Laurieandthestoryof - Blog Posts

https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/09/12/foto-med-foelge/ (Prose, in danish...) #https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/09/12/foto-med-foelge/ #fiction #prose #mantelmomento #danielmantel #udenfilter #laurieandthestoryof (This time actually in the story...) #primeiroproximopasso (Senhor Passo also passing by...) #cloudscape #sky #reality #clouds #thispieceofproseisnotonlyindanishbutalsomostlyjustbabblingandclosetononsensesobehappyifyoucannotreaddanish (Usual one-off hashtag...) #picturespeaksathousandwords #whatever #autumnsky #mindscape #meandmystory #storyofmylife (This is actually beginning to take shape: Soon I'll be working on a full-length piece; yes, a novel...) #novelist #workinprogress #enoughhashtags #day #daysgettinglonger #beginning (her: Aarhus, Denmark)

https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/08/21/min-mund-min-verden-og-de-andres/ #https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/08/21/min-mund-min-verden-og-de-andres/ #mantelmomento #danielmantel #lotsoffilters #laurieandthestoryof #primeiroproximopasso #prose #fiction #reality #unreal #words #shutup #voicesinmyhead #characters #meandmystory #meandmybrain #mouth #lipssealed #thruth #lies SORRY, PROSE IN DANISH... #whatifallmyfiguresfrommyneverwrittennovelbeganinterferingwithotherstories (Usual one-off hashtag...) (her: Inside My Head)

I think we've been here before… Sun breaking through some clouds, sharp rays of light, the usual stuff. Yes. Nothing new here. But wait! A picture tells more than a thousand words. Especially when amplified with loudspeakers mounted on high poles. Let's listen… Hey, you light, could you please tell your sun, that you're making an awful lot of noise! It IS quite nice to look at, agreed, but do you know how it sounds? Anyway, you could turn down the volume a bit; I think everybody's got the message. As usual. Now someone might actually be speaking, like with words, but they're blown away by you, and makes no sense. PLEASE turn down a notch or two; what comes out of those loudspeakers could be interesting for you too! Right now it just sounds like… What? Are you doing this? Have you really hired special effects? But yes! There's no real words. It's only dummies! Not a single understandable word, just poles for the contrast. How clever! Fitted with those loudspeakers, just to make that association: "That a picture…" Yes, we've certainly been here before: You're turning this into a competition. Pretending to use words! Only for a stronger image. Cheating! Overkill! Who in this world will ever believe in the sun anymore? Or that words are anything but a silent plugin to pictures? You've blown it out of reality and straight into fiction. Fool! #mantelmomento #danielmantel #udenfilter #laurieandthestoryof (Yes, also her, somewhere) #primeiroproximopasso (Always... Hiding outside the frame) #specialeffects #unreal #overkill #loudspeakers #sun #notforreal #cheating #fiction #reality #whenthesunmakestoomuchoutofasimplesunriseandturnsitintofiction (Usual one-off hashtag) (her: Not existing)

It was a perfect sunset. Clear blue sky, very slowly turning darker; just the way we prefer our summer evenings. Light so slowly fading, that it could be mistaken for stubborn wanting to stay. Or it's simply a bit too happy to see itself. Maybe it's human, at least in behavior. Maybe it has noticed how many pictures are taken during its settling. Maybe it looks in a mirror, and admires what it sees. As everybody, or some, or a few, knows and understands, are mirrors reflecting exactly what we want to see. That's the purpose of mirrors in this world. Anyway, while dragging its disappearing behind the horizon a few minutes extra, maybe the horizon being paid to lower itself, some badass misfits of clouds got tired of the going on for hours settling of the sun: So these few clouds gathered in a corner and came up with a plan. Not really for any reason. Just bored with that prolonged perfect summer evening. Without just a hint of a cloud to disturb the picture. But those few rebelclouds decided to *BANG!* show up with as much power and lightdisturbance as possible. They knew they were too few to totally block the sky, (what a wonderful dream!), so they found a spot where they almost could beat the sunset; with concentrated power look like a small explosion. And so they did. Enjoyed the moment of messing up that oh so perfect summer evening. It was fun! Pure joy! If a bit destructive, so be it! So much bigger was their disappointment. And disbelief: When most people looked up; "Ah, look how the sun reflects in those cute clouds, isn't it wonderful?" The clouds got so frustrated and angry. To hell with people and beautiful evenings! Those clouds are on constant alert: One fine day they'll get their revenge! And it won't be nice… For neither people nor sky. Just wait and see! Except it will be too dark to see anything. You just wait… #revenge #mantelmomento #danielmantel #udenfilter #laurieandthestoryof (yes, she's in it too...) #primeiroproximopasso (also him) #angryclouds #summerevening #likeapicture #toomuch #waitingforsomethingtohappen #soboringwiththosehourlongtoendurebeatifulsunsetsthatyouwelcomesomecloudsmakingtheirownsmallrevolution (Usual one-off hashtag)

NO! No-no-no! That is NOT right! It's the other way around: Tarmac does not burst up in grass! It is grass that slowly but forceful cracks up through tarmac. This… Thing, is against the natural order of…  Things. It's not normal! And disturbs not only the eyes, but the perception of reality. Tarmac breaking up grass; it must be nothing but an illusion! And certainly not a nice sight or thought. Do something! NOW! My brain got kickstarted, literally, bounced around my skull, tried to come up with a solution. Somehow I was responsible, though I didn't quite know why. Or how. And what to do… It didn't take long, though. To find a possible way through this mess. Quite simple, actually. If it wasn't 'natural', well, then I just had to change what's natural and not. A question of perception. A slight discrete change of reality, or view of. Putting minds at ease by introducing a grain of fiction. Only small alterations; keeping reality real… In their minds. Not making people feel as part of an imagination. My imagination. Inserting a few tiny changes without being invasive. They wouldn't feel a thing… And last of all being manipulated. No; when messing around with reality, and especially others, you have to be careful not being caught in the act. It was almost too easy. A few thoughts or rather ways of thinking, smoothly laid out as a filter on that tarmac/grass-incident. The relief in their eyes! The many faces changing from deep concern and disbelief to "ahh! -just that", and small recognizing smiles. Yes of course, the usual thing. When tarmac grows up through grass. It happens. It's the way of a natural world. Some slight nodding, and the high-pitched worried voices moved on. It's almost too easy… With just a little bit of fiction. I wondered if I should follow their new reality. Sooner or later they would see grass breaking through tarmac. Then what? And would it be my problem again? Guess so. When reality can't cope… #https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/07/27/asfaltgraes/ (Long version in danish…) #tarmac #grass #reality #fiction #whatever #mantelmomento #danielmantel #udenfilter #laurieandthestoryof #primeiroproximopasso

There once was a huge empty warehouse. It was bored. And often wondered why it wasn't used. It had space enough for almost anything, even other warehouses. Solid and weatherproof too, all made of reinforced concrete. It felt so hollow and hungry, but only echoes of nothing didn't fill it. Then one fine day, or just a random indifferent day, Senhor Primeiro Próximo Passo passed by. He had some time off from his own story, and killed it by a stroll through reality. Himself being fictive, he felt the immense pain from the crying warehouse. He hesitated and slowed down, not really caring, as selfish and lacking empathy as he was. And btw still is. It's his given role, and it actually suits him fine. But for once, an annoying urge to help came out of nowhere. Maybe from inside the stupidly empty sealed concrete box of a warehouse. Senhor Passo shrugged and came up with a solution. Hey you most brainless of all concrete boxes, why haven't you any doors? Ever thought that might be the problem, you dumbass? The warehouse almost cracked its concrete walls in joy, while Senhor Passo continued, shaking his head. Immediately the warehouse made not one, but two doors. Just to be sure. But years went by, and nothing happened. What the warehouse hadn't realized, was that reality needs clear and distinctive signs: Entrance and exit! Otherwise reality gets confused and scared. No evident entrance! No obvious exit! What a frightening thought for reality. So now the huge warehouse has two unmarked and unused doors. It is a very sad story. Luckily, it's only fiction. Don't let it fool you, that you can touch the weeping box: It's just somebody's imagination. Even adding tears running down the concrete. That's almost fictive overkill… #mantelmomento #danielmantel #udenfilter #laurieandthestoryof #primeiroproximopasso #warehouse #doors #reality #fiction #prose #howalmostanythingcanfitintothatnovelinprogressthatwillturnouthavingalmostanythinginit (Usual one-off hashtag...) (her: My Mindful Spirit)

https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/07/15/vingefanget/ (Danish prose, sorry... We're only bout 6 millions that can read that...) #https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/07/15/vingefanget/ #stupidity #chicken #beheaded #headoff #survival #braindead #cover #sanity #shitstorm #adultbabies #undercover #fiction #prose #headless #mantelmomento #danielmantel #udenfilter #laurieandthestoryof #primeiroproximopasso #whenashitstormofstupidityforcesyoutoturnintoachickenandgetyourheadchoppedoffjusttohideitunderawingtoprotectyourfictionalworld (Usual one-off hashtag...) (her: Under Cover)

It's a lie. That all your life flashes by. In your last minutes or seconds. You're just a bit surprised, and quite empty-headed. You actually have time to speculate. What should your last thoughts be about? You're almost paralyzed; your body rapidly shutting down. With some effort you spend your last few moves to get a picture of the sun. Beautifully letting rays through the treetops. Your last action is to post the picture on Instagram. Pressing the buttons drains your body, so now you only have your thoughts. And that beautiful image of the sun a late aftersoon. With or without your eyes closed. It's a nice view. And a nice place to die. You're quite satisfied with your luck. But what to think about... Ofcourse some family, friends, and partners through life. Then what? You don't know if you're surprised, or expected it. But what follows you and kinda keeps lingering, is those fictive figures. The ones you have played with the better part of your life. At this stage, they're more real than anything from your real life. It's no surprise, that what fills your fading brain, becomes pure fiction. Your last goodbyes goes to 'I', 'him', 'Laurie', 'Senhor Passo', and all the more or less important other figurines through the story. In the end, they're more alive than ever. And I can stop thinking; they don't really need my brain. That's a relief. And I smile towards the sun. Or they do. I shake hands and leave the party. #mantelmomento #danielmantel #udenfilter #laurieandthestoryof #primeiroproximopasso #fiction #prose #dying #reality #famouslastwords #sun #thatoneoffhashtagialwaysuseisinthiscaselefttomyfictivepersons (The usual one-off hashtag... But not from me) #andthendarkness #happy #smile (her: somewhere nice)

Actually / Originally:. https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/07/01/den-sidste-foer-den-foerste/ (In danish, sorry) ALTERNATIVE VERSION: "Rules of Engagement": In any sport, game, combat or war there's rules. Which, more or less, nobody cares about. More specific; as on this picture, the national favorite in many countries, and with big-time profit-making outsourced variants as reality-shows and e-sport. It's a combination of soccer without ball and Custer's Last man standing-VR-game, in this case between Team Partizan Fiction and Team Torpedo For Fucking Real Not Just A Name, with the following result: 758-2. Officially authorized by some whistleblower, then quickly removed to Guantanamo by a cartoon-platoon of US Navy chopper-born SEAL's. Exchanging some weapons and tons of drugs, why missing any opportunity? It's all part of the game. But Team Fiction, represented by me as their illusive captain, has given in a protest to the asian syndicate that runs these kinds of tournaments, and also feeds people and money into any conflict. With tweets from Trump as decisive, in case of democracy. That's always a good laugh. Comradely backslapping and -stabbing, arm-punching and -twisting, all in a jolly good aftermatch-mood, filling the locked changing cages with roaring like-laughter revenge-attacks and floating bodies under the showers, that just for fun are built as replicas of complete waterboarding-setups, even with the disguising hoods and groin-gnawing unleashed dogs. The protest, concerning a so-called goal among the genuine goals for Torpedo Reality; more exactly their number 357 and 359, was given to a random picked citizen in a random country in a random world: That shows the fairness of this sport. Suicide-bombers are welcomed players, as any mercenary or just killers for a cause. We, Team Fiction, are still waiting for the random outcome of our protest: There's a lot of honor in the difference between losing 758-2 or 757-2! Really! Oh my, I do say, old chap! THAT is sportsmanship! Honor for Fiction! #https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/ #mantelmomento #danielmantel #udenfilter #primeiroproximopasso #laurieandthestoryof (her: Aarhus, Denmark)

I love barbed wire. I hate the sun. I love being kept in the dark. I hate knowing things. I love barbed wire in my eyes. I hate seeing words crawl back into themselves, but I love the blankness of innocent eyes, pretending not to understand anything. And so on. Oh, I forgot: I love lack of response. I hate being part of anything. All in all; life is almost too easy. Yeah! #love #sun #barbedwire #surface #blank #blankness #lifeisgood #laughingitoff #hugs #pretending #caring #easylife #nousualoneoffhashtagseenoreasonwhywheneverythingisjustsoniceandeasy (Usual one-off...) #laurieandthestoryof (At least less fictive than life) #danielmantel (Loving everybody) #mantelmomento #udenfilter (Of any kind! Straight and honest!) #primeiroproximopasso (Will end up loving life as I do; I can make him! Just like me...) (her: Denmark)

I know; way too many photos of sunsets... But here we go again: After almost a month with sunsets like this, and / or getting the wonder of two sunsets in one day, just by climbing a street or two in Lisbon, this guy returns to his 'native' country Denmark. Besides the expected difference in weather, scaled-up trouble in his neighbourhood, immediately being involved in readings and other litterary stuff, he couldn't understand it. WHY was it so hard to feel at home? Why all that restlessness? Why so... "Heavy" just getting through a normal day? And he even brought back (again-again; admitted!) the outline for that kinda novel he had wanted to write for years. But then he made some simple counting... He'd been away for almost a month. And "home" for just a week. No wonder he has trouble "re-adjusting" to life in Dk. It will take about the same time as he's been away. What IS a bit worrying: NO time needed to 'adjust' upon arrival at Portugal; instant feeling of being 100% 'there'; (actually felt like 'here'!). So why that needed "re-adjustment" time in his homeland? Just confusion... #castelodevide #alentejo #sunset #homeiswheretheheartis #heartache #priceoflife #horizon #perspective #laurieandthestoryof (Which seems a bit too tied to NOT being in Dk; has to be dragged across Europe just to be half remembered, despite notes and more...) #isitreallytruethathomeiswheretheheartisandthatiatsomepointleftmyheartthousandsofkmsawayfrommyhomelandthatwouldreallymakelifedifficult (Usual One-off hashtag...) #udenfilter #mantelmomento #danielmantel #primeiroproximopasso (He might have some answers...) (her: Castelo de Vide)

Ok, ok, ok... Denmark CAN be quite beautiful in june... When you ask the clouds and the sun to pull themselves together and cooperate. Then they just might bother to make a schetchy sky that's worth taking a glance at. But I really had to negotiate, being the go-between and middleman, to make clouds, sun, and suburban horizon to at least give it a try... AND a moment after that effort, the elements ofcouse hurried back to its seperate safety, leaving the sky all empty if not plain dull... (An hour later rain btw took over.) But what can you expect? This is Denmark. Where the weather changes like roll of dices... Am I being way too negative? Maybe... That will have to be my problem then. Which I suppose it is. I'm really having problems adjusting to this climate. But, as said / written: My problem. This moment though WAS nice! Trying hard to be positive... 😊 #denmark #summer #clouds #sun #åbyhøj #cloudscape #mindscape #remembering #wishing #somewhereelse #longing #likeaspoiledbraticomebacktodanishsummerandthenwishineverhadleftanothersummersomewhereinsouthofeuropenowthatisreallybeingaspoiledbratandnotgratefulatall (Usual one-off hashtag) #udenfilter #mantelmomento #danielmantel #laurieandthestoryof (Not here, except luckily still in my head...) #primeiroproximopasso (Also very far away; guess I'll have to go back and pick up his trail!) (her: Åbyhøj, Arhus, Denmark)

Just a few days ago, this was almost too hot. A very steep street, and the sun straight in my eyes. With even the coppled pavement reflecting and making me almost blind. Sweating like it was almost 40 degrees celsius in that late afternoon sun. Oh, it was hot, steep, and I couldn't even follow the lady a bit ahead. Only about 50 meters to my next waterhole, but I really cursed myself for not spending the few €'s on the tram. Yes, it was hot like fire. Even breathing was like swallowing fire... Now, really just a few days later, I LONG to be back at that tough part of that street... And being too hot for comfort, thinking bout not having spent those few €'s, and so on. Now and here everything is flat out. The pavement can't reflect anything. There's nothing to blind me. No hard breathing. Then WHY do I feel more blind. Unable to see. WHY do I feel like choking. When the air is plain normal. Why do I wish, deep inside like a scream being made and ready to burst out, that I again was climbing that coppled street, along the tracks of tram no 28... And not being here, where everything is straight forward... All the way to the flat horizon. Maybe it's no wonder why... At least not for me. #lisbon #ruadoquelhas #blinded #sun #reflections #uphill #pavement #heat #momenttoremember #wanting #tram28 #electrico28 #back #ifonly #neverforget #laurieandthestoryof (Yup, she might have walked exactly here...) #ijustwishiwasbackonthatsteephotstreetandnotinthisflatcountryandthatsthat (Usual one-off hashtag) #udenfilter (None whatsoever; black and white purely the sun and reflections...) #mantelmomento #danielmantel (Very much so!) #primeiroproximopasso (He fits in here as well...) (her: Lapa, Lisboa, Portugal)

A very small tiny cloud was badly blinded: It thought that it could sneak across the valley without being noticed. Normally it would wait untill darkness, but it wanted so much to go to town, that it simply couldn't wait. It had been some time, and the tiny cloud loved that particular village more than anything else. So it dared, impatiently, to start its returning just about a half hour too soon... And the settling sun, otherwise ready to a peaceful nights rest, saw the little sneaking cloud; caught it in the act. And then turned on the headlight. With a horrible result for the cloud: Totally blind and somewhat burned it tumbled across the sky, just trying to stay above the horizon. The suns exploding outburst was just an instant reaction, and not because the sun really wanted to hurt any cloud. Especially not such a tiny one. That only wanted to return to its beloved village. So, all in all, it was an unhappy accident, more than anything else. Things like that happens. Sadly. And not only for clouds and the sun. It's a risky life! #castelodevide #sunset #justanothersunset #cloud #oneofthosedays #lifehappens #goingtotown #onecloud #blinded #settlingsun #accident #shithappens #beautifulcollisionisthewayiwoulddescribethislittlepieceofdramafromnatureseverydaylife (Usual one-off hashtag...) #laurieandthestoryof (As always: Is somehow connected) #udenfilter #mantelmomento #danielmantel #primeiroproximopasso (Yes; he's in this too...) (her: Castelo de Vide)

This one is without the little usual more or less stupid small / short story. It is just another sunset in Castelo de Vide. Words seems not necessary. (And be warned: next I'll post a short video with... Sheep!) #castelodevide #justanothersunset #sunrays #altoalentejo #life #beingalive #feelingalive #coreofliving #being #somewhereelse #laurieandthestoryof (Is somewhere in that sunset...) #living #grateful #andwhateverhashtagiuseitwillnotcoverthefeelingofbeingalivethatigetwheniexperiencesunsetslikethisdayafterdayandevenmorebeautifuldaysandnightsforwhichicantthankthistownanditspeopleenough (Usual one-off hashtag...) #udenfilter #mantelmomento #danielmantel #primeiroproximopasso (Even he is also present...) (her: Castelo de Vide)

Sometimes, just some times... Life is plain good. Simple and easy. As if the meaning was, that we humans were supposed to just exist. Just being... Human beings. Like every day was there for you to live through, without big trouble or deep worries. Just... Be. Nothing but your senses and sensing that you're part of a world that senses you too. Without anything special about that. Just another day for you, to do whatever good. Or do nothing, if that's what you want. With other people that also just enjoy existing... But THEN you're being shallow, not thinking enough, not reflecting or considering this or that! Oh no! Then you're being naive and superficial! Even turning this very complicated life into a banality! THAT'S not allowed! You have to be DEEP! With SO many layers in your mind, that most of them are hidden. You have to be confused. LIFE has to confuse you... No such thing as just... Being! No way! That's not life! Is it? #castelodevide #alentejo #existing #justanotherday #beingalive #sun #castelo #justbeing #life #maisumdia #simplicity #laurieandthestoryof (Yes, it's in there too, as it is in almost everything...) #somedaysyoujustfeellikeyoudonthavetodoanythingtobeapartoftheworldbutopenyoursensesandbealiveanditisntevenanykindofeffortitjusthappenslikeexistinghappens (Usual one-off hashtag... #udenfilter #mantelmomento #danielmantel #primeiroproximopasso (Even he is in this too, somehow...) (her: Castelo de Vide)

https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/05/20/solhul/ You never know! What might be happening in the dark corners of a strange café in a strange town in a strange country among strangers... You can only imagine the worst. And you can all too well see it happening to you. Too. Robbery. Murder. Rape. All kinds of things you almost can NOT imagine, but only sense as a tight knot of fear in your stomach. Rising up as panic, making you unable to move. Out of harms way. And harm is surely coming... To you. All kinds of mayhem and hell on earth, so close to you, in the dark corners of the café, and coming closer... It's a question of time. And you dare not move. Even if you could, but you're paralysed by the things you know will happen to you. Right... Now! Oh no... They're purposely dragging the pain, stretching your fear. Those devils are making you go insane; you don't know when they'll hit and hurt you. Only that they will. With all the evil force they have. And they are more evil than your imagination can take. You beg; please get it done, I cannot take the waiting... #https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/05/20/solhul/ #café #imagination #darkcorners #panic #fear #theworst #intheshadows #lurking #strangers #waiting #fiction #novel #meandmystory #outofyourmind #laurieandthestoryof #andwhatreallyareinthosedarkcornersyoullneverknowuntillyoureadthatstorythatihaventevenwrittentotheendyetbutonlypartofitandindanishsosorry (Usual one-off hashtag...) #udenfilter #mantelmomento #danielmantel #primeiroproximopasso

https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/05/20/solhul/ It looked like a shortcut. It WAS a shortcut, just not to where he wanted to end up. Leaving the main road and crossing over fields with olive trees, seemed like a good idea. The weather was perfect for a trip, almost a picnic, over the rolling hills, following trails that almost weren't there or made by only sheep. Sometimes having to hike over cliffs and boulders, just made it more exciting. And he wouldn't wander astray, at least not much, since he had his goal in sight all the time. The white village and the old castle, clearly visible on the highest top, a real mountain, was a landmark ahead of him that he couldn't miss. It was just occasionally hidden by smaller hills or when the olive tress changed into more dense wilderness. The sky was blue, leaving all space to the burning sun. With just small winds stirring the olive leaves; making them look like blinking silver. Somewhere, far away, bells from sheep mixed in with the constant sound from cicadas. It was a beautiful day. And going cross-country, even a shortcut, instead of following the road with annoying traffic, was a great idea. He guessed he would be at the shining white village on the top late in the afternoon. The sun was at its highest, and he was beginning to seek the small spots of shadow from the olive tress. Drinking heavily from his bottle of water; but sweating it out even faster. He blamed it on the heat, that his eyes decieved him. He didn't seem to get any closer to the mountain. Despite getting exhausted from the walking. And the sun was making him dizzy. His white almost shining bones was found several months later. By a person taking a shortcut to the mountain. #https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/05/20/solhul/ #olivetrees #sunrays #shortcut #alentejo #laurieandthestoryof #fiction #novel #inspiration #mindscape #meandmystory #nothisisnotlikethestorythatislinkedtobutsomethingcloseenoughandwhoreallycaresanywaysincethisisjustanordinarypictureofthesunshininginthetopofanolivetree (Usual one-off hashtag...) #udenfilter #mantelmomento #danielmantel #primeiroproximopasso (her: Serra de São Mamede)

Ofcourse I can't be sure... But I guess Senhor Passo has seen this fountain too, (maybe with those rainbows also), since I now know that he went to Alentejo. Then it's hard not to pass this village. It's news to me that he, that illusive (evasive?) masterwriter was in this region. I found out that he had left Lisbon, much to my disappointment. And somehow it seemed like he left almost fleeing. Or due to a misunderstanding. I actually thought that we had some kind of agreement on meeting up. But after what I learned in that café in Rua da Rosa (yes, that IS the name) in Bairro Alto, my view on things changed. That he, a famous writer, should... But hey now! I haven't decided what happens after now, and anyway; you don't give out key-moments from your novel beforehand! So: To be... #laurieandthestoryof #primeiroproximopasso (Still not sure bout that name...) #fountain #rainbows #castelodevide #alentejo #altoalentejo #fiction #sparkling #novel #inspired #writingplace #thisisasfarasiaminthestoryandhowfarthatisiamtheonlyonethatknowsandiamnotevensuremyself (Usual one-off hashtag...) #udenfilter #mantelmomento #danielmantel (her: Castelo de Vide)

https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/05/17/dengang-engang/ #https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/05/17/dengang-engang/ "Primeiro Próximo Passo" is too strange a name. Even for the man that wrote the best book in the world. Maybe it's a 'taken' name as a writer? But still... Then again, for a portuguese it might have a slightly different meaning. Anyway. I'm sure that both Senhor Passo and Laurie has been at exactly the place on the photo. Mister Primeiro as living in Lisbon, and maybe Laurie did that too, earlier in her life. I'll ask her... In where I know she lives now. Not far away, near Estoril. So even if she only was a part-time portuguese, as so many in the Estoril-Cascais-area, she must have passed this place... I will remember to ask her! #lisbon #laurieandthestoryof #alfama #writing #fiction #novel #homeiswheretheheartis #illustration #inspiration #thisisanactualplacelikeinthelittlepieceofthestoryaboutlaurieandherwritingmasterandiamkindatrackingthembothdownandwritingaboutitundermyhuntandyesiwillsucceedonewayoranother (Usual one-off hashtag... Long one!) #udenfilter #mantelmomento #danielmantel (her: Alfama, Lisboa, Portugal)

This is what I have to go through... On my way home (yes; home!) from a café or bar to my hotel at night. And it will be cool then, only about 20 degrees celsius. At daytime, the shadows in this little parque are much appreciated; today around 30 degrees... BUT who gives a damn about the weather! Like talking about it... Yeah right... So: An "old" mobile-cam like the one in my Xperia Z5 Compact, actually makes better pictures than the (small but new) 'real' digital camera. Like the lights/shadows in this photo. Back to my troubles: This is what I have to put up with after an evening out in Castelo de Vide. A small town; population 3.500... What would "a night out" in a danish town with under 4.000 inhabitants be like? I don't wonder; I know... So why the difference? In favor of Castelo de Vide, obviously. Cultural totally other way of living. Here is actually LIFE! Also at night. "Because of the climate", some say. Well, in winter here it is (very) cold and (very) wet! I do know... I simply don't buy that 'climate-thing'. But back to my troubles... And my hotel, eventually. Then I'm supposed to write! When I can sit on my balcony, and look at the lights on the opposite small mountain, the valley, the town... And breathe that air. And... Oh, I do REALLY have a hard time... Right? No?!?! Well... #castelodevide #jardim #nightlights #night #park #paradise #streaks #nightout #culturaldifferences #portugueseculture #wayoflife #whyiloveportugal #laurieandthestoryof (It IS still there, somewhere...) #andtheniamsupposedtogotomyhotelandactuallydosomewritingwheniamalmosttoohappyafteranightoutincastelodevideanditspeople (Usual one-off hashtag...) #udenfilter (none whatsoever!) #mantelmomento #danielmantel (her: Castelo de Vide)

One of those pictures you can't take... But still just amazed by what a difference yellow (portuguese) streetlight makes compared to (danish) white... Guess I'm still stunned by the "tranquilidade" and "calme" this beautiful town makes... Guess this photo isn't worth much on Instagram, but for me, personally, it means everything. Repeat: EVERYTHING! #castelodevide #flamingobar #wayoflife #portuguese #light #writingplace #portugal #meandmymind #novel #ready #homeiswheretheheartis #myworld #writing #novel #myworld #mindspace #laurieandthestoryof (Is more and more with me...) #lifestyles #whyifeelquitesurethatmybigtimenovelwillnotonlysurvivethenexttwoweeksbutalsowillfollowmebacktodenmarkidontknowbutthistimeiamreallysure (Usual one-off hashtag...) #udenfilter #mantelmomento #danielmantel (her: Flamingo Bar)

In the evening, huge flocks of swallows are on hunt for their dinner... Any photographer knows how difficult it is to catch those very fast moving birds. So this is just a few of hundreds... Literally. Oh, and speaking of dinner... After a few Super Bock's (The name might not be... But it's very good, strong and, not at least, portuguese!), I myself will go finding a restaurant. Not that the good people of Café Central didn't offer me to join their own private dinner... Ofcourse! They are portuguese and they are friends... Amazing, compared to a certain other country where I reside when I can't avoid it, how easy you become friends here. Real friends. Ok, enough for now... WILL be continued! In proper writing. #castelodevide #cafecentral #finally #findingmyself #being #existing #ready #writingplace #startingtowrite #realthing #novel #laurieandthestoryof (Am getting closer, now present right here... Where else?!?!?) #udenfilter #mantelmomento #danielmantel (her: Café Central - Castelo De Vide)

I am lucky... Not that I'm that much into soccer, but... I was in Lisbon when Portugal became European Champions. THAT was a whole city going totally crazy! And today, again right in the spot, Benfica becomes national champions. Again, the city is going happy. (Except for those very quiet Sporting-fans...) In every public place, in most normal café's, in every parque or jardim... People are gathered to celebrate. And the whole experience is so different from Denmark. Here it's happy partying. And only that. Not frustrations and aggressive behaviour. So: More respect for a people that uses every opportunity to be happy. No matter what the "official" ranking of 'happy' countries say... (Which is a as misleading as possible...) No! I'm not that big a soccer fan. But I'm fan of a country that uses any excuse to be... Happy! #benfica #champions #lisbon #happiness #portuguese #happycountries #partytime #winners #nothingtodowithwriting #anightout #writingbreak #people #statistics #lies #campeones #celebrating #notmuch #notwriting #laurieandthestoryof (Is somehow related to this...) #howthiscountryanditspeoplemakesmewritealmostallthetimeevenwhenimjustwatchingsocceroutsideinaparcfillefwithpartyingcelebratingbenficafans (Usual one-off hashtag... VERY one-off!) #udenfilter #mantelmomento #danielmantel (her: Lisbon, Portugal)

And those random lights / shadows on the typical portuguese pavement actually helped him to continue one of the reasons he came here for: To write that (one-off again) stories that just might turn into that novel he had been rambling on about for more than a few years.... Yup; it was already beginning. The words was beginning to flow... Maybe not in a perfect way. But they were coming. In a flow like nothing before. Like something new. Like something he had'nt tried for so many years. He was... Well, happy?!?! Yes, that might be it. Plain happy. Wow... What a feeling!!! #lights #shadows #trees #lisbon #nothingreallymatters #meandmystory #laurieandthestoryof (Still somehow connected...) #pavement #sun #somewhereelse #happy #wordscometolife #thenovel #finally #sensing #feeling #happiness #writing #justanotherrandompicturefromlisbonnotmeaningalotforanyonebutme (Usual one-off hashtag...) #udenfilter #mantelmomento (her: Lisbon, Portugal)

https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/05/12/i-skrivende-nu-og-nu/ #https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/05/12/i-skrivende-nu-og-nu/ #lisbon #sun #paradise #laurieandthestoryof (Getting closer...) #prose #meandmystory #novel #thisisit #closer #literature #thepicturemightnotbemuchbutthestorybehindmeansalltomeandthenfuckyouallifyoudontunderstand (Usual one-off hashtag...) #udenfilter #mantelmomento #thenovel (her: Lisbon, Portugal)

There is an amazing skillful portuguese-guitar player, that has a view on the world not so far from mine. Some might say it is a rather pessimistic way of looking at things. If 'things' are how Europe acts within itself and with the world in general. And remember, the world is so much more than Europe. Which we have a tendency to forget, unless the subject is refugees... How sad! Anyway, we can agree on one thing, (among of lot others), that it might be too late for our generation. But we can only pray for the next, seemingly to be just a bit above profit and multinational earnings and expansions... Oh, and btw, he is a gifted by the Gods (who's or which ever) with his playing that guitar... Makes me cry. Seriously. That good. And also makes me so much more eager to continue my (judged by myself, admitted), final and all-orbiting (-can you even say that?) novel... Laurie is impatiently waiting! #fadonamorgadinha #fado #morgadinha #guitar #guitargod #alfama #lisbon #amaliarodrigues #generations #laurieandthestoryof (Somehow connected to...) #legacy #worldheritage #novel #prose #saudade #meandmystory #hopeisjusttofinishthosefewthingsthatyoureallywanttoandthenbesatisfiednotlessifyouareabletofinishyourlifeinaplacewhereguitarplayerslikethisoneplaysforfreeeverynight (Usual one-off hashtag... But a real wish!) #udenfilter #mantelmomento (her: Fado na Morgadinha)

https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/05/11/hende-laurie/ (In danish, sorry...) #https://mantelsroman.wordpress.com/2017/05/11/hende-laurie/ #laurieandthestoryof #literature #lisbon #meandmystory #start #roman #afsnit #mantel #danielmantel #fiction #novel #beginning #prose #herewego #justsomenightinlisbonthathasnotreallythatmuchwiththatnewnoveltodobutstillalittleiguess (Usual one-off hashtag...) #udenfilter #mantelmomento (her: Lapa, Lisboa, Portugal)

Maybe it was some kinda curse? Even when he went to the most wonderful place in the world, at least to him, those huge cranes kept following him... The good thing though, was that he knew that in this city they wouldn't build something completely out of sync with the surroundings. So he kept on writing this very new, very different story... Still, the world had to wait for a year or so. But then it would be surprised. REALLY surprised... #lisbon #lisboa #crane #clouds #thestory #meandmystory #prose #literature #laurieandthestoryof (Beginning to take shape... Already! But a long way to go...) #writing #inspiration #inthebeginning #gettingtoknowmystory #gettingtoknowmyself #mindscape #fiction #justonestepmore #beinghereforjusttwodaysandalreadythebigstoryinsideispressingontogetoutandeveninawaythatactuallymakesmethinkitwillhappen #udenfilter #mantelmomento (her: Lisbon, Portugal)

Now it is enough! I can't stop posting those "cute" clouds, sun, sky... It's embarrassing! It is SO not me! I should be posting all kinds of destructive, depressing, dark things. PLEASE MAKE ME! Not this kinda 'nice' neutral stuff... Ok and anyway: I'll be gone from this horrible town (NOT city...) in a very few days. THEN I can post nice photos. Because I then will be in a nice place! There's a helluva difference! REAL pictures from a REAL paradise! Lisbon and Castelo de Vide. Instead of "Aarhus2017". Can you assasinate a cultural capital? Well, at least I can try... My God, (not that I have any), how I long to be gone from this horrible town and this horrible life... Am I making fun? Well, what do you think? Sorry, I forgot: You don't think at all. Just like I try not to. End of not-much. Here's those clouds... #getoutofmyway #cloudscape #idontcare #wasteoftime #wannago #leaving #leavemealone #tired #pretending #phony #laurieandthestoryof (It WILL be part of that...) #meandmystory #notcaring #notreallymakingmydayworthanotherday #annoying #life #lifewithoutlife #soonillbeinacompletelydifferentplaceandisimplycantwaitbecauselifeandthiscountryandmostofitspeoplereallysucksandtheresnoexcuse (...Yeah, yeah, usual one-off hashtag...) #udenfilter #mantelmomento (her: FAR AWAY)