A traditional home in the Black Forest

“To come near to Christ is to come near to one another.”

E. G. White

The museum of homes showing how they have developed over time in this area of the Black Forest brought to my mind a student I once taught. She was looking tired and after class I asked: “How are things going?” Her answer was interesting.

” I ‘m just not sleeping well! I really miss my cow!”

It was a simple explanation. Her parents had had her later on in life and she was their only child. A calf had been orphaned and my student had hand reared her. She had gotten used to taking her bedding into the barn area and putting her head on the calf which had grown to be a cow and there they would sleep together every night. A beautiful story. I guess the cow was missing her too.

Only now as I saw these houses did I realise how easy it was to take care of the animals that were sick or needed warmth in the winter. It was also clear to see how industrious these people were. They enjoyed creative hobbies, carving clocks, weaving baskets and making straw shoes. A hard working life with variety.

However, the Black Forest is not just about the past as we were invited to look at an exhibition by a graffiti artist. Here is his introduction and some of his work.

It is important to remember the past but also to live in the present. “What is heimet?” This is Stefan’s question. I need to find out. Maybe Google will help.

Here is the meaning of “Heimat”. This German word translates to “home” or ” homeland” but has no connotations specific to German culture, society, romanticism, nationalism, statehood or regionalism so it has no English equivalent.

Here are some quotes that may help with this question:

I believe that wherever dreams dwell, the heart calls it home. So may you untangle yourself from the twist of melancholy and let your thoughts carry you back to the birthplace of your truth.

Dodinsky (Author of the NY Times bestseller “The Garden of Thoughts”)

I left the light in my heart on in case you ever wanted to come home.

Unknown (my child this is for you)

I believe that all our lives we’re looking for home and if we’re really lucky, we find it in someone’s loving arms. I think that’s what life is- coming home.

Anita Krizzan

I agree with Anita.

Rebecca has asked us to write an acrostic poem using the letters of the name of someone we love. Here is mine:

My husband ROY
Richly blessed with quiet patience
Objectively calm about situations
Yellow representing confidence, his favourite colour.
He only has one name ROY a French surname meaning KING
 I hope I am his Queen!🤣 Sandy!

By Sandy

Thank you for reading this post. Sandy 🙂