The last two weeks in Rietberg have been exciting for me. I have been sketching a lot in the town and this year more than any of the previous years, I have been attracting attention. People have been approaching me, „can I look over your shoulder? Is that water color? How long does it take to do a painting like that?Where are you from? Wow I wish I could do that! Are you a prefessional artist? … and last but not least, you are sitting in my parking place!“ all of these interactions have allowed me to practice German and gain more confidence. OK I am far from fluent, very far, but I am starting to connect with people here.
This gymnastics center/Turnhalle is opposite the library, which is also housed in a former Kloster building. I was sitting outside the library working on this sketch last Friday. What I didn’t fully appreciate was that Friday is the day that marriages are celebrated and recorded. Needless to say there was plenty of merriment in the neighboring Kloster and lots of backwards and forwards between the administration garden, behind the library and the Kloster courtyard. In addition to that traffic were LOTS of children and adults returning and borrowing library books. The vast majority of the library people were traveling on bicycles. I sat in the middle of this joyous space and several people stopped to chat. One of these people had been married to men from the UK and spoke perfect English. We were able to chat about lots of things and will be reconnecting later in August before our return to the States. She is also a water color painter and I hope that next year we will be able to get together to paint. I might try to figure out how to get my easel and bigger paint set over here so that I can paint more „Pleinair“ rather than pen and wash….hmmm???
The Münte House above is also a half timbered house, but was plastered in the 18th/19th century with this rich yellow/ochre color. It was painted this way to simulate the prestigious look of sandstone structures. This style was not uncommon in Central Europe and became associated with „administrative significance, sovereign presence and grand estate management“. The current administration has continued this centuries old tradition. Interestingly this house sits on the site of a 15th century Mint. According to Wikipedia, Holy Roman Emperor Maximilian II confirmed Rietberg‘s minting rights in 1569.
This memorial struck me hard the first time I visited it now 5 years ago. Coming from the UK, and living in Canada and now the US I am familiar with war memorials. This one was DIFFERENT for me. Until now all memorials that I have seen acknowledged heroic sacrifice and eternal glory. This one focuses on the tragic loss and waste of soldiers‘ lives. It’s a call to arms to stand up and speak against whatever drives nations to sacrifice its soldiers.
This chapel is not far away from the Old Town of Rietberg. For two years it was shrouded in construction cloths and last year it was revealed after extensive repair and restoration. It is the remaining building of a large castle and chapel grouping. It is located in a small park with a popular walking trail around it. Many dogs and their people enjoy this wooded peaceful setting. It is also a popular pause place for local bicyclists touring the area. On this particular day I was captivated by the grandma who was convinced to lift up the toddler so that she could see inside.
Well that‘s all for now. On Tuesday we leave this area for the Rhein and Mosel.We have our fingers crossed for mild temperatures and not too much rain!
I hope you are all enjoying your summer wherever you may be.
Life on my Own Terms 