Time has flown by, and what was once cold and rainy has now given way to the middle of high summer heat. Everything is easier somehow when it is warmer. I was in the south of France, specifically in Nice, a month ago. It is wonderful to be able to walk along the sea. The elderly couple on the bench in the photo below were there every day. They were so nice in a way, and I asked if I could have a photo of them.

There were warm winds in and I planned to see exhibitions by Picasso, Chagall, and Matisse. A whole day for each artist. Despite plenty of time, I would have liked to stay longer. I really can’t compare them, but Matisse became my favorite. Just when I had finished seeing his exhibition, it ended with the photo above of Matisse and his dog.

I have so many photos, and of course, I had technical problems with my camera as well. After updating an app, it works again. I have never been able to paint, and I admire these artists. It is a life’s work, and I was able to follow the development of the artistry over the years. What inspires? How have contemporary times influenced painting? Cubism, impressionism – expressions that I remember for a long time, but have forgotten the meaning of. Chagall, for example, painted with such strong color combinations.

Henri Matisse was certainly inspired by Vincent van Gogh, who lived in the 19th century. It is said that van Gogh’s epilepsy was treated with digitalis, which is found in foxgloves. Here is a note that describes a side effect of digitalis; it can affect vision so that you see more in the yellow direction. Van Gogh had a penchant for painting yellow, and it is said that this side effect may have contributed to yellow shades. You will also find a portrait of his doctor, Dr. Paul Gachet, with a foxglove in front of him   Van gogh and the obsession of yellow- style or side effect

I love staying in front of a painting; playing with the idea of ​​how it was created and took shape. What stories lie behind the choice of colors, motifs, etc? It is a bit of balm for the soul, especially since I cannot paint.

Dear readers,

I would like to tell you that I haven´t forgotten you. A lot of things are happening in my life, eg I have travelled some. When I was in France, I had plenty of time to write, but unfortunately, my computer screen was disrupted, so I couldn´t do anything but share some photos on Instagram. I will write more later. Til then, take care.

Anna

I remember Easter being a sunny holiday. Not this year. However, earlier this week, I went jogging and I was happy about seeing some sunshine. News is loading us about the USA protectionism. Customs everywhere. As I stated earlier, I am pleased about trade wars instead of real war. When I visited the USVI, I woke up to a rooster crowing at 4 am every morning. These roosters were allowed to be everywhere on the island. The Virgin Islands used to be Danish once upon a time, and I am ending by sharing a picture of a rooster with a happy Danish pastry.

It is as if the Cold War is back. Political tensions between the East and the West affect our everyday lives. Earlier this week, the Swedish government announced that billions will be invested to upgrade the Swedish defense in the coming years. Ministers are buying defense stocks. At the same time, it is as if politicians are turning a blind eye to the shootings and explosions that take place in Sweden. The focus is on foreign countries instead of domestic issues.

The communist party of the time with Gorbachev’s glasnost and perestroika has since long been forgotten. With that, Gorbachev’s counterpart Ronald Reagan on the American side is also gone. A relatively aggressive American geopolitics has now replaced those days. I hope that the balance between East and West will be stable, that is, rather a trade war than a war in its true sense. What is needed now is a peacemaker, someone who can unite ideologies.

In the midst of all this, it is important to find positive energy in your everyday life. I listen to music, meet friends, and go for a walk with Molly. Furthermore, I am looking for new and exciting recipes to cook. I remind myself of journeys I have done, and I plan new trips. At the same time, I hope that we can agree on a time for either summer or winter time. On Sunday, it is officially summer again.