Author

Ulrike

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Winter has a way of asking us to slow down. Not with force, but with a gentle invitation: to soften, to breathe, to listen. In a world that constantly asks us to move faster, the weeks around the year’s end offer a rare, unstructured space — a threshold between what has been and what is beginning to take shape.

For the past years, I have turned these twelve quiet nights into a personal ritual. Modern life rarely allows us true stillness, so I carve it out intentionally: late in the evening, after dinner, hidden in a small corner with a warm blanket and the softest light. I call it “returning to myself.” And it always brings me back — to clarity, to gentleness, to a sense of rootedness that feels like home.

This year, I wanted to share this experience in a way that feels accessible, calm, and quietly transformative. The result is ….

Steady, Not Faster

Sometimes it’s not about doing more — it’s about doing it steadily. I’m so thankful for the partnerschip with Pavlina Bulguri’s exercises — they feel exactly right for me. This time, I’ve promised myself to practice the blood & lymph flow exercise every single morning — a small ritual to recharge and move with more vitality. 🌿

A soft black cushion from KARE, adorned with a delicately embroidered bee 🐝 — a gentle reminder of sweetness, honey, and the quiet art of handwork.

Today it pairs with my black lace blazer; a hint of red on the lips and red ballerinas — my little rebellion against going all in black. Still, some days simply call for that back in black feeling. They say black symbolizes strength, mystery, and elegance — so why not embrace it? 🖤

Yesterday I listened to two young women. One of them was quite resolute with her advice – and yes, it was about the topic: “Should I stay or should I go?” relationship-wise.

Uff… such a delicate question. Because no matter how supportive friendships can be, the ones directly involved are often woven into so many relational constructs that a simple “I go” would cause massive changes for everyone connected. This is deeply private. It carries a lot of responsibility (first and foremost for the woman considering her options). And sometimes, there are doors that can be opened without the whole house falling down.

Because in France, age isn’t something you are – it’s what you become.

In German and English we say: “I am 53 years old.”
It sounds like age is simply an attribute – something attached to you.

But in French they say: “J’ai 53 ans” – “I have 53 years.”
And that little shift changes everything.

I had long wanted to visit the Fondation Carmignac on the island of Porquerolles – the largest of the Îles d’Hyères near Toulon. It’s said to be one of the most beautiful islands in the Mediterranean.

We were lucky: a mild autumn day, a pleasant number of visitors, and our dogs in top form. A day of hiking, a boat ride, fresh sea air, culture, and breathtaking scenery. Yes, life is beautiful. It takes about 45 minutes to walk to the famous Notre-Dame Beach – that postcard-perfect view is world-renowned. I believe even Monet once painted this very scene.

At the Fondation Carmignac, we were captivated by the kaleidoscope installation overlooking the garden, and by Feelings by Jean-Baptiste Bernadet – Vertigo. (Just like the U2 song of the same name – such a cool theme, full of motion and emotion.)

Enjoy this souvenir of sunshine, movement, art, and nature.