Monthly Archives: June 2023

Ten years pass so quickly. I have had the opportunity to advance, and also to continue on my thesis but in a different format and dimension. The Internet, and data in general, has changed our everyday life. A parallel life in the internet space that I finally have agreed with.

A picture is worth a thousand words, it is said. My camera has been my faithful companion throughout these years. My illustrator when words are missing to describe the context. Currently, we are in the middle of summer and everything goes a little slower. It is relaxing, and rest is needed because it has been a tough winter and spring. I think most closely of covid-19, but also of streptococcus which seems to have taken hold. The war in Ukraine affects everyday life. What appeared to be the beginning of a civil war in Russia last weekend took a rapid turn. Perhaps the purpose was to create confusion.

Now it is fruit- and salad season for me. I charge my batteries with fresh vitamins. That energy will be needed in November. To remind myself that life is on holiday, I will listen to the traditional Swedish summer radio program “Sommarpratarna”.

When I studied at the University of Uppsala, I met many other students who did not study biology and chemistry. A new world opened up because I was used to going miles to meet friends. All of a sudden you could socialize without needing help with being transported by car.

At the beginning of my studies, someone asked if I studied languages. Humanities. Strange, I thought, isn´t it obvious that I study pharmacy? It made me think of high school, and that I actually genuinely liked languages at that time. We had a very dedicated English teacher who really taught us British English. When I visited relatives in America, they told me I spoke haughtily with my British accent. I got confused.

The French language was completely different from the English language. Grammar in French was structured in a completely different way. There also seemed to be something completely diverse that could not be found in Great Britain. My image of France became easygoing. Perhaps it can be symbolized by the fact that the nickname of my French teacher was “the Rattle”. She gesticulated a lot and wore funny clothes and jewelry on her arms and neck that rattled. Always a lot of makeup with red lips. Every time very polite, happy, and caring lady.

I got surprised by how life can be turned out. A little question that aroused so many reflections. This humanity issue made me have a sabbatical year to study in France. I affirmed the hidden humanistic part of myself. France is not just the language. It is the whole culture. The way to live. I understood “the Rattle”. In addition, French cooking was of great importance that I hadn’t thought of before. Those who know me, know that I love food and also Swedish fika.

During the past ten years, I have worked on connecting my interest in biology and chemistry with the humanistic part of myself. Perhaps these photos illustrate my passion for writing and finding new knowledge. Below, is my dissertation in pharmacology 20 years ago. Above, a little more easygoing, still happy, and with my great pathos for France.

Today, a little like “the Rattle” but without bracelets and necklaces.