26.3.08

NEW REVIEW AND ACCOLADE

Hope you who celebrate Easter had a happy time and enjoyed the gathering family and friends.

To those of you, who celebrate the Pesach to come – Happy Pesach.

Few days ago I got a lovely accolade about my book as well as a 4 ½ star view, and I am proud to share them with you,

17.3.08
From the Promised Land to the Lucky Country' - Renate

Renate writes the engrossing story of her life from the pre-Hitler good times in Germany through great traumas and adventures in different parts of the world to a satisfying retirement in Australia.

"I was born with a silver spoon in my mouth that was snatched from me before I had time to get used to it, and therefore I did not really miss it."

She writes in an open, honest way of the changes in Israel/Palestine where she grew up and experienced the War of Independence, to adjusting to a new life in Australia. She embraces the changes and the challenges of running a private hospital while caring for a young family. We share in her joys and adventures, which take her round the world.

Interspersed throughout the book are some of her poems, which express deep emotions. This book "From the Promised Land to the Lucky Country" gives a fascinating insight into a remarkable life.

All the best
Elga Kenins (Gold Coast Australia)

20.3.08
Hi Renate,
I'd like to give the book a rating of 4 and a half stars. I thought it was a fabulous book and deserves to do brilliantly.
Elga Kenins (Gold coast, Australia)

To see more about my book click on this link
http://www.promisedland-renate.com

To look inside my book Click here

Renate
Artist, poet and the author of
From the Promised Land to the Lucky Country

13.3.08

My 77th Birthday.

I have arrived at the age of 77 and it hit me,

In three years time you’ll be 80! Wow! Sounds awful!

Then I thought again,

In reality, it is not awful at all - it is an achievement:

I look at the mirror and there are signs of wear, tear, and marks of experience, as well as some extra kilos I can do without. But there are no ailments, no medicine to take; and a blood pressure of 120/80 is nothing to complain about.

I go for walks, body surf and dance –turning and twirling with delight – which is pretty good, and very enjoyable –
I know, I should do more of that…
BUT the computer does not let me, it seems to demand more and more of my time. This is bad, isn’t it?
I hear a voice whisper,
‘Don’t think you are only one who does that,’
Yes. You are right, but that does not change the fact. It only says that you should not do it either, doesn’t it?
It’s true. I should move away from the computer and leave some things for tomorrow…
But… can I? ….

This dialogue is getting me nowhere. I’d better turn my attention to the box I carry on my shoulder,

Well, I decided to keep it. The grey matter within it seems to do a good job, so why change it? As a matter of fact, it seems to be working overtime and is getting better each day.
Does that surprise you? It shouldn’t. You know the saying,

‘Use it - or lose it?,’
I decided:
Better to use it, than to lose it.


As a matter of fact, there are many things I can do today I could not do when I was younger. I have the tools years of accumulating knowledge bring. I can weave together, unknowingly, new understandings, plane new ventures and set new goals without the demands of a growing family and job obligations.

I can achieve all I’ve never dreamed of before - I have reached the golden age. I arrived, and plan to stay here for another fifty years or so, to be able to fulfil all I have put in front of me.

Having come to this conclusion, I look back into my past, and think, Lucky you, you have, in spite of all the difficulties, which are really just challenges, chosen the best period in history to come into this world, and to experience life in places and times your ship docked you in.

Why is that?

It’s because I have been lucky, fortunate or whatever you care to call it, to pick out of the barrel parents who taught me how make hard decisions; How to face adversities without running away; and never complain when the going is tough. They did this by example, by their own actions - not by words.
Not only that, but above all,

They gave me a second change at life by choosing to leave Germany the year Hitler came into power.

By doing so they did not only save my life, but they also gave me one full of purpose and aim to aspire to. They brought me into a society bursting with camaraderie that worked very hard to re-establish Jewish life in the Land of Israel; make the desert bloom, and resurrect the State of Israel – a once in many life-times chance not many get.

I also was fortunate to get out of this barrel a wonderful partner: my life long friend, lover, and the father of our children, who is still with me doting over me.
He taught me how to fly an aircraft instead of flying off the handle at every little thing.
He also taught me to put all the cards on the table and discuss matters sensibly, which made our marriage work.
With him, I had the honour of understanding Chiropractic, which changed my health fortune and my way of looking at life and at the universe at large.

And how lucky am I to witness the first Radio that came into our lives, the first phone connected in our area; the first T.V show when many countries did not have it as yet. Fly in propeller driven aircraft, be a part of every development since, and be able to sit here and write to you from afar though the net.

Now, at 77, I do all that I had no time for when I was working and had the family to attend to.

Since retirement, I wrote a book, which I am trying to promote; as well as about 45 to 50 poems; and painted about the same number of paintings, that I have started to put into a gift book of poems, painting and Life (or thoughts – not so sure about which word I should use here – inputs are invited).

I made my own website and blog, where I write as regularly as I can. I learn all I can on subjects I like, socialize regularly, and travel every so often.

At times I am lost not knowing what to do first, as I would like to do it all at the same time. But I know that is not possible.
I find the days not long enough, neither the weeks nor the years, and think that about another fifty years will do it for me.

So, did I choose the right and places I lived? I think I did.

Now, I'd like to wish a
‘ Happy birthday’>
To all who are having their 77th this month.
I do sincerely hope that you are getting frustrated from over doing rather than under doing


Renate
Artist, poet and the author of
From the Promised Land to the Lucky Country
To look inside my book Click here

4.3.08

A thank you note to an insurance company

You would not believe it, but we have a wonderful insurance company. It restored our trust in an industry, which unfortunately, dished out to us throughout the years, more ill will then good.

Do you remember the water that rained down our family room ceiling, in my post about homecoming?

Well, our insurer – The Australian Pensioners Insurance (APIA), who caters for people over 50 on part time work or retired, was amazing.

The minute we informed them of our problem, they sent their assessor out. The following day, we got reimbursed for money expended on a plumber we engaged first off, and a couple of visitors; who set up four huge fans in strategic positions; to dry the wet ceiling, carpet and walls; and who immediately took one of our rugs for cleaning.

Three days later, when all dried out, the rug came back, and the fans where taken away.

Being around Christmas time, the company was unable to find tradesmen to finish the job before the holiday; and they were beside themselves.

Soon after, a woman plasterer arrived to close the cuts Gerry cut into the ceiling and one of the walls while looking for the source of the water. She was followed by a painter and a carpet cleaner. All we had to do throughout all this process; was to answer phone calls to arrange suitable dates and times, be home to open the door for tradesmen, and confirm the quality of their work, which was superb.

And I must stress - all tradesmen, bar none, were professional to a tee, friendly and obliging. A real pleasure. What more would one want, and how refreshing! What a company -
Thank you APIA.

Renate
Artist, poet and the author of
From the Promised Land to the Lucky Country

To look inside my book Click here




Bicurim feast in the kibbutz highschool
Hi Walter and Annette, Thanks for the feedback. Pleased you enjoyed reading it. What happened to the boat, comes in a period after the book ends and maybe a part of the next book...