A German Posy

While what is supposed to be winter in Colorado Springs has only brought one short-lived snowfall, which has already receded into memory, and the landscape, instead of being clad in a snow-white suit is wearing a drab brown cloak, my mind wanders back to those autumn days in Germany still draped in colorful garb. My … Continue reading A German Posy

Memorable Moments 2021

Nothing inspires and delights me more than spending time in nature. Birds are the beings who make my heartstrings vibrate most fervently, but I also enjoy encounters with other animals. Fortunately, it’s still possible to meet scaled, furred, or feathered creatures, but I don’t take these joyful moments for granted and feel privileged whenever they … Continue reading Memorable Moments 2021

Still Hoping for Peace on Earth

As varied as our backgrounds and beliefs, we likely share the hope of a peaceful future for (wo)mankind. Despite being constantly bombarded with narratives of interpersonal differences and strife, each of us doubtlessly knows individuals who exemplify the good in humanity, or recall instances when someone’s unexpected kindhearted conduct stopped us in our tracks, and … Continue reading Still Hoping for Peace on Earth

Autumn’s Bounty

No season will ever replace springtime from its firmly entrenched first place in my ranking of favorite seasons, but autumn follows a close second. With summer and its often unbearable estival heat behind, more pleasant temperatures prevail. And while the prospect of shorter, colder, and occasionally even somber days lies in the future, the surrounding … Continue reading Autumn’s Bounty

My Native Country

The German region Rheinhessen (Rhine Hesse, or Rhinehessen) is where I was born and spent my childhood, adolescence, and early adulthood. Its name is as confusing as its tumultuous history, which I can only paint in very broad brushstrokes. The triangular area west of the Rhine river, today bordered by the cities Bingen, Mainz, and … Continue reading My Native Country