Tomorrow is my last day residing in Germany. Friday is our travel day and Saturday I start back over in the country where I'm from.
The Germans say, "mit einem lachenden und einem weinenden Auge."
And this means something like "with a twinkle in one eye and a tear in the other."
This has been a hard move. And every day my heart has been touched by one of my beloved friends or neighbors showing up with a trailer for us to haul crap away or a wheelbarrow full of toys for our son to play with.
As the moving truck drove away, I realized we no longer had a can opener or sheets. Out came the neighborhood with pillows, linens, kitchen supplies and dryer racks for our laundry. It was like the old story about Stone Soup.
I love these people and have come to realize that it's the first time in many years that I've felt that I'm truly a part of a community.
In the middle of it all I did manage to get quite a bit of work done. Dang. I even amaze myself sometimes. Two of the large boards I worked on are self portraits. I made my German Heart and my American Heart. They are mixed media, spray painted and collaged with big holes drilled into them for lacing ribbon. Here's the German version for you, so take a wild guess as to what's coming up for Saturday's post! The originals are going to be on exhibit in Nuremburg soon, and I will share more about that later.
For now, big hugs to my dear host country... Aufwiedersehen.
In real life this board is actually square. I have no idea why this photo is so warped looking. While in transition, nothing is perfect.
Your German heart is beautiful, tj. I'll be thinking of you and praying for safe travels. It is hard to leave a place that has had so much meaning to you, but I'm hoping that being back in the US will open some new and exciting opportunities for you.
Posted by: Anne | August 31, 2011 at 12:57 PM
Good luck and hope you have a good and safe journey back. Love your German heart. I hope you treasure it!
Posted by: fiona | August 31, 2011 at 02:48 PM
Thinking 'smooth move' thoughts for you - and hopeful that settling in here will find you surrounded by new & wonderful neighbors :-)
Posted by: PennyA | August 31, 2011 at 04:20 PM
Thinking of you my friend...what an experience to be immersed into a new country and community, they'll miss you as much as you're already missing them. Wishing you safe journey, drop me your new address when you get a chance.
Love to you sister,
Jenny ♥
Posted by: Jenny Lee Wentworth | August 31, 2011 at 05:55 PM
The heart really is beautiful. Looking forward to seeing the American one.
Sounds like you made some truly wonderful neighbors while here. But with your incredible heart, I'm sure you'll find plenty of great new neighbors in your new home as well.
All the best for your journey!
Posted by: Tiffany @ No Ordinary Homestead | August 31, 2011 at 11:06 PM
such a blessing to experience TRUE community. So glad my friend that you have made these lifelong ties.
Posted by: robin | September 01, 2011 at 12:08 AM
Tari! All the best to you! It is lovely that you've had such a great time there and met wonderful friends. Be safe and I look forward to hearing about your continuing adventure. You are really a marvel, getting so much done. Amazing how much we can get done when we don't sit and watch Dark Shadows on DVD all day...
xo
Chris
p.s. MAKE SURE MY POSTCARDS ARE PACKED WELL!!!!!!!
hehe
Posted by: Chris | September 01, 2011 at 01:45 AM
Beautiful German heart, TJ! I hope that you will find a similar sense of community in your new/old homeland. What a treasure to bring with you all the memories of what you have enjoyed in Germany. Best wishes for a smooth move!
Posted by: Andria | September 01, 2011 at 02:50 AM
There's no pretzel and no Edelweiss?!?!?! and your German heart is still beautiful. You amaze me - beautiful art produced during a stressful move. All the best to you and your family. I'll be thinking of you.
Posted by: German Gems | September 01, 2011 at 06:07 AM
Thanks everybody for the sweet words! You guys are the greatest. Today I'm looking around at every surface that's covered in all the "little stuff" that's left over. I'm wondering how it's all going to fit into suitcases!
Time to get by booty cracking!
xxx tj
Posted by: TJ | September 01, 2011 at 09:01 AM
That is a wonderful german heart. Can't wait to see the american version. Crossing my fingers for a smooth move. Auf Wiedersehen on the other side.
xo
Posted by: Skytimes | September 01, 2011 at 09:14 AM
So sorry to see you move to the other side of the world! Hope you have a good trip and that all your furniture and art supplies arrive safely in the US.
Posted by: Jacqueline | September 01, 2011 at 02:37 PM
Hallo Tari. Ich bin so traurig..
Ich wünsche euch eine sichere Reise, einen guten Start in euer neues Leben und alles erdenklich Gute für dich und deine Männer! Haltet durch, denn die stressige Zeit ist ja noch nicht vorbei. Tschakaaaaa, ihr schafft das! DANKE FUER ALLES!
With tears in my eyes: good bye - oder besser: See you!
"may the road rise up to meet you
May the Wind Be always at your back..."
P.s.: ich werde ab und zu mal die blumen vor "eurem" haus giessen ;))
What the h...
Posted by: 1st. lady of kleinochsenfurt | September 02, 2011 at 10:23 PM
Best luck with your move TJ! Wonderfulness is waiting for you on the other side of the ocean. No matter where you live, you will find you are forever changed by your experience in Germany and you carry that with you wherever you go. Big hugs. When you think it's too crazy, just drop me a note. I'll be here!! Auf wiedersehen! :)
Posted by: Kat Sloma | September 03, 2011 at 07:42 AM