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.

It is so cold and chilly. I have to get used to the thought that it is December soon. But I got happy today when I received the SMS. I have been waiting for this text with information that somebody has been helped by my blood donation. Someone in Stockholm or Dalarna. Feels a little strange, but as I told you, it is part of my book. Donations. I felt so sorry for Greten. Since I have written about my characters for some years, I have become attached to them. Therefore, I have not thought of my writing for a few weeks. Now, I start to feel some craving again. However, I am very eager to get comments from readers what they/you would like to know. I already got some feedback.

Tomorrow evening I will start with some December decoration. That is good because it will make the evenings a little brighter. Not so dull. It is a little different nowadays since we are a bit Americanized in Sweden. First Halloween, then Black Friday. And now Christmas with all traditions. This weekend I saw some snow, and I hope there will be more soon to make this season a little brighter. Happy Tuesday.

A week ago since I wrote. I have been busy and also, I am waiting for my new website. This week I finally got my books. I am very happy about the covers, and the photos are taken by me. Photograpy is one of my hobbies. I wish I could paint, but I cannot. However, playing with colours, brightness etc gives some satisfaction. It is a way of expressing myself. But, of course, I will, some day have a course in learning advanced photo settings. Sharper pictures.

I am waiting for a text message.

Finally, I have donated blood for the very first time. It started by that I felt sorry for one of my characters in the book, and that made me think about my own blood group. I went to the blood center and made a health declaration. Then I had to wait a few weeks for the results. Unfortunately, I had a cold, and therefore I had to wait a little longer for blood donation.

I learnt that I belong to the most common blood group, namely A with presence of the Rh + antigen. Men and women donate the same amount of blood, but women cannot donate blood as often as men do. I did this on a day off since I didn’t know how I would feel afterwards. I didn’t feel anything, only a little pain in my arm. Now I am waiting for a text message with information that someone has used my donation. I will only get a text if it is in Stockholm or Dalarna county. This kind of service is used in Canada as well.

Currently, I am trying to find a balance between exercise and healthy food. That is difficult. Slowly, I have started with my own home made food. And that is the best. Cooking has been a great interest in my life, and still is. Sometimes, I have these cravings, like yesterday. Dessert for dinner. Pancakes with strawberries and cream. Something only women can understand I suppose?

I will be working this weekend at the pharmacy so I am having a peaceful Friday evening. Reading some. The first of December it will be 14 years ago I had my dissertation, and even though I am not within drug dependence any more, it feels good to stay in touch. I will see my former mentor, professor Jörgen Engel, at the yearly drug dependence meeting.

At the pharmacy, I mostly meet customers with nicotine dependence. Nicotine is as addictive as cocaine, so it is a real challenge to motivate. I talk about physiological (withdrawal symptoms such as irritability, nausea, headache), and psychological (craving) dependence. One of the most challenging tasks is to find a new reward instead of nicotine. And that is very individual. There are so many health benefits to quit smoking, but even though that is so evident, it still is difficult to change a habit. And maybe, that is dependence in a nutshell.

It is important to have rewards in life. Personally, I like training a lot, and indeed, there is ample amount of evidence supporting that exercise stimulate brain reward systems. Another is food. I like to read cookery books. To find inspiration. Food also reminds me of traveling and memories connected to various journeys. Every country has its own typical food. What is your favourite food?