Sometimes it just has to be. When life seems like a hamster wheel, there's only one thing to do: break out. For me, writing means exactly that - jumping into a different world, a different sound. When I write, I am completely with myself. It's as if I'm giving in to an inner force that doesn't want to be ignored. Not to do so would be like closing doors behind which life is raging. It's no wonder that mood and purpose go hand in hand for me - the two are only separated by two letters: Be. I have a good mood when I follow my purpose. And yesterday I met someone who I had the feeling was in a similar mood.

This outburst was an icing on the cake moment. A small fulfillment. Yesterday I met someone who - among other things - is responsible for the fact that I write. That I write columns. Harald Martenstein. He hardly needs an introduction. His columns are cult: he has been writing for DIE ZEIT since 2002 and “Neben der Spur” has appeared in WELT am Sonntag since 2022. As part of the Bamberg Literature Festival, I had the pleasure of experiencing him live - with my wife by my side. His reading was humorous, amusing, entertaining and, above all, inspiring. I often smiled, especially at the anecdote that his wife often provides him with the topics for his columns. I know that well. Bettina also often has the best ideas when I'm searching for my own writing track

Martenstein described the writing process with a wonderful metaphor: he takes a whole day to write his columns. Then he sits in front of the screen, thinks - and imagines how we used to sit around the campfire and tell each other stories. It is precisely this image, this energy, that carries him through his writing. And his mood flows into the text. Sometimes humorous, sometimes thoughtful - depending on how he feels. Sometimes he even listens to music, which gives the text a special sound.

His latest book is entitled: “Es wird Nacht, Señorita”. A song title by Udo Jürgens - Martenstein likes to draw on his songs. Now you understand why I titled these lines “But with cream, please”. As I write this, a chanson is playing on a continuous loop: “Kaffee und Kuchen - C'est la vie”. A song of mine that I composed last week, based on one of my lyrics. It has a lot to do with coffee - and perhaps also with cream. Have a listen: 

What have I learned from Harald Martenstein? We should break out much more often. Not to say yes, but to think. Not to be conformists, but to show backbone. His texts are a mirror of our present: precise observations, often with a humorous undertone that exposes the insanity of our time. Last night I realized: just as coffee connects people, literature also connects people. Hundreds listened to his lecture in the packed hall - an evening full of wit, charm and spirit.

Finally, I created a playlist for myself: Songs by Udo Jürgens. You can find my own compositions here: https://www.ganjingworld.com/s/4ZB7jmQ07O - have a listen. And remember: a cream-of-the-crop moment is often closer than we think. Sometimes it's enough to break out.

Sapere aude!

S.

The link to the original German text: https://www.ganjingworld.com/s/jaJZB2zVMR

Ein Sahnehäubchen-Moment