It’s high time for some music around here, don’t you think? Well, here you go…
Thanks very much for stopping by. Have a good night, and don’t let the bedbugs bite [Yah, ew, that’s a creepy mental image right before bed – good job, Claudia 🙃🤣].
Author: Claudia
Vive La France
It began after a family summer vacation in France, I was a pre-teen. Among other places, we visited Paris, of course. What can I say? This gorgeous city left a lasting impression on me. At the same time I inherited my brother’s record player and started browsing stores for records. Along with Kate Bush I also found Richard Clayderman. He is a French pianist, in case that you don’t know. You may have guessed by now, that I did not just fall in love with his music. A lovely and charming country, a good looking French man who happens to play the piano….jackpot! So, young Claudia made up her mind that she would move to France and marry Richard Clayderman after completing school. My parents just laughed it off and told me to keep on dreaming. Well, the crush on Richard Clayderman faded rather quickly [not the pleasure of listening to his music]. Pictures of a life in France kept twirling in the back of my mind, until I became a young adult. Towards the end of my training to be a nursery school teacher, I met my now ex-husband who is American. It was mentioned a time or 25, that I ended up going to the US with him, and lived there for 20 years [14 of them alone]. It’s funny, how life turns out so differently. But those were the experiences meant for me, the lessons I needed to learn. Who knows, maybe someday I will end up in France after all? And Richard Clayderman? I still have 3 or 4 of his cds in the sideboard, collecting dust.
Time To Discover
On the very top of my list are definitely New Zealand, Canada, Scandinavia, Scotland and Ireland.
It’s never going to happen, but a girl can dream. Besides, my “little inner whisper” would try and tempt me to stay there permanently, particularly New Zealand or Canada. And I’m quite sure, that the governments of those lovely countries would not like that very much 😊
A Lil’ Lilly Update
Sorry for being MIA since Thursday. There’s a very sweet and four-pawed reason for that: Lilly ❤ I have given her my undivided attention and that’s exactly how it should be, don’t you think?
I am thrilled to share, that she is doing very well. From the first hours onward, she’s been a little snuggle bug, interested in her surroundings, playful and excited to make new friends. We were told prior, that Lilly is a bit picky about her food but so far, she’s been eating every day and I’m confident, that I can “awaken her taste buds” in due time.
As far as Lilly not wanting/knowing how to play, I can’t confirm that. But we all know, that the proof is in the pudding [you will find a short video below].
She is one smart little cookie as well. If you show her something, she understands right away. I have one of those “brain games” for her, sort of like a puzzle. It requires for her to open doors, in order for a snack to be revealed. Let me tell you, Lilly had this down pat right quick [proud momma 😊, short video below]. Overall, Lilly is a pure joy and I’ve noticed such a shift with regard to my mood, in a positive direction – it’s amazing. A dog in my life makes all the difference. The timing was right and we found each other [with Aubree’s help].
One day at a time we grow closer and learn together. Grateful beyond words, I am looking forward to many fun and loving years with this sweet, little puppy-girl.
“Nom, nom, nom”
“Where’s the treat”
Don’t Blink…
…or you may miss my rather short answer today.
🐾 Since childhood my heart passionately beats for dogs, and it always will. 🐾
There. That was easy breezy lemon squeezy, yes? Have a great day 😊
Living Versus Surviving
As promised yesterday evening, I will share a little bit more about Lilly.
She was rescued from a life on the streets of Italy. Apparently this animal lover is in contact with a local animal rescue organisation. They, in turn, made the necessary arrangements for Lilly to travel to Germany, in hopes for a better life.
She arrived at the local shelter [TiNO, which translates to Animals(T) in(i) distress(N) Odenwald(region of Hesse, Germany) about one month ago. There they estimated that Lilly was born in January of 2020. She was given into foster care, where she lived for the past 3 weeks. This private household is also, where I met her for the first time the day before yesterday. She’s quite the little charmer, and has you “wrapped around her paw” in no time flat. Obviously she really doesn’t know much of anything yet, including her name [given to her by her rescuer] but she has all the time in the world to learn everything in baby steps. What she needs first is the time and patience to understand, that the fight for survival is over – forever. Starting tomorrow evening she will learn in due time, what living feels like. This little sweetheart will be well cared for, she will be safe and receive more love than she can probably handle, spoiled to the brim in other words.
I am thankful beyond measure to be chosen for Lilly, to make sure that her future will be sunny and bright, making up for the 5 years of life on the streets. Aubree guided me, because she knew that the time is right. She helped me find Lilly. And I trust my little angel up above, that she found the perfect match for me. Lilly found a heart that wants to love her unconditionally, and a home to keep her safe and comfortable. It is a win-win situation, my heart is full with joy and love 🐾❤
Picure: Claudia Braun 06/2025
Over The Moon
The time has come, I’m going to be a dog momma again from Thursday afternoon onward.
I know Aubree, my little angel up above, is pleased as well. And if you think I’m crazy, that’s fine, but I know she found the right “fur kid”, who is waiting for me.
I just got the mail, that the adoption process is completed and we can finalize the details on Thursday, when I pick her up. I’m so unbelievably happy at the moment, I can’t even concentrate.
So I am going to write a little bit more tomorrow. Care for a sneak-peek of her?
Picture: Claudia Braun | 06/2025
What Is Luxury?
Honestly, I’m struggling with my approach to this question. What are luxury items? Well, that very much depends upon who you ask, I’d say. Many of the things we consider basic necessities are luxuries for millions of people around the globe. Things that I would consider luxuries are lifestyle items rich people have, but I can go on living very happily without ever having any of them.
So, where do we go from here? Good health is not a luxury, per se. But being able to get the needed care, whenever necessary, is becoming a luxury. Especially when your financial budget is rather small. How much value or meaning do all those luxury items have, when you’re not in good health and able to “enjoy” them? In closing, the one “luxury” I can’t live without is good, reliable and affordable medical care.
Sorry, I don’t know how to go about this in any other way. Do with my answer what you will, and have a great day!! 🍀
Blinded
“We have to allow ourselves to be loved by the people who really love us, the people who really matter. Too much of the time, we are blinded by our own pursuits of people to love us, people that don’t even matter, while all that time we waste and the people who do love us have to stand
on the sidewalk and watch us beg in the streets! It’s time to put an end to this.
It’s time for us to let ourselves be loved.”
– C. JoyBell C.
Well then, there’s another quote I can take to heart. How about you? Happy Sunday 😊
Seeking Balance
“Seeking balance between whimsical notions and harsh reality”
** Brain fog today ** Sorry, if this makes no type of sense [to you]. Happy Sunday 🍀🕊
Trivialities & Intricacies 
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