Monthly Archives: December 2018

It is in the middle of December and actually, I am getting used to that it is dark. Maybe because a lot of decoration is cheering up right now. I must admit that I like traditions. It was very cosy to see my colleagues and share some lucia celebration.

Since I was little, I have always participated in “lucia tåg”. But not now, I must stress. I remember I had written my verse on the paper I had to protect myself from the wax melts from the candle I held. Even though I knew the verse by heart, my pulse increased when I was going to read loud. It is a pity, I don’t remember the verse, maybe I have it written somewhere. Poetry is beautiful.

Since I work this weekend, I will just spend a lazy evening at home. I will write season wishes and also watch some tv.

I wish there were more hours within a day. Finally, my writing has in a way “settled”. The most important part has been to give the books to my previous mentor. I was happy about that.These books are not exciting must-read crime books. If you ask me if I have been influenced by some author, it is the French author Le Clézio. I don’t know why, but his writing has stayed with me throughout life. And, maybe, I have also been influenced by Paul Auster. Furthermore, I cannot avoid having pharmacology in my mind, and that means that I am writing from a biological point of view.

Tonight I am making a ginger cake. I like the recipes from Monika Ahlberg. Those are my favourites at this time of the year. Nice with some “julfika”, and it also makes me think of nothing. Very relaxing. This is all for tonight.

Currently I am trying to collect new energy. It feels like I am done with an exam that has taken years. Music is really a way for me to relax. And right now only classical music. I remember, since I am interested in neurobiology, that music affects the brain a lot. I read a book many years ago about music and the brain hemispheres, and that the interplay between the left and right hemispheres is crucial for learning music. Maybe there is a relationship between languages and music that can explain this sudden craving for classical music?

Language is well organized in the left hemisphere where the understanding of languages is located in Wernicke´s area, and the articulation of language is located in the Broca´s area. Interestingly, it seems like musicians have more bilateral neural connectivity than non-musicians for the plastic developmental changes caused by extended musical training. Music seem to activate the right hemisphere in non-musicians, whereas both hemispheres in musicians are more or less activated when stimulated by music such as rhythm, melody, harmony and musical memory. I found this information from a mini-review written by Gizzi and Albi where they ask “Can language drive the music?”.

Language and music are both very fascinating subjects and there is no doubt that I am addicted to both of them. I tried to find a photo with some writing ambiance, and I found this where I am having a cup of tea. Also, something I cannot live without.

I work this weekend, so, this evening I stay at home and I will prepare for Advent. December arrived faster than I thought. As you can see, this website has been changed. The cover photo is from Eastbourne in England. I went there with a friend a few years ago, and that very day was windy. The white cliffs were astonishing. Breathtaking. This photo is also the cover of my book “Generationer” which is now available at Adlibris and Bokus.

Yesterday was a day to leave the past and move on to future. It has become, more or less, a tradition that I meet my (former) mentor Professor Jörgen Engel at the yearly Swedish Drug dependence meeting. I feel very happy that I can stay in touch with this important area. Drug dependence is something that affect most of us in one way or another. After the meeting, my mentor got the books I have written. He gave me very good advice, and we also talked about the years at the Department of pharmacology. He remembered that I had been interested in reading other literature than research. We talked a little about James Watson and Francis Crick when they had studied the structure of DNA. They didn’t spend their time only in the research lab. They played tennis as well.

I have thought that I should wait a little to get more response from readers before I start to write again. However, yesterday I learnt that I should write more about what I feel myself. That is so true. To summarise, I am very happy that I have written this book, and also, that my former supervisor has been interested in my writing. The circle is closed and it is time to move forward.