Adieu, Françoise Hardy, tu es mon inspiration

If there is an artist I feel sad when she dies, it's only been one so far, she was Françoise Hardy. When I heard the news of Hardy's death, I was really sad. She is very inspiring to me, she is one of my reasons to learn about French culture and French language. 

Françoise Hardy, 1965.

Françoise was a French cultural icon, especially in the music industry. During her more than 60 years of musical career since 1962, she had released 32 albums to her listeners. She was also one of the leading figures of yé-yé movement. She was also an actress, astrologer, and writer.

Her musical style was unique to me, while most of her songs were melancholic and plaintive, that's why I like her, very touching my feelings. She was the beginning of me knowing more about French songs and also other singers like France Gall and Sylvie Vartan.

I also adore her fashion style which is also one of the things that has made her as an icon. She was a trendsetter, a muse, and a chic. She was like the blueprint for the 'french girl' style. Her style was effortless but yet so attractive and appealing, I love it. 

She was born on 17 January, 1944 and died on 11 June, 2024 at the age of 80. There's a lot I want to say about her but at least you know how I feel about her. Her legacy and influence is very big and will last for a long time, especially for those who love French culture.

Merci Françoise Hardy, je t'aime, j'aime tes œuvres, j'aime ta personnalité. Tu étais très différent des autres artistes de ton époque et même jusqu'à maintenant. Même si tu déprécie parfois tes propres œuvres, les gens t'aiment. Je veux être comme toi aussi. Reposez en paix. 🕊️

Electricity Had Been Out for Nearly A Day

Ugh, this electricity is crazy. Yesterday, the power was out for 8 hours, from around 3 pm to 11:30 pm. The electricity was on again only for an hour, from 11:30 pm to 12:30 am (today). After that the electricity continued to go out until 14:30 pm, meaning 14 hours.

It was very unpleasant. I can't do anything if there's no electricity, like taking a bath or eating, especially since it's so dark here. This outage was not citywide, only one sub-district. It's good that it's normal now.

My life is very dependent on electricity so of course I hate it when the electricity goes out. Just to write this article I need electricity, you know. I hope you understand my feelings.

It's been a long time since the electricity went out for that long, the last time was in January 2023 when there was a flood. I don't know why yesterday and today the electricity went out, if I heard correctly from my mother it was because there were repairs to the electricity pole.

In Understanding History We Must Understand It Sincerely and Honestly

In understanding history we must understand it sincerely and honestly. We must understand history completely, from the largest part to the smallest part, either holistically or reductionally. This understanding takes time, and may last a lifetime. We must always learn.

It is normal if we have certain feelings such as hatred or longing for something that happened in the past, but don't let a feeling drive you because we must always be objective. Even though it seems difficult, we must always try to be objective. Try to avoid bias, especially political bias.

Taken on Tuesday, 28 May, 2024 at 22:43 with Samsung Galaxy A05s.

Taken on Tuesday, 28 May, 2024 at 22:45 with Samsung Galaxy A05s.

Taken on Tuesday, 28 May, 2024 at 22:47 with Samsung Galaxy A05s.

Nothing is unforgivable in this world, I always believe in that. For whatever 'bad' things have happened in human history, everything is forgiven and also what will come later. Even so, these 'bad' things can happen again, back to each individual and society to prevent it from happening.

For myself, I will always try my best to make good and add beauty to the history of my life. Mainly for my personal satisfaction but at the same time it is beneficial to other individuals and society. Every individual is unique and I am unique with my property: the uniqueness of myself.

The photos in this article were first published on my Instagram account on Friday, 31 May, 2024.

It's Been A Long Time Since I Met College Friends Like This

Yokatta! It's been a long time since I met college friends like this. The last time was early 2023. So, on Tuesday, 21 May, I attended the weekly meeting of our English club by Indonesia Open University, only every Tuesday. It was so fun, I like it. 

Taken on Tuesday, 21 May, 2024 at 22:31 with Samsung Galaxy A05s.

Taken on Tuesday, 21 May, 2024 at 22:31 with Samsung Galaxy A05s.

Later I'll tell you how I got into this English club. We have a WhatsApp group and from Monday to Friday, except Tuesday, we call in the group to practice our English. I will attend this meeting every week I hope it doesn't rain every Tuesday.

This is already very good, the meeting is only every week at the branch office of Indonesia Open University in Manado, starting at 7 pm. The distance between this office and my house is also quite far, hehe. 

This makes me healthy. I meet with friends at least once a week. The main thing is that I can meet friends, it's really fun. Even though they will come and go, I'm grateful to be friends with them now. Be happy because I am happy.

The photos in this article were first published on my Instagram account on Thursday, 23 May, 2024.

The third photo is from Anna (the one who wears glasses) and the fourth, fifth and sixth photos are from Florence (the one who wears glasses and blue shirt).

Distance Learning Makes Things A Lot Easier for Me

One of the reasons I entered the Indonesia Open University (Universitas Terbuka or UT) was because this university implemented a distance learning. This makes learning flexible. This makes things a lot easier for me, especially when it comes to my health. 

Taken on Thursday, 16 May, 2024 at 16:06 with Samsung Galaxy A05s.

I've always been used to studying independently, meaning I taught myself. This made it easier for me when I entered the Indonesia Open University which indirectly requires students to study independently. I have the ability to learn independently and I am proud of it.

I told my college friends that learning is anywhere and anytime. We don't really need to set a specific time to study, but back to each individual. I learn anywhere and anytime and I thank myself for that. If we are not used to studying it will be difficult to study later.

But of course there are weaknesses to the distance learning system, especially since it depends heavily on information and communications technology (ICT). There are still many people that don't know ICT and I know ICT. I thank myself for that.

The photos in this article were first published on my Instagram account on Wednesday, 22 May, 2024.