Discover How Our Love Transcends Time and Space in This Heartfelt Tribute
💙 Dear Beloved Community, in the spirit of our journey through love and art’s triumph over death, I am delighted to share some special artworks created by my husband, a fine artist. In addition, I am excited to present a selection of romantic love poems that I have translated from German into English. These poems reflect the depth and beauty of our enduring love. Please read till the end to see the art and experience this journey with us. Your presence and support are a cherished part of this celebration. Please let me know if you’d prefer not to be tagged in future stories. Thank you for being part of this timeless adventure with us. With heartfelt gratitude, sending you hugs. 💙🤍💎🤍💙🤍💎🤍💙🤍💎🤍💙🤍💎🤍💙🤍
Intro
Maybe fifteen years ago, our paths crossed in a dim art studio in Bucharest’s Old Town.
That day was not the day we would see one another; a full year… or more went by before our eyes locked.
Our voices resounded in the shadows as we discussed art and shared drinks.
This was incredibly inspiring — I began several projects and started writing a book.
And our relationship seemed like it had been forever.
One day, we decided to celebrate our anniversary for the full month of September, embracing the delicious unpredictability of love because we fell in love without seeing one another and without a specific moment to cherish our beginning.
We still love each other as tenderly and intensely as we did on our first day.
Don’t ask me how many pages I’ve filled with words for him, or how many metal creatures he’s created for me.
Don’t count the books or exhibitions, nor the dances I’ve performed or the songs he’s sung for me, the tears, the laughs, the dramas, or the jokes.
These deeds are eternal, just like us.
But the pandemic brought us even closer, for good.
We transcended time and space, slipping into a coma, only to return as twin souls.
Since then, we’ve embraced a healthier lifestyle, having stopped smoking and drinking.
With love’s blessing, time stopped, went backward, and bent as we wanted.
Three years ago we got married.
Even illness faded, undone by the quiet power of our bond.
To celebrate our love, I invite you to read a few poems translated by me, from German into English.
Thank you for being part of our journey!
Your support means the world to us.
Please keep reading to see some of our artistic projects — including photos of us, my husband’s art, my performance, and recent moments from last week September 7, 2024.
Your presence and encouragement keep our creative spirits alive.
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“To Ferdinand” by Sophie Albrecht (1756–1840)
Translated by Julia Kalman
You love me!
The rose blooms anew for me
In newly awakened ardor;
The songs of my grove echo for me,
The storm roars for me, the Elbe’s tide rushes:
You love me!
I love you!
Whispers through the trees are for me,
Calls of morning’s splendor reach me,
And in life’s tiniest seed,
In twilight, in black midnight:
I love you!
You love me!
The fullness of all creation
Belongs to us alone.
Life’s pulse, once so still,
Now throbs fervently through nature’s veins:
You love me!
I love you!
Enfolded in your arms,
I feel immortal;
Pierced by your love’s kiss,
No shroud envelops the ecstasy:
I love you!
You love me!
The cold hour of death
Melts the fervor of our hearts!
The flames in the bond of our souls
Are not extinguished by death — nor by Lethe’s black flood:
You love me!
Sophie Albrecht (1756–1840) was a German actress, poet, and writer born in Erfurt, renowned for her remarkable path through love and creativity.
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“I Love You” by A. H. H. von Fallersleben (1798–1874) Translated by Julia Kalman
It seems to me, I must always say:
I love you,
And dare not dare to speak out:
I love you.
The May breezes whisper again,
I listen,
And all the blooming branches lament:
I love you.
The birdsong has awakened,
I listen,
And all the nightingales sing:
I love you.
So ask the breezes, ask the flowers,
All the birds,
Perhaps they will tell you for me:
I love you.
I wander far from you and have
Only one comfort
In these beautiful spring days:
I love you.
German poet August Heinrich Hoffmann von Fallersleben (April 2, 1798 — January 19, 1874) was well-known for his children’s and patriotic poetry, which includes “Das Lied der Deutschen,” whose third stanza served as the country’s anthem.
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“The Violet” by Johann Wolfgang Goethe
Translated by Julia Kalman
A violet on the meadow’s land,
Bowed down, unknown, unseen to thee;
A sweet, dear violet, so grand.
Then came a shepherdess, carefree,
With steps light and spirits free,
There, there, she wandered, and sang.
Ah! thinks the violet, if only I were
Nature’s loveliest, beyond compare,
Ah, just a little while, let me be,
Until plucked by my love, tenderly,
And pressed against her bosom fair!
Ah, just, ah just, a quarter hour free!
Ah! But alas! the maiden came,
Unaware, she trampled its frame,
Crushed the poor violet, oh so rare.
It drooped and died, yet found delight,
For if I die, I die tonight,
By her, by her, at her feet, I fare.
Johann Wolfgang (von) Goethe (1749–1832) was a towering figure in German literature and thought. His diverse talents spanned poetry, plays, novels, scientific inquiry, and philosophical reflection, shaping Western culture from the late 18th century onwards.
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“Love” by Friedrich Wilhelm Gotter (1746–1797) Translated by Julia Kalman
Oh, what is love
For a sweet thing!
Carefree, like children,
It leads us through life.
Our whole life
Flees faster with it,
Than without love
Did a day pass!
Oh, what is love
For a sweet thing!
Oh, what is love
For a sweet thing!
It gives courage for work,
Helps us accomplish it.
Our duties become a garland of flowers,
And on love’s throne
Hangs the ring of the garland.
Oh, what is love
For a sweet thing!
Oh, what is love
For a sweet thing!
Our soul rises
On its wings,
Our soul hovers,
Newly revived by it,
Over valley and hill,
Like a butterfly.
Oh, what is love
For a sweet thing!
German poet and dramatist Friedrich Wilhelm Gotter, who lived from 3 September 1746 to 18 March 1797, was renowned for his lyrical and tragic compositions.
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Photo Gallery
his photo gallery takes you through our shared journey from 2017 to 2024, with the chiaroscuro image being the most recent.
It features highlights from my book launches, readings, and other literary events, alongside Dan Botezan’s art exhibitions.
Dan’s stunning artwork, which I’ve proudly featured on my book covers, and the collaborative performances we created together, enrich the narrative of our creative partnership.
Each image captures our joint accomplishments and the seamless blend of our artistic worlds, celebrating our combined journey through art and literature.
Art by Dan Botezan
Images by Ada Pelin, Images Luna Popescu , Images by Mark Perpits, Images by Julia Kalman.
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Please, clap, engage, and stay tuned for the next story…! Most importantly, a heartfelt thank you to every one of you. Your incredible support means the world to… us.
Julia Kalman 