busy like a buzzing bee

I am proud to announce that I am hosting my first overnight guest tonight! Mark's little sister (who I absolutely adore) is coming to spend the weekend and will be cuddling with me for the next three nights... sounds lovely and do-able! But on Sunday her (and Mark's) mom is coming to spend one night... this is where things get difficult! I currently have one bed which kind-of comfortably sleeps two, and a table with seating for five. Uh oh. I also have 12 euros in the bank. woooot.

This will be a nice Bauer-Johnson experiment in how close is too close. I am sure we will overcome.

In other news, my masters started last week and I like all of my classes a lot, although I would have liked to focus more on the social aspects of German. Tomorrow is May Day, and I am very much looking forward to Weißwurst and Beer for breakfast followed by either a long hike or a leisurely day in bed (the options are weather-dependent) Man, I love public holidays so much.

ooh baby baby

Welcome to the world, Lia Grace Maurischat!

Thanks for letting me be a part of your most special day.
Let's get together sometime and, um... hiccup?

You know life is good when...

your shopping list looks like this:

Hammock
Flowers
Herbs
Mixing Bowls
Picnic Blanket
Hookah
Wall Plates


The Easter Bunny hid a grill in the garden for me, and a few days ago we officially broke it in with spinach and cheese bratwurst, eggplant, and zucchini. Since then, the weather has gotten a bit more dreary, but I do believe that wearing bright colors can fight away the rainy-day blues. That, and watching cute kids on youtube.

Video Hello nummer zwei

Ah yes! I also got a new eurolicious haircut yesterday, and today is Sarah's due date. Yippee!

Rainbow Butterfly

wall colors in my apartment:

coral
teal
saffron
"schilf" (sort of a pistachio green)
aubergine
grey

coming up next: chalkboard!

Things are coming together!

It will never, ever leave you

If you know me (or my father) you probably know that I spent the beginning of my life on a lovely island off the coast of Southern California called Santa Catalina. While I am hesitant to claim Islander status (I moved off when I was 7, but spent every summer of my life there until I was 16) I feel VERY strong ties to the place, seeing as my father was born there, my uncles still live there, and my fondest childhood memories all take place there.

Anyway, for several summers I worked for a Tour Agency selling tickets and occasionally giving undersea tours (the kelp! the garibaldi! the opal-eyed bass!) Today, I came home from a long day of work, switched on my favorite television show (Germany's Next Top Model) and realize instantaneously that they are doing the standard under-water photo shoot that they do in EVERY season.

"Hmmm" I said to myself (literally, out loud) "that looks strikingly similar to the giant kelp that grows off the coast of Catalina" (ok, I didn't say that out loud, but I thought it)


But I know damned well that that kelp grows all around California, and why would my favorite German TV show go to my favorite spot 26 Miles across the sea?

But indeed, they are there! And I am so excited!

and a little bit homesick

ode to breakfast

Dearest Early Piece,

We have been together for nearly a month.
Every morning, sometime between 6 and 9
I come into the kitchen
to adore your splendors.

You have taken many forms
from cereal to yogurt
(and only once a croissant from
the bakery)
but most often, you are
mixed berry oatmeal
two hard boiled eggs
and tea.
always tea.

You give me a reason to
get out of bed
earlier than ever before
and fill my tummy
so that it doesn't grumble
and disrupt my students

Your vessels have changed
from years-old hand me downs
to newly acquired Ikea treasures
and your venue has moved
down the street and
into my bed
but please, breakfast, don't get
too comfortable
for I foresee another move
out to the balcony
to enjoy the early morning sun.

Yours faithfully,
Cheryl