Guest Post: Lieselotte Maria Fritsch

 

Hello Everyone,

My name is Lieselotte,

I live in a valley

right in the center of Austria,

surrounded by mountains and forests.

My husband Dieter and I were lucky to get to know Corey and Yann

a couple of years ago when they were on a motorbike tour through Austria.

We found them “très sympathique“;

but anyone who has had the chance to know them personally will know what I mean.

 

Corey was fascinated by what she called “coffee hopping in the alps“ –

the fact that you can hike from one mountain chalet restaurant to the next for a coffee

(with milk fresh from the cows around you),

homemade cake, or meals.

She also introduced me to the "Sound of Music"

The church on top of a hill near our village

must have reminded me of that film scenery (frankly, it does quite look like it).

We visited each other again a couple of times in the following years.

and again here.

 

On one of these occasions- I think it was in summer 2013 –

Corey took me to a Brocante in a small village called

Entrecasteaux in Provence on a Sunday morning, and we spotted:

Brangelina.

We later sat near them in a very deserted Creperie, pretending not to know who they are

they didn't recognize us, either.

 

 

Some summers later, in 2017, Dieter and I (and dog Luna)

were on the way to Spain by car.

We were near Corey's and Yann's we decided to ring their doorbell unannounced.

We were so lucky -  Corey was home.

Her mouth wide open with surprise naturellement she asked,

“Did I miss something on my calendar?“

We spent a good time catching up.

 

 

 

 

 

 

I have only just retired from my job as an English teacher for Secondary School students.

I loved my job very much until a depression from severe exhaustion forced me to quit,

and I started my quarantine a year before Covid -19 turned up.

Recovery is very slow,

and I have to take things easy,

supported by my caring husband, our son George who is 24, and our beautiful dog Luna.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our beautiful countryside is very inviting

for walks and bicycle rides, and there is enough space to keep a safe distance

from other walkers, joggers, and cyclists.

After resting in the mornings, trying to recharge my energy batteries

with the help of meditation, I spend as much time as I can outdoors.

I have a big garden to tame and test my energy level in.

In the long and dark evenings at this time of the year,

I knit or binge-watch English films.

 

Also, I enjoy drawing.

 

 

 

These unusual times have taught many of us

that we only need very little to live happily.

I think we carry the essential things

inside our own hearts –

one positive aspect of this crisis could be

a chance to learn

to look

and listen

inside to find them.

 

 

(Sidenote: One of my favorite photos of Lieselotte: her hair!)

 

Follow Lieselotte on Facebook

Comments

[Jeanne]

Your blog posting was very lovely and full of adventure.
Keep well and thank you for this lovely insight into your life.
Blessings
Thank you Corey for introducing us all to your lovely friends all over the world.
Love Jeanne

[Kathy]

Lovely post! Thanks so much for sharing the beauty of your life. It's always fun to see how we are connected to Corey and Yann!

[Marilyn]

I remember when Corey wrote about meeting Lieselotte. What a special connection and friendship.

[Penni]

Your surroundings are stunning! I could gaze at all that green for years! I enjoyed reading about your adventures and I am glad you are taking the time to care for yourself after you have taught so many others. Depression is a slog, it's mean, and most importantly -depression is a liar. Please know that whatever your head may be telling you might not be true, things will turn around, and you deserve as much time as it takes to just feel like your true self again. I am sure you would do anything for those you love; be that person for yourself, do whatever you need and know you are loved for who you are right this minute, without any changes or alterations you are completely and fully loved.

I am glad to hear you have a loving and compassionate husband who cares with you! A doting son and sweet dog -all in a partnership to supporting your health. Please know you are not alone, and you are doing hard work right now -and that's enough. Some days just getting out of bed is plenty! Know you will be in my prayers.

Thank you for sharing your story -what a glorious life you have led! Your photos are beautiful and inviting, I LOVE your drawing! (Zendoodle? I make those too -very meditative and fun for me!) Thank you for the end thoughts, I will save those wise words!

[Jennifer Phillipps]

Lovely to meet you Lieselotte - what a beautiful part of the world you live in. I trust you will continue to repair and thrive as we get to the end of this rather terrible year and that 2021 will be a bumper year for you...best wishes from New Zealand - Jennifer

[Texas Francophile]

You live in the most beautiful country. The word serene comes to mind. I love Luna, she will be such an important component of your healing. Oh your beautiful hair. Great shot Corey!!!! May 2021 be your year!!!! Thank you for post.

[Sue J.]

Such views! A beautiful place inwhich to gain strength and heal.

[Liese]

Thank you all, ladies, for your nice comments !
And Penni, you are absolutely right about depression being a liar. The most impressive sentence I heard from a psychologist during treatment in a clinic was ,"By all means, do not believe everything you think !" Yes, it's Zendoodle,I only came across it last year. My depression has taught me so many things about myself, and I' m glad for that.
I do hope things will get easier for all of you out there once this pandemic is dealt with .Stay safe ! Kind regards, Lieselotte

[Irene]

Hello, Lieselotte, Thank you for this beautiful post and lovely photos of the Austrian countryside. I wish you, and all of Corey's followers, a blessed holiday season. And for you, continued sustained health and happiness. Sincerely, Irene