What I do is art

Today I started thinking that in reality, there is no difference between being a researcher and being an artist. Artist are people that look at the world through their own perspective, that see things that others don't, and that are able to translate that into movement, be that with paint, words or their own bodies (or an instrument).

Researchers look at the world differently than 'normal people'. We have special eyes to see, special senses to understand and a different mindset that allows us to focus on something and figure out what is behind it, to grasp that which is beyond what other people understand. We find something and then we take it apart... just to put it together later, not as it was originally, but channeled through our experience with that object.

As I pondered these thoughts, I realized that I think of myself as a writer. I approach my research as I think other writers do: it is inspiration, a good eye and lots of hard work that make a good paper. Isn't it the same with stories or novels?

I am a writer, and my research is art. I put puzzles together, and then I take them apart.

A Swedish sock

Every year, I set some personal and professional goals for myself. Last year I wanted to do most of the fieldwork for my thesis, submit my first paper and take most of the class credits I need for my PhD.Those were my school/professional ones.I accomplished all of them and are well on my way for 2010!

Among my personal goals was learning how to knit a sock. I've always loved knitting, but one can only make so many scarfs and other 'flat knitting things'. This year, when my advisers came to visit me in Guatemala I got surprise: my new adviser Kj would gladly teach me once we were both in Umea.

So I started. I had much to learn because I had never used five needles at the same time. However, practice and perseverance go a long way. Today, while on the plane to Bergen I finished my first sock EVER! It won't have a partner, as it was just a practice run, but I am very proud of myself and can't wait to do many, many more!

A very good present indeed

I should be finishing up one of the chapters for my thesis now. However, I got a present from one of my advisers today and I am so happy I just needed to 'write it out'.

So today I got a cook book: 'Swedish cakes and cookies'. It has hundreds of recipes to make all sort of Swedish desserts, and even some variations on cakes I already know how to make.

Have to go back to writing now, but this weekend you will find me in the kitchen making cookies!