Inspiration surrounds us and to tap in, I love a good Sunday morning stroll. I’ve been taking them each week since I relocated to Germany over two years ago. They’ve become a very big part of my life, a ritual of the senses. I’m not a very structured person, I tend to like to work and do most other things when I feel creative because then I know I’ll do them well… but a little routine on a quiet Sunday morning feels nice.
Usually I’ll visit a park, garden or walk through the big city forest behind my house. I love the forest… the scent of forest air, fresh pine, firewood burning in a nearby chimney, that crisp cool wind against my face – it’s both calming and refreshing. A sunny sky is not a requirement for me, in fact it’s often a melancholy gray that feels far more comforting – like a large wool blanket lovingly wrapped around my shoulders.
My idle walks usually end up in the city, wandering through alleys, exploring both familiar and unfamiliar streets and always snapping photos with my iPhone. I love going from the forest to the city, only a few steps apart, because contrasts excite me. The organic versus the planned, hard lines then soft curves, dirt then stone. Often Sunday mornings allow me to compose song lyrics and construct poems in my mind, to explore my imagination and to go so deep in my inner world that my walks become almost dream-like where I’m altering how the story will continue and where it will end.
After 90 minutes or so, I usually require a cappuccino (smile) and brunch so I begin searching for a cozy spot to people watch and linger a bit. If the cafe is playing show tunes, jazz, or a little Frank and Dean… all the better. For me, this is the perfect Sunday. If I end up in a quaint theater for a matinee, perhaps something along the lines of Bright Star, Das Parfum (a bit dark can be good) or Lost in Translation, then I’m double lucky. I love a good melancholy film on a Sunday afternoon. In the evening, a glass of red wine in a cozy bar huddled around a table with good friends or breaking bread with cheese and olives at home – perfect. I’ve just had the perfect happy ending to my day.
When most people meet me, at least from what I’m told, they perceive me as being witty, charming, fun-loving and outgoing. Well, thank you because those are very nice things and I’m happy that most people are so sweet in describing me. I certainly do love a good time and people are my fuel. Though I must admit that too much time in the spotlight drains me so I need weekly “time outs” to escape crowds and light-hearted surface conversation to go deep and to simply live inside of my own head. Can you relate at all? These Sunday pauses do this. I can be a tad moody, even melancholy, very dramatic, and I’m quite a romantic and extremely passionate about so many things – especially behind closed doors or around my dearest friends. If I don’t have a weekly space for myself to refuel, I approach a new week with little zeal to do the things that I love.
That is why I found myself incredibly inspired this past weekend spending Sunday morning roaming Berlin. I didn’t have long, but in just a short time I snapped the photos in this post on my iPhone and found inspirational glimpses all around me in this most fascinating city. I hope my Sunday morning stroll inspired you a little too and I hope to get back to Berlin next week for more of the same. It’s nice to take a pause each week to reflect on what makes us, well US — isn’t it?
Sundays make me happy.
What about you, do you have a weekly tradition that you employ to center yourself and explore your imagination and creativity?
(images: holly becker)
November 16th, 2011 at 12:43 pm
Gah, I LOVE Berlin. No wonder you were inspired. I find it hard to center and get inspired. Inspiration just always hits me out of nowhere and then I just write and write and write ;-) I always have a notebook with me in case inspiration strikes and I am in no position to write/sew/crochet/design!
Esther.
Esther´s last [type] ..3 pocket tote
November 16th, 2011 at 1:08 pm
That’s one of the most evocative things I’ve ever read! I feel really calm and relaxed now. Sunday walks are the best. I prefer them after lunch either on Hampstead Heath or through Regent’s Park or along the Thames.
November 16th, 2011 at 1:11 pm
Looks really beautiful – would like to see that city one day! :-)
tinajo´s last [type] ..Patience, patience…
November 16th, 2011 at 1:21 pm
Wow, Holly….this is just so incredibly beautiful hun. Not only did it make me feel inspired but, comforted some how. I completely relate….I think most folks I meet find me friendly & gregarious, usually smiling. But, I am also moody, melancholy and shy ( though no one ever believes that) :) I often need solace or just time to sit and ruminate. These sunday walks of yours truly seem like heaven. These photos are beautiful and SO very romantic. Thank you so much for sharing this with us lovely….sigh. wonderful.
xo
Melis
Melissa de la Fuente´s last [type] ..Cheap & Chic
November 16th, 2011 at 1:21 pm
I would love to make the same as you! You are in the right place to make it, a small city, with a forest and coffee bars … great! Unfortunately we have security problems and we can´t go out with a camera and freely shots photos during a walk. It is something I really miss about not living in Germany anymore.
November 16th, 2011 at 1:41 pm
Oh, yes, Sundays makes me happy too.
Wonderful aura in all the photographs.
November 16th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Looks like a nice walk and a nice day :)
Ege Denne´s last [type] ..I’m Her Man
November 16th, 2011 at 2:56 pm
Just amazing how you are able to communicate in so many ways.. your words and your images. Truly gifted Holly!!
We get so busy with kids and run arounds that I have ten
November 16th, 2011 at 3:05 pm
Just amazing how you are able to communicate in so many ways…your words and your images. Truly gifted Holly!!
We get so busy with kids and run arounds that I have tended to start using Sundays as complete unproductive, lazy days ….but that just wears you down…
We had some idea for Sundays – too long to descirbe here…but you have inspired me to pull through with it and make Sundays special again, so we can rejuvenate for the week! Nice post
November 16th, 2011 at 3:23 pm
That is so nice, with everything so fast pace and busy these days, I HAVE to have alone time. I’m the type that actually can tend to spend too much alone time so I have to watch that, but my husband and I have a favorite little town we love to go to and walk around the parks, lakes and hide in its little coffee shop. This always refuels me & its a nice little “tradition” that is so inspiring. Thanks for the post :)
November 16th, 2011 at 6:46 pm
I could really feel Berlin after reading your post. Berlin breathes inspiration. Even the shabby sides.
My ritual is the farmers market. Every tuesday I get up early. At this time of the year it’s almost dark and very dusky. But then your senses are awaken with the vibrant colours of hokaido pumkins, apples, aubergines, beetroots, brussel sprouts, walnuts and flowers.
Luckily there’s also a farmers market on saturday. Strolling with a hot cappuchino through the booths and to think about what’s next for dinner….
Anja´s last [type] ..:: Christmas cards
November 16th, 2011 at 7:29 pm
lovely photos! isn’t it great to rediscover the city you live in? i’ve been in boston for 8 years now and i love when i discover something that allows me to see my old stomping ground in a new way.
November 16th, 2011 at 8:29 pm
Annabel’s right .. very evocative. And also very inspirational! Here I live in the east of Paris, and I *never* take advantage to do this. For a long time here I was working on Sundays, but it’s been months now since I’ve been “free.” When I think of all the money that people spend to come and visit here, and all I have to do is stroll out my front door . . .
I don’t have the forest right by like you do, but there’s also a big park not far away that I should explore.
I must I must I must!! Makes me want an iPhone just to be able to take the cool photos with it!!!!
(And I definitely understand on the needing-to-recharge bit. I’m just like you — personable but need my down time! Does Thorsten usually come with you on your walks? Not that this is an option as my husband will never be anywhere but in bed on sunday mornings — the restaurant business is tough!)
Thank you Holly!!
November 16th, 2011 at 8:59 pm
On a friday morning after one son is in school and my youngest is at nursery I drop into my favourite cafe for a cup of tea. I am really supposed to go straight to my workshop but a treat of some thinking and dreaming time is my secret treat!
November 16th, 2011 at 10:59 pm
Holly — I love this post so much, and totally agree re: grey days. These images just really drew me in, and the reminder to ritualize quiet time is a great idea. While I adore spending weekend time with our young children, we hardly remember what a Sunday like this feels like. But it’s so funny to read this now, as I was just recently inspired to start taking more walks outside about two weeks ago (in the middle of the BYW class, btw!) and I’ve been trying to carve out a little time when the kids are in school to recharge like this. It’s so, so helpful! Anyway, thanks as always for sharing such beautiful thoughts and images …
November 17th, 2011 at 4:45 am
This Sunday routine sounds absolutely Delicious!! And quite necessary, too.
Yes, I would adore this kind of solitude. I’m an extrovert, but as a mother, I need complete solitude, too. It’s a bit rare these days, but I can escape in your sunday post for now :)
Desha´s last [type] ..Fashion Show this Sat!
November 17th, 2011 at 7:29 am
Holly you have such a wonderful way of communicating universal feelings in a unique and touching way! There is also a very comforting way to your approach. I can totally relate to what you are saying about recharging, and needing your own quiet moment. At the moment I am terribly needing it, and it seems to elude me. I just wrote about it today on my blog, not as beautifully detailed as yours but same idea nonetheless. :-) Gorgeous pictures too!
November 17th, 2011 at 7:47 am
Love your reflections! Love your pictures! Love your blog!
November 17th, 2011 at 2:05 pm
Exquisite photos! Love the sharp focus in the middle… what a beautiful morning!
Leanda´s last [type] ..leafy ampersand
November 18th, 2011 at 1:56 am
I love the photos and this post! I am so excited to be reading about Berlin. I’ve been loving all of your posts about your trip.It just so happens, that I am heading there in 10 days for the first time ever. There is a super cool connection between Detroit (where I live) and Berlin.
(BYW)
November 18th, 2011 at 5:49 pm
The photos are just gorgeous. What camera or cell app are you using?
November 20th, 2011 at 4:00 am
I second the last comment on the great photos? Please do share which app…hipstamatic? But which package? Many thanks!
November 20th, 2011 at 12:00 pm
What a beautiful post! Thank you for the beautiful pictures and words! :-) I think we visited that same Café during our recent trip to Berlin! That mismatched table setting looks familiar. It was really a nice place! I can totally relate to needing time outs. I’m a better person, too, if I have some time to myself from time to time.
Eva´s last [type] ..fall colour pillow
November 20th, 2011 at 5:17 pm
Do you know the story behind the graffiti poster of the portrait of Andrew? Here’s a link http://www.blogto.com/arts/2010/12/who_is_the_mysterious_andrew_pasted_around_toronto/
Was surprised to see it in Berlin. Our city was covered in them for a while. Beautiful story. Made me feel sad when I saw them.
I seemed to have done much of the same walk as you one day in Berlin 2 years ago. Love the city.
April 3rd, 2012 at 2:49 pm
Hey, What did you take the photos with??
Thanks, Stunning work