Mandala – colouring

I decided to try the little I’ve learned about sketching to colouring a mandala with pencils. I might want to try to colour some future sketches and before I f*🫢§ them up by bad colouring 🙈, I thought it a good idea to try first with mandalas. 😁

A Mandala of a green glass with pencils and pens in it

Le Voilier – travail d’une esquisse

Je souhaite créer une esquisse de mon poème sur le voilier. N’ayant trouvé aucun dessin inspirant ou instructif pour apprendre à dessiner un voilier, j’ai décidé de me tourner vers l’intelligence artificielle. J’ai spécifié le type de voilier que je souhaitais, un côtre à un mât, et j’ai décrit la scène. Une fois satisfait du résultat, j’ai demandé à l’IA de générer une image que je pourrais utiliser comme base pour mon dessin.

Ce travail est encore en cours, mais je tenais à en montrer les étapes.

Adventures in France: Where Even the Complaints Are Scenic

Every summer, there comes a time when you must pack the car, ignore the nagging feeling that you’ve forgotten something crucial (spoiler: we most certainly did, but I like the blissful feeling that if I would remember what, then I wouldn’t have forgotten it in the first place, or would I? 😉), and head south toward cheese, baguettes, family, and hopefully a bit of rest. This year, our plan was simple: visit family in France, give the kids a change of scenery, and perhaps steal a few moments of peace in between. What else?

Week One – Family Affairs and Slightly Grumpy Hikes

We left on a Sunday – early for us – miraculously organised the day before (wrote this one down in the family history book). Vera heroically took the wheel for most of the 10-hour drive, while JC, having tossed and turned like a seal after a meal all night, could barely manage 1-hour drives. Still, we arrived in one piece. Bravo, Vera!

Monday greeted us with classic French summer weather: greyish skies, a stubborn 22°C, and the kind of light and sporadic drizzle that makes you unsure whether to wear a raincoat or not. We opted for a walk, the adults at least. The kids were less enthused, already dreaming of lakes and ice cream.

On Tuesday, JC was gently reminded that holidays warp your sense of time. He was quite surprised to see his uncle at the door, having firmly believed it was still Monday. Plans were reshuffled. Vera took the kids for a nearby via ferrata before heading to the lake, while JC enjoyed a long walk and chat with his uncle. We all reunited at the beach for drinks under the trees – a nice family moment.

Wednesday’s plan was a “small trek” – 5-6 km with a gentle 150 m elevation. We’ve done it before with the kids as toddlers. This time? After 500 m, complaints began. The kids executed a perfect moaning relay, each handing off the baton of grumbling as we marched on. Very French of them.

Speaking of experiencing the French, later that week, JC cycled to the bakery and encountered the true spirit of French driving – a local buzzed past him so closely JC could’ve check his look in their side mirror. Naturally, JC expressed himself in an eloquent blend of French swearing and Italian hand gestures. The driver gestured toward a barely visible shared path (which, legally, he didn’t have to use). All part of the authentic French cycling on the road experience. Beautiful country, baffling cycling signage and morons behind the steering wheel.

Friday brought a family reunion with JC’s cousin. We explored a cave (12-14°C inside 🥶 – bliss for JC in shorts and sandals 😎), visited a waterfall, and had a picnic with 11 people, which required the kind of table you’d usually find at a wedding. The cave wasn’t long or large, but you could stand in it (except for my cousin and his 1m90 or so) and it had plants, green plants in it (mostly ferns), JC was surprised by that and asked the guide why, she replied that the lighting system installed for the visitor is emitting also in UV lights while bats and tourists bring the seeds which find clay and water to grow. Amazing! After that refreshing experience, the kids ran wild around a nearby pond while the adults caught up in the shade. Simple joys.

On Saturday, we attempted a hike to a via ferrata overlooking Lac du Bourget. Flynn and Vera were the brave ones who clipped in and started climbing 🧗💪. JC and the rest opted for games in the shade – we all have our strengths. Flynn gave it a shot but turned back (understandably, it’s 800m above the lake!). Vera finished the route with ease and then casually added a second, more challenging one for dessert. Show-off. 😜

Sunday brought the village festival and a visit from JC’s parents. Music, games, laughter, and even dancing — JC shared a lovely moment with Runa dancing together. We stayed up late. It was, in a word, festive.

Week Two – Lakes, Ropes, and 36 Degrees of Realisation

Monday and Tuesday were about beach life and Stand-Up Paddleboarding. JC found time to sketch a mountain landscape from Austria (yes, he brought his pencils, he’s that kind of holidaymaker … and he forgot his reading book at home – now I remember what I had forgotten, no more blissful feelings). The temperature was climbing, but still kind, especially in the shade.

Wednesday was the treetop adventure morning. We lied. Just a little. Told the staff all our kids were over 10 so they could try every routes – including the red and black ones. They all did brilliantly, especially Flynn who tackled the black like a pro. Afterwards, we – guess what – went to the lake. But it was chilly and windy (20°C), and the enthusiasm quickly gave way to shivers. All ask to leave early, except one stubborn soul. (We’re not saying who but he quickly surrendered.)

And then came the heatwave.

With 36°C forecast, JC finally understood why Vera and the kids complain above 24°C 🥵. His Mediterranean blood has apparently expired this year. On Friday, he entered full Italian mode: siesta between 12 and 16h, shade, cold drinks, and zero movement. While the rest stayed active. What he didn’t realise was that the next day would be payback time: packing the car in 36°C 🥵🥵, without a single patch of shade. He’d parked by an empty bicycle rack, which he promptly used as a climbing frame to reach the roof box. Then came the “holiday luggage Tetris” championship. By the end, his t-shirt and shorts were completely soaked — the kind of wet you normally associate with jumping into the lake, not loading a car. This year, he really can’t stand the heat… and at last, he truly understands the rest of the family when their summer moaning begins.

Next we will visit my parents the next two days and go home. We all miss our cat. 🐈

Day Two: Scrambled Plans and NRW Wilderness

We woke around 7:00 and started the day with a modest breakfast: a cereal bar and some scrambled eggs; Rührei, as the Germans call it. Flynn took the lead in our field kitchen, and I was assigned the role of apprentice. Fair division of labour. ;-)

The chef preparing our breakfast

Today, there were fewer photo stops. Jean-Christophe had promised Flynn no diversions for wildflowers photography or wild blackberries tasting. A hard promise to keep for him, but fair enough. :-D

We rode through Dülmen, where we made time for a second breakfast – a German tradition which Jean-Christophe was happy to discover. Then we left the town behind, passt the old gates and headed towards Lüdinghausen, with Burg Vischering as our next culinary goal.

The scenery along the way was amazingly peaceful with humming fields, cooling forests, gliding storks, and a lone maypole near a cozy fire circle. Part of the route took us along a stretch I had cycled a month earlier on the way to Münster.

At Burg Vischering, we paused for drinks and hoped for a bit of cake or ice cream. (especially Flynn wanted soft ice) Unfortunately, the ice cream machine was out of order for the day, and the only drinks available were fizzy – not Flynn’s favourite. Disappointment was quickly put aside with the help of home made cookies, and we moved on.

The road to Olfen remained pleasant, but time began to press. Jean-Christophe had an appointment later in the afternoon, and we needed to keep a steady pace. We reached Olfen and Flynn – exhausted – deserved an ice cream and was finally rewarded! He, after 88 km in two days, was understandably worn out. Vera kindly came to meet us near Henrichenburg, where Flynn wrapped up his journey.

Jean-Christophe continued alone to Lünen, this time without the panniers — a lighter finish.

Spending time like this – Father-Child – was truly special. Jean-Christophe hopes to have similar moments with his other children too – on bikes or feet, under the open sky, and with time to just be together.

Day One: A Detour or Two

Our cycling trip got off to a slightly wobbly start. After 488 meters – yes, meters – Flynn’s rear derailleur gave up. Not something we could fix roadside, so we turned back, swapped bikes, and tried again. Second departure: successful.

The forecast had promised dry skies after 10:00. At 11:00, the sky disagreed. Whatever was falling wasn’t technically rain – or so we told ourselves – but it soaked us just the same.

I had a route plan. A gentle stop after 2 km to buy sandwiches. A coffee break 10 km later. Then we’d eat the sandwiches. Later still, cake and another coffee. Flynn wasn’t particularly aligned with this schedule. But we did at least stop for the sandwiches.

We also stopped more often than planned to take shelter from some heavy showers.

The fields we rode through were beautiful – full of wildflowers. I couldn’t resist taking a few photos along the way. Then came blackberries. Another pause. Flynn’s patience began to show signs of strain. Fair enough. We agreed to tone down the stops.

The path through the Haard forest was a highlight – green, peaceful, and definitely uphill. I reassured Flynn it was the last climb, and that from there it would be downhill all the way – at least, that’s what my navigation said. But just like the weather earlier, reality had its own plan. One more hill appeared… and that one was on me – I’d missed a turn. So for once, the forecast had been right – we just didn’t follow it. We passed a firefighter observation tower along the way and, naturally, climbed to the top.

A proper pause in Haltern am See gave us a bit of a breather before heading on toward Dülmen and our campsite near the lake.

Dinner – pasta with Bolognese – was served just as the first raindrops returned. We made it into the tent in time. Outside: a steady downpour. Inside: dry and warm.

A Short Escape on Two Wheels

With school now closed, my son’s boredom has started to show – a mix of restlessness and that familiar “what now?” look.

To break the routine a bit, we’re planning a small father-son cycling trip. Over the course of two days, we’ll be riding through the countryside around Haltern, Dülmen, and Lüdinghausen, with a tent strapped to the bikes and no fixed schedule.

Just a chance to slow down, camp outdoors, and spend some time together – away from screens and closer to trees … and the rain gods :-D.

Der Segler – Kalligramm

Dies ist die deutsche Übersetzung des Gedichts Le Voilier, wieder in Form eines Kalligramms.

Der Segler

Des Ostwinds Hauch blähte das Tuch, die Leinen lösten sich,
im stillen Morgengrauen erzitterte das Segel.
Mit einem sehnsuchtsvollen Röcheln verließ er die Fahrrinne,
und sein Bug zerschnitt die widerspenstige Woge.
Das Stampfen ließ den Rumpf ächzen;
die Wanten klagten im zarten Schweigen.
Das Gouvernail – unbeirrt – zeichnete den Kurs, ohne Umweg oder Wiederkehr;
Indessen hielten die Bullaugen die Erinnerung der verwaisten Küste fest.
II
II
Sein Lehen wich zurück - mit unergründlicher Scheu.
II II
Ungeduldig bäumte sich der Wind auf – die Fock knallte scharf.
Eine trotzige Gischtträne klammerte sich daran.
Sie gab nach – einen Augenblick noch verzögert durch
die raue Bordwand – bevor sie sich im Meeresabgrund verlor.
Ein Tau knarzte sein trübsinniges Lied, ein Seufzer eines schweren Versprechens.
Vom feurigen Böen gepeitscht, zog sich sein entschlossenes Kielwasser
ins Grau des Vergessens. Sein Schatten dehnte sich in jener blauen Stunde,
gen Horizont, in Aquarell -- Lavendel und Tinte.
Doch hinter sich, verschmolzen mit der Morgenröte,
glaubte er den Hauch eines Blickes zu spüren,
für immer abgewandt.


Jean-Christophe Berthon

Auch hier muss ich am Layout meines Blogthemas arbeiten, da es die Darstellung des Gedichts in Form eines Kalligramms unterbricht, vor allem auf Mobilgeräten.

Le Voilier – Calligramme

Voici sûrement la version finale de ce poème. J’ai tenté d’en faire un calligramme, les vers prennent la forme d’un voilier de face. Je dois toutefois adapter le thème de mon blog pour améliorer le rendu. Demain, je commence la traduction allemande.

Le Voilier

La brise du Levant gonfla la toile ; les amarres se délièrent,
Faisant frémir la voile dans la quiétude de l‘aurore.
D’un râle langoureux, il franchit le chenal,
Et sa proue fendit l’onde rétive.
Le tangage fit geindre sa carène ;
Les haubans gémirent dans ce silence ténu.
Le safran - obstiné - traça le cap sans détour ni retour ;
Tandis que les hublots retenaient la mémoire de la côte désolée.
II
II
Son fief s’éloignait, avec une insondable retenue.
II II
Le vent, impatient, rua - le foc claqua d’un coup sec.
Une larme rebelle d’écume s’y agrippait.
Elle céda - un instant encore retardée
par le bordé rêche - avant de se perdre dans l’abîme.
Un cordage grinça d’un chant morose, soupir d’une promesse difficile.
Cinglé de bourrasques fougueuses, son sillage décidé se dessinait
dans l’oubli. Son ombre s’étirait en cette heure bleue
vers un horizon en aquarelle - lavande et encre.
Mais derrière lui, fondu dans l’aube, il crut sentir
le soupçon d’un regard
à jamais tourné.


Jean-Christophe Berthon

En traduisant ce poème en allemand, j’ai dû corriger quelques petites coquilles. Par exemple, j’ai découvert que le vent du Ponant est un vent méditerranéen qui souffle d’ouest en est. Or, j’imaginais plutôt ce voilier quitter la Bretagne en direction de l’ouest. J’ai aussi corrigé quelques termes de marines, parce que ce n’est pas facile de rester sur le pont dans la houle sans trébucher sur un cordage…

Le Voilier – Der Segler

J’ai voulu écrire un nouveau poème, après la montagne, c’est vers la mer que je me suis tourné. C’est une première ébauche. J’ai envie de travailler quelques tournures et découpages de vers, et de penser sur le rythme. Mais j’aime bien déjà ce résultat.

Le Voilier

Le souffle du Ponant gonfla sa peau de toile,
Elle frissonna, puis ses amarres se délièrent.
D’un râle discret, il franchit le chenal,
Et de sa proue muette, il fendit l’onde.
Le tangage fit geindre sa carène tendant les haubans
Qui gémirent dans le silence ténu.
Le safran traça le cap, seul maître à bord,
Tandis que les hublots fermés rêvaient la côte désolée.

Son fief s’éloignait, avec une insondable retenue.

À son foc, une larme d’écume s’agrippait,
Glissa sur la bordée, et se perdit dans l’abîme.
Un cordage grinça d’un chant morose,
Soupir d’une promesse difficile.

Propulsé par les vents, porté par les courants,
Son sillage, décidé, se dessinait dans l’oubli.
Son ombre s’étirait en cette heure bleue
Vers un horizon en aquarelle de lavande et d’encre.
Mais derrière lui, fondu dans l’aube,
Flottait le soupçon d’un regard à jamais tourné.

Update: Ich habe die deutsche Übersetzung aktualisiert, die nun besser zu den Gefühlen und Wahrnehmungen des französischen Originals passen sollte. Das französische Gedicht ist jedoch noch nicht fertig (es gibt einige Verse, an denen ich noch arbeiten möchte).

Ich wollte dieses Gedicht auf Deutsch übersetzen. Aber es war mir zu schwer. Ich habe eine KI gefragt, und ich denke, dass das Ergebniss anders klingt, aber trotzdem OK. Und für jeden Vers bat ich um Varianten mit einer Erklärung der Unterschiede. Dann versuchte ich, jeden Vers mit diesen Informationen zu konstruieren, und bat dann um ein Korrekturlesen, um den Text grammatikalisch zu korrigieren. Ich benutzte eine andere KI, um eine Rückübersetzung anzufertigen, um zu sehen, ob die Gegenüberstellung einen französichen Text ergab, der das ausdrückte, was ich beabsichtigt hatte.

Der Segler

Der Hauch des Ponant blähte seine Segelhaut,
er erzitterte, dann gaben seine Leinen nach.
Mit einem leisen Röcheln passierte er die Fahrrinne
und mit stummem Bug durchschnitt er die Flut.
Das Stampfen ließ den Rumpf ächzen,
die Wanten spannten sich und klagten im zarten Schweigen.
Das Gouvernail zeichnete den Kurs, alleiniger Herr an Bord,
während die geschlossenen Bullaugen von der verwaisten Küste träumten.

Sein Lehen entschwand mit unergründlicher Zurückhaltung.

An seinem Fock klammerte sich eine Schaumenträne,
glitt an der Bordwand entlang und verlor sich im Abgrund.
Ein Tau knarrte in klagender Melodie,
Seufzer eines schweren Versprechens.

Von Winden getrieben, von Strömungen getragen,
zeichnete sich seine entschlossene Kielspur ins Vergessen.
Sein Schatten reckte sich in jener Blauen Stunde
einem Horizont aus Lavendel- und Tintenaquarell entgegen.
Doch hinter ihm, im Schmelz der Morgendämmerung,
schwebte der Hauch eines für immer abgewandten Blickes.