged, and just walked away.

Went home when I got a text from my neighbor, saying I could come over and we could wait for the owner to give us the master key. He made dinner fit for royalty, tagliatelle with salmon in a cream sauce. We chatted about a lot of various stuff, like my portfolio, music, and even drying out whale vomit to make perfume! We watched Once, had a coffee, and still didn't get in contact with the owner. So. I was staying there for the night. He made up a spare bed, gave me a toothbrush, totally just made me a place in his home. It is so humbling to have to be dependent; when you have no place to go, when you know you are a burden, that is humbling.

Didn't sleep, mostly because my phone had died right before I went to bed and I didn't have an alarm. I was paranoid that I wouldn't wake up in time to catch the train to Liestal, to have breakfast with Lisa and Rachel. But I made it, and I was able to spend time with these women. It was great getting to know Rachel better. It turns out that she went to school with two of my old roommates! The world gets smaller and smaller everyday.

We went to the Liestal library, and I found this architectural wonder:

It's an old wooden beam structure, with modern chartreuse flooring, bookcases, elevators, everything! It actually wasn't overwhelming, it was very fresh and peaceful. There was even a café downstairs, and there's a balcony deck for summer reading. I borrowed some violin music, and made a mental note to return to this place as soon as possible.

Got a text midday Saturday from my neighbor, telling me that he got the extra key after climbing through a lot of red tape with the management. It felt so good to be home. I got cleaned up, relaxed a little, and then headed back to Liestal with Mike for Lana's concert. It was so awesome... a full string orchestra playing in a church, a total time warp. I love it when I listen to classical music, because it prepares my mind to get lost in another world. I never know what to say when people ask me about the music afterwards... because yes, I do hear the music, but I remember more from my stories. The conductor was humorous... his motions were so drastic and vigorous, I thought he was going to fall over sometimes! I don't think I have ever seen a professional conductor not in coattails. They have to wear coattails.

Side note: Just got my laundry out of the dryer, and the clothes were literally steaming. They looked like in Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory, when they show Charlie's mom over the wash basin, and there was all that humid steam everywhere (that is all I can think to compare it to). A lot of people don't like the song, "Cheer Up, Charlie" that she sings in that scene, but I do.

On Sunday, I finished The Catcher in the Rye, and spent some time at the old flat. We spent the majority of the time discussing "fun day" plans and drinking macchiatos. We are going to Melchsee-Frutt in a few weeks to go sledding, which will be a blast, and hopefully planning a trip to Dublin. We will see what time and money allows... Got to see some hilarious YouTubes of Eddie Izzard comedy, with Legos. Definitely worth your time to look it up. I recommend the Supermarket, Darth Vader, and the Petrol Station. I remember seeing Eddie Izzard was coming to Cincinnati this past fall; now I am sad I missed it.

Church on Sunday was nice. I really enjoy singing praise songs in Swiss-German; in those times, I feel very connected to Basel and God. Next week, ICF is having a passion sunday. We are doing all worship, and recording the session. I am thrilled, to say the least, especially because then I will be able to take some of the songs back with me. I made a new friend this week. He spent some time in British Columbia a few years back, to learn English and work on a farm. He and our small group got to have drinks afterwards.

Today I was reunited with my keys, and it was my first violin lesson. I was extremely scared and intimidated, mainly because I hadn't really practiced since Christmas break. I was a little rusty, to say the least, and it was completely disorienting not having the homemade tape frets to help me cheat. But I am excited, humbled but excited.

Ah, alas, it is late and I am tired. I hope things are going well in your life!

Take care—Linds

Dormant Envelopes

2009-01-23T02:10:00.003+01:00

Came home this evening in anticipation of quiet letterwriting and reading, but plans quickly amended when our neighbor came down to hang out with us. We chatted about 9/11, Guantanamo, Obama, friendship, heritage and ancestry, and just took pleasure in each others' company, over coffee and wine, of course. I learned of some new bands that I am eager to hear more of, mostly acoustic stuff. I had never seen or heard of a twelve-string guitar until tonight! He also saved my computer; we found out (by smell) that my computer cord was literally melting together, and he lent me his old adapter, so please thank him for salvaging my connection to you.

Anyways, The Catcher in the Rye was left untouched, and addressed envelopes with no contents lay dormant on the dining room table, but the alternative was a night of learning and laughter and just plain fun. I love the unexpected.

Twinkled, Spangled Stars

2009-01-21T20:04:00.010+01:00

Found this in the hallway of Die Bibliothek für Gestaltung by my work. That is a very intimidating place, but a place I know I will frequent. They have design books, in English, für frei. I just need to act confident, and convince them I am student; then I'm golden.

I had an exciting afternoon, because I got my VIOLIN! The violin shop was magical. After being rung up, I began talking to the owner in Deutsch...and then realized the only word I knew that could help me was die Geige (violin), so I asked him to speak English. It was so cool; he went to this giant, tilting armoire, with old glass paneling, at least 10 feet tall, and there were more than 80 violins in there! He kept moving them around, squinting his eyes and plucking the strings to find the Goldilocks "just right" violin for me. He asked me how long I had been playing, and sheepishly I answered, "Well, a few months. I'm ok, not a genius or anything..." He then said, "Well, with this violin, you'll become one." Now that is epic! The shop had bundles of horsehair and a turnstile of loose strings. Drawers of chin rests and shoulder supports and sound potentials. He had this energy, that you knew he loved his job and couldn't wait to rent me opportunity. He talked with me about Cincinnati, and told me, "Oh, Cincinnati, what a musical city." CCM must be doing something pretty good. I am thrilled to be bowing away again. I need to get some music—a task for Saturday. But for now, my neighbors get to hear some Twinkle Twinkle and Christmas songs that I memorized.

I was extra-inspired because of the song during the Inaugeration, with Itzsach Perlman and Yo Yo Ma. The Inaugeration was special, being an expat and all. I watched it via webcam, and found myself grabbing my heart and wiping tears. Seeing him take the oath with the Lincoln Bible, that was history right there.

As I was walking home tonight in the twilight, I had a bit of an epiphany. I think the reason I like Basel so much is because it is a city that you can still see the stars in. I was thinking about the sky, and then playing the stream-of-consciousness game: stars, spangled sky, spangled banner. Then I just decided, hey, I'm an American, I know the first verse, and more importantly, I don't know any of these people walking. So I just let it out. I even set the words to different tunes, and created some melodies of my own. The walk home from the violin shop was 45 minutes...

So to make up for the last post, I am going to talk about some amazing interactions with people that I had last night and today. Of course there was the violin man. I was at an intersection with too much construction and confusing crosswalk signals, when I saw a man standing next to me with the most amazing backpack. There was a giant zipper, about three inches wide, going right up the front, and the same going around the top. Each of the teeth was an inch big! It was too awesome to just walk by and solely think about its awesomeness. So I said, "Hey, I know this is weird, but I love your backpack." He said, "Really? Me too! It is for polo!" And then we smiled, kept walking and smiling, not knowing how to a continue a conversation on that. Then he went to the recycling bins and I went my own way. We cheerily "Ciao"-ed, and that was it. Next interaction: On the train last night to Bible study, there was this crazy man chanting, and I looked over to the woman a few seats away. Her eyebrows raised, as to say, hey, I don't know either, and we both just burst into laughter. And then the chanting man did too.

Fortress of Solitude

2009-01-20T00:12:00.004+01:00

Today was pretty good, but I guess the fact that I am sitting here with a tea spoon and a jar of Nutella means that "pretty good" is not the full truth (it's the Graeter's philosophy for Switzerland).

For the most part, it has been pretty cool knowing German here; the way I have described it to some people, is that it's like I scored a secret decoder ring from life's Cracker Jack box, and now I just sort of "get" it, or at least more. I heard that once you start instinctively counting in that language, the language is embedded in you. I haven't gotten to that point yet... I only say "Nie" for "No" without hesitation. But being the lord of this ring also means that I "get" when people are harassing me or making fun of me being American. I had a nice conversation with a guy named Mohammad at the Mittendren café after work. I had to speak in all [fragmented] German because he knew nicht Englisch und nur ein bisschen Italienisch. I was really trying, and there was a group of people making joke about it. Also went to Revolutionary Road tonight with Maia, which speaks about 50s suburbia, and a couple's dream to move to Paris. What a serious movie, and there was just a theaterful of laughter. I am trying to give them the benefit of the doubt, because when I followed the german subtitles they weren't exact translations, and who knows how much they learned about that period in American history. But I am thirsty right now for someone who is sensitive and accepts me, as an American or Arab or Antarctic. When you think about it, the country you are born in is chance, and the politics that envelop the region you live in are not in your direct control, and I wouldn't want them to be. I am going to stop now before I get too heated. I don't want to paint a false picture of the Swiss. These are only my individual encounters recently, and I have had plenty of good ones, too.

In the movie today, I was thinking how cool it would be to learn the trade of cinematography, or to be a film composer. I have always admired cinematographers, and how they can help us see the story. But it wasn't until The Holiday with Jack Black (embarrassing but true) did I ever really picture a film composer being spunky. I want to be a spunky film composer when I grow up, or at least know one!

It was really warm today, 12 degrees... Celsius. Yep, that means 54 Fahrenheit! It was awesome. I love hearing the birds chirp here on my way to work in the morning. I don't understand why they don't migrate. Maybe some do and some don't. Well, the weather today apparently proves why.

I have re-fallen in love with the idea of owning or regularly using a typewriter.

I have been journaling more again, which is a good thing. A blog cannot replace pen-to-paper interactions. Writing is a slosh out of the soul's decanter, and you just need to let loose sometimes. Through journaling, I have been realizing that this alone time that I have now, although it feels like a curse sometimes, it is what I need and in some ways, exactly what I prayed for. Just like m&m's aren't plain, they are milk chocolate, my solitude is not loneliness but a fortress of solitude. I guess it is all in the way you look at it.

Flohmarkt und Freizeit

2009-01-18T22:39:00.003+01:00

This weekend was very refreshing. Friday night I had the chance to make dinner for Laura and I at my apartment, and it actually turned out pretty good! I couldn't help but think of my grandma because I used actual bread for breadcrumbs. Now, I didn't make the bread, but it is a step in the right direction.

On Saturday, we went to the flohmarkt and scrounged through others' junk to find treasures. I found a pair of red binoculars that I feel were an Italian designer's that we learned about in Sources, but I couldn't think of who it was, and couldn't get myself to pay for it if I didn't really know. Found a cool blackletter calendar from München in 1926, too, but the guy wanted too much, and I can't barter in German yet. I thought this pic was cool...

In the afternoon, I did a little shopping at Zara, and invested in a stiff white button-down. Seems like a closet staple. Whenever I think of a white button-down shirt, I think of June Cleaver and other 50s figures, and people talking about using starch to stiffen the collar. I do not know why.

Went on a long long walk in the afternoon, with my iPod in and my SLR. The sun was ashining, and the river was calling my name. I think my only wish would've been to able to redo the walk without my iPod. A lot of your senses turn off when you put an iPod on. I wonder how my pictures would've differed.

Watched "10 Things I Hate About You" in the eve, and fell in love with Heath Ledger all over again. I never really realized how brilliant that movie is. I feel like it is one of the ones you'll show your kids and say, "This, this was my generation." That, and "She's All That."

Today was a day of email catchup and forms. I did some design work, and got to share my portfolio with my roommate. Sometimes it can be difficult to hear feedback, positive or negative, about your work. You pour your heart and soul into your pieces, so any comment about your work is also about you. It was a great discussion, though, and it put some new ideas and perspectives into my mind.

Church was convicting tonight, because we talked about money and finances. It was timely.

Guten nacht, freunde.

I Love My Son —John Debney

2009-01-18T21:59:00.003+01:00

I got tagged by Rachel. I can't believe I did this. But admittedly amusing.

Let's see what your music has to say about you.

Put your iTunes on shuffle, one song for each answer, press the next button.

Write the song no matter how silly.

1. If someone says "is this ok" you say...

["O... Saya" —Slumdog Millionaire soundtrack]

2. What best describes your personality?

["Always Straight Ahead" —This Day & Age]

3. What do you like in a guy/girl?

["Nowhere Man" —Beatles]

4. How do you feel today?

["Sympathy" —Goo Goo Dolls]

5. What is your life's purpose?

["Jesus, etc." —Wilco]

6. What is your motto?

["The Library" —Field of Dreams score]

7. What do your friends think of you?

["Everything is Alright" —Motion City Soundtrack]

8. What do you think about often?

["Mr. Jones" —Counting Crows]

9. What is 2+2?

["How You Survived The War" —The Weepies]

10. What do you think of your best friend?

["And Then There Were None" —Spring Awakening soundtrack]

11. What do you think of the person you like?

["Ain't It The Life" —Foo Fighters]

12. What's your life story?

["How Could You Lose Me? (End Title)" —The Firm score]

13. What do you want to be when you grow up?

["Nobody's Home" —Avril Lavigne]

14. What do you think when you see the person you like?

["Under Pressure" —Queen]

15. What will you dance to at your wedding?

["Evergreen" —A Star is Born soundtrack]

16. What will they play at your funeral?

["Les Jours Tristes" —Amélie score]

17. What is your hobby/interest?

["Livin' La Vida Loca" —Ricky Martin]

18. What is your biggest secret?

["Working Class Hero" —Green Day]

19. What do you think of your friends?

["Joseph All The Time" —Joseph...Dreamcoat soundtrack]

20. What is the worst thing that could happen?

["Lonesome Tears" —Beck]

21. How will you die?

["Let it Fly" —Jackson Waters]

22. What is the one thing you regret?

["More To This Life" —Swen and Dean]

23. What makes you laugh?

["Everywhere You Look" —Full House theme]

24. What makes you cry?

["Somewhere There's a Feather" —Nico]

25. Will you ever get married?

["I'm a Believer" —Smash Mouth]

26. What scares you the most?

["Moon River" —Breakfast at Tiffany's score]

27. Does anyone like you?

["That's What You Told Me" —Five]

28. If you could go back in time, what would you change?

["Habanera" —100 Golden Classics]

29. What hurts right now?

["Damn" —Matchbox 20]

30. What will you post this note as?

["I Love My Son" —Liar Liar score]

I won't tag anyone, just do it if you are interested.

Love.

The night is dark. But there is a light somewhere, right?

2009-01-15T22:00:00.005+01:00

"Go the Distance"

2009-01-15T00:53:00.005+01:00

Listening to the Field of Dreams score by James Horner; for some reason, it just feels fitting.

I missed America today. It was a strong longing. So strong, that I found myself reaching out to Starbucks, drinking subpar coffee and thinking too intently to get comfortable. I was given the evil sneer because I was American; I can be understanding of this in general because I know my German isn't so great, but in Starbucks, that just isn't fair.

The photos are from my walk along the river yesterday. The sun was really just stunning. Today, it snowed, and my favorite little passageway was a complete ice trap. My boss told me that out of Switzerland, Basel is the most efficient in snow removal, that we won a ratings contest among the other major cities. The reason we won is because we have a more mild climate, and get this, we have an overabundance of salt (this is ironic because Napoleon is currently in a salt shortage).

Went to Lisa and Chris' house for dinner tonight, along with Darryl. It was great to get together. I had my first taste of lychee champagne, and I loved it. Had never even heard of such a thing until Switzerland. Discussed a few possible plans to go on a ski run in the next few months, which is exciting. I know my klutz persona will surface, but the experience will be worth it, I'm positive. I, of course, also had another faux pas trying to explain the musical 13. I described it initially as the "horrors of middle school on stage" and they thought I said "whores of middle school on stage." I don't know how I always manage to get myself into these pickles... but they always end in a good hearty laugh. We had some great discussion about ICF as well (my church here in Basel): its mission, its current direction, and how the act of going church functions in our personal walks with God and interactions with the Swiss community. I have been challenged to see what I am bringing to the church, and not necessarily looking to it to fill every aspect of my spiritual needs. It seems so obvious, but I finally see how the common thread, no matter where I am, needs to be God; it is so easy to have "sand" completely fill up my life, or run in a direction that I think is for God, without even really following Him.

Happy Birthday Mom!

Lausanne and Geneva

2009-01-13T00:44:00.007+01:00

I can't believe how busy I have been since my return! I cannot tell you how many times I have sat at the computer, opened up a new post at 12:30am, and take "naps," which almost always end up in failure. I am tempted by the siren song of sleep... which I guess I should give into when it gets late. Anyways... I love to write to you. I see this blog as one run-on pen pal letter, to the world and to no one simultaneously. It's kind of fun, actually, not knowing.

Using the washer and dryer for the first time tonight. They pretty much sound like they are going to take off. They are inconspicuously tucked into a little closet, which contains most of the sound, but they still intimidate me. I have been learning a lot of washing vocabulary, trying to decipher it in effort to not have to buy a whole new wardrobe tomorrow, and possibly get out of having to wear a dress, since that is all I have left clean. When it's cold, that is true motivation!

January is half-over, but also still "half full." I have enjoyed the time I have gotten to spend with Kailee here. She has gotten to experience my Napoleon, Cincinnati, and Basel lives, which is pretty unique. She will be missed by many.

Friday night we went for drinks at acQua, a restaurant and bar lounge down by a small brook near the train station. It feels like a grotto, with cream lit candles dripping down the rocky walls. The chandeliers are posh, dotted with red ornaments, and banquettes dotted with "Q" pillows. In the entryway, there's even water that runs down the slate walls. It was chic, but not too intimidating, so needless to say, I wouldn't mind going back! Afterwards, we treated ourselves to Nutella crepes at a casual place near Barfüsserplatz. She has redefined in me a chocolate addiction.

Saturday morning we left on the train towards Lausanne. It was great to be able to get into an exploring spirit again. Sometimes I like being a tourist, having my camera in hand and just enjoying being looked at with rolled eyes. We started by exploring the docks at the lake, in an area called Ouchy, and then went to the Olympic Museum.

When I was in München this summer, I got the chance to see the identity for the 1972 Olympic Park that Probst got to work on with Otl Aicher. And now, again, I got to see more of their work! From matchbooks to letters, to an entire room devoted to the poster design, I cannot explain how cool it is to see these pieces. And out comes the geeky designer in me... We also got to see all of the Olympic torches, and some medals and memorabilia. I saw Shannon Miller's leotard, and was thrilled. As I said when I was there, "That literally just made my afternoon."

Walking through Lausanne, it was great to have opened eyes again. I think it is because I have been thinking too much in Basel. Today, when I got a chance to stroll along the river, and see the sun reflect upon the water, I got that warm feeling inside, when you think God is telling you a secret. "Linds, this is beauty." Anyways, in Lausanne, I saw this sign and got a kick out of it. I think one of the best perks about being in Europe is being able to discuss world issues more, and hear new opinions.

That evening we travelled to Geneva. Sadly, we couldn't see any mountains because of the overcast fog, but we did get to the hostel, and had a decent fondue in a somewhat sketch place. The hostel was very nice, very comfortable, especially for the luxury of having our own room! On Sunday morning, we got up and got a coffee (no Starbucks, a stiff real coffee, Euro-style), and a clementine. I am addicted to those as well, now. I have a feeling it is just a phase, but who knows. Unfortunately, the Jet d'Eau was off because it is too cold, but we did get to walk along the lake, and to the United Nations. It was cool to see some of the buildings and roads along the way dedicated to Woodrow Wilson. I was thinking, yea, I know he established the League of Nations, but AP American History knowledge has certainly been pushed to the outskirts of my brain to make way for InDesign and Quark shortcuts. We went into the old town, after some french onion soup at a quaint french café. All of the shops are closed, a typical Swiss sunday, so we got explore a bit. And look what I stumbled upon...

I was thrilled. I thought I would really like to see the Geneva "jewel headquarters" and I found it!

The train ride back was more rewarding than the way there. I made a pact with my body that I would not sleep. We got to see chimneys hiccuping smoke, snow-laden trees, and a gorgeous sunset. Switzerland is practically fake in the winter. It is all a storybook. I am always imagining an old man in tortoiseshell glasses, sitting by the fire in his tufted leather armchair. Seriously, I think of Masterpiece Theatre and Playmobils, the plastic fire and the cat curled up on the felt cushion. Here's a junky picture, but is a good reminder of the beauty.

Last night we made a big meal at the flat, and then headed to Eiopso to hang out with the Lindenhof gang. It was awesome to laugh with them again, and to get to know Anne a bit. I can't wait to spend more time with these people. And tonight we spent time with my coworker over a cheese fondue. I am so thankful for the friends that I have here, and the opportunities to share these friendships.

Getting tired. Still haven't caught up, but I will do so soon!

Fröhlichte Dreikönigstag!

2009-01-06T23:18:00.010+01:00

I must tell you, I love the apartment. It gets really great sunlight, and the red and white acrylic/lucite material in my kitchen and bathroom is pretty awesome. I am definitely spoiled here. But I miss the Lindenhof gang. A lot. I wish this apartment was on the other side of town, but you can't have everything I guess.

Yesterday was Driekönigstag, which means "three kings day," when the Three Kings arrived to see Jesus. Here, there is a tradition that you eat a sweet bread with your family and friends. Here's a picture of it, from Google.

The bread comes with a crown, and a small wise man baked inside (totally sueing nightmare for the States, I suppose)! Everyone breaks off a section of the bread, and the one who finds the wiseman is king for the day. My coworker brought one in to work, and guess who won!

I absolutely loved seeing grown men walking the streets with these crowns on their heads. I like this tradition!

Kailee and I have been up to a lot. On Monday, we ate at one of my favorite places, Piadina, and then saw Australia... I loved it! On Sunday, we said "auf wiedersehen" to Roger as he left to go back to the Netherlands. We also went to church, and then small group on Tuesday night in Liestal. The sermon and small group were about looking back to 2008 and looking ahead to 2009. Our pastor had a really great illustration. He took a vase, and gradually poured in sand. He explained that the sand is what creeps into our lives slowly and unknowingly. We catch the "hurry sickness," and find that we have no time, because we are too busy with the humdrum. He then pulled out three rocks, symbolizing God, loved ones, and the mission field. The jar was completely full, and there were no more room for the rocks. He reminded us that we need to keep these rocks as a firm foundation, and build up and around them. He then poured out the sand, put in the rocks, and showed us that you can still fit sand in after the rocks are in place. It's so ironic, how we can forget to include these main elements into our daily life, even if we have intention. At group, we talked then about the sand, and listened to a sermon by John Ortberg called "It All Goes Back Into the Box." Here is a link to download it for free. He was speaking about Monopoly, how you can succeed or you can lose, but either way, whatever you earn or miss out on, it all goes back into the box. He was saying that if you are investing in hotels, in houses, in property... in sand, you will ultimately find yourself full of nothing, and missing the foundational purpose. This message has hit home for me, as to how I plan to spend my time here. I need to be investing in rocks, storing my treasures in heaven.

The week is going by quickly. We are headed to Geneva for the weekend. Miss you all!

—Linds

Home Sweet Fill-in-the-Blank

2009-01-04T01:39:00.003+01:00

From Napoleon to Columbus, to Cincinnati, to Washington D.C., to Frankfurt, to Basel; the nag of "are we there yet?" can finally be answered...Yes. After a delightfully, laugh-filled New Years' Eve at Dan's house with some terrific laugh buds, and New Years' Day with friends from UC past, I made the trek with Kailee back to summer's playground. The time zones are the ones getting the laughs now though, as they see me trudge and try to reset my body clock.

For the most part, I thought I packed light; packing for winter is so much harder than summer, and I even kept it to two suitcases, not even bulging. But when we arrived at the airport and I had to wrangle my turtle-hump backpack, a purse, and two suitcases into a bus, a tram, and walking to the new abode, I counted a few things I could have left behind. I also could have drawn a better map or considered printing it, any version that better described the area around the apartment and didn't have us wheeling around aimlessly for awhile.

The apartment is stunning and my roommate is going to be a blast, I just know it. She fixed us dinner tonight, a unique mushroom salad, and we got to talking about all sorts of topics. Will post pictures when it is not 2am and I am literally typing with fluttering eyelids.

Saw Roger and Daniel tonight, which was a great reunion. We all hung out at the old Lindenhof flat and then headed to Atlantis with Melanie and new friends later.

It is weird to be back, mainly because I remember the city in warmth, and it looks completely different in early darkness, ice, and Christmas lights (Jerry's two face girlfriend, anyone?). On the bus from the airport to the train station, I didn't recognize the entire northwestern part of town. The city is very empty now, but also very much at peace. It's funny, I thought I would feel very much at home, and in a way I do, but I also feel that I am visiting Basel for the first time, in entirely different circumstances. My vantage point is either totally distorted or finally straightened. God has plans for me here, but I am clueless as to how they will carry out.

Movie Recommendation

2008-12-31T05:13:00.002+01:00

Slumdog Millionaire.

Un. Real. [Thank you, Brooke.]

I hope your heart sings "Auld Lang Syne," tomorrow. I'll be the one humming over the words I don't know.

A New Perspective

2008-12-24T18:41:00.006+01:00

A full day has passed, and my heart is still pulsating faster than normal. Yesterday, I found myself mere miles from home, but seeing the dark countryside anew... on my side in a ditch in my Honda. It's funny, how you can travel life's roads over and over, and then be forced to look from a new perspective.

Traveling down County Road S, the car conceded to the ice, fishtailed, did a 180, then spilled over sideways into the ditch. I was pummeled with my purse, CDs, my SLR, little patters of gum packets, and the uncomfortable weight of gravity. After the motion ceased, I could see smoke in the windy air, and I was hoping it was just the exhaust pipe. Looking out the windshield, I saw packed un-white snow, and hazy icedrops illuminated by headlights. I don't remember details of the conversation I had with Andrew, but I know he kept me calm in the certainly uncomfortable situation. And then, a pair of pants with reflective tape on the cuffs appeared. Shawn, a fireman on his way home from a call came to my rescue. The passenger side door was heavy and frozen shut, but with some push and pull, we opened the door. As I climbed the seats to the outside, I could hear the snow shift under the car; it sounded like glass splintering. Shawn waited with me while my parents and the sheriff came. I couldn't tear my eyes away from the bottom of my car.

Life is precious. And sometimes we don't see how precious it is until we look at it from another perspective. I am thankful for Andrew, for being there for me and keeping me calm; for Shawn, for stopping to pull me out; for the kind sheriff, who was completely understanding; for my parents, for being there immediately and helping me deal with the logistics and legalities; for the towing crew; and for God's protective hand. My car is a bit battered, but I am completely unharmed. As my dad told me, "We can deal with bent metal." I walked away, with nothing more than shock.

I think it was a jolt I needed. In all honestly, I haven't been doing much preparation for the gift that is arriving tomorrow: Jesus. Pastor Hays tonight talked about how Jesus was wrapped in swaddling clothes. Apparently, because journeys in those days were so difficult, many people didn't make it round-trip. Under their clothes, they would wear swaddling clothes, ultimately so that if they died, they would have cloth to wrap the body. A new perspective: Jesus, wrapped in swaddling clothes lying in the manger, who was prepared to die for us from the beginning.

The shock wore off during the service tonight, and my mind was flooded with thoughts of the Crossroads accident, my scary ice-hap, and people that I love. Tears were let loose. I was broken knowing that I was spared, and I am saved.

Thank you, God.

Merry Christmas to all, and to all a good night.

Life Quotes

2008-12-22T07:29:00.000+01:00

If you're headed for a life that's only involved with making money and you hope to find satisfaction somewhere else, you're headed for a lot of trouble. And whatever replaces vodka after you're 45 is what you're going to be doing.

—Richard Avedon

Getting Ready

2008-12-21T02:24:00.006+01:00

Bought the 13 The Musical soundtrack today, mainly because I can't get the songs out of my head. I figured if they are going to stay there, I should at least know the right words. There's a song entitled, "Getting Ready," and while listening, it hit me.

I am ready.

I have a job, a ticket, an apartment with a great roommate, a church, a small group, and friends to hug when I arrive. I am so incredibly blessed.

I will be off of Facebook for this winter. I don't think it will be the easiest thing, especially with the distance, but I am somewhat excited for the challenge, and hopefully, the opportunity to be less dependent on it. Please email me if you are bored, lonely, need to vent, whatever! [lindsmeyer@gmail.com]

Quick movie recommendation: Sabrina. It is magical.

I hope you enjoy this holiday season with your family and friends.

Things I Like About Napoleon

2008-12-21T01:34:00.000+01:00

Went to New York recently, and was fortunate enough to see 13: The Musical. A bunch of talented young people, singing about the woes of middle school. I think everyone hated seventh grade; I know I did. Girls were cutthroat, and we were all so utterly awkward. The majority of the plot happens to be set in Appleton, Indiana. Check out these lyrics to "The Lamest Place in the World."

Down the road there's a Dairy Queen

Up the block there's a Wal-Mart

There's a place you can accessorize your pets

A school, a tree, a couple of churches

And no matter how hard anybody searches

That's about as thrilling as this dumb-ass village gets

It's the lamest place in the world

But it just got a little bit better...

I couldn't help but smirk at the Napoleon irony. I think, more than ever, I am enjoying my winter break in Napoleon; it only took four years to get to this point! I have gone from downright hating it, to making cracks about it, to being depressed about it, to near acceptance. It's easy to look at the Christmas season as nostalgic, and see your life not match up to the movies. I can see myself looking into the window of a happy family on a picturesque wintry evening, like Kevin from Home Alone, seeing all the differences rather than the blessings. Our lives aren't completely choreographed, and I am thankful. I am thankful for all of the quirks, and inside jokes, and even thankful for Napoleon. Who knows if I would appreciate the opportunities I have, if I would have grown up somewhere else. Every opportunity seems exotic and special, and Napoleon is the perfect reminder of that.

Here are a few things I have thought about, since I have been here this week, things that I love about Napoleon:

—Walking into the smell of the house you grew up in

—Feeling tall at the bathroom sink

—Lipstick stains on the bedroom carpet, immortalizing fourth grade

—No expectations; wear a t-shirt and jeans, and you're one of the group.

—Driving on ground so flat, Columbus would be convinced, for miles and miles

—The broad sunsets.

—The sun on a field of morning snow.

—Dumb birds who haven't migrated at the bird feeder.

—The 40 minute drive to Toledo, perfect amount of time to sleep or think.

—Pitch. Black. Night. Who knew that a street without streetlights could be so peaceful.

—Cats curled up ontop of recycled newspapers, purring at an opened door.

—Stumbling upon memories, people re-earthed.

—WNDH. And the harum of old people who listen to it all day.

—A bedroom closet that holds doll clothes and years-worth of craft supplies.

—Knowing all the people in line with you at the post office, and ooh-ing because you have a letter for Switzerland

—Being identified as Janet Sigg's daughter at the bank

—Never having to fill out a deposit slip

—Smiles from people at church, just happy that you're home

Home Sweet Napoleon.

A [Fine] Frenzy

2008-12-16T00:16:00.000+01:00

When you can't explain what's going on in your head and heart, you have license to steal others' attempts.

Stitch in your knitted brow

And you don't know how

You're gonna get out

Crushed under heavy chest

Trying to catch your breath

But it always beats you by a step, all right now

Making the best of it

Playing the hand you get

You're not alone in this

There's hope for the hopeless

There's hope

Cold in a summer breeze

Yeah, you're shivering

On your bended knee

Still, when your heart is sore

And the heavens pour

Like a willow bending with the storm you'll make it

...

—A Fine Frenzy

Oh God, lead me. My compass has been demagnetized.

gingerbread town.

2008-12-09T09:25:00.000+01:00

Had the pleasure of dining with some Milford Navs staff tonight, and my summer in Colorado was cemented. It was awesome to be invited into their home, a place with Christmas-y garland, homemade ornaments, and a roaring fireplace. When I have a family, I would like to roast marshmallows in the fireplace and make smores. At one point in my life I thought it would be cool to have a tree that was simply pristine, that I would probably decorate with white lights and beautiful beads and bows and riduculous put-togetherness, but I think I am to that point now that I just want my tree to look like love. To be covered in stupid glitter glue ornaments made in kindergarten. To be laughable but real and true. And I want a real tree, no more pulling it out of the attic and waiting a few days for it to settle and look like a real tree.

Drove through Mariemont on the way home, and that place in Christmas seriously looks like it is made out of gingerbread. I felt like if I would've rolled down my civic windows there would just be laughter floating amuck, and beautiful clouds of cold breath. I wanted to sit and soak up Mariemont.

Headed now to the DAAP show. It is the end, and I can't believe it. I want afternoons filled with dozens of coffee dates in the last two days I am here. I want to skip/ace my German exam. I want to make sure I do not write off my mind into thinking that friendships must go on hiatus until April. I want comfort in knowing that relationships in Basel will still hold strong. Oh Christmas, fill me.

my fingers are stuck together.

2008-12-07T22:34:00.000+01:00

In an effort to escape comp-ing for a few minutes, I am relaxing and getting my keyboard gluey in the process.

Today was the last Crossroads service in a few months. Before Crossroads, I had never looked forward to church so much; this week, I was ready to go back to church on Wednesday. It has been almost 2 years since I starting going, and I still get tingly and excited to hear God speak to me there, to hear the twang of the bass guitar and to just feel like one essential ingredient in a hearty human stew. ICF here I come. I hope that my German class will pay off a little, and I will understand a bit more of the worship songs that I am singing. I am so thankful; thank you, God.

Steph, you have really been on my mind today. I found the photo album you made me for Hello Dolly, and my heart leapt up a little. I can hear you sing like it was yesterday. You were so supportive, even when I had to dress like a frickin' cake. I miss you... and I know there are a lot of others, too. Whaddaya know... "Elegance" just came on.

God, I want you in the forefront of my brain's filing cabinet. I want to reference you first. Thanks for dealing with me.

refusal

2008-12-06T20:54:00.000+01:00

It's a winter wonderland outside. I'm at my computer, surrounded by packaging comps and Depression timelines... yet I am engrossed by even other thought-patterns. The devil has me right where he wants me. I refuse to overanalyze, and sink into self-dug depths of despair. I can't go back there. I can't face that brick wall again, my scratched tally marks and the graffiti of anger.

I seek refuge in You, God. I must. I need to place my hope and trust in you.

marshall plan

2008-12-04T04:45:00.000+01:00

It's hell week for DAAP and I am getting more sleep than I have all quarter. It's bad when you start to fizzle right when you should be your strongest. My body is just begging me to wave the white flag and loosen the chains of sleep deprivation. And when I do cave, it's just a downward slope. How can sleep be bad, you ask, but somehow it is.

The comforter, sheets, and the blanket on my bed have been in chaotic disarray since I came back from Thanksgiving. I balled them up in the corner so I would be motivated to work (there is no more terrible chore in my life than putting a bed together). I now sleep like a cat, on a pile of dishevelment, in one unified act of rebellion and failure.

Thought a bit over break about Christmas music, and I am still pondering. We have hymns and psalms from the beginning, and then the 1950s wave (Mel Tormé, Sinatra, Nat King Cole, Bing, Johnny Mathis), songs that are still played 20 times a day, 50+ years after they were first sung. How are modern artists only peppering the Christmas music scene? When we are 70, are they still going to be playing those same songs? What about all the claymation movies? Are we going to establish any new Christmas staples?

My stomach hurts. I ate too much bacon, I think.

I now retreat to my bed, and, in the words of megan, will try to execute the marshall plan.

procrastination

2008-12-01T03:11:00.000+01:00

Back from Thanksgiving and wishing I was back in Napoleon. I have lost passion for school, I am ready to say my goodbyes and get that hurt over with; no matter how many co-ops I go on, it is still difficult to rip away from Cincinnati.

I'm tired, I have a full night ahead of me, and I really just want to stretch out in front of a fire, watch Casablanca, and fall asleep in someone's arms.

München

2008-09-16T03:44:00.003+02:00

will write when it is not 4am. for now, here are some pics. love linds.

My Favorite Things...

2008-09-16T02:58:00.012+02:00

In high school, I used to keep a jar of slips of paper on my desk. On these slips of paper were little phrases that can make you smile when you're frustrated with the complexities of life. Just some little nuances of life that are completely ordinary, but when thought of individually, they can become epic. It was a jar of distractions and of thankfulness.

Going to Salzburg and diving into the Sound of Music world, I found it only appropriate to list a few of my favorite things. Sadly, I am not Oprah and I am not giving away SUVs, or even Julie Andrews, because I really can't carry a tune all that well either... but I did have a lot of time on trains and planes, and I think we all have some sort of gift from God in the way that we see the world. I lend you my senses...

fresh-baked bread, street musicians with passion, watching people sleep, sunrises,"San Francisco weather," lepidoptera, adjectives, run-on sentences with lots of commas, The New York Times, coffee, the warm smell of bonfires, bulky scarves, quirky jewelry, kids' choirs, cool breezes, leaf veins, the first snow, loose line drawings, the clinking of change, dutchmen's breeches, pressed pennies, fruit, blank notebooks with no lines, Toni Morrison sentences, surreal cultures, tenebrism, crashing ritzy hotels, crayon factories, old couples, billowing cream in a cup of coffee, strong and confident women, Bruce Davidson, Horst P. Horst, Irving Penn, the gentleness of Degas, Hitchcock lighting, the Sinatra swoon, Bono, Robert Frost

open-air movies/the drive-in, the power of being behind the wheel, uncontrollable laughter, bonding, orange juice in a champagne flute, prosecco, flourished brackets, crumbling plaster, patina, text ragging, old movies with dust specks, film scores, goosebumps, peace roses, vests, snuggling, a long string of camels amongst the sand dunes, twirling my hair, the way your teeth feel after you get your braces off, when people pet my head, head-on-shoulder, popped collars, farmer's market, wearing your Sunday Best on a Tuesday, paint on good clothes, metaphors, walking barefoot, black t-shirts, a good eye lock, guys with short hair, the sound of lapping water, grace, "like a jewel in an Ethiop's ear," the warmth inside a family home on Christmas, wet typewriter ink

how eyeglasses can instantly indicate a certain decade, tousled bedhead hair, music escaping from distant windows, dancing sunlight, paper scraps, soft things, mismatched china, a long row of buttons, the & sign, gathered fabric, legs dangling from tree branches, lace, curling up into the corner of the couch, falling asleep in front of the TV, blazers with jeans, inlays, woodcarving, encores, the "reject colors" (mustard yellow, brown, olive green, burnt ochre), storytelling, musicals, the morning aire, well-loved books, Tennessee Williams, jazz spontanaeity, argyle, a child's lashes, serifs, running your fingers over braille, learning about American History, sheet music, Titanic, "the mind of him that knew her own," the way eyes flutter as they fall asleep, gelato, pounding hearts, supportive friends and family

the metamorphosis of a lit candle, Crossroads, hugs, picnics, ping-pong domination, crescendos, turtlenecks, homemade-ness, spoons, flea markets, antiques with stories, streamlined, pitchblack Napoleon nights, tufted things, astericks, icicles, "miles to go before I sleep," red velvet, seeing your breath, handmade paper with a deckle edge, paper airplanes, potted herbs, waltz, motion blurs, cathedrals at night, flocks migrating, leaf pile explosions, purring, walking barefoot, quill pens, calligraphy, ivy dangling from wrought iron, vast fields, linen, heirlooms, toes in the sand, stone skipping, dripping rain at bedtime, violin solos, the moment when the theater darkens, the click of the baton on the conductor stand, winks, a smile that travels across a room, the smell of clean laundry, gingkos, honest eyes, sequoias, love letters, floppy sunhats, obnoxiously large Audrey Hepburn glasses, silhouettes, long necks, green glass in the light, tulle, ballet form, the way the periodic table works, the way the sun is always friendly and never accusing...

Salzburg

2008-09-16T02:56:00.003+02:00

will write when it is not 4am. here are some pics. love linds.

Wein

2008-09-16T02:37:00.006+02:00

Ok. It is 2:10am, and again, I am attempting to stay up and await my flight back to the U.S. I guess I will be doing a bit of backtracking, talking about my trip and all.

I decided before I even came to Switzerland that I would not leave without doing the Sound of Music tour in Salzburg, and cross that off the lifelong goal list. This trip turned into a larger excursion of Vienna, Salzburg, and Munich, but I never found a good time to take off work and do this trip. Finally, almost at the end of my stay here, I was able to work out my vacation, book a flight and some hostels, and begin this memorable journey.

Let me begin to tell you, that through all this planning, I didn't think much about the fact that I was going on this trip alone. It has just become second-nature, through co-op; if I want to go see it, I see it. I have no insecurities of being alone. But I didn't take into account that I would literally be alone for five days, traveling Europe companionless, and turning to my side to relay happiness or excitement and coming up emptyhanded. Being a backpacking traveler takes guts and a level of outgoingness that I don't know if I am really qualified for. It's fun at first, and then you start running out of distractions. Your mind starts confronting itself and the issues that are usually suppressed by music, mindless chatter, and other distractions. You meet other travelers, and you chat the same mindless chatter about where you've been and how long you're on the road, but ultimately, it's just you and the road. And a tons of strangers. At the same time, I know I could be spend this precious time in Basel with people that I love, rather than see the world, alone.

I arrived in Vienna early in the morning, got to the hostel, and really just wanted to sleep. I got an awkward 1.5 hours of sleep from a failed attempt at staying up all night. I felt guilty, but knew if I didn't get some rest, I would have a worthless day in the city, so I took a quick nap and then headed out for some exploration. Saw St. Stephen's cathedral, and went back again at night. There is just something so moving about seeing a cathedral at night, with the candlelight and the solemn aire absent of tourists. You can really feel connected to the space.

Went to a butterfly house, which was a nice break from the old architecture that all starts to look the same after awhile, no matter how much you love it. Then to the Albertina art museum, which is in the Hapsburg Imperial Palace. There were some stunning pieces by Egon Schiele, who I've come to love from my Christie's days, Dürer, and then a huge huge exhibition on Van Gogh. It was so thorough, showed every aspect of his life, just wonderful. The gallery was situated in regular museum spaces, as well hanging in the palace rooms, so you could experience the period interiors, and enjoy the art. This museum was probably one of my favorites that I went to while in Europe this summer. The gardens outside were shady and perfect for a second nap of the day, and for a little sketching.

At night, after doing a bit of wandering, I stumbled upon a Film Festival that was showing a 90s recording of a Tschaikovsky piece done by the Berlin Philharmonic. Really, only in Vienna would something like this appeal to a huge group of people. I really enjoyed it, because the atmosphere was great, situated between the Rathaus and the Hapsburg Theater. There were tons of food booths, and locals just enjoying the evening.

Went on a bike tour of Vienna the next day, and met a woman whose sister is a librarian in Napoleon! How crazy!

But I am Le Tired...

2008-09-10T01:11:00.003+02:00

A lot of things happening in my life lately, and too much thinking about the future. I try to savor each moment I have, but I can't help but thirst for more insight on to where I will be next. I don't want to wrap things up if they don't have to be. Sometimes I think of life like the boardgame Clue (funny, not the Game of Life). I just want to peek at that CONFIDENTIAL envelope in the middle. I just want to know Miss Scarlet, with the candlestick, in the Conservatory... or Lindsey, with_________, in the country of __________.

My train leaves in three hours, so I am trying to just stay up and wait it out. Perfect blogging opportunity. And time to brush up on my Sound of Music.

On Monday night, the small group came to my apartment for a little get-together. The big event was that I made Skyline dip! Woo! And people liked it! Woo! I must admit, my stomach was acting a little quirky afterwards, probably because I hadn't had it in so long. Funny thing, too, was that with this country being so famous for cheese, you cannot find a mild cheddar to save your life. And what is Skyline without the mound of cheese ontop? I tested a few cheeses, and found one that is pretty close to cheddar. It was a pretty good quality cheese. But no matter how quality, all I really wanted was some ridiculously fake calorific cheddar. We had some really great laughs. I, ironically, made another topless bar/tapas bar faux pas. I had a great discussion with Dave about my time here, and about the progression of the small group during this time. I can't explain the feeling of being used by God. I feel privileged, confused to why He would pick someone screwed up like me to be a messenger, but privileged nonetheless. He can be so mysterious.

Here we are: Chris, Lisa, Me, Lana, Mike, and Dave.

Today, I went shopping for some Euro-Pumas-but-not for my trip, and then came home to go on picnic in the park by my flat! I have wanted to go on a picnic there since the first time I saw this place. Cedric, Katie, and I had some bruschetta, fruit, and a cervelas salad. I am still getting used to the idea of calling something a salad that has absolutely no lettuce involved. We then went back to the flat and had this delicious chocolate and coconut dessert that Cedric made. I am telling you, the guys in this country know how to cook! It's great! I am still learning, but I am better off because of them. And then, I was reconnected to Seinfeld; watched "Yada Yada Yada" and "Muffin Tops." I feel like I have been unfaithful to Seinfeld, that I am having an affair with Friends, but it has been nice to have a break from the show about nothing. I was obsessed for awhile. Now it is under control.

Packed up my room tonight because I want to be able to spend my last three days in Basel, in Basel, and with the people that I love. I forgot how white this room could get. It looks as though my suitcases will close just fine.

But will I?

Back to Sargans

2008-09-07T14:22:00.003+02:00

It's been a lazy sunday, and I am loving every minute of it. No guilt, just soaking up the sunny rays and sipping coffee like a good girl. My goal was to begin and finish a mural, which hasn't started yet, but I will make a start before I go to bed today. It just feels so good to stop.

On Wednesday, Laura and Daniel and I had a computer party in the dining room, and Thursday, the Zermatt gang reunited to go to the "blindekuh" restaurant, about five minutes from the flat. The boys were looking sharp, so Laura and I dressed up, too, ironically, to not be seen. Yep, the "blindekuh" translates to "blind cow." The first restaurant was in Zurich, and now they are apparently all over the place. All the servers of the restaurant are blind, and the whole experience is designed to heighten your senses and help you experience the world of a blind person. As we were going through the light trap, we made a train, to arrive in a room of complete darkness, hearing some conversation and silverware clanking. I think this is when I felt the most "lost-in-translation," because they were speaking german to me, in the dark. Talk about being clueless. We felt around for our place setting, and found wine glasses, too many forks to be casual, and linen that for all we knew was tie-dye. I ordered "schwein mit pflaumen und rotwein." I can't believe I left without a single stain. As for cutting the meat, I just skipped it. I turned a gourmet meat into fair food; stabbed it with a fork, and gnawed like a barbarian... in Ann Taylor. We were in the dark for about 3 hours, and when coming out, my eyes felt like they were being stabbed. Sorry, that is graphic. But it was a lot of fun, a great new experience. Afterwards, went for drinks at Eiopso, a bar next door that is in an old warehouse. It was almost like cafeteria lunch tables, with funky dim light fixtures, and an ultra-hip bar; so many juxtapositions that could only come together in a city like Basel. Being in a warehouse like that, it kind of felt like Zoolander; I was just dying to see a walk-off.

On Friday, I went to Sam and Cat's new penthouse-warming party, plantless. It's funny to think about that whole "being an adult" thing. I just think of people in a sitcom, going to someone's new house and bringing a plant... do people do that in real life?

Saturday was back to Sargans to see Sepp and Brigitte again, the couple that I met the second weekend or so in Switzerland. Doesn't seem that long ago, but it was. It was awesome to see them again, and cool to see Sargans went it wasn't storming. The mountains were gorgeous; no matter how many times I see them, I am still in awe. I just want to take photo after photo, but none of them capture the feeling the mountains give you: small, but enlivened. Went thrifting, and then to Bad Pfafers with Brigitte, which is famous for its pure and healthy hot spring water. People have gone to this region for hundreds of years because of its "healing" powers in the water, staying in the water for 6–7 days! It was absolutely stunning to see the cavern/gorge, where the waters cut through.

Apparently, the water takes 10.5 years to come from inside the earth to the surface; we saw water from the 90s!

Here we are, enjoying our day together...

Also, met a group of people running a printing press at the old resort at the springs. They apparently got the press from Coshocton (sp?), OHIO! How cool! They let me do a print, but I was totally not cut out for it. It was so heavy!

Walked back from the springs to the town, and encountered waterfall after waterfall. It was like we were walking in one of those moving photos that they sell in mall kiosks.

That evening, we made fondue, my first taste of it! It was awesome to have my first fondue in a Swiss family home. It felt homey and authentic. I think fondue is to the Swiss, as tomato soup and grilled cheese is to Americans. Perfect for a cold winter or rainy day.

Afterwards, we went to church, and by chance, the leader of ICF Zurich was speaking. He is the founder of the ICF in Zurich, which also planted a group in Basel, where I go. He seems like a great person, with a great heart. The message was entitled, "Pimp my Life," a spoof on "Pimp my Ride." I didn't see how this was going to be biblically related; there is no way Jesus had big rims and a fishtank in the arm rest of his donkey. But it was cool, he explained it as "pimping" your heart and life with God, focusing on your inner life. I don't think I caught everything, as my translation was Brigitte whispering into my ear, and I still don't love the whole "pimping" analogy, but it was good to hear, and be encouraged to keep deepening my relationship with God.

Going to Austria and Germany this next week, and then before I know it, will be back in the States again to begin another quarter at UC. Doesn't time want to stop for a cup of coffee?

Take care. Love Linds.

Zer-Matterhorn

2008-09-03T00:02:00.003+02:00

I really don't get tired of puns. Ever.

On Sunday, Cedric, Miggi, Daniel, Laura and I journeyed to the south of Switzerland to Zermatt to see the Matterhorn. It's argueably the pinnacle of Switzerland...and completely saturated with Japanese tourists. There are so many Japanese tourists that all the signage is in German, English, and Japanese, and there are tons of Japanese restaurants!

After about 3 hours of sleep the night before, we all got together and took a long train ride down to Zermatt. Every time the announcer told us about the upcoming stop, she would speak in German, French, Italian (Swiss languages), Japanese (as we neared the Matterhorn), and then English. And every time, Laura would turn to me and say "This, this is for you." because we were all convinced that I was definitely the only American. Daniel asked me how many Americans I thought had ever been to the Matterhorn. I guessed 1%. I feel like Americans are not thinking of Switzerland as a top tourist destination. I don't know, I never really thought about taking a vacation to Switzerland before living here. Since we were on the early, we were surrounded by 60 year-old's hiking groups and the overambitious. We, on the other hand, were all brushing away sleep, but then when we started to travel into the more mountainous regions, we couldn't help but ooh and aah. Switzerland should be on the top of the tourist list! There were dozens of waterfalls, and rivers down below that were milky white, from the rock sediment and the sheer coldness from melted snow. I've been to the Rockies... the Alps have a sort of elegance that the Rockies lack. I think the cute little picturesque cottages tucked away help, too.

Here is the majesty in all its glory:

We walked around the town a bit, and then headed for the mountain. Now you see, the others asked me why I was wearing sandals for the day, as we were leaving the flat, and I was sure that I would be ok, I can walk in anything. But for some reason, it did not cross my mind that we could be doing some serious, strenuous hiking. So there I was, the stupid american that was hiking up the crazy mountain in sandals, realizing I really haven't grown out of my asthma yet. But it really wasn't that bad, in the end. I was just a little dirtier than the rest, and felt even more rewarded in the end.

On the way up, we went through the Ricola herb fields (REEEE-COL-AAAAAH!), and then decided we deserved a beer and bathroom break, and that we would stop to see this small black lake (that doesn't actually exist). Met some Austrians, and socialized a bit, before continuing up to the next gondola stop. We all agreed that we wanted to continue with the gondola. And then we stopped for lunch at another tucked-away place, and had the best Rosti I have had so far in Switzerland.

The gondola ride was gorgeous. I think this was my first time in a gondola (as I have never skiied either), besides at the Ohio State Fair, I guess, if that counts. First time up a mountain, at least. It was just stunning to see the small town get even small, and the snow masses get even larger. When we got out, it was windy and chilly (p.s. this was just at the top of the little matterhorn. I don't even know if you can go any farther without a pickaxe and a ridiculous amount of experience).

The Roomies!

The Group!

Laura and I waded in this melted snow lake, and tried to catch fish with our bare hands (so very unsuccessful). There was this random chapel up there as well. It reminded me of the small chapel/burials in New Orleans, more specifically, in the movie Double Jeopardy. I couldn't believe how lucky I was, to be up there with such great friends, and to have so much laughter and joy. The air was thin, but so pure. The only sounds were of the wind and the rushing water down below.

By the time we returned to the bottom, there was time for a quick coffee break, and then back on the train to go back to Basel. This trip was good bonding time, and good laughing time.

Once back in Basel, we had a traditional Swiss meal of racklette!
And it was so delish! There is this special hot plate contraption, where you heat cheese in your own little personal skillet, and then spice it and add meat bits and onion and garlic to your liking. And once the cheese in browned and bubbling a bit, you scrape it out onto some potatoes. It is sort of like a glorified baked potato...but so much more fun to make and eat. I don't think I have ever eaten that much cheese in my life. So. Much. Cheese. I love to prepare food with my friends here (actually, I have become a lot better cook because of these people, and the fact that Switzerland has no pre-cooked food choices, so you just have to learn). This was one of the BEST days!

Monday was low-key at work, and I headed to Liestal afterwards for Bible study. There were just four of us, but God was there, definitely. We watched one of the Nooma videos with Rob Bell, about breathing, and how breathing can be see as the name of God. This video was beyond awesome, and I would really like to get my hands on some of the DVDs. Just some good perspectives that I never thought of before. The best part of the evening was that God was telling me to talk about the "Receive" week at Crossroads last year. It was weird, because it didn't have much to do with the conversation, but I told about it anyways. Come to find out, it was exactly what needed to be said, and related with us all in an interesting way, and one member specifically. It is crazy how God can use us sometimes, and we have no idea what we are doing.

Tonight was a "clean the flat because we can't stand it anymore" night. Jamming to Amy Winehouse, I now no longer feel like an animal.

One quick sidenote before I go to bed: I am taking violin for the first time in the fall! It's official! I am so excited. I just hope I can play.

Guten nacht! —Linds

Pasttimes, Past Time

2008-08-30T20:15:00.007+02:00

Sitting here on the balcony, drinking up the cool peace of the evening, I am accompanied by candlelight and coffee in a clear mug. There's just something invigorating about striking a match, and the way the flames stand out against the night, growing more prominent as the sky darkens and the time passes. It only seems appropriate to be listening to "Can't Take It In" by Imogen Heap.

"Every hair on my body

Has got a thing for this place.

...

It couldn't be any more beautiful, I can't take it in.

...

All that I wanted.

All that I ever needed.

All that I wonder

So beautiful."

It has been a long time. Time has passed, and life's plot has thickened; I don't want to put this book down. I am going to try to re-cap some of the instances that have occurred in the past two weeks, and hopefully not think too long and hard how time passes in the States, too. It's comfortable to think that the U.S.-ians are stagnant while I am on the move here in Europe. I don't want to miss anything. Honestly, if I had my way, I would just plop all of you here in Basel and consciously collide my worlds. Took a short nap before writing this post, and I woke up to homemade pizza. I just can't get over how blessed I am to have such a wonderful group of roommates. Roger left on Wednesday for the Netherlands for a few months. You live life with a smile on your face, and then the rug is pulled out from under you, and you're reminded of the beautiful nuances of life again; unfortunately, this awakening happens when the beauties wane or change colors, and you can't have them much longer.

Had a "blind date" with one of Mirjam's friends named Christina. It was crazy... we were both standing in Barfüsserplatz, and hadn't thought to ask what the other looked like, but after some texting, we figured out who was who. It was a really great evening, making another new friend, laughing, and being able to talk about how God has been working in our lives. It is refreshing to see what encounters God can create to revamp you.

Took a walk one night behind the bahnhof, a part of town I rarely visit. There were some really crazy shops, even a doll hospital. In the window display, there was a tray of doll eyes, and piles of doll limbs and heads. In the dark of the night, goosebumps creeped in.

Last weekend, I took some time to just relax and enjoy Basel. Funny how you forget it is summer sometimes, and THIS is the chance you have before the craziness of school again. Went to the flea market on Saturday morning, and feasted upon centuries of oldness—you could smell time. There was a signed folio of work by Jean Tinguely that I loved, but was 2,000 CHF, so it stayed there. There were boxes of clock ingredients—faces, hands, gears and straps. Antique typewriters held half-written letters, and leather bags teemed with stories to tell. Went on an organized walking tour of Basel that afternoon. I couldn't believe I wanted to do this, as I do my own little walking tour every day and don't charge myself, but I was craving the history lesson. Being a designated tourist opens your eyes again. That evening, Katie and I went to my friend Lisa's in Liestal for homemade dinner and a movie. We watched "Frühstück an den Tiffany's" — and it was even an unanimous decision! I, of course, loved it, but one of Lisa's friends did not really care for it. I think it was the American culture that caused the confusion; subtitles can't give you everything. It was awesome answering some of her questions about America on the train back to Basel.

Sunday was spent lingering over omelettes and working on some freelance work at, gasp, Starbucks. I caved, and got an iced latte. At church, we continued our study on Nehemiah, and talked about rebuilding Jerusalem, and following your vision. Nehemiah prayed for many months before asking the king's permission and support to go and rebuild. He asks for everything he needs, with confidence, knowing God will provide, because Nehemiah's plans are in Him. There was also an analogy I really liked about going "to the ends of the earth." The end of the earth is going all the way around the world to come right back to your next door neighbor. Nehemiah goes back to his roots, to help rebuild his ancestry, to bring glory to God's name.

After church, Katie and I went to see The Dark Knight... finally! I will never understand the delayed release system of Hollywood. Don't they know there are antsy people like me here in Switzerland? It was awesome, but seriously scary. Katie and I have been having dreams about the Joker, and Daniel has been using that to his full advantage to scare us! :) Guess what... there was an intermission! Yea, randomly in the middle of an action scene, the screen dimmed and a graphic soared from the side to the center exclaiming the smoke break. It was so haphazard. There was also an extremely humorous old man who worked at the theater. I think I am just going to have to relay this story in person, because I tried typing it, and it just didn't capture the full funny.

A fly just got caught in the wax of my tealight. I can only think of Jurassic Park, with that mosquito in the amber of the old man's cane. "It's in yer blood!"

This week flew by, as all of them tend to do these days. I have been sitting in cafés with kaffees, lately, reading my latest Toni Morrison treat. The descriptive sentences just seem to envelop me. I was walking by the fountain by the river, nose-in-book and oblivious to the trams and people around me when I looked up and was like, I am Belle right now. Confiserie Schiesser is my new favorite place. The interior is all dark wood, the whole place smells like warm chocolate, and they bring your drink on a small silver platter. You can't help but feel special.

On Tuesday, we celebrated Katie's birthday and ate at a quaint little Swiss restaurant across the train tracks. Came back to the apartment for Roger's goodbye gathering. There were alot of people I knew, and a few new people to meet as well. It was such a great night of learning about other cultures, that is, painful, but good. I have been learning the value of cultural understanding while being here. It is something I don't think you can learn by just hearing stories; it takes situations to teach. Flat out, nationality stereotypes can be evil. And let me tell you, the American stereotype is a sly double-edged sword. When it comes to entertainment, people can soak you up, but mentions of politics and lifestyle burn all bridges. Black becomes ultra-black and white becomes untintable; it is forgotten that these two colors can mix and balance into grey. Frequently, somewhere in conversation I become Bush and I am personally at fault for the ruins of this world. All of us are puking out what we've been fed by our country's version of the media, searching for a common fact, searching for some sort of ultimate solution. What starts as a question in search of a true answer can become a wretched, divisive wall. But I am convinced that through this is understanding; being a hunter-gatherer of people's viewpoints and experiences broadens horizons., With this, you can begin to transcend language, heritage, or even political affiliation to remember we are all still just us, friends picked from around the world and placed in a flat to learn from each other, and become better people because of it.

Meghan arrived on Thursday morning! It was so awesome having her here, as she passes through to her next study abroad destination. It was fun to exchange stories, and show her around this city that I love. We got to go to the Imagine festival, a world fair with lingering incense and some live indie rock music. Loved the Belgian group Balthazar, and UK's Chikinki was pretty good, too. Here is a link to hear Balthazar. Meg and I tried some fried cheese on bread that was amazing, and some Indian food that beats Krishna and Amol any day. Basel has had a lot of festivals so far this summer; it is nice to see the city come alive and overflow with people. Came home and thought that Daniel and Laura were to bed, and that Meghan would possibly leave without getting to meet them, when I found them in living room watching Monk in German. We all had some good laughs, discussing hot Egyptians, singing from the Little Mermaid, and introducing Daniel and Laura to Dane Cook. The Kool-Aid man jokes don't mean anything to people who don't know what Kool-Aid is. This part of the evening was one of my favorite memories of my time here so far.

Saturday we went to Germany and France to be with Kara for the day! Went to the Alsace region for a lovely day in quaint Kayserberg. We climbed some castle ruins to be rewarded with this gorgeous view of wine country.

Look how cute she is! :)

Was on the street and saw someone on a park bench with a sweet giveaway bag from this year's Art Basel festival in mid-June. I asked the woman where she got it, or where I could buy one, and she just GAVE it to me. I was floored. I didn't know people still did that! She literally just took out all of her stuff, put it in a neat pile next to her, and handed it to me with a smile. Wow.

Well, if you are still here reading, I congratulate you for surviving this very long post. Love you all.

—Linds

Bern: The D.C. of Switzerland

2008-08-19T00:45:00.002+02:00

I have a problem.

I get sucked into Internet quicksand too easily, and see the hours dwindle away in The New York Times, the Olympics,A Adium, on Facebook, and Wiki-ing nonsense. Not to mention an unhealthy addiction to the Friends DVDs box sets. I guess what I am getting at is that I spend all day at work in front of a screen, and then come home to a screen. I use these things as a supplement, as a crutch, as a distraction. I need to scrounge my way out of this boggy sand. So. I will not be online, unless for work purposes, for the next week. And Friends, I am limiting to one episode a day, if any (yep, it was that bad). Will probably check my mail briefly. I need this.

Just came back from seeing Into the Wild at the Open Air cinema in Münsterplatz with my roommate Katie. After a rousing game of 20 questions (seriously, it was a lot of fun), and a free ice cream, we enjoying the most expensive movie I have ever been to... a whopping 19 CHF... but wow,what a moving film. Being on my own little journey right now, it has put a looking glass up onto my time here, and driven some questions into my heart that I just keep ignoring. One of the most moving parts was when Alexander Supertramp wrote between the lines in his book "Happiness only real when shared." Going into the wild to be free, only to become trapped. Rent it...very powerful.

Church on Sunday evening was sweet. The night before, I was unable to get to sleep until like 5am, so it was difficult to concentrate, but the service was awesome because we are beginning to study Nehemiah; I KNOW I have never read this book. It just sort of gets lost in the abyss of the Old Testament for me, so it is great to actually take a look at this book. We discussed society, and as Christians, how we sometimes tend to talk about society as a "them" rather than an "us." The pastor passes around a bunch of newspapers, and we read them for five minutes, and then prayed about how we could help, leave a life of comfort and looking in, and rather be involved in prayer and action. With the way I have been addicted to the news lately, I thought it was such an interesting way to open our eyes to the world in a different way. I was "reading" (in quotes because the papers were in German and I was going off cognants and online news from earlier in the week) about the Georgian-Russian-(American) conflict. It was a good thing, for as frustrated as I am with the political actions of America and the impact it has had on me here, I must associate myself with these relational problems, as do the Swiss. I cannot be a condemning outsider; we are all in the problem, and all capable of moving towards a solution.

Sunday afternoon I took a short trip to Bern, the country's capital, which is about an hour away. It is a lot like Basel, in its small-town vibe. The arcaded walkways and quirky shops were fun to peruse, as well as the Zentrum Paul Klee, who was born here, did some work here, and later headed to Germany to work with the Blaue Reiter group and the Bauhaus. Check out this sweet thing I found in the gift shop.

There was an exhibition there about Klee's study of botanicals, but I really didn't get much out of it. This, though, was pretty cool, a theater group doing a performance ontop of the Renzo Piano structure. It was cool until it started raining.

I just thought this was picturesque.

Because the bear was the first animal hunted in the area, it became the city's "mascot" and is on the canton flag. They even have live bears as "pets" in the city.

I have never seen a river quite as blue as the one in Bern... with a lot of green in it. Saw the giant glockenspiel, where the people come out at the strike of each hour. And I saw the "White House" of the city, where the seven person board functions as their President. It is difficult to see this "board" at the same level as Bush. It just seems so small here, like it could possibly be a state government, but not over a whole country! The board members apparently catch the tram to work, and have no bodyguards whatsoever.

Here's another picture I loved from the journey:

Well, I guess this is c-ya until next week. Take care. Love Linds.

...And All That Jazz

2008-08-16T23:46:00.008+02:00

This week was one of the fastest, by far. The beginning of the week was rainy, pouring for two straight days. My balcony was flooded with four inches of water, with no drainage, and it still hasn't evaporated. How long does that take, anyways, to evaporate that much? I guess we'll see, or if bugs start coming, I might just take a mug and scoop it all out and throw it into the garden below.

My parents came back from Paris on Wednesday, and we took a long walk around the city, and rode the small ferry that crosses the river. These boats are so cute! They run with a pulley and the current. It is really only 5 minutes on a tiny boat, but they're fun, so I was glad to do this. Ate at Zum Schnafel, which I pass everyday going to work. It was Swiss-authentic...home-y, wood coming at you from all angles, and leaded glass "bar chandeliers." I had some veal with Rosti, best compared to hashbrowns. I love Swiss cooking!

After Mom and Dad's departure, I decided to venture to Münchenstein, a small town in Basel-land, on Thursday. I went to the Schaulager, a building designed by Herzog and de Meuron (they are a small architecture army that has officially taken over the edificial world).

They had a great exhibit with work by Andrea Zittel (Brooklyn) and Monika Sosnowska (Poland). The space is huge, and worked well with the large and abstract works of these women. I got to know Lynn, a security guard who works there, who was absolutely awesome. I was going into one of the Sosnowska pieces, that was actually an endless hallway that ended up going straight into the ceiling. She asked me if I could see the "end," but I thought she asked me if I could see the "hand." I went back in there for a good 10 minutes, and came out with my confused face. She was just laughing, and then I realized the misunderstanding. I think I ended up talking with her for 20 minutes, laughing about life mostly. One of the best parts was that the Katharina Fritsch "Rat King" is permanantly installed here. I learned about this in 8th grade during my research project! How awesome to see this giant (12 foot tall) piece, especially after so many years.

I had read before I went that the old Haas Type Foundry was in Münchenstein as well, aka the Birthplace of Helvetica. I remembered that I just needed to take one road and then turn left onto Gutenbergstrasse and it would be on my right. I failed to look at the distance of the walk, which I believe was actually a little over a mile away. About 10 minutes into my walk and after being passed by a five year old on a scooter, I asked an old man if Gutenbergstrasse was ahead. He spoke no English, but talked to me loudly in German, as if that would make me magically understand. I did get, though, that I needed to turn left and some point...which I already knew. He kept saying tram, but I couldn't figure out if he wanted me to take it or follow it. I said "danke," we parted, and I walked for another 10 minutes or so when I heard a yelling from the other side of the street. The old man was following me, making sure I made the turn at the right time! How sweet! I thought often WHY didn't I take the tram, especially as it was darkening, and I was passing many stops. Arrived at the old foundry and saw that it had become a kindergarten.

I think I imagined that Max would just come out and give me a tour of the place... which doesn't even exist anymore... or at least find a job stick or a lost metal letter on the ground or something. But no. Just a lame-o kindergarten. I was a true stalker and took some pictures and looked in some windows. But I was just glad to see it.

As I was walking away, I was attacked by a weiner dog, and his old man owner started laughing and speaking to me in German. After he realized I was American, we got to talking. He was born in France, works at Novartis, and had consistently traveled in Russia and Poland for work for 25 years. This man has quite the language talent! And he had been living in Münchenstein long enough to know people from the foundry! HOW COOL! He talked about the day that they moved out. AH! And then... he wanted to tell me a thing or two about American Politics. This was completely uncomfortable, but sincerely interesting to hear. All I could say (since he was clearly well-informed and I agreed with a lot that he had to say concerning Bushism) was "I hope you do not lump together the American people with American politics." He really wasn't concerned with what I had to say; he probably just wanted someone to talk to, and how often do you have an American roaming your streets in small town Münchenstein, anyways? But it was a great experience. I have been learning alot here about the European viewpoints of America. But that is for another day...

Friday night was the 25th Annual "Em Bebbi sy Jazz," which roughly translates as the "Basel-people's Jazz Festival," I think. The city was transformed! It hasn't been this crowded since the EuroCup. Small stages peppered the city, and there was food like you wouldn't believe. We have been having a cold spell, so I was at the festival in a t-shirt, sweater, and scarf, with jeans. It was so beautiful, seeing the nooks and crannies of the city, usually empty during the day, packed to the brim at night, lit up oh-so-romantically, and jazz music flowing from courtyard to courtyard. It was very dreamlike. I could have lived in those hours forever. There were all types of jazz, from quiet Miles Davis, to Duke, to trumpets gone wild, to Lawrence Welk, with dancing! There was one group called Ed Elastic that Laura and I saw that were phenomenal. So much energy and improv talent... they even had fireworks!

Today, I was very lazy, capitalizing on the warm sunshine and comfort of no alarm clock. Yep, got out of bed at noon and loved it. Journeyed into the city after a delish omelette, and took some shots with my SLR. Check out this cute one!

Did a little looking and a little shopping, and sat by the river and watched the sun go down as I journaled. And good news! The hostel in Rome has my lost journal! It has been lost for two weeks now, and I sent them many emails, and the train station many emails, and got no response. Decided to break down and call the hostel... and they had it! Hopefully they will be mailing it soon.

Tired now. Tschüss.

Berl-inexplicable

2008-08-11T00:16:00.004+02:00

Good morning, Good afternoon, Good evening; wherever (whenever) you are, I am so happy you're here. I come to you from a simple Basel balcony, soaking up the fresh rain smell and drinking orange juice from the carton by candlelight. I am in a fleece right now, so it's hard to believe it's summer, and that it is quickly waning. I remember thinking, wow, it it'll be awhile until my parents arrive... it is now the middle of their European journey. One of the coolest things was that they packed a few bags for me! Mainly so that I can send some things home with them (my bag was 49.5lbs. on the way here, so it'll for sure be over on the way back), but also to restock my book supply, and to bring some American "delicacies" to my roommates here in die Schweiz. Check out these happy Swiss!

Believe it or not, you cannot find white marshmallows here! A colored marshmallow is available in the candy store. Daniel picked some up on the way home from work, and we compared the two. I think I am still partial to the classic white. We turned off all the lights, and roasted marshmallows over candles in our dining room, holding them with corn-on-the-cob spikes. It was such an amazing time, and good bonding. Daniel said that he had only ever seen Pop-Tarts on TV. Wow. And, I must mention... we took a look at the nutrition facts... I haven't seen such high numbers in a long time. Also partook in some fluffernutter-making, watching the marshmallows grow to 5x their size in the microwave, nearing explosion. Oh, the small pleasures.

Friday, I had work off, and was able to travel to Berlin with my parents. What an awesome city! It is an oxymoron of a place, really, old and brimming with history, yet also young because of history... and its divisive destruction. In one area of the city, there are buildings with black sootmarks and patched checkered marble, where the evidence of a battered Berlin is still present, while in another area is donned by skyscrapers by signature architects trying to prove themselves... giant phallic symbols, really.

After a quick flight, we had just a little time before our bike tour of the city, and guess where we went...

AAAH! So. Very. Awesome. This wasn't the Bauhaus building, but a fantastic museum documenting the design approach of the Bauhaus, and archiving its history that has become my present. Remember Sources second year? Remember J.A. Chewning's emphasis on the Good Design exhibition? Well, I was greeted with original documents from this, and my eyes lit up (they didn't light up like this when we had our quiz, that's for sure). A whole room of Breuer metal tubing chairs. There was early student work of grayscales and paint chips and bristol that sent shivers down my spine. Here they were, Gropius and Bill, Albers and Klee and Kandisky...all of these guys that are the Grandfathers of DAAP! We had such little time, (and let's face it, with the way I approach museums and my interest, I could have spent all day), but I am so glad I got to experience this Mecca. I literally felt like skipping down the street after seeing this. My heart was skipping, at least.

The bike tour was awesome. I am not usually one for organized tours, but this was really great because the tour guide was young, and a history undergrad, architecture masters grad who knew his stuff. And not to mention whipping around the city by bike. It is actually embarrassing how much I had forgotten about the history of WWII and the Cold War, at one time pounded into my head with AP American History, but it was great to have someone there who could just tell it to you, and also point out the architectural details of the city. We visited the Reichstag, Brandenberg Tor, the Tiergarten, Hitler's Bunker (where Hitler took his life), what is left of the Berlin wall, Potsdamer Platz, the square where Hitler held his book burning, Checkpoint Charlie, the Hotel Adler (the hotel where Michael Jackson dangled his baby)... and many other historical (or in the case of MJ, random) landmarks of the city. There was an Egyptian musuem that had a neon light sign outside of it (behind some corinthian columns, an interesting mix) that read, "All Art Has Been Contemporary." I liked that.

Modern architecture I liked by IM Pei.

One of the most moving pieces was the Eisenmann memorial for the Jewish people of the Holocaust. The blocks differ in height; they begin just peering over the ground, and as you travel further into the memorial, the ground slopes downward and the blocks grow to tower above you. It is interesting, because similarly to how Hitler took power, the blocks seem harmless and manageable at first, and then before you know it, you're trapped and alone; overcome.

Saturday morning, we went to Sachsenhausen concentration work camp. I cannot fully talk about it on a blog; it was too graphic. I can tell you though, that I had an intense feeling of guilt, just by trodding the same ground that was once ridden by death, and still feels darkly obliterated. I felt guilty of being part of a humanity that could commit such crime against its own. I began to see how very real this part of our history is... and then remembering that haenous crimes such as these are still happening today, with no erected memorials and no guided tours, as they have not ended yet.

Our train to Orienenberg traveled the same tracks as the prisoners' trains did. We arrived at Tower A, the highest watchtower and gates to the camp. Here, the gates read:

"Work will set you free." If only they knew "free" was the last thing they would get. We went into some original barracks, completely overwhelming. They smelled like the 40s. Do you know what I mean? My arms went numb, and my heart hurt, bleeding tears. There were small museums inside the buildings with documents and pieces found at the site. There were stories begging to be read and remembered, as not to be repeated. And then there were the drawings and paintings. I think this is when I let my lip quiver and I surrendered to emotion. Some 2o year old kid like me, with much different scenes to paint.

The guide, who was very good, by the way, asked us to congregate in the once common room so that she could tell us some more information about the time period. She asked if everyone was comfortable. Comfortable! And if we weren't, she could get us some wooden boxes to sit on. COMFORTABLE! Nothing would make this comfortable! And I hope it wasn't, for anyone. This feeling should never be comfortable. Never.

I would love to share more with you about this experience, one-on-one. Just ask me.

Berlin was a great experience, and I am so happy that I could take this trip and recall old facts and learn more. I am not sure if I could see myself living there, but it is a city full of hope, and will most certainly be different in the next 10 years, and again 20 years. Art (and time) will rebuild this city.

On Sunday evening, I made some traditional Swiss foods for my parents, and then we went to church at ICF. The sermon this week was about Matthew 28:19, "Go and make disciples of all nations..." I cannot tell you how much the words "all nations," "global," and "around the world" scream these days in praise songs and passages. People in Switzerland are on fire for God, too. Sometimes it is hard for me to grasp the idea of time passing in the U.S. while I am here, that the Swiss and the Americans are praising God simultaneously. How Freaking Awesome! To see God's church spread like wildfire around the world, and to see opportunities arise in my life to begin to share God "with all nations." I feel this calling, to reach out to others here and beyond! Now, I have no clue as to what this really entails, and I am not going to try and decipher it too much. Sometimes I get caught up in trying to plan, and trying to see how graphic design fits into all of this, but I know that God will lead if I will let Him. So much easier said than done, but I am excited to see where He takes me next.

Guten morgen, Guten tag, Guten abend. After a liter of orange juice, laundry washed and candles extinguished, I end this post with my sincere missing of you all. I love you and so does He.

Linds.

Roman Holiday

2008-08-05T23:35:00.011+02:00

Hello! It is already Wednesday morning, and I have yet to share about my holiday in Rome (people here use 'holiday' as 'vacation.' I like it.). Since the Swiss celebrate their independence (or conglamoration of cantons, I guess) on August 1st, I was treated to an extra long weekend, and Steph proposed we go to Rome and the Vatican. No way I was turning that one down! I adequately prepped for my journey by listening to Dean Martin's song, "On an Evening in Roma," and my Italia! playlist in iTunes, before I took an overnight train from Basel to Roma. It was so nice, Laura walked me to the train and waved, "Au Revoir!" and "Bon Voyage!" to me! That was awesome.

The train ride was cramped but still wonderful. The motion of the train is supposed to be a soothing and tranquilizing sleep-inducer, but I definitely woke up every five minutes. I kept reminiscing of the summer after senior year, when I went with the Aschemeiers to France and Spain, with the Spanish Club trip... so many good memories that seem so long ago now. As we neared Rome during the night, I could feel the couchette getting hotter and hotter. As we stepped out of the train and into the Termini, the air was thick, and it was only 9am! Throughout the weekend, we found out that the reason Rome was so empty was because of this heat. The Romans flee the city, and the city is bequest to the tourists from colder regions.

Steph and I stayed at a beautiful hostel in the Trastevere area, which was a converted convent. With terra cotta floors, high, exposed beam ceilings, and on-the-ground beds (not bunk beds), it was so much better than I could have imagined. It was classic Italy. Steph commented that this is definitely the best hostel she's seen, so I know now to not set the bar this high for the next.

My overall impression of Rome was that it was more like Mexico than Florence. I am not sure if it was because I have been in clockwork Switzerland for such a long time or what, but Rome was very dirty, dusty, and chaotic. The Metro system was terribly late and mismarked, and jammed-packed with people. Everyone is so hot and sweaty, that you are just praying that no one's skin touches yours, that YOU don't even touch yours, but it is inevitable. The best part was turning every corner and seeing pages from my art history book. On the bus, in a split second, I saw Trajan's Column! It was so great, to see these timeless pieces in real life, in their natural setting.

There were so many favorites and jaw-droppers (THIS is in Rome?!?), but the Pantheon was one of the best.

On the outside, it just looks old, with its brickwork and such, but then you walk in and see the light from the oculus, and the coffered ceiling, and it is a step back into time. I just kept thinking of the Titanic; wrong time period, wrong location, but it was that weird transition going in and out of the present, sinking back in time and majesty only to be reawoken by the Japanese videographer in front of you. At night, everything was lit up and people hung around the fountain outside, eating gelato and enjoying the street music. It was great... violinists and opera singers, and wonderful accordion players. I have not heard such good street musicians in a long time.

The Coliseum was a highlight as well. We took a tour during the day, and had a really great tour guide. I loved going on the tour and learning more about the cause and effect of architecture and Roman history, and the Roman thought behind death as a spectacle. It's great when you can see right in front of you the pieces of a once great empire, and hear the stories of how it was and how it became to be what it is today. I have fallen asleep within the first 10 minutes of "Gladiator" both times it was on, mostly because I don't care for period films, but now I am inspired to watch. The Arches of Constantine and Arches of Titus were also nearby (I just kept thinking, thank you Cindy Damschroeder!), and the Forum of more Roman ruins (sometime I think, if Rome is all ruins, is it progressing at all or just preserving?)

Saw the Trevi Fountain, the Spanish Steps, Piazza Navona, the Ecstasy of St. Theresa, the Caravaggio that I painted for Homecoming so many years back, and Santa Maria Maggiore.

We got to see many many churches and monuments, knowing somewhat the history, but more just soaking up the atmosphere of the city than going too deep into the history.

Met Livia on the train, who is from Stockholm, visiting her father in Rome.

It is just so awesome to meet random people like this, I think, just to see people from all walks-of-life, and hear their perspective on the world. We met up with her Saturday evening for dinner and gelato. The gelato place that she took us to had 60+ flavors of gelato. So overwhelming. And they all looked so good! But don't worry, I made the right choice of frutti di bosco, the darkest darkest chocolate, and coffee. Sorry Graeter's, Rome has you beat.

On Sunday we went to the Vatican. Sadly, the Sistene Chapel was closed. It is closed every Sunday, and we didn't know this. At first, I was seriously disappointed, but then I realized that I was still so happy for this chance to go to Rome, and that I would live. Still got to see Saint Peter's, and Michelangelo's Pieta. Everything was very ornate (It's so sad, because your brain sort of goes on overload, and you can't digest all the work that goes into each of these cathedrals), and oddly, a lot small than I imagined. We saw the Swiss guards, in their jester-like attire, but the Pope was ironically in Switzerland in the Alps on holiday. He did the blessing in Switzerland, and it was televised and shown on the big TV screens in the open space in front of the cathedral (kind of an oxymoron, these ancient pieces of architecture and 21st century screens). As Steph put it, we were teleblessed. Check out this crazy photo from inside St. Peter's:

I cannot tell you how great it was to finally understand the majority of signage, and to be able to speak with less hesitation (Katie K., I wish you were here to bust my butt into remembering more from our Italian class). In the beginning, I was combining Swiss German with Italian and English, which even I didn't understand, but by the end I was using quello and questo and wishing that Basel spoke Italian too.

Some things that I really loved about Rome:

–the deep rust orange that was everywhere, real patina, crumbling plaster

–the FOOD!

–all of the water. There were fountains everywhere!

–women in heels (the Swiss women are lazy and go for comfort over flash)

–I didn't get pickpocketed (click for why)

By the end of the trip, I concluded that although Rome is nice, Florence is the prime Italian destination, and could return to Florence again and again, whereas Rome not so much. And, truth be told, I may like Switzerland more than Italy these days...gasp!!! Italian food will always win, but I feel like I belong in Switzerland, I at home here.

On the way back on the train, I slept so well. I think just from being worn out and sunburnt, I was exhausted. I woke up in the morning with the conductor giving me the warning that my stop was approaching, and looked outside, and got to sip espresso with the sunrise over the mountains and Lake Thun. I did it! A successful sunrise! Finally!!!

After a nasty fall down two flights of stairs in the bahnhof (literally, the whole train station was quiet and looking at me as I am sprawled in disarray and praying that the prosecco that I bought was not exploding all over me in my backpack. One of the most painful experiences. But you just get up and pretend that you don't want to cry and hold your legs until they stop pulsating.), I went home and got ready for a full day of work. Yep. That was one sentence.

Monday evening I watched some competitive beach volleyball in Barfüsserplatz, and then went to Bible study in Liestal, despite being terribly tired and in pain. It was great to see everyone, and eat some great homemade sushi (way too expensive to have out here). And had a great evening with the roommates afterwards, just sitting on the balcony and planning some time that we can all go to the mountains together. I love my roommates! So cheesy, but I seriously just want to hug them all the time. Tonight, Roger, Laura, and I went for a walk around the city, laughing and chatting. Ah, the life.

Ok, I'm tired and you are probably sick of skimming/reading. Excited to see my parents on Thursday! And to go to Berlin this weekend! I hope life is treating you well. I will now leave you to some final pictures of Rome... love Linds.

Imitation ontop authenticity.

Reporter: Which of the cities visited did Your Highness enjoy the most?

Princess Ann: Each in its own way, was unforgettable. It would be difficult to...Rome! By all means, Rome! I will cherish my visit here in memory as long as I live.

—Roman Holiday, 1953

Brothers and Sisters

2008-07-30T23:46:00.006+02:00

I haven't really talked about any of my work, mainly because I am unsure of how much I can disclose, but here is a little taste...first, I am working on a healthcare redesign in South Africa. I am having so much fun working on this, and learning more about South Africa. :) Also working to redesign templates for a private Swiss bank chain. My proposal was presented today, and all went well! Also, a rebranding of a pharmeceutical company, and some work with our website. I guess that is as much as I will tell about my projects. But work has been great, and I have really been enjoying my conversations with Martin and Benno. Today, I said, "Benno, I know this is going to sound cheesy, but I just got this big wave of happiness, just sitting here researching. I thought, wow, I have so many things I want to do in my life. And I am even getting to do some them! Life is great." Whenever I make these kinds of comments, people just sort of smile at me, like they are happy too, but also think I am a little crazy. But I am ok with that. It's so funny... I have always said how much I wanted an older brother, and how that is impossible now, but having Roger and Daniel, Martin and Benno, that's a lot of older brothers! And it's all that I thought it would be...lots of goodness and laughter.

Tuesday night was a lot of fun, hanging out with the roommates. Roger is at the army, and Daniel is on holiday in Sweden, so it was Katie, Laura and I, the girls, drinking coffee and eating chocolate, watching Friends. Friends with friends...who are becoming more and more like sisters! We are going through season 8 right now, meaning Joey is in love with Rachel. That is just heartwrenching to see (I will always be a Seinfeld fan first, but Friends is growing on me). I ate a Lindt truffle, which Katie warned me was very liquidy filled, and I almost sprayed Laura with the chocolate inside! It was a supernatural phenomenon, I think. Who knew chocolate could be so wild?!?

Went to the Fondation Beyeler after work today, in nearby Riehen.

It is a private art collection, with an amazing exhibit of Fernand Léger right now, who influenced a bunch of Pop Artists and has roots in cubism/tubism. The building is designed by Renzo Piano, who is pretty well-known. It is amazing, really, because the building makes its own statement but does not push its way in front of the art. And it connects to the nature surrounding it. Wow, a beautiful experience. Then went out for drinks with Courtney, who leaves to go back to the States tomorrow. Will miss you and your antics, girl!

Some things that I just like here:

—Learning and using military time!

—People that always say "in guerta" (sp?) before every meal, like bon appetit.

—Good bread, cervelas, johannesbeeren (kind of like cranberries)

—The black bird window clings on every window to detour birds from ramming into the glass

—Hearing the fountain trickle from around the corner

—The perky alarm clock ring on my Swiss phone

—Feeling the breeze go through my apartment

—Girls who ride their bike in a skirt with umbrellas, with no hands

—Guys who open doors for you and pull out your chair

—The people who suck up the street leaves, every. single. day.

good night.

8,122 words

2008-07-29T01:04:00.006+02:00

A picture's worth a thousand words. I'm too tired to talk, so I will let them.

Inside self-playing grand piano at small art gallery.

Sweet self-portrait in ink blot painting at Museum für Geganswarstskunst? (MoMA of Basel).

Laura made us a chinese feast!

I feel like this may be one of the most magical pictures I have ever taken, excluding the fluorescents.

The Family (me, Roger, Laura, Daniel, Katie)

Watched some rowing races on the Rhein saturday.

Our flat had a party on Saturday night.

Some gentleman doing what I want to be doing right now

(just need to wait for some laundry).

Went swimming in the Rhein today... delightful. And met for ice cream with my friend Lisa. Good night.

Oh Where Does The Time Go?: The Triquel?

2008-07-24T20:04:00.004+02:00

Güerzi! It's already Thursday, and I am still to write about Sunday. I feel like I should have named this in "parts," like The Godfather, because, seriously, triquel cannot be a word. Hmm. Let me get to work. So I can finish these and get to come up with some good puns for next post...

So Sunday, at church, we talked about The Word as a love letter from God. I have heard this analogy many times, and at first, I was disappointed to hear I would be listening to it again; it can sound so cheesy, rather than something deep and meaningful. But I am telling you, hearing about God in another country can put a whole-new, fresh spin on things. The speaker was explaining how he read doodle-covered love letters from his girlfriend (now wife) in college: feeling weak inside as he opens it, in anticipation, reading it over and over and over again, analyzing every word, smelling it even! And this is how we should approach the Word of God, with a Love Hunger. I love that phrase. He also explained that we should not approach the Bible in hesitation, scared of finding more errors in need of correction in our life. We need to approach it as a bottle of water. You do not question that it is safe; it is bottled water, and you just swig away, not doubting, but firmly believing it will hydrate and provide for you. He also told us that it is difficult to have an entire Bible in China, that you can only get your hands on a part; they are just not widely available, and you can be jailed. So the Chinese read their Bibles over and over, trying to commit it to their mental iPod, and have it available to them. And as he said, "You wouldn't want one song being played over and over. You need a good playlist that you can recall in everyday life." WOW. Another interesting analogy... that if you do have only a short playlist, you could develop "spiritual cavities" from spot reading the Bible; he explained how one must read the whole Bible to have a balanced and nourishing spiritual diet; we need to read the vengaence Psalms and the family trees to accentuate the life of Jesus and see even more love and depth to God's promises. Wow. Wow. Wow.

After church, I came home to make some S cookies for the Bible study dinner I had at my friend Lana's house on Monday. I cannot tell you how crazy it was to try to find baking ingredients in German. I had a very difficult time trying to explain vegetable shortening (Crisco) to the stockboy. I think I came home with some sort of animal fat or something. And there is absolutely no baking powder! So, I resorted to a box bread/cake mix (ironically, the same kind that Katie and I couldn't determine whether we liked or not). I am becoming a better cook here, but the directions were in German, too, and I was still trying to replace ingredients for things...so needless to say, it was an interesting, laugh-filled experience had by me and my roommates. I accidentally broke an egg all over the counter, too. It looked great in the oven, and great when I got it out of the pan.. but the next day, right before I needed to leave for my dinner, I saw the middle had not been cooked! How sad! All that effort, and I ended up going like the Little Drummer Boy ("I have no gift to bring, pa-rum-pa-pum-pum").

Bible study was fantastic. I met a new friend, named James from Malaysia, here for school. It was awesome to hear his stories of the struggles of Christianity in Malaysia. They cannot have a cross on their church; churches must be built to look like factories, to blend in and not call attention. He did not mind this... he was just happy to be able to worship anywhere. What a different life. We all had so much to learn from him. I cannot tell you what a wonderful thing this community is. I have never been in a co-ed small group, let alone with such a wide range of ages. It is invigorating, having the wisdom of age and the vitality of youth bundled into one discussion.

During lunch on Tuesday, I finally went inside the Münster. It is so nearby, that it is one of those things that you say, oh, well I'll just do that later. Later was Tuesday. It was beautiful, as cathedrals tend to be. My favorite part, though, is for sure the courtyard out behind. I have lunch there sometimes, overlooking the river. I went to the Jean Tinguely museum after work, which is in a breathtaking building, on the water, designed by Mario Botta.

Despite what you may think, "Jean Tinguely" is not pronounced "tingly," but "dongoley." I said Tingly for, I don't know, three weeks, and Mirjam then taught me the correct pronunciation. This guy is absolutely bonkers... and I love it! He is a kinetic sculptor, meaning most of his pieces have sound, motion, motors and are interactive. I am greatly reminded of the City Museum in St. Louis, just slightly more refined. There were all of these bright red buttons on the floor, 4-5 inches in diameter, just begging to be pushed. The viewer could control the sculpture!

The shadows that the sculptures cast were just as interesting as the movement. Think caribou heads, marionettes, wheels and pulleys, and lightbulbs all soldered together to make a statement all their own.

Afterwards, I walked around Kleinbasel and the river, watching the rowing teams, and I stumbled across a Vineyard Basel! I couldn't believe it! My church is going on summer break these next two weeks, and I was looking for a church for this time! Unfortunately, the service is only in Swiss-German, but the woman who emailed me encouraged me to come, especially for the English worship songs. So weird how things just happen into your life like that. Got some pizza (good good margharita pizza) and headed to my "special spot." It is this mistake of a place. You are walking by the river in Grossbasel, right next to the bridge by the Münster, and there is a small table and bench, overlooking the water and the bridge, just a fabulous view in a secluded place just for me. The pizza and the view were delicious. Also saw In Bruges, a British comedy, with Katie at the theater (discount Tuesdays!). You won't believe this... we were actually assigned seats! We were the only two people in the theater for awhile, and then one man came in, and had the seat right next to us. Within the whole theater, we were just this little cluster! Other people came in, and sat in other places, so it wasn't absurd for more than 5 minutes. But I must say, I prefer to choose, haha. The movie was fantastic, a real thriller and comedy blend. Go see it now.

As for Wednesday, I went to this amazing flea market in Barfüsserplatz, only a few minutes walk from my work. I cannot tell you how sweet it is to be at a flea market in an old country. Seriously, there was some OLD stuff. I was mainly looking for, I don't know, some super-rare, signed Basler design piece from the 50s, but came up emptyhanded. But there were brass elephant doorhandles, ancient lock and keys, jewelry (I looked, and succeeded in just looking! What a feat!), and vintage purses (I caved.) After work, I met up with my friend, Jenny, from the corporate party in the middle of nowhere. It was so great to see her again, and to hear all of her stories. She has done a LOT of traveling, including all over the U.S. and to Egypt. I still cannot tell you how awesome it is to make friends here in this city. This is exactly what I wanted from co-op this quarter, to build new relationships and friendships. We had some "piadinas," which are kind of like pita wraps, but folded differently, and then, we went to Starbucks. That was the first time I had had it since I went to Toledo with Mom in mid-June. I had a Pomegranate Peach blended drink—there were so many drinks that I didn't know, I had been away that long! I paid an arm and a leg, and I drank it in probably 15 minutes, but it was satisfying and oh-so-American. We spent some time down by the river, watching the sun set and exchanging stories, and learning some German. I can remember most of it (I quizzed myself at lunch today).

Today, I went to the market, and then came home. It is the first time in a long time that I have been home at 6:30pm. I cooked a wonderful meal for myself, went for a run, and had a relaxing evening with the roommates. We rearranged our (everything here is Daniel's)/his furniture, making it feel very homey. It was wonderful bonding time. :)

I hope things are going well in your life. I am beaming here. I could not stop smiling today as I was walking home. This is going to sound weird, but I caught a glimpse of my reflection today in a store window, happily cradling the alliums (the big purple ball flowers) I bought, with some old buildings in the background, and I couldn't help but laugh at how amazing it is that I get the opportunity to live and breathe Europe for three months. That I am in love with my job here, my roommates, my experiences, even me.

Man, I am thankful.

Oh Where Does The Time Go? : The Sequel.

2008-07-22T00:26:00.003+02:00

Ok, let's have another go :)

This week was extremely relaxing. Everyday, I wake up to the sun (and think I am late for work), but am able to curl up in my blankets and soak up the sunshine a bit before it is time to get ready for work. I can't explain how wonderful this feeling is, just flipping my pillow over to the cool side, feeling a little bit of breeze from my open balcony door, and bask in the sunshine for a good twenty minutes. Oh, the simple pleasures... I have been enjoying my time after work, exploring the old parts of town, and going down by the Rhein. I think it was Monday or Tuesday, after work I just went down to the Rhein where there are some long steps along the river, and just read, and eventually fall asleep in the sun (yep, me and the sun again). You can't HELP but fall asleep hearing the river right next to your head, after you have been looking at a computer screen all day.

It has been relatively cold here. Showers come and go, and it is absolutely necessary to carry an umbrella at all times, because they are completely unpredictable. As well as a sweater. I am telling you, it is in the 50s and 60s here. I love the chilly change. :)

Went to this small courtyard for a cappuccino with my roommate Katie as well. I love this place. It is a little secret. A mini pants pocket of the city. You know what I am talking about? That little pocket that they put in one of your jean pockets, to look like a mini pocket? Ah, it is just the perfect touch, that is what I am getting at. There were a ridiculous amount of birds. Katie ordered this bread cake, that throughout the entire eating of it, we couldn't decide whether we actually liked it. But no worries, it was still completely eaten, by Katie, me, and a brave, imposing bird.

Splurged on a Swiss design book called Criss Cross. It is beautiful, exceptionally designed and the content is very interesting, featuring all the monumental Swiss design pieces thus far in its history. Exactly what I was looking for here.

Thursday I met up with my bead store friend, Mirjam, to have dinner at her place. I had the address, and was on a mission to walk there, but, typical Lindsey, I didn't have a map and just figured I would stumble upon the street. I walked and got close, but that doesn't count. I asked a mom and daughter who were walking there dog, and they took me to Mirjam's flat. We had this delicious meal of pie crust with cream cheese on it, with grilled zucchini on top! So So Good! We got to talking about life, what God is doing in ours. I had a lot to contribute. We took a walk around the Biers river, which is a small river that runs into the Rhein. And I discovered a beautiful grassy area by the water, and a gorgeous path through the forest that is lamp-lit. We walked a bit down the Rhein, towards the heart of Basel,and I discovered a slew more places I can't wait to have an espresso at (meals at these places are like 30.00CHF minimum, so espresso and a good view is good for me). And I saw the most unique thing... a "community garden." People from the surrounding flats do not have any places to grow their own vegetables, so they have a plot of land a ways away that is theirs to cultivate. I don't know why this is so amazing to me, but each of them are fenced off, and of course, Swiss-immaculate. Love it.

Friday was a relaxing evening of homecooked dinner (bruschetta and pasta) with friends on their balcony in Kleinbasel. Amazing evening, with cards and art discussion, on a brisk chilly evening. These kind of nights are what make me want to stay here forever.

Saturday Katie and I went to Montreux, to catch the tail-end of the Montreux Jazz Festival. After a good 2.5 hour train ride, we arrived to a glimmering lake, sun-kissed, with palm trees and mountains. Katie and I walked the edge of the lake, and couldn't stop commenting how we felt completely and totally relaxed and at peace. The atmosphere was simply perfect, simply gorgeous.

And check this out... a sweet disc-like thing to hang out on over the water! And check out that view...

There were tons of white tents along the water, peddling everything from jewelry to kitschy solar system spray paintings. And food! From Brazilian to Thai, to crepes and churros. And then there was the jazz. My heart just pounded with joy hearing that. I am telling you, I was grinning cheek-to-cheek; I don't think I have smiled like this since Groundhog's Day when Phil came parading down through the crowd. The huge concerts are impossible to get tickets to, without having connections and sacrificing an arm and a leg, but there was free music in the park. Oddly enough, the bands we listened to were from the States (I come all the way over here to listen to a group from Minnesota...), but they were good, and jolly, and swooned me for sure. I am convinced I have been born in the wrong time period, and that I belong with Ol' Blue Eyes and Humphrey in the 40s. There was a guy that was wearing a full-out wool suit and a cream scarf, that I would've sworn was Sammy Davis, Jr... so cool. We rode a boat back to Lausanne on Lake Geneva, where we caught our train. We sort of "lucked out" because we caught the last boat, and then caught the bus, and then caught the last train to Basel. "Luck."

And on Sunday, I went to Luzern, which is about an hour away from Basel by train. It, too, is on a lake, and is famous for its crooked bridges across the water.

The city is absolutely stunning, again with the mountains in the background and living amongst pieces of history. I went to the Lion Monument, which is carved into the side of mountain rock, and is a tribute to the Swiss that were killed while defending Marie Antoinette and King Louis XVI during the French Revolution. There was also a glacier garden. I was somewhat skeptical of it, thinking it was a tourist trap for sure, but decided to go anyways, for a change of scenery. It was really pretty awesome, seeing how the glacier cut through the area, and starting to better understand how glaciers work. The coolest thing was seeing how the melted water, since it has nowhere to go, just spirals down into the earth and cuts away at the rock, to form this magical, smooth pothole and a wicked-crazy curly rock in the center. There was also a tower in which you could climb up to see a great view of the city. I got up there, and it started pouring, rain coming at me from the sides. I had my umbrella packed, so I got that out quickly, but then it started hailing. I was literally the only one around, and I tried to wait it out, but I couldn't. I must be honest, I was getting scared, because it was going on for about 15 minutes, and I couldn't see anyone below, so I started to head down the stairs to the area below, and undoubtedly got very wet in the process. Finally, I got down and close to the somewhat enclosed café, and ordered an espresso and some sour gummis (I got the ODDEST look from the barista there, and then she just started laughing).

When the rain stopped, I headed back to the city to start exploring some more. I admired the beautiful paintings on the building walls from hundreds of years back, took some artsy photos (that is a nice thing about travelling alone sometimes, not feeling bad for taking some artsy shots that take a little longer, you can run on your own schedule). And the one thing I really wanted to see while I was there, was the Picasso museum, which, after I found out was recently combined with the Braque, Klee, and Chagall collections, as well as other miscellaneous famous artists, was amazing. It is pretty well-known I guess, mainly because it has his work, as well as photos of him creating those pieces. The photography was stunning; I love to see great artists at work, in there regular old studios, or in their basements at home. I like seeing works of art I know in the background, that I have seen on the walls of a museum, but not on the floor, being rubbed up against by the cat. The best part of the day was definitely the museum, because I got to do a lot of sketching... something I always want to do, but rarely follow through with. I focused mainly on the Picasso photography; I wanted to be able to capture that human quality. I am pretty proud of some of them. Art... for me.

These guys were all OVER the place, begging for some pretzel scraps.

Ok, I am officially dead tired. Will continue with Sunday's church, the cake incident, and tonight's Bible Study tomorrow. Love.

Oh Where Does The Time Go?

2008-07-21T00:21:00.006+02:00

Can you believe it is July 21st already? I can't. I can't believe I have been here in the Land of the Swiss for almost a month. Time is flying, and I have been busy exploring; my apologies for not posting in awhile, and my apologies for tiring you with this ridiculously long post about the past two weekends, and all the days in between. Brace yourself...

Ok, to begin with last weekend (I have put the Mrs. Doubtfire soundtrack on repeat, so that I can concentrate on this post). Saturday morning I met up with the Hauser family to go to their business picnic, and then later on to Liechtenstein with their friends, with whom I have never met. I had met the Hausers at the paper mill the previous weekend, and they are a wonderful family with very big and caring hearts.

The more I thought of it, preceding the venture, the more crazy it sounded, but I never really felt very wary, just at peace. The car ride was fun, and I learned alot about Swiss culture and history, and fun hole-in-the-wall places to go to in Basel. As we arrived at the picnic, I was still unsure what "the business" was, and what we'd be doing at the picnic, or where we even were, really. We stopped at a large log cabin-like structure, with surrounding fields and forest. During the week, the "cabin" is a lodge for the lumberjacks that work in the surrounding forests. We were one of the first groups there, but by the end of the day, there were probably about 50 or so people. We arrived to "Surfin' USA" being played on the stereo—how ironic in landlocked Switzerland. After about five minutes, I decided to get up the nerve to start up some conversation with two guys who looked about my age. It was comfortable for the first thirty seconds. And then they ran out of English that they knew. And it was a lot of awkward glances and silence. So I started to take a quick lap around the cabin, with thoughts of why did I do this?!? I am in the middle of nowhere Switzerland with people I met at a paper mill. No one here speaks English! I know no Swiss-German, and I don't even have a pen to do a little arm cheatsheet. What. Am. I. Doing. After about 20 minutes of doing a lot of smiling and "guten tag," I met Brigitte and Sepp Meier (CRAZY, right?), the couple that would be driving me the rest of the way to Liechtenstein, and would graciously let me stay at their house for the weekend. And then it was barbecue time. This is when I truly felt American. Everyone, literally everyone, pulled out a brat or a mett or a cervelat...and I had chicken. :) I have never gotten so many odd looks. Oh, and my chicken was frozen, because I picked it up from the COOP (grocery store, not chicken coop, sadly) on the way. Oh, and I had no utensils, no beverage, nothing. Just some frozen chicken, in which I had to defrost and clean with the hot water from the bathroom. After lunch, there was more socializing time. I met Günter, a 55 or so man from Liechtenstein. He spoke pretty good english, and was very jolly. And he would help translate for me what was being announced, like the different competitions. Listen to these: cherry pit spitting, rainboot tossing, hot water bottle horseshoes. All just random games, just for the heck of it (I made sure to ask if throwing rainboots as sport was a traditional Swiss game, and they assured me no, and to not let that rumor get around about Switzerland)! I actually got second place for the boot throwing competition, and got a homemade plaque, which was awesome. I found that tag is an international language, and I had a blast with the kids at the party. Running around, laughing, communicating with gestures. One girl came up to me and tried to explain the rules of a new game to me. I gave her my confused look, complete with extra eyebrow skin I'm sure, lol, and then another girl came running up to her. She explained to her that I couldn't understand. She then started signing to me, as if I was deaf. The kids thought I was deaf for awhile! I assured them that I was not, that I just didn't understand German. I think that was one of their first times seeing someone who did not understand the language. By the end of the party (it was about 6–7 hours), I had met and had conversations with seven or so people, and laughed with many more. I had energy drinks with Dominic, who had just been to Sandusky for a business conference (this mystery business of which I was still unsure), and had an Ohio Harley Davidson shirt on. We got a picture, and I wore a Swiss hat. I met Jenny, a world-traveler who had amazing English. She is moving to San Francisco in a few weeks, and happens to also live in Basel. I cannot tell you what an incentive this experience was to learn Swiss-German. In the beginning, I had literally never felt so alone and clueless... but I then felt so proud and confident that I did it, and learned so much about myself.

After the picnic, the Hausers went home, and I stayed with Sepp and Brigitte. Apparently, the Hausers just sort of sprung on my staying with them, and Sepp said he wanted to see me first, see if i met the guidelines (I don't know what that means), but apparently I did. They live about 45 minutes from the cabin, in Sargans, which is in the eastern part of Switzerland. I asked them to tell me a little about "the business" on the way. It seems as though it is a middle man internet business that connects product producers with the market. It is a lot of meeting people and making connections I think. Brigitte speaks perfect English, but Sepp speaks none. It was really cool, because Sepp would speak to me in German, and sometimes I was clueless, definitely, but sometimes I understood fully! I have no explanation. We arrived at their house, in the small town of a few thousand. Sargans is IN the Alps, literally. The day was rainy, so we didn't have a super clear view of them, but they were still magical to me :). When setting down my stuff inside, I saw "Gott" which I thought meant, "God" on a calendar, and then saw the Ten Commandments on something else. Christians! I then had no doubt that all of this "coincidence"was God, and that this weekend would continue to be filled with learning. Even in the rain, Brigitte wanted to take me out and show me the village. So we started on a walk of the city, beginning with the CASTLE! Parts of the castle were started being built in the B.C. times! And a lot of the paintings that survived were from medieval times! It was so awesome, because it was around sunset, with a little drizzle, and then I heard it... the Alphorns!

We climbed up the stone steps, completely smooth from years and years of treading, and then saw two horn players playing in the courtyard, with the mountains in the background. Absolutely magical. I talked with them a bit, asked some dorky questions like, is it all one piece (it screws together like a pool cue) and what kind of wood is it made from (can't remember, already!). They played me some special tunes (it was REALLY raining at that point, so I was definitely the only one around, engrossed enough to listen to a few songs in the rain). The view was spectacular. Cameras cannot capture mountains. Or lit up castles in the distance. You could see Liectenstein and Austria from there! Amazing. We walked through the old part of town, and saw some cute mom-and-pop places, like a piano store and the like. She said that at Christmas, the roads in the old city are transformed, and there is a special crafts fair where all the villagers set up tables and sell what they have made all year round.

During our walk, I was able to talk to Brigitte more about her faith and Christianity. She had grown up Catholic, but her and Sepp were introduced to the Living God through the business! I heard stories of tests of faith, legit and inexplicable miracles, and just saw a whole new side of God, again! I seem to be encountering so many new facets of God here in this country. And it still boggles my mind that God is so universal. That I can know these people for a matter of hours, but gain God through them, and see all he has done worldwide. I also found out that Andi and Antonella (the Hausers) are also believers. And even more crazy... apparently only 1% of Switzerland is Christian. How do I meet these people?

We came back to the house, and had dinner at a neighborhood party, meaning more struggles with conversation, but a lot of great stories, and good food. I had my first taste of Cervelat, which is a Swiss wurst, and the one I had, had cheese inside as well. I love it. I have never really cared for bratwurst in the states, but this wurst was FABULOUS. I even bought some on Monday to cook myself (which I did, and I am proud to say came out well and tasted delish). And there was Rivella, which is always a great addition to a Swiss meal. The host found out I liked it so much, that she gave me the rest of the bottle to take home with me, lol. By that point, my mind was mush, pounded with a meat tenderizer, and shutting down from just a lot of emotional highs, ups-and-downs, and mental language strain. I went to take a shower, and I came to my bed for the night, and the couch was all made, the Rivella and a glass sitting out for if I wanted some in the middle of the night, my muddy jeans in the washer to be ready for the next day, and a Swiss bracelet and a note on my pillow, saying "You are very welcome with our family. Sepp and Brigitte." I cannot tell you what a wonderful feeling that was, as I felt like I was imposing 95% of the day, no matter what anyone said to me, and, hello, what odd circumstances to begin with!

On Sunday, I went to church with Sepp and Brigitte in Buchs, a town about 20 minutes away on the Autobahn. The church is Baptist, and contemporary. As we arrived, I started recognizing faces, faces from the business picnic! These people were Christians too! They greeted me with Guten tags and smiles, and I couldn't help but be tickled with the fact that I recognized anyone. We sang songs in the beginning, all in German, and I recognized How Great Thou Art, which was awesome to alternate between English and German. I am sure I drove the people I sat next to crazy, but whatever. During the sermon, Brigitte and I went upstairs, and she introduced me to Franz, who translated the entire service, just for me. We put on our separate headsets, and he helped me to learn about rebellion, the sermon for the day, which is very applicable in my life right now, as I have recently been given a great deal of freedom. It is amazing how much I have had to rely on God and others while I am here, something not so easy for me to do. I am learning that I cannot do life by myself, that I need others, and THAT'S OK. Nothing to be embarrassed about. After church, I thanked Franz for translating for me, and I think we talked for a good 45 minutes. Everyone was gone from the church at that point. He was telling me that he designs rollercoasters for Cedar Point, from his company here in Switzerland! We pretty much exchanged life stories, and he helped me find the locations of some of the Sigg Family lineage on my map. How completely awesome.

We had lunch at Sepp and Brigitte's, more delicious wurst, with salad and spaghetti. We got into talking about business, and games that encourage strategy. Taking a stab in the dark, I brought up Settlers of Catan. Brigitte's eyes lit up, and she pulled out this...

Die Siedler von Kanaan—The Settlers of Canaan! How crazy! She has not played it yet, just saw the game in a store and thought it would be fun. If/when I return to Sargans, we are playing! After lunch, we drove out to Heidiland, and to the mountains. I haven't seen Heidi since one Friday evening at Lori's house in the 2nd grade or so, so nothing was very fresh in my mind, but I did remember the general plot. We saw the Heidi fountain,

and toured the house from Heidi, and saw goats and chickens and cows with cowbells grazing the fields. And lots and lots and LOTS of Japanese tourists. Big, giant tourbusses of Japanese tourists flooded the winding streets. There was one man who was filming and taking a photo at the same time, of the mountains, which was comical.

Then went to Bad Ragaz, which is a ritzy resort area, especially popular for golfers and athletes getting medical attention and rehab after surgery. There was a golf course in which you had to pay 120,000CHF to be a member, and then 20,000CHF in yearly membership fees. There was no on at this course. Down the road, there was another course, in which you paid 5,000CHF to be a member...lots of people there.

Liectenstein was pretty much a Switzerland extension. We saw the Prince's castle, and walked through the streets, but to be honest, it wasn't as amazing as I thought it would be. Everyone all weekend kept asking me, "Why do you want to go to Liectenstein?" and I was thinking it would be this city posing as a country which escaped all aspects of time, and would just BE the middle ages. It wasn't. There was the most modern sculpture in a city I have ever seen. So we went back to Buchs, to roam the old city streets.

After the Meiers had literally driven me all around eastern Switzerland, swapping stories and learning each other's languages, I boarded a train back to Basel. What an amazing experience of a weekend. They invited me back whenever, that their house was open to me. I couldn't believe it. I hope to return to see Heidi the musical performed ON the lake here, which is in late August I believe.

Hmm. It has been a good hour and a half, and I have gotten through two days. Will attempt to write more tomorrow. Love.

The Pilgrimage and Other Tales

2008-07-11T19:31:00.004+02:00

Wednesday was the day graphic designer dreams about before coming to Switzerland, the day I would visit the former HkG, the current SfG, or to all of us DAAPers, the birthplace of design that all the profs hail as Mecca: the Basel School of Design Switzerland.

The school is over in Kleinbasel, a somewhat long walk from work, but adrenaline (and a gelato) is good fuel for travel. I wasn't sure if I was at the right address, as there was a lot of construction and no one around, but I looked down at my map, looked up, and saw the famous gym designed by Hermann Baur, and the concrete reliefs by none other than Armin Hoffman.

Concrete is an intimidating building material. Think about it; brick is a suburbian home with flowers growing in front; wood an old farmhouse with chipped paint; stucco a magical Hansel and Gretl cottage; and concrete, the looming Crosley Tower, Alcatraz and the like. I didn't hear any ghosts of design past, pleaing for their bail from line studies and plaka, but it was a very odd feeling being there, thinking I was trodding the same ground as Heinz and Robert. I hope to visit it again when school is in session, and to see the thesis exhibition. Here is the link to the site: www.sfgbasel.ch

Went to a club on Thursday night. I know what your thinking, who is this girl? A club? Yes, friends, it is true. And it is also true that I had a wonderful time. My roommate Katie and I met up with Rorik, Courtney, Sam and Kat, all who work at Novartis as interns. It was a great time, with some crazy dim chandeliers and some great house music. I am starting to like house music! Have you heard of Duffy? It is sort of Amy Winehouse-ish. I love the friends I have made here already. I can't wait for more fun times!

I am off to Eastern Switzerland and Liechtenstein this weekend, with the family I met last weekend. It is so crazy how things are working out. We are barbecueing tomorrow, which should be fun. I am excited to meet some new people, and see some new parts of Switzerland... and the MOUNTAINS finally. :)

Hope all is well for you, wherever you are at the moment.

Love.

'Tapas'

2008-07-08T00:05:00.006+02:00

I know, you didn't think I had it in me, right? Well, guess what. I am too EXCITED to sleep, and must tell you about another amazing night.

After a minorly grueling day at work (I am always thinking of my work in context now, as one of my roommates is doing construction work, aka ridiculously laborious physical work, all day long. Typing and mouse-clicking by a window with a soft breeze doesn't seem so bad then...ever.), I was excited to walk home with some Toblerone, and see my roommates, and then head off to Liestal, a neighboring town where my new small group would be meeting. I needed to take the train from the main station, and got a chance to start my new book Irresitible Revolution, as I just finished The Learners by Chip Kidd yesterday. Mom, I think I might ask you to restock my English book supply when you come to visit :). When I reached Liestal, I took a bus just a few stops, and I was practically at the doorstep of Chris and Lisa's. Liestal is beautiful, as it is nestled in the mountains, very cutesy and cozy, tucked away from Basel yet just a short train ride away. Oddly enough, I wasn't at all intimidated by going to a random town, to meet people that I had just met less than 24 hours prior. I was greeted with open arms, smiling faces, and English!

The group: Darryl, who is from New Zealand; Dave, an English street musician; Lisa and Chris, who have Australian connections; Lana, who is from Canada; and Mike, who is Swiss and is studying English in school.

I cannot tell you how awesome it was to hang out with these people. I have not laughed this hard in a long time; these people know sarcasm, and I love it! We had a lot of social bonding time in the beginning, where I had the opportunity to embarrass myself right away. I was trying to describe 'edemame,' to no avail, and was telling them I had it in a 'tapas' bar, but all of them heard, 'topless' bar. There was this uproar of laughter, people keeling over, and I was utterly confused, but then Darryl starting breathing enough to explain. I am sure I am never going to live this down. We drank syrup water, which was a first. It is a concentrate that is in a one or two liter bottle, and you add it to water, and it kind of tastes like kool-aid or lemonade. I think I will always prefer a good stiff espresso, but it was still good. We talked about the Vengeance Psalms, or pretty much all of the angry parts of Psalms that you generally skip over, and wonder, hmm, how is this in the Bible? We learned that they are ways that David and other psalmists were giving their frustrations with injustice to God, and to let Him deal with it, rather than try to decide justice themselves, that it isn't really hatred and anger, but more of an honorable thing, giving it to to God, and being truthful and real about your human emotion. One thing that caught me off-guard was something Darryl had said, which was, "Wow, so you have been a Christian your whole life? You must know so much about the Bible!" I didn't know what to say, because I feel very insufficient when it comes to knowledge of the Bible, even after years of Summer School and Sunday School, and time with the Navigators. The Bible has never really latched on in my mind. I looked at Dave, for instance, who is a born-again Christian at age 55, and has known Jesus for five years, and he can easily recall Scripture. I don't understand this; why can I not recall the Bible like I can recall typefaces, and Eames, Raymond Loewy and Marcel Breurer?

Mike gave us all a ride back in his car. They were all asking for my phone number, so that we could hang out sometime this week or weekend, but I do not have a phone here. I am starting to question whether I should invest the 40CHF to get one, so that I can meet up with these people more often. Email can only go so far, really...

Have a wonderful Monday.

ICF (I Couldn't Fathom) a better day

2008-07-06T23:21:00.007+02:00

Another eventful day in Basel! Rain cannot stop me.

Was able to sleep in, and then watch the Crossroads sermon from last week online (I didn't really understand the amazingness of the internet until I began living here in Switzerland. That I can access the same video that you can in the States. That Skype is even possible!). I have to pace myself, and not let myself watch the videos too much in advance, because then I want to see a new one, and it isn't available yet!

I have become a bit of a klepto... I am constantly on alert for sweet graphic design stuff here—there is such a wealth of it! It may be wrong, but I tell myself that I am collecting for the betterment of us American designers, as I hope to donate it to our studio and make a GIANT inspiration wall when I get back. As for now, all the posters I am claiming are up in my room, bringing a little Swiss lifetouch to the otherwise largely white space.

New music! Roger introduced me to the song "Hungriges Herz" by Mia (not M.I.A.) I bought the Scala and Kolacny Brothers choir version on iTunes, but you can listen to it on YouTube in its original form. The video/photo accompaniment is kind of lame, so don't judge it on that. Here is the LINK.

Went to drop off the recycling today at the nearby bins behind the train station, with all my roommates, but arrived to see that they were gone, due to some construction. So we went to the Tellplatz, and found some signs saying that we could only recycle Monday–Friday, 9–5pm! We had already walked quite a ways, with multiple bags of cans and bottles, and were not going to turn around, so we just started dumping them anyways. And wouldn't you know, there were 2 or 3 people that came out to yell at us. For recycling! Can you imagine that? One woman even took our picture, threatening to turn us in! Heck, in America, we're just happy to see people making the effort at all!

Went to the Basel Papermill today. I am almost positive it is on the Helvetica documentary, but I cannot remember. I want to see that again so bad! I probably will cave and buy a Region 1 copy when I get back. It was awesome; I am for-sure going back before I leave. The building was built ontop of a small river that leads into the Rhein, and has a waterwheel to generate power for the mill. It was an active paper mill from the Middle Ages to the late 1920s, and is now a museum about papermaking, type casting and setting, printing, and bookbinding. Here's a photo of an ink roller; no other significance except for beauty :)

It is only open for three hours at a time, so I made sure to go early, and just as I thought, I found myself getting kicked out at closing time. You could stand right by the fiber shredders, and pulp pounders, and even screen and press your own paper, with the Basel emblem watermark. I was in line to do this, amongst 7 year olds and their parents. The children were showing me what to do, cheering me on as I flipped the wet paper pulp onto the blotting felt. I set some type in a composing stick, that was supposed to read, "graphic designer in basel" but somehow read "graqhicdesignerinbasel" because I couldn't find the spacers in the case, and had the "p" in wrong. And the man who was setting it in the galley did not speak English, so when he tried to fix it, and it read "gradhicdesignerin basel," I just said "Danke" and moved on. I have never seen so many typecases; just cabinets upon cabinets of type! There was an original Heidelberg press, a lithography press with an old limestone tablet, and a huge collection of typewriters. And of course, a whole section of the museum was devoted to Helvetica.

I met a family, Andy, Antonella, Adina, and Alessandro, who live in Switzerland and actually just came back from Fremont, Ohio! We got to talking, and they invited me for a drink downstairs in the Paper Café. Their children are so full of life, at four and two and a half, and already know German and Italian fluently. We had spent only a few hours together, but after this time they gave me their phone number and email, and invited me to a barbeque this weekend in eastern Switzerland! I had told them about my desire to go to Liectenstein while I am here, and they suggested that they could drive me to the barbeque, meet people there, stay the night, and then they could drive me to Liectenstein the next day! I couldn't believe it. I don't know if any of this will work out, but I am excited to have this experience nonetheless.

Came home and had an unpleasant encounter near the train station. I do not want to go into it, but I am definitely learning that I need to be a bit more guarded than I have been lately. It is hard to do that, though, when you come across some such friendly and heartwarming people, as well.

Ate a little dinner and hung out with the roommates, and then off to church at the ICF–International Christian Foundation. I was so excited when I walked in and began descending the stairs into the theater—made me feel like I was going to Forefront in New York again. I found the headset table, so I could enjoy the sermon in English. I met Lisa, who is from Australia, and is now living here as a vet with her husband Chris. I sat down, and felt sort of "at home" with Christians, but still somewhat of an outsider since everyone was talking in Swiss German, and knew each other. I have been humbled by that here, that yes, sometimes I will feel a little left out or uncomfortable. But this insecurity has only made me stronger here, and force me to rely on God. The service began with 2 English worship songs and 2 German. I cannot tell you how cool it was to sing German praise songs. We seemed to sing "across the world" in almost every song, and it got me to thinking, how different Switzerland and America are, but how Jesus has bridged us together, that there are congregations in both places praising the same God. That God speaks German too! Wow! I always "knew" that, but didn't really "get" that until I was surrounded by a unified German-praising voice. The sermon was on Humor in the Bible. It seemed odd to me, in the beginning, that a Swiss pastor would preach on humor, as the Swiss are known for being pretty serious, but it was an amazing perspective that I have never heard before. He brought up the question, "If you were asked, who is the most joyous and funniest person you can think of, you would probably answer... Borat, or Mr. Bean, or the donkey from Shrek, but not God, right? But he is the most joyous of them all! Just look as all this irony and humor He puts in the Bible!" He referenced the "speck of dust in your neighbor's eye, and the plank in your own" story, and pulled a 2 x 4 out of nowhere, and a small piece of a toothpick, and was making jokes onstage, and telling us how God can't wait to laugh with us in heaven, hearty and warm laughter. I couldn't help but enjoy myself, and see new pieces of God's character. After the service, Lisa invited me for a drink with her and some people from ICF at the restaurant above the theater. I got to chatting for a good two hours, and met her husband Chris, a woman named Martina, Lana, and Mike, most of which will be at the English-speaking small group I am joining that begins tomorrow!!! I am so excited!!! All of my wildest prayers have come true.

I hope I haven't been tiring you all with this prolonged posts. But I am just so happy.

Enjoy the rest of your day; I am sleeping now.

walks and talks

2008-07-06T00:50:00.006+02:00

The past few days have been amazing. Time seems to be drifting away here in Basel, as I have been here 2.5 weeks already, but I am still trying to make each day count. Work has been exciting. I cannot go into much detail, for confidentiality reasons, but I have been working on logo design and application, and been given a lot of creative freedom, and Martin and Benno are so supportive and encouraging, so that is a real treat. I have been reading, taking quick naps in the Petersplatz park on lunch breaks, or strolling through the botanical garden. It feels like Cincinnati sometimes, because I see a great deal of cats, like over by the Law Building. The bakery I sometimes go to get a sandwich has begun to recognize me. I love the Bündner? sandwich with egg. She knows that I cannot speak Swiss-German, and smiles when I come in and just point at that same sandwich every time. She says, Egg? and I nod. And I pay, and that is it. An exchange of money, sandwich, and smiles. Benno and I have gotten to talking more lately. He is fun to work with. I have a feeling like he is a gold mine of stories... hopefully I will access the vault :)

Met with the woman from the Christian bead store on Friday after work. We went to a small, "secret" courtyard in the by work for drinks. I got a cold, less-sweet chocolate milk-like drink that was ok. And found a new love of Rivella, a Swiss drink that is sort of like the Mexican Manzana drink. She is a nurse at the hospital here on the edge of town. We talked about Switzerland, and my experiences here so far. She has such a kind and warm heart. She even invited me over to her place for dinner next week! What a blessing.

That evening, Laura, me, Katie, and some of her friends from Novartis hung out at the flat and then went out to a club in Kleinbasel. I was excited to have a chance to wear my hot pink tights! The club was super-exclusive; I am not going to lie, I was intimidated by that. Not even thinking, a couple of us forgot to bring our IDs. But oddly enough, they wanted to see Passports. I would have never thought to bring that to a club, for fear I would lose it. So we didn't get in. As we were discussing what to do next, Laura and I decided to go back to the flat. On our way to the tram, we realized that they stopped running and would need to take a taxi. Laura began asking a man, Ali, about the train schedule, and after some conversation, he ended up inviting us to his brother's bar. It was literally one of the coolest experiences. Ali, a Turkish man, who has been here in Basel for 23 years, works at a pizzeria, and has been taking care of his sick father. Laura was awesome, and was translating conversation for me, so I could be a part. He was telling us of his faith. He was in a car accident, where the car was totaled, in flames, and he came out without a scratch. The police thought that he was lying! And he told us of the poor, and how no matter how little he has, he always gives to the poor, because he knows how difficult life can be, and what potential they have. He recalls giving money to a nine year old boy, and crazily, he was reunited with him, years later, and the boy-now-man recognized him, and brought him to his lush hotel room and to dinner, thanking him for his support so long ago. What a wealth of experiences and stories in this man! And what a caring person, to take us for drinks, to meet his family at the bar, to help us, perfect strangers, and then, to give us a ride home in his car so we would not have to pay for a taxi. He gave us his number, so that if we want to eat some pizza sometime where he works, we can. Unreal.

Went to Germany today to go to the Vitra Design Museum.

It is not far at all; you can take a bus from Basel to Weil am Rhein in 20 minutes or so. The museum/factory is in the middle of nowhere; just fields and hills and vineyards. There were chair sculptures everywhere, and a large sign that read, "Stadt der Stühle" or "City of the Chair." The buildings were designed by Zaha Hadid, Frank Gehry, and even geodesic dome by my buddy Buckminster Fuller. I was somewhat disappointed to see that the current exhibition at the museum was about the Arab culture and not something directly out of Sources, although I did learn a lot about the architecture and customs of their culture. As the museum shop employee put it, "Yes I know, the exhibition isn't the best. The Corbusier one that just left was spectacular. But it isn't our fault the Arabs sit on carpets!" I got a kick out of that. There is a George Nelson exhibit that opens on September 13, so I am eager to see that before I leave. Check out Peter Eisenmann... There is an architect card set. I wanted it! But it was very very expensive. Photos will have to suffice.

Took a walk tonight on the St. Alban-Tal, and the Rhein that was glorious. My eyes were acute, and I was picking up on all the beauties of my surroundings. Water beads ontop cars; splotchy watercolored sky; classical music pouring out of classical windows; old couples walking hand-in-hand, head-on-shoulder; nooks perfect for feeling like Basel was created just for you in that moment; candlelit boats, and exaggerated reflections by wine glasses; comfortable shadows and light pockets. I sat with a family who was singing Paul Simon songs on the riverbanks. I sang "Mrs. Robinson" with them. I know, how random. I cannot tell you how relaxing and cleansing it is to be here. I have no worries, I have been blessed.

I have solved my iced coffee problem. The instant coffee here is perfect, and dissolves in cold water. Add milk and a little sugar, and you have practically free iced coffee. Who knows, I may never have McDonalds or Starbucks again! And I may save some serious cash.

once upon a weekend in zürich

2008-06-30T21:28:00.003+02:00

A lot has been happening in my life lately. mostly a lot of getting lost, and loving every minute of it. On friday night, I packed my palette and brushes, and headed to the Rhein to paint a bit; water water everywhere, but not a [free] drop to paint with. So i decided to journal a bit, and take in the beautiful sunset. I walked along the edge of the water, and soaked up the breeze. If my ipod wasn't broken, i could see myself listening to some Sinatra. But it has been good for me, not having my ipod. Not having a phone. I'm doin it old-school here in Basel. Stopped in the Les Trois Rois on the way back home. To give you an idea, a room in this place, that I saw in a brochure is 1650/night. There was beautiful piano music pouring out from the main room. Who needs an ipod when you have that!

Got on a train Saturday morning, and went to Zürich to visit Steph! It was so wonderful to see her, a true "collision of worlds." I got to see where she lives, meet some of her housemates. We went shopping on the Bahnhofstrasse, the Fifth Avenue of Zürich, and then strolled along the Nierderdorf, a street by the river with some trendy boutiques and cafés. We made dinner (I am becoming so domestic! Ok, so I just chopped the vegetables...), and then took a bottle of wine up to a park that overlooks the river and the city. Zürich is great, because of the mountains, and at night, all the little dots of houselights. Believe it or not, but Basel is pretty flat. Most of the buildings in Zürich aren't over 5 stories, so it really feels like a classic train town, snuggled away in the mountains with fake cotton snow. I loved getting the chance to catch up with Steph; a lot of laughter and Swiss stories. We went to her church in the morning, and it was wonderful. THE best Catholic church experience I have ever had. The priest was humorous. What a treat. And the congregation was all sorts of nationalities; there were two children getting baptized from Nigeria! How refreshing. I can't wait to try out my church this weekend :) In the afternoon, we went to the Design Museum. I was in design heaven, snagging all the brochures and promotional material I could because it was all so beautiful. Steph, I hope you didn't get too bugged by all my drooling! :)

I hope to go to the Art School of Basel this weekend, and maybe the paper museum. And I want to go swimming in the river. It is super-clean here, so everyone takes a dip when it gets unbearably warm (and it has been...and there is no air anywhere but the trams).

Tried Johnnesberries (sp?) today. I am in love. I don't think we have them in the states, I haven't seen them until here. They look kind of like cranberries, but smaller and a little bit see-through. There is an open-air market in the Marktplatz during the week. They may become a regular purchase...

The soccer craze is over now, with the Spanish as los campeones. I was sad to see it over. Basel seems so much more empty. But the peace is definitely nice. No late night carhorns.

Miss you. Love from here.

Bratwurst and Sauerkraut Prevail

2008-06-25T23:54:00.004+02:00

Germany Wins! In the 90th minute! Katie and Laura and I went down to the Marktplatz to watch the game—so intense! And I had a crepe on the way home; perfect way to celebrate.

My boss at work today told me that Switzerland does not have enough police to hold an event like this, so there are police here from Germany and France as well. Weird, eh?

After a wonderful day at work, I was itching to get out and stroll the streets, amongst the Euro 2008 chaos. It was slightly cooler than it has been, and I love getting lost in the crowd, finding new places and being reassured by somewhat less new ones, stumbling upon new routes and quaintness. I was in the middle of a parade of Germans, when this man just came up to me and started playing a trombone he brought! And then I saw they had brought a whole band! What a wonderful thing for Basel; what spirit!

I made an omelette, first ever! Dad, you would be proud. It looked beautiful, and tasted even better. I may come back master cook, or at least an omelette master. I eat dinner with the roommates on the balcony every evening. Roger has always prepared something amazing. Tonight he had a delicious dish of bread, soaked in white wine, with summer sausage and special cheese melted ontop. Delish :)

Started learning some German with my roommates today. I can't spit right yet, aka I can't get the accent, but it is fun and laughs for all of us. We are going to work on it a little each day. I am so lucky to be with these wonderful people.

I would like to end by sharing a little something I found last night while rereading a passage in my journal:

And God I pray my hardest for a strong community. And to find a few Christians people, God, would be such a blessing. And if you have any church suggestions, please bring those to my attention. :) (I drew a smiley-face).

Miracle on Nadelberg Street

2008-06-24T21:24:00.004+02:00

Good evening to me. And good evening to you in 6 hours or so.

The last two days have been unreal. Let me begin with some humor.

Apparently it's common to swim in the fountains here, but I am not sure if that includes snorkels.

So yesterday was my first day, and I wasn't really nervous until midnight or so the night before. I guess I had so many other things to accomplish before this, but then it finally sunk in that I would be working here. It gets light at 5:30am, literally, so I kept waking up, startled, thinking I was late. Gave myself an hour or so to walk to work, so I could enjoy Basel waking up, and to make sure I was there on time. It is so easy to get lost here, amongst the tiny unmarked streets. I buzzed the intercom, and opened the door of a building from the 1300s or so (I wondered how many people had walked through this same door, on their first day of work). I got to the door of edge, my company, and was greeted by my boss, Martin. It is a beautiful space; old furnaces in each room, big open windows, and the contrast of sleek furniture and computers: a designer's paradise. I then met Benno, who I had been corresponding with by email. And then that was it. It's the three of us! On the website, it says there are 28 designers, but that is all over the world. Well, I already know everyone's name. :) There was a flower arrangement on my desk to welcome me, and a Ralph Lauren box. Wow! Well, the flowers were for me, but the box was just full of markers. But hey, I am still ecstatic with that! I sat and got myself acquainted with my desk and surroundings, and began to learn the Adobe programs in German. Some of it is easy to recognize, and the shortcuts are still the same, but cheat sheets were definitely prepared. Also, my keyboard is European. I can't find an image online, so someday I will have to take a picture of it. But the "y" and the "z" keys are switched places, and there are additional keys for the accented vowels. I am so thankful that Benno and Martin have spent time in the States and know English. And I always know when I am being talked to, because it is in English! We took a lunch break, and headed for a stroll down to the Marktplatz, and then to Münster, and then to a lovely restaurant down the hill. I had seen this place from my walk this morning, and was gawking at how beautiful it was; a garden in the center, nice tablecloths and goblets, dressy waiters, the works! And we were eating there! I am so blessed to have kind and friendly supervisors, and I can't wait to see what all I will get to learn from them. Conversation is so easy. And I am not intimidated, just excited to experience. We came back and had a team meeting, aka, us together again talking but at a different table. It was wonderful.

Came home and went out for a drink with Katie and her friend from work. Basel at night is great; there are people out and about, and enjoying the heat. I was so happy, I didn't want the day to end, and stayed up until 3am. But then it ended. And I got up, reluctantly, today.

Work today was good too. Walked to work in 25 minutes, just like Google Maps predicted in the beginning. During lunch today, I explored because I wasn't feeling that hungry... and what an amazing experience that was. I stumbled across an ethnic jewelry shop, and two bead stores, so up my alley. I am resisting buying anything yet, until I have some sort of income, and so that I don't go crazy (it was taking all my might not to just starting threading). I also saw a bookstore and went in. It was cute and quaint, and then I saw a Max Lucado book. Christian bookstore? Is that what that word was? I asked the guy at the counter if he knew of a church that speaks English, and he did! He found one that is in the town over. It sounded far away, but it probably wasn't. And English... sounds tantalizing. I walked out, and found another bead store...well, beads and more store. There was a giant Freitag bag outside, so of course that led me in. I found a shirt that had the Swiss cross and a Jesus cross on it. Is this another one? I asked the woman here if she knew of an English speaking church, just by chance, to see if there was one closer than a town away. She knew of one. And she looked it up online and found it to be just a short walk from my apartment. And it is Youth-oriented! And it has small groups! I just stood there. Broken english never sounded so good. I started crying, and asked her if I could give her a hug. We did, and then she prayed for me, in Swiss-German. Wow, can't explain what an amazing experience that was. And we are getting together next week. I am so excited. Seriously, there are no words. What. A. Blessing.

Came home tonight after a nice walk and ate dinner with my roommates. We are bonding and laughing, and I enjoy coming home to them. They are great; they ask me about my day and about my life. I will miss this when it is over.

Well, it is 10:17pm now, and it just got dark about 5 minutes ago. I am telling you, the sun loves to hang out in Basel.

I love and miss you all.

I remembered this part of a Watermark song today. I don't know if it has any meaning to you right now, but it does to me.

Know that you'll never stray too far

Let His power within you heal your heart

Lift your eyes to spacious skies

Let Him chart your way to flight

Spread your wings and fly

For the Lord, He is good.

the melting pot, my melting point

2008-06-23T00:04:00.004+02:00

Before I forget, I must tell you that I needed to switch the time zone on my computer to receive the correct time on my desktop, and now, the computer knows I am in Switzerland, and Blogspot is coming up in all German! I didn't know it could do that. Computers may very well take over our world. As long as they are Apples...

Yesterday afternoon and evening were interesting. Went shopping in the afternoon, to stock up on some unpackable supplies and to explore the city. Basel was officially invaded by orange, that is, Dutch soccer fans. Orange jerseys, orange clogs, orange braids; a group of people even dyed a fountain orange and were jumping around in it! It was hilarious... all of them would constantly walk one direction, towards the stadium, then stop to camp and drink, and then pick up and keep walking.

My roommates and I found a park by the central train station to chill, have a few drinks, and play cards. We met a fun group of Russians (I heard there were 10,000 Russians here, and 150,000 Dutch...) by our park hangout. They were drinking vodka and iced tea. I haven't heard of that one, but then again, I am no liquor expert.

Later, we met up with some of Roger's friends to go to a FanZone to watch the game. One area that we tried was literally one of the most packed places I have ever been. More intense than New Years at Times Square. There were probably about 8 of us, train-like, weaving through masses of screaming sweaty people. Unable to see the game, but unable to do anything about it. Went to the edge of the Rhein, to watch the game on the giant screen above the river. It was less crowded, but still completely orange-invaded. This night was not so fun for me. I was glad to have met some of Roger's friends, one of which will be taking his place when he goes to serve in the army in July, but I just didn't know how to fit in. I frequently forget how to just be myself, relax, and make new friends. I drank way too much, and felt absolutely ashamed and sick. This was not the impression I wanted to make. I found myself drinking, thinking that would be the avenue in which we would all connect. It wasn't. I just made a fool of myself. I have been praying with all my might today that God can "rewrite" this situation for the better. I am so thankful for them, taking care of me and all. They don't even know me. They really were more like Jesus than I was, and I was the one with the "intention." Hmm...

Today is Sunday. I have yet to find a church here. Roger says there is definitely nothing like Crossroads, and I can believe that. I am going to look for some sort of church community, but today I watched the second PRIDE sermon from Crossroads. So convicting. God just keeps tearing me down. I know this is good, that I need to struggle, but I don't know how much I can handle, especially being miles away from those that I love. I have to turn to you, God. And stay there.

Took a very long walk today, all around the city, trying to plan my route to work. The tram system here is amazing—efficient and clean and timely—but for the first few weeks I want to walk, for the exercise and to get acclamated. I don't want to miss any of this cultural action. Went to McDonalds to get an iced coffee, and they don't have it here! The only thing close is an espresso shot poured over ice cream. It's ok, but I would prefer an iced hazelnut :( And there are Starbucks here, but "forgettah boutit" because a tall latte is 8 Swiss Francs. Yea, I may come back from here less of an addict, who knows.

Watched the Italy/Spain game tonight on the TV at home; Spain won in penalty kicks, and will play Russia here in Basel for the semi-finals. I am an Italia fan, duh, but the Spanish had some great energy, and it was great for them because they have not beat the Italians since 1920! Needless to say, there is more action to come.

Roger gave me some chocolates tonight to welcome me to Switzerland. That is when it hit me how much God really does answer prayers. He took a total chance on me, and is welcoming me with open arms. How Jesus-like is that. I pray God that you use me here, somehow.

socc-cr-cr-cr-crazy

2008-06-21T13:09:00.002+02:00

I am here. This is the first official blog post in Switzerland!

Yesterday was officially the longest day of my life, with all of the flight time lapses, but that didn't stop me from going out last night to watch the Turkey/Croatia game on the huge screen in the city center, with my roommates Roger and Katie. The city was crazy last night, after Turkey won in penalty kicks (no one wanted them to win, because they have just barely won many of their games, and have a boastful spirit about it). I heard them cheering and honking literally all night. The city is beautiful—very clean, modern and old world charm.The advertisements on bus stops are absolutely gorgeous, with roots of Swiss design gleaming through each piece; I hope their chocolate is as pure as their design. No home-printed posters about pyramid schemes, either.

Roger took me for a tour of the city a little yesterday, which was awesome. We stopped by my design firm; it is in an old building, and feels like a total time warp. I checked their website yesterday, and saw that they updated it, and now I am even more excited to start working there! It's www.edge-group.ch. I am not at all oriented with the city yet. I went for a short run this morning, and I know the neighboring streets, but nothing extensive yet. Tomorrow is my big learning day.

The apartment is absolutely breathtaking. This is probably the nicest place I have ever stayed. I have a huge room, tons of sunlight pouring it, and a private balcony. The apartment is all hardwood. I will post a few pictures when I have time.

Tonight is the Holland/Russia game, here in Basel! I'll be back in the city center tonight to watch from the screen. The Dutch have been here since yesterday afternoon, decked out in their orange gear. There is a giant 20m high hammering man artwork piece, with a moving hammering arm, and he was draped in orange for team spirit. The maintainance crew for the tram, who usually wear orange, actually had to change the color of their uniforms for the time being, because fans were running up to them, into danger!

Off to go explore now. Cannot tell you how much I miss you all. I am learning a little German, but I do get lonely when everyone around me is speaking it.

the "slow triangle"

2008-06-17T23:39:00.004+02:00

The weather here is a perfect 72. The clouds are in perspective, and the vast flatness just makes the sky that much bigger. I was driving with the windows down, hair blowing madly, when the van in front of me dramatically slowed. Breaking from the cruise control, I was miffed to see the "slow triangle" on the tractor in front of us. As it turned into the next drive, I couldn't help but smile at the two boys in the cab with their father, "helping."

I have had some wonderful conversations with friends the past few days. It is awesome how God can speak through people, believers and non-believers alike. Watched Capote, which is probably one of the most moving films I have seen in a long time, that is, the parallels between Truman and Perry. Just rent it, ok? It's 1.07 at Family Video.

I have been learning about love recently. I have been learning not to resist loving, in order to wait for an exchange, but to give it freely with no expectations. God does that every day. He doesn't wait until you're ready, but is constantly pouring His love into you. To be like God, we must love expecting nothing in return, and truly praising Him when it is an exchange. I think there is probably much more to love than we realize now.

Go outside. I am.