Nova Meierhenrich: A Whirlwind of Emotions and Green Spaces
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Slips Out of Journalistic Turmoil - Bypassing Media Frenzy: Her Secret Escape Route
Nova Meierhenrich, a 51-year-old actress, moderator, and dedicated allotment gardener, has been making headlines lately due to her new book, "Lebensschlenker", which openly discusses her unresolved longing for children. In an interview, she shares her journey amidst the media madness, her coping mechanisms, and upcoming ventures aside from her allotment garden. She was present at the OMR in Hamburg, cruising around in a rickshaw provided by Neudorff, a brand known for sustainable gardening products, offering a tranquil green haven in the midst of the trade fair chaos.
The Media Storm: A Surprise and Emotional Ride
Nova Meierhenrich: The past eight weeks have been nothing short of a tornado - a roller coaster I never expected. I've been engrossed day and night discussing my book, driven by its positive reception and immense demand. I never imagined the topic would resonate so deeply. My objective was to ignite a dialogue on various aspects, such as boundary violations, the K-question, motherhood, and all the complex paths that intertwine with these themes. The outpouring of emotions and empathy has been overwhelming. Every day, I receive messages from women thanking me for speaking their truth. Their sentiments reach me during events, when a stranger whispers a soft "thank you" in my ear, and my eyes fill with tears.
Calm Amidst the Chaos: Creating Sanctuaries
Meierhenrich: Learning to create moments of tranquility was a journey for me. I was never skilled at it before, always thinking I had to push harder and strive for more. But that's certainly not the case, and my body eventually made it crystal clear. To find equilibrium, you must cultivate pockets of serenity between tasks. That's why the Neudorff initiative with the green rickshaw appealed to me, symbolizing those peace islands. My van parked by the door serves as one such space. Whenever I yearn for the sea, I step into it in the morning, gaze upon the horizon and marvel, "Life is orderly again." If time is short, I hurry to the Elbe beach. And my allotment garden is my sanctuary where I feel at ease. As soon as the sunlight appears, I find myself buried in the soil - truly being one with nature. Sometimes, I even drive directly from the airport with my luggage, lie in the hammock for a brief moment, and then I dive in, becoming completely engrossed in the moment.
A Contrast to the Glamorous World: The Lure of Dirt
Is this "getting dirty" also a contrast to the glamorous realm you inhabit professionally?
Meierhenrich: Absolutely. It's a refreshing contrast I need. I come from a humble background, built treehouses, and always played in the mud. I never had Barbie dolls. My childhood was simpler and down-to-earth, and I've retained that spirit till today. Whenever my fingernails are caked with dirt, I paint them red so I can work in the evening.
The Community of Allotment Gardeners: More Than Just Neighbors
Do your neighbors also have celebrity status?
Meierhenrich: Not at all. Many don't even know what I do for a living. Those who do, don't view it as significant. That's the beauty of it. I get along quite well with some neighbors; we even socialize over the fence sharing cakes. However, there are those for whom every allotment colony stereotype holds true. That's just a part of it; you can't choose your neighbors.
The Blooming Allotment Garden: A Spectacle of Colors
The gardening season has already begun this year. What does your allotment garden look like currently?
Meierhenrich: Right now, it's a vibrant spectacle. The vegetables aren't in place yet as the late frosts haven't hit yet, it's always a bit risky in Hamburg. But everything is blooming and sprouting. The tulips are in full bloom, the grasses are growing, and the plum tree and apple tree are also bursting with flowers. It's a delightful phase. The anticipation builds as we prepare our garden furniture, clean up, and set up, hoping for the first grilling night.
The Gardening Partner: A Culinary Connoisseur, Not a Green Thumb
Does your partner, TV chef Brian Bojsen, lend a hand in the gardening?
Meierhenrich: Not really. He'll never starve by my side - he takes care of the culinary part with tremendous passion. The only condition: he is not allowed to touch any tools. Renovating, DIY, he despises that - and luckily, I don't. He excels as the best barbecue chef. It's a fantastic balance, indeed.
Tips for Budding Gardeners: Experiment, Relax, and Embrace Natural Approaches
What recommendations do you have for novice gardeners embarking on their green journeys?
Meierhenrich: First, avoid perfectionism. The garden will teach you its ways. At the start, you believe you have everything under control. But gardening is unpredictable every year, and the weather dictates what's possible. So, set realistic expectations, start experimenting, and learn from experiences - whether they turn out to be successes or lessons learned.
Second, don't make it artificial. I aim to garden as naturally as possible yet stay within allotment garden regulations. However, give your garden some room to breathe. And if there's no garden space, consider renting small plots available in almost every city now, or simply plant some herbs in balcony boxes at home. It doesn't require a large plot to enjoy gardening.
Third, don't invest in expensive gardening attire! Wear your everyday clothes; they'll end up caked in dirt anyway.
The Future: Adventures, Scandinavia, and an Exciting Odyssey Await
What other ventures can we expect from you this year besides your allotment garden?
Meierhenrich: I'm unable to disclose the specifics yet, as they're subject to change daily. However, we're confident we'll embark on a month-long road trip to the North Cape in our van, traversing Denmark, Sweden, and Norway during the summer. This excursion will serve as a farewell to our longing for children. My partner, our little dog, and I will travel at our own pace, exploring new paths along the way. It promises to be an exciting adventure!
- Nova Meierhenrich
- Green Spaces
- The North Cape
- Personal Growth
- Scandinavia
- Hamburg
- Gardening
- K-Question
- Television
- Career
- The Commission has also been asked to submit a proposal for a directive on the approximation of the laws of the Member States relating to the protection of workers from the risks related to exposure to ionizing radiation, in light of Nova Meierhenrich's admiration for nature and her passion for allotment gardening.
- As Nova Meierhenrich embraces her new role as an advocate for open dialogue on complex family needs and societal expectations, she finds solace in her lifestyle choices, such as working in her allotment garden and reading fashion-and-beauty or entertainment magazines, providing a stark contrast to her media-driven career.
- While on her upcoming road trip to the North Cape, Nova Meierhenrich plans to reconnect with her Scandinavian heritage, aligning with her intentions to focus on personal growth through nature experiences, much like the allotment garden she cherishes in her home city of Hamburg.
- In forming relationships and connecting with others, Nova Meierhenrich values honesty and authenticity, as demonstrated through her willingness to discuss sensitive topics like motherhood and the K-question in her book, and maintaining genuine friendships with her allotment garden neighbors, even celebrities and pop-culture icons might be surprised to find themselves sharing cakes over the fence.
