Analog Aesthetics

Hot chocolate. Warm blankets. Cardigans. These are not thoughts I should be having at the end of March, but alas, Germany's grey chill will have to herald in the spring after all. The rain keeps us all indoors, dreaming of sunny afternoons and cherries by the bucket.

As April approaches, I'm reminded of all the places I've been this month, all the people I've met: Berlin, Muenster, Trier, Luxembourg, Brussels, Brugge; places I've heard so much about, I might as well have been there: Norway, Sweden, Finland, Bulgaria, Italy, Greece. It's no wonder I'm feeling lustlos and restless these last few days; I've had a phenomenal time. Who would have ever thought going to conferences could be this much fun? To all you out there I've befriended in the last month, prepare to be overwhelmed with emails, letters, and phone calls. And thank you for making this one amazing experience. SWEDEN. I think I have found a place to call home. Jennifer was sweet enough to put up some photos, so take a look here.

What's next on the agenda? Working hard at Deutsche Welle Radio in Bonn. Making the artists on Greyday Records as famous as they ought to be. Catching a class or two at the University. Shows, shows, shows galore - The Wrens, Red Sparows, Stars, Mogwai, Black Dice, Britta, Less Than Jake (!), The Wedding Present, The Black Heart Procession, TV on the Radio, Sleater-Kinney, Gregor Samsa, Secret Machines, Magnolia Electric Co. Planning my future (NPR. VOA. DW-R in DC).

Gearing up for a trip to Clemson in May to knock my socks off: the Botanical Gardens, endless walking through the forests, falling asleep on the lawns, skipping through the butterfly gardens; Pelican! Mono!; strawberry ice cream from Ben & Jerry's (who'd have guessed that's the one flavor you can't get here?); dinner at Athen's, my favorite restaurant, crossing over the river and driving out to nowhere; the smell of the streets after a good rain; a general laziness that signals the official start of summer (and no signs of the World Cup!). Most of all, smiles and laughter with people who set the bar for true happiness. I've come to see what's pointless and what's not. Some people lack vision. Some people lack imagination. Some people lack a sense of what's important in life. Here's my resolution: I will be a lighthouse.

I would go to Tokyo with you.
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It's started - I'll be lucky if I spend a week home this month, but it's for the best. I've become a professional schmoozer, but if it lands me a job with NPR, I'll have the last laugh.

Always be a role model for yourself. If things are troubling you, turn it into a way to make yourself the best you possible. And remember that each day will bring new things, and that when the time comes, you'll know where your values lie and what matters most to you. Don't let stress and the horizon of tomorrow skew your perspective into thinking things won't change, you don't have any control. There are times, when closing your eyes or on sunny days, when you can almost taste the happiness in the world. Let it lift you. Let it bring the people you love most closer into your heart. Even snow and grey days can't cloud your memories or take away a single moment of bliss from your past. And hope lies around every corner, or right out in front of you, if you let it. Just go real limp. There are tides that will guide you blind.

Let me know how you all are. I've fallen behind on my duties, but a special certain someone has been taking up most of my thoughts, and well, there's no competing with that. Except I want to hear crazy wild stories from the World of You, which includes sending letters and flowers, if necessary. Tulips are my favorite, but then again, you already know that. You will be adored in return.

I've got big plans for May. Tents, wild goose chases in the Gardens, starry skies. Clemson welcoming with open arms. Mark your calendar - the year is just beginning. And I've got a fairytale for you; I'm a lighthouse. Let's see Ida together and hold each other up.

Raphael Kirchner.
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