Navigating Life's Storms with Nova Meierhenrich
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Evades the Whirlwind of Public Obsession (Media Circus) - Evading Media Frenzy: Her Secret Escape Strategy
◆ Nova Meierhenrich (51): An esteemed actress, host, and devoted green-thumbed allotment enthusiast, she's currently generating a wave with her latest book, "Lebensträume," discussing her grappled journey with childbearing. Amidst the recent public commotion, she sat down for a chat at the OMR in Hamburg, sharing her thoughts on the response to her book, navigating through the media turmoil, and updates on her year's itinerary beyond her beloved allotment garden.
The whirlwind response to your new book has taken everyone by surprise. Did you expect these heights of interest?
Nova Meierhenrich: frankly, I was floored. The past eight weeks have been a swirling vortex, and I never imagined the topic would resonate so positively and spark such curiosity. I feel like I've talked non-stop about the book since then. My primary aim was to initiate a dialogue revolving around the encroachment on women's personal space, the K-question, the yearning for family, and the myriad paths leading to these complex topics. I'm happy with the response and find the empathy expressed heartwarming. Every day I read messages from women confessing, "At last, I feel understood. I'm not alone." And when I attend an event and a stranger shyly whispers a "thank you" in my ear, it moves me to tears.
Sifting through the chaos to find moments of tranquility - how do you manage?
Meierhenrich: It took time to develop this capability. Before, I'd plow through tasks, falsely believing I could shoulder everything. My body ultimately made me realize the error. It's crucial to create sanctuaries amidst the tumult. For me, my van parked outside serves as one such haven. When I yearn for the sea, I jump in the morning, drive towards the horizon, and bask in a moment of peace. If time is scarce, I head to the beach. My allotment garden is also my sanctuary, a place where I feel at home. The moment the sun breaks through, I rush there, get my hands dirty - and that's the ultimate grounding. Even reclining in a hammock straight from the airport in my travel clothes, I find solace - then I need to get started. I plunge in, spend hours there, completely immersed in my thoughts.
Is the contrast between the glamorous life of a celebrity and the earthy allotment gardening what you crave?
Meierhenrich: Absolutely. It's a refreshing break from my professional sphere. My childhood was down-to-earth, and I never deviated from that path. I didn't own Barbies; instead, I built treehouses. My holidays were in Denmark, where I saw my first palm tree at 17. I need that gritty, raw side to my life, and it continues to this day. If I can't scrub my fingernails clean, I promptly paint them red, allowing me to work in the late evening.
Do your neighbors view you as a celebrity in your allotment garden circle?
Meierhenrich: Absolutely not. They probably don't even know what I do for a living. Those who are aware, likely don't care much about it. The beauty lies in their indifference. I get along well with a few neighbors, exchanging fruits and cakes over the garden fence. There are those who embody every preconceived notion about allotment gardens. That's just part of the deal - you can't pick your neighbors.
Your gardening season is already underway. What does your allotment garden look like this year?
Meierhenrich: Currently, it's a kaleidoscope of blooming colors. The vegetables haven't made their way into the beds yet as the frost saints still haven't paid their visit in Hamburg. But everything's flowering and sprouting. Tulips are in full bloom, the grasses are growing, and the plum tree and apple tree are also in full bloom. It's an amazing phase at the moment. And then we begin to anticipate - you lay out the garden furniture, clean up, and wait for the first barbecue evening.
Does your partner, TV chef Brian Bojsen, help out in the garden work?
Meierhenrich: No, not really. (laughs) Thankfully, he'll ensure I'm well-fed in the culinary department. He has no interest in renovations, DIY, or any handwork - and I'm glad he doesn't. He's an exceptional barbecue chef, though. That makes for a great division, and it works excellently.
Tips for absolute gardening novices eager to get started?
Meierhenrich: Start by not being too perfectionistic. Gardening is subject to change, the rainfall differs from year to year. What works one year might not work the next. Relax and embrace the uncertainty. Just begin, learn by doing, and be ready for the adventure or the success to unfold.
Two: Avoid being overly artificial. Let the garden breathe and embrace its natural beauty. If a garden plot isn't an option, try placing beautiful balcony containers with tomatoes - they usually thrive. Even growing herbs on a windowsill is feasible. No matter the contained environment: jump in, play, it can't go wrong, in the worst case, it's an experience, and you adjust the next time.
Three: Don't invest much in gardening clothing! Sooner or later, you'll stumble out of your work clothes, and grass stains will take over - and your wardrobe will provide your garden wear.
Any exciting ventures beyond the allotment garden this year?
Meierhenrich: I can't reveal specifics as they're subject to change. However, we anticipate taking a long road trip to North Cape with our van for nearly a month this summer, combining it with various jobs in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway. It will serve as a farewell pilgrimage regarding our childbearing aspirations. I've been to North Cape before, but this time embodying a more positive emotion, and I'm looking forward to it.
◆ Nova Meierhenrich◆ Fame and Privacy◆ Gardening◆ Hamburg◆ Danmark◆ Women's Issues◆ North Cape
- Nova Meierhenrich was taken aback by the intense interest in her book, "Lebensträume," which touches on women's health and personal space.
- To find moments of peace amidst the chaos, Meierhenrich creates personal sanctuaries, such as her van, the beach, and her allotment garden.
- Meierhenrich's fame and glamorous life contrast sharply with her love for down-to-earth activities like allotment gardening.
- Her neighboring gardeners in Hamburg don't recognize her celebrity status and treat her as a regular neighbor, with whom she exchanges produce and pleasantries.
- This year, Meierhenrich's allotment garden in Hamburg is a vibrant display of blossoming flowers, awaiting the arrival of vegetables once the frost subsides.
- Meierhenrich and her partner, TV chef Brian Bojsen, have different roles in the relationship, with Bojsen being responsible for the cooking while Meierhenrich enjoys her gardening ventures.
- For beginners, Meierhenrich suggests learning to garden by doing, embracing the uncertainty, and avoiding overly artificial or high-maintenance gardening practices.
- In the upcoming summer, Meierhenrich plans a lengthy road trip to North Cape, blending the trip with various jobs in Denmark, Sweden, and Norway, marking a personal milestone in her life.
