For Germans, it’s bad luck to say Happy Birthday the day before someone’s actual birthday. I am unclear on the rules for the day after, but exceptions we may make.
Yesterday, Audre Lorde turned 87. It is a birthday which she shared with the late and great Toni Morrison. But on the day after Audre’s birthday, and much of the days leading up to it, I kept wondering and then finding a path in her work. This is no surprise, and many of you are like me in that way. You seek, and you find, and that is the power of language so many years later. The longing for Berlin this week (despite its continuous lockdown) was an aspect of Audre’s birthday I didn’t expect. I am craving the city, my friends, and the ease that comes with moving as a body around it however slow I’d like.
I was watching a clip of The Berlin Years where Gloria Joseph, rather passionately, explains that Berlin, added years to Audre’s life. It is a fact I believe on many accounts.
While there are countless new movies to watch on Netflix and Hulu, I will be spending this Friday night watching The Berlin Years, which is now available on Vimeo to buy or rent. A viewing in honor of Audre Lorde, and all, the women she taught and teaches along the way.
Other May I Suggest posts right here. Photos via The Berlin Years / Dagmar Schultz.
LaTonya, I am excited to watch this documentary! Great recommendation and HBD Audre Lorde. ❤️
Hi Amanda! Yay, I hope you enjoy!
xo
L
As a German I’m happy to assure you, that congratulating AFTER the birthday is perfektly fine and even expected. But instead of “Alles Gute” (Happy Birthday) we wish “Alles Gute nachträglich” (Belated Happy Birthday). Strange, I know. ;D
And apart from that, thanks for the film recommendation. 🙂
ahh! thank you, Frieda!!!