My Dad

I guess, most of us will remember and celebrate our awesome dads on the first Sunday in September. But I think of my dad almost every day. I would like to share my story, which may explain why I have my dad so often on my mind.

 In the heart of a forest near Prague, nestled among pine trees and vibrant wildlife, stood a small studio. It was a magical place, full of creativity and laughter. This studio belonged to my dad, born in 1922, a few years before the world was plunged into the chaos of the Second World War. He was a talented artist and a natural entertainer, always the life of any party with his captivating stories and infectious humor.

My childhood was a paradise, largely because of my dad's unconditional love and his creativity. He spoiled me in the most beautiful ways, such as crafting handmade dollhouses, intricately decorated treasure chests, and bicycles painted in vibrant hippie colors. He also created numerous portraits capturing the various stages of my life.  I was a typical daddy's girl, always by his side, basking in his attention and affection.

Our country house was a haven, and the studio in the forest was our shared sanctuary. I spent weekends and school holidays immersed in the world of art, surrounded by paints, brushes, and the joy of creating together. My dad taught me everything I know about art, instilling in me not just the skills but also a deep passion for creativity. Those days were filled with fun, laughter, and a sense of wonder that remains unmatched.

My dad passed away unexpectedly at the age of 59 while I was traveling around Australia. The distance shielded me from the immediate trauma of his sudden death, but it also meant I couldn't say goodbye. Despite this, I feel no sadness when I think of him. His presence is all around me, in the paintings that are on the walls at my home, and my studio. It is as if his spirit is watching over me, guiding me.

Now, as I spend hours in my studio, I often imagine my dad sitting next to me, entertaining me with hilarious stories and offering advice. His legacy lives on in my art, and his memory fills my heart with warmth and love. Now you may understand that I think of my dad every day, feeling his presence in the laughter, creativity, and joy that define my life. His spirit is always with me, a constant reminder of the beautiful bond we shared. This memory is a cherished part of who I am.

To celebrate my dad's legacy, I have painted his portrait using a photograph I have in my photo album.

Happy Father's Day!

Nature in disguise

Can you imagine a world without birds? I certainly can’t.

Luckily, I live in an area surrounded by rich and diverse birdlife. Every morning, I wake up to a symphony of amazing bird sounds. I love watching the bird's unique behaviors, the colorful lorikeets, the playful magpies, and their melodic songs, the unforgettable vocal performances of kookaburras, and the sharp calls of black cockatoos. But among this feathered cast, one bird really fascinates me - the Tawny Frogmouth, the master of camouflage! This bird is the ultimate hide-and-seek champion.

The Tawny Frogmouth is one of the most unique and intriguing birds in the world. This nocturnal bird has perfected the art of camouflage, blending seamlessly into its surroundings. Good luck finding it without a guide! In our family, looking for Tawnies has become one of our favourite pastimes. Have you ever seen Tawnies in nature? And how did you discover it?

The behaviour of Tawny frogmouth is as fascinating as their appearance. These birds are monogamous and family-oriented, sticking with the same mate for life and sharing parenting duties. They are like the power couple of the bird world!

Bird watching, or as I like to call it, "bird finding," is more than just a hobby for me. It is an adventure and a peaceful escape into nature's wonderland.

And when it comes to the Tawny Frogmouth, it is all about admiring nature's artistic and spectacular camouflage.

I have even painted a picture to celebrate this unique bird for you to enjoy!

Take a look and let me know what you think.

Mind-bending masterpiece

In this month's blog post, I would like to share one of my favourite books by the amazing author Haruki Murakami. I love how Murakami blends the ordinary with the extraordinary, creating a dreamy and magical atmosphere in his stories. His style is often referred to as magical realism, perfectly defining his storytelling approach. When you read his novels, you actually believe in some of the supernatural powers. The surreal feels somehow real. Or is it just me who cannot distinguish the blurred boundaries between reality and the fantastical?

One book that really stands out for me is "Kafka on the Shore." It is a beautiful and imaginative story with multiple plotlines, leaving some mysteries unresolved, which I find so intriguing. The main character, Kafka Tamura, goes on a journey of self-discovery, a quest to find his mother and sister while simultaneously seeking to understand his own identity.

Parallel to Kafka’s tale is the story of Satoru Nakata, an elderly man who lost his memory and intellectual abilities due to a wartime accident but gained the unique ability to communicate with cats. When I first encountered Mr. Nakata's unique ability in the story, I felt this book was very special. This is because when I was a little girl, I developed a special language designed for humans to communicate with cats and dogs. I was super obsessed with this and even created a dictionary with keywords to help understand our furry friends. I even gave regular tests to my parents and my brother, quizzing them on their new language skills for talking to cats and dogs. So, when I stumbled upon Mr. Nakata’s character, I felt like finally someone understood me. Even though Mr. Nakata’s character seems simple, his journey is pretty mysterious, involving other strange events like raining fish.

The rain of fish is a crucial moment in the novel. I think the fish falling from the sky can be a symbol of transformation or change. For the character Kafka, who's going through a big personal change and trying to find himself, the fish could represent this transformation - like breaking free from his old life and embracing the new. I find these kinds of symbols in Murakami’s books really cool and inspiring!

The novel also includes rich references to classical music and literature, such as one of Murakami's favorite authors Franz Kafka, who has a deep connection to my birth country.

Overall, I think this novel is a fantastic read for anyone who enjoys diving into a surreal and imaginative world. I hope you get a chance to check it out!

I leave you with a quote from the book, that resonates with me:

 “Closing your eyes isn’t going to change anything. Nothing’s going to disappear just because you can’t see what’s going on. In fact, things will be even worse the next time you open your eyes. That’s the kind of world we live in. Keep your eyes wide open. Only a coward closes his eyes. Closing your eyes and plugging up your ears won’t make time stand still”

And finally, here is my book cover design!