MyEuropeanTouch and My Life in War Torn German - part #3

Here is the next part (and hopefully not the last part) of Monika's childhood memories.

Part three of my early youth in torn apart Germany and an eye witness account of a barely 14 year old girl, named Monika. I was there when the wall came up and was build,

he situation in East Berlin became worse for Mom’s family, everyone over there. Everything of worth was taken by the Russians, no infra structure was repaired, they stood in long line at the bakery and grocery store until they run out of food and people had to go home empty handed. The East German Mark was worth nothing....my Mom’s younger sister was gang raped by the Russian's, and committed suicide. She was so young and so damaged and could not live with this.

Mom heard after a while on the radio that visitors were allowed to come via train to East Berlin. 

While Dad worked very hard and long hours at the largest ships yard in Kiel, Howald GMBH, to make ends meet for us. At Summer vacation from school Mom packed our suitcases and smuggled coffee, oranges, tea, cocoa and bread and such that they could not get in East Berlin among-st our clothes in the suit cases.

 It was not allowed and confiscated by the Russians if found and you may be incarcerated in the East for smuggling. When I was old enough to know, I was terrified, as the Russian Border police VOPO as in Volks Polizei (folks policei) searched everyone and everything at the border. Miraculously Mom made it every time thru and they did not find her smuggled stuff. 

Her family was grateful every summer we came. They had fixed up a small Garden house, enlarged it with material from the rubble and wreckage around them and made it into a large livable home and had enough room now to accommodate us, Mom, my two siblings and I. They also had cleared some land around them from the ruble and had planted a huge garden and fruit trees to help themselves out with food, since you could not get anything in East Berlin. 

So we children ate from the garden fresh fruits, veggies, berries until we were sick to our tummies. 

Until one day in August of 1961 the unspeakable began. My Aunt had the radio on in the morning as usually after breakfast was done, dishes were washed and there it came. The radio Announcer stated the Russian Tanks had just rolled up at the Brandenburg Gate, huge rolls of barbed wire 8 feet high were going across and they would close the borders up. My Aunt and Uncle freaked out, throwing everything in our suitcases carelessly, tried to close them and Aunty said we might have to try to get out at a different spot in East Berlin, I mean they could not be everywhere at the same time. 

Until the Radio Announcer stopped the music again and announced that any visitors with passes could of course get out and go home. What a scare that was! 

At that point, we all took the train to the Brandenburg Gate ourselves to see and sure enough there it was barbed wire 6-8 feet high across the street at the Brandenburg Gate and Russian Tanks right next to us as we watched them closing up.

Some East Berliner’s tried to get to the West Berliner side risking everything and were stopped by Russian Soldiers and send back to the Eastern Side. We took a day trip to Prenzlauer Berg too and see, and sure enough there they had already started building the wall. After that my Mom decided we better get home to Kiel, it was such a shock and a terrible sad good bye. Because at that time we did not know if we ever would see Mom’s family again. 

I still know Berlin like my Jeans pocket, and always have loved that city. Thankfully we have been back numerous, numerous times and always smuggled goods. No one in East Berlin was ever allowed to leave, not even for vacations. The Russians were afraid that these peeps would not come back and work at their Russian Economy, so they can milk them for everything the owned. Especially the young and healthy workers. At some point the elderly were allowed to get out for vacation and the Russians did not care of they came back, That was a good thing for the Russian economy, they did not have to pay retirement pensions for them anymore if they stayed out and did not come back home.

I know that this is not the end of the story...because one day Monika came here, to America.

And through the wonders of on line retailing, we met.

(You can visit Monika's shop MyEuropeanTouch here).

Plus we got to meet in real life too.  You can read about our visit here...

Monika is the lovely lady in white, and I'm in purple.  And trust me, she is a beautiful inside as she is outside.  I just love her! 

How many friends have you met here in the virtual world?  And how many of you have been lucky enough to have those friends become family?  I know I'm lucky to have Monika.

God binds His family together, fitly joined, for eternity.

Be blessed,

Debbi

MyEuropeanTouch and My Life In War Torn Germany - Part 2

Here's is part 2 of Monika's childhood story...

Here is part two of my early childhood. We lived for quite some time in Berlin (East) until the Allied gave up the sectors with the exception of Russia. Now before that happened my parent made the decision to move to Kiel on the Baltic Sea where my Dad’s family was. 

Again, we found 2 rooms and kitchen, or what you could call a former kitchen in the wreckage of the after War, barely inhabitable, but others did not have it any different. So my very talented and creative parents made the best of it. 

Newspaper in front of the cracked Window glass and blankets in addition at Winter time. It was an old building in a former affluent neighborhood but had nothing to show for it now. The left side of the apartment home was livable and Mom and Dad started scrunching some furniture from the rubble and ruins around us, Dad fixed them as best as he could. Mom went to look for 

dishes and silverware in the rubble that were usable and I remember eating my food from plates with a Haken Kreuz on them.

Discarded Soldiers Canteens were our soup bowls and Dad hammered the Soldiers helmets as flat as he could at the top so Mom could use them as pots. WE had a big pot belly stove in the former kitchen and heated with wood from the rubble around us. Dad heated up a brick for everyone of us to take to bed under the covers for warmth.

We were in Kiel and escaped before the Russian closed the borders and refused to get out like the French, American’s and Brits did.

So that was good. During World War II, Kiel’s importance grew. The town was where Germany’s deadly “Wolf Pack” of submarines was born, and the city became a major U-boat base and production center. The U-boat menace made Kiel a high-priority target for Allied bombers.

By the end of the war, the town had been pummeled so many times—there were almost 100 heavy raids on Kiel between 1940 and 1944—that 80 percent of the town’s buildings were destroyed and 167,000 people were homeless.was also bombed to shreds as this was the city containing the largest U-boat Ships building yard for Hitler's Regime.

Can you imagine?  Your whole world being changed in an instant.  Could you survive?

Be blessed,

Debbi

MyEuropeanTouch and My Life In War Torn Germany part #1

I am a firm believer that we need to face our past before we move into our future.  And I have been blessed with a wonderful friend who grew up in Germany during the time of WWII, Monika from MyEuropeanTouch.  She has graciously allowed me to share her story here.

This will be a 3 part series (so far).

This is where and how I grew up in Berlin after WWII just ended. The rubble and wreckage around me were my play ground, where I found all the beautiful broken China plate pieces and tried to make imaginary whole plates to eat from with my wooden doll.

.My Mom was one of the "Rubble/Wreckage" woman, cleaning bricks for re-use and rebuild.

I was on my grandma's hand when the American Candy Bombers came and got candy and chocolate.

We later moved to a city called Kiel and it was much the same there. Kiel was the biggest U-boot ship yard for Hitler's fleets and they bombed the crap out of that city too.

Come back tomorrow for part 2, and Saturday for part 3.  It's an amazing story from the real life of someone who was there, not just a chapter in a history book.

Be blessed,

Debbi

My Late Friday Featured Artist - Myeuropeantouch

Between a crazy last week, and canning my harvest this week, I totally missed my Friday featured artist....and now it's Monday.  Opps.  Mybad.

My featured artist is one of my favorite people, Monkia from My European Touch.

I first "met" Monkia years ago on Etsy when I fell in love with one of her mosaic-ed violins.  It was amazing!  And Monika's talent with mosaic just gets better with time.  Let's see what new in her Handmade Artist shop.

Monika has created works of art on almost anything you can think of...and cake domes are her latest wonders.  I have seen many of these disappear (sold) soon after she lists them, so if you love this, don't wait!

Monika started "playing" with mosaics when she was just a little girl in Germany, and her keen eye and gentle touch just keeps getting better and better.  (She's only a little older now). :0)

I like the swirls of color on this photo frame.  So modern feeling, yet simply shabby.  And that cameo in the corner is just perfect.

I got to meet Monkia in person last fall during our trip to Florida.  She is such a sweetheart...a kindred spirit.  I wrote all about our visit, with pictures.

Now here is what attracted me to Monika the first time I saw it...

No, this is not the same one from years ago, but isn't this violin BEAUTIMUS?

Such patience, and talent!  Amazing!

Monika also draws, and paints, and sews, but I am just in love with her mosaics.

You can find MyEuropeanTouch at all these places...

HA / Blog / Facebook / Twitter / Pinterest / Animoto / Flickr / HGTV / About Me

Be blessed,

Debbi

What's new in handmade at Handmade Artists

It's been a while since I visited my friends over at Handmade Artists, so let's check out what's new.

The first item I saw was a new creation from my freind Monika at MyEuropeanTouch.  She does amazing mosaic work, taking old china and boxes and musical instruments, and turning them into something new and amazaing, and BEAUTIMUS.  Like this Mosaic Teapot Table Lamp.  This past fall I had the opportunity to meet Monika in person and she is as beautiful as her creations.  You can read about our visit, complete with pictures, here.

You may not know this about me, but I am super patriotic.  My daddy was a Navy man, and I have many loved ones serving in the military today.  I teach American History, (not social studies) in homeschool, and I still stand and cover my heart when the flag passes me in a parade.  So this lovely USA flag rag rug quickly caught my eye.  My late aunt use to make these rag rugs, so I know just how much work goes into each one, a true labor of love.  You can find this rug in the shop, loynd1959.

I only have one word for this Jarred necklace and earring set...stunning!  I love the look of faceted beads, they catch and throw light like nobody's business.  This set, and many others, can be found at olufemiojetunde.  

Well, these are my finds this morning, but don't just stop with these, you can support small family business and the handmade community by shopping at Handmade Artists, or my shop site, The Craft Star.

Be blessed,

Debbi

We're "Seeing Red" at the Handmade Artists Forum

Even though I moved my shop(s) to The Craft Star, I still am part of the forum over at Handmade Artists because, well, good friends are hard to find.  

And I made some good friends there.

And part of our friendships is the blog ring, where we get to just brag about each other. 

Sandi from IKnitQuiltSew has taken over the organization of this ring, and I thank her for that.  She has deemed in her wonderful wisdom that we will be following themes (I love themes) and picking items from the list of participating shops.  So much fun!  And here we go....

Now I know that these are pink, not red, but hey, it's the same color family.  And I could not help but share these baby skates from Sandi at iKnitQuiltSew.  I have seen lots of baby booties, cowboy booties, baby slippers, but for us yankees there is nothing like ice skating.  Love them!

Next is my best buddy at HA, Pam from BeadThing.   She is a homeschooling Gramma, and I love how she remembers to send me links to cool homeschooling stuff.  We crazy women need to stick together. hahaha

She started beading She started beading and designing jewelry for her health many years ago, and has gotten so good at it, she even teaches classes now and then at Michaels.  For her red item I chose to share this wonderful handwoven red swarovski waves bracelet. 

I cannot imagine the patience it takes for Monika of MyEuropeanTouch fame to create her totally awesome mosaic pieces.  This rectangular lidded recipe/treasure box truly is a treasure.  With each piece meticulously cut and shaped and set into place...the end result is...

WOW.

I am blessed to own a mosaic dove created by Monika, and it has become a family keepsake.

If you love gemstones, you'll love John's shop, Rasmussen gems and jewelry.  John is an accomplished lapidarist and jewelry designer, and the gemstones you'll find in his shop were cut and polished by him.  So you can rest comfortably knowing that his experience will get you the best bang for your buck.  I love this garnet and gold pendant.  So very pretty and elegant.

My last share for this post is a newbie to our blog ring, Lisa from Uniqlets. She is more than a jewelry designer, more than a steampunk jewelry designer, and more than a vintage lover.  She is an artist, and her jewelry is just that...art you can wear.  She also has the greatest collection of Bakelite I have ever seen!  This Red and Yellow  Flower pendant is just that...a bakelite flower on a yellow bakelite buckle. 

Too cool!

Well, that's it for this week.  I can't wait to see the theme for next week.

Be blessed,

Debbi

Moving Sale!!!! MyEuropeanTouch - 50% off

My friend Monika from Handmade Artists is having a moving sale.  She is looking to move into a new home, and doesn't feel like packing all her products, which is good for us!  All her prices are already marked at the 50% discount.  So let's take a look at what she has to offer at My European Touch.

This cake dome is one of her more recent creations.  Monika learned to create mosaics when she was just a child in war torn Germany.  And she loves to share the stories of her childhood on her blog.  

This is just so romantic and beautiful.  AND she even makes the roses that cascade over the side.  This is really upscaling a vintage cake stand.

Here's an amazing, and soothing, blue tray that she brought back to life. 

The colors and pattern is so elegant.  This was originally a silverplated tray, but all the silverplate was worn off, so Monika sanded, primed, painted, and mosaiced, and viola! 

Look at this pretty pink pin cushion made from an old vase. 

Monika loves the color pink, and it shows in her work.

This pin cushion would be a great gift for the seamstress in your life.  And remember, with July almost over, there's only 6 months left till.....

CHRISTMAS!  So start shopping now. :0)

This mosaic dove is something I purchased for my hubby for his birthday, and he loved it!  It's a lot bigger than you would think, and very well made.  It sits proudly on the tv stand in his "man cave".  Yes, a touch of romance in his cave. hahaha

At My European Touch you will also find frames, and lamps, and boxes, and so much more.  You will be surprised at all the lovely items she has created, and you'll be more than pleased with these prices.

So go on....go on....

Be blessed,

Debbi

The winner of HHC#30 is...My European Touch

I was the hostess of last weeks Handmade Artists highlight challenge...and as my prize I offered these 2 kits..

with these kits I also will block, mat, and frame the finished pieces for the winner.  And that winner is Monkia from My European Touch, and this is her winning highlight.

Now for a little bit about Monika.

She is an amazing woman who grew up in Germany shortly after the end of WWII, and that is where she found her many talents at a very young age.  Watching her parents and other family adults re-using and making do with whatever was available to them, she learned to make candles, clothes for her dolls, and how to fit pieces of china together like a puzzle.  Monkia can create new and beautiful items from old and broken items, and has evolved into a self-taught mosaic artist.  I have the honor of owning one of her newer pieces...

I purchased this mosaic dove for hubby's birthday next month, and it is absolutely amazing.  And large!  I bet if you asked, she would make one for you too.  Monika not only creates mosaics, she paints, draws, and just beautifies everything she sees...

Here is an example of her updated pincushion vase, she took an old silver plated vase and turned it into a pretty and useful pincushion for the shabby chic seamstress.  She also has pincushions that she created from old tea pots.  

This is a print of her original painting, a watercolor of Japanese cherry blossoms.  She painted the original while still living in Germany back in 1975, but you will receive an 8x10 print in a protective sleeve.

And here is an example of just what Monika is famous for...her mosaics.  This tray centerpiece is beautifully adorned with Blue Onion pattern china plate pieces, that she cut and set one at a time.  It's all grouted and ready for use, and I love it!

You can also find My European Touch on flickr, and like her page on facebook.  And I highly recommend her blog for all the interesting stories that she loves to share with her readers.

That's the winner for this week, so click on any link above to visit Monika, and join us at HandmadeArtists for more fun and friendship.

Be blessed,

Debbi

HA highlight winner is....Monika!

Every week at Handmade Artists we have a highlight challenge, and different artists host the challenges and offer prizes.  Last weeks challenge was hosted by The Alchemist Vessel and she offered a gift certificate for any shop on the Handmade Artists site.  Plus Anne from On Fire For Handmade features the winner on her amazing web site.  The theme for the week was Love to Love You, love songs of the 80's, an the winner was....

Monika from MyEuropeanTouch.

You can click here to visit the Highlight, and from there you can visit each shop.   And be sure to visit Monika's wonderful shop...her talent with broken china is amazing!

The next challenge will start on 2/23/13, and will be hosted by Yours Truly.  Come and visit us at Handmade Artists, and join all the fun!

Be blessed,

Debbi