The Moon Made Me Do It

Enchanted Pines

Most people love the warmth of sunlight, and, of course, I do too. But there is also something magical about the soft, mysterious glow of moonlight. It has a cool, silvery sheen that turns our world into a place filled with whispers and hidden wonders. I enjoy going for walks during a full moon when the trees cast ghostly shadows, and even the most ordinary landscapes take on a dreamlike quality.

I don’t know about you, but I struggle to get a good night's sleep on full moon nights. I feel a restless energy, as if I am tapping into some ancient rhythm that has been forgotten over time. Maybe it’s just my imagination running wild, but many cultures have believed for ages that the moon holds a special influence over our bodies and minds.

Beyond our personal experiences, the moon plays a significant role in the natural world. Take, for example, biodynamic farming, a fascinating practice where farmers consider the lunar cycle when planting and harvesting. They believe that the moon’s gravitational pull can influence the water content in soil, helping plants to thrive.

Speaking of the moon’s gravitational pull, we all know that it's the main force behind ocean tides. Interestingly, the moon also influences the rhythms of some marine species, such as coral, which synchronize their spawning with the lunar cycle, ensuring that millions of tiny eggs are released into the sea at just the right time.

For our ancient ancestors, the moon was a natural clock long before we had mechanical ones. Early cultures used the phases of the moon to track time, and some traditional lunar calendars, like the Chinese lunar calendar, still reflect this connection today.

Plus, the moon holds a special spot in the story of human exploration. It is the only celestial body, besides the Earth, where humans have ever set foot.

To celebrate my fascination with the moon, I have created some moon-inspired paintings that capture the quiet magic of the moonlit moments. If you would like to see some of my lunar-inspired art, feel free to visit my website!

So, next time when you notice the full moon, take a moment to look around. Check how the light alters the world around you, how the shadows dance, and maybe, you may even feel the whisper of ancient wonder.

Screen Time with Mum: Our Cinematic Bond

The planet approaches. The world quiets. A horse, a woman, and a knowing silence. Inspired by Lars von Trier's Melancholia - and my mum's passion for movies.

Last May, I wrote about the connection I shared with my mum - my inspiration, and role model. With Mother's Day approaching, I am reminiscing about her passions, particularly one that brought her endless joy throughout her life: movies.

Long before ‘screen time’ became a digital dilemma, it was something sacred in our house—hours spent side by side in dark cinemas, immersed in stories that flickered across the big screen and occasionally ended in debates over who cried first.

This year, I want to celebrate my mum not just as the incredible woman she was, but also as a true movie enthusiast. Seriously, she was a cinema regular, even in her nineties! While most people her age were pondering their next nap, she was off watching the latest films. But she didn’t just watch movies; she thought deeply about them and wrote reviews for each one. These reviews were not meant for public consumption or fame, just for her personal reflection. She rarely shared her reviews, but occasionally she would pass them on to my brother, who worked as a film publicist and critic. The two of them would engage in endless conversations about movies, debating, laughing, agreeing, and disagreeing. It was their unique language of connection.

I often encouraged my mum to publish her reviews—perhaps start a blog and share her unique insights with the world. After all, she would have been one of the oldest bloggers around! We joked about it, but it never materialized. Still, the dream has not faded. Maybe one day I will create that blog.

One of her proudest moments? Being invited in her nineties to speak at Fabiofest - The Prague International Film Festival! From cinema lover to film panelist—she was living the dream!

Over the years, her taste in films varied, but one director she particularly admired was Ingmar Bergman, a Swedish filmmaker known for exploring existential questions, spirituality, and the human psyche. His films were often deep, beautiful, and emotionally challenging. For my mum, they were not just movies—they were meditations on life itself. She loved many of Bergman’s films, but two stood out: The Seventh Seal and Wild Strawberries.

A few years ago, I asked her about her all-time favorite film. She mentioned The Seventh Seal, of course, but also brought up Melancholia by Lars von Trier. I was both surprised and not surprised, as it is also one of my favorite films. We had a deep conversation about it—the beauty, the sadness, the psychological weight, and the hauntingly poetic visuals. It was one of those moments when two minds completely align in their appreciation of something profound.

As a tribute to that shared connection, I have decided to design a poster for Melancholia—a creative homage to the conversation and the memory of her beside me in the dark cinema, watching the screen glow.

I am thinking of you, Mum!

Aussies don't do Name Days - But should we?

April is a special month for me—it's my birthday month! But instead of talking about birthdays, I thought I would write about something just as festive, yet strangely overlooked in Australia: Name Days. If you have never heard of them, don’t worry—you are not alone. In fact, when I mention Name Days here, I am often met with puzzled expressions.

So, what exactly is a Name Day? A Name Day is a celebration of your given name. Unlike birthdays, which mark the day you were born, Name Days are a nod to history, religion, and cultural traditions that have been around for centuries.

If you grew up in Australia, the concept of Name Days might sound very exotic. But in many countries, Name Days are as significant—sometimes even more so—than birthdays.

For example, growing up in Czechoslovakia, Name Days were a big deal. Friends and family would congratulate you, maybe bring a small gift or flowers, and there was often cake involved (because, let’s face it, everything is better with cake). Calendars list names for each day, making it easy to remember whose turn it is to celebrate.

Similar to Czech traditions, names are also celebrated in Poland, Hungary, Germany, Austria, Bulgaria, Slovenia,  Greece, Spain, Sweden, Finland and many other European countries.

Australia, being a melting pot of cultures, has embraced a lot of traditions, but Name Days haven’t quite made the cut. Name Days remain one of those hidden gems of celebration that many Aussies have yet to discover.

So should we start the movement? I say, why not? In a world where we celebrate everything from Pie Day to Wombat Day, surely we can make room for Name Days. So, if you ever spot your friend’s or your name listed on a European calendar or a Name Day website, take it as a sign and maybe start a new tradition.

And if you would like to celebrate in style, you can contact me for a handmade gift card. I made one for myself – take a look.

And my Name Day is in August! Time for another party!