On life, politics and chicken pox

These past few months have been wonderful and hectic. I did a super interesting and intense journey in the US before the midterm elections - where I wrote about many things from the proposal to legalize marijuana in California to poverty, unemployment and president Obama. Back in Sweden I´ve juggled everyday life with our beloved girls (home work, fencing, gymnastics, choir performances, chicken pox and beautiful Lucias) with full time work, my equally beloved husband and trying to care for my dear friends as well as my body and soul (best done through yoga, sour dough bread and disco dancing). I turned 40 on a beautiful beach far, far away, under the stars and surrounded by family.
I have a feeling I smile more often, and that I´m slightly less stressed. Awake alone the night after Christmas Day I think about all the eyes I´ve looked into these past few months - about the hope and sparks I´ve seen in them. I also think about the strength of willpower, about giving and receiving blessings and about saying grace. And I remind myself to sometimes in the middle of the night whisper a word of tenderness to the sleeping body next to mine.

PS A few days ago I made a Christmas interview with Swedens prime minister Fredrik Reinfeldt. He told me that he spoils himself by listening to hockey on the radio. The knowledge that a good game will be on that night can keep him working for hours and hours. Joy can be found in small things :)

On the hunt for Obama and Clinton

Long time not blogging - again. But now I decided to jump right back into it, since I´m doing an exciting journey, covering some of the US primary elections for TT.
After three days and very many texts from South Carolina I´m about to fly up to New York. But first a few reflections:
-Barack Obama is an extremely inspiring speaker. I thought the roof would fly off when he gave his victory speach last night here in Columbia. While going to the convention center I heard calls from all over the city going "Fired up, ready to go". I got goose bumps, because in Sweden I seldom see people so excited over politics. The night before I was trying to get into Obamas rally, but it was full. However in the long line people were singing, chanting and expressing such entusiasm that it touched me. Likewise was I toughed when I read Caroline Kennedys colum in the New York Times today, endorsing Obama. It´s true that the US more than anything now needs an inspiring, ethical leader that can unite.
-The night before the election I heard Hillary Clinto speak at the democratic stump meeting. She was also very impressing. She swept onto the stage with a grounded, positive Madeleine Albright-alike radiance. I got a sincere impression, she really, really wants to make this country better.
When it comes to the issues all the democrats have good agendas. Therefore this election is more about character and individual qualities. That makes it even more interesting.