Nobody knows

Yesterday, the Japanese movie 'Nobody knows' was on Belgian television. A heart-wrenching movie about four children abandoned by their mother and living on their own in an apartment in Tokyo. Yuga Yagira, who played the eldest brother, rightly won an award for Best Actor in Cannes 2004 for his outstanding performance.

The movie is based on a true story and, as one can imagine, is not exactly a 'feel good-movie'. However, there are moments of happiness, even in the lives of these kids. Watching the movie, one easily 'becomes' the oldest brother, desperately trying to cope, trying to stay afloat. The responsibility he feels, the struggle, but also moment os fun with other children, the relief when there is a bit of money or some other stroke of luck.

The movie shows one thing extremely clearly: 'making' children is one thing, taking care of them quite another.

Book tip of the week

Although admittedly books are not the answer to every question in life, I believe great comfort can be found in them. Whether one is looking for escapism or learning, for thrills or handy hints, for beautiful pictures or beautiful turns of phrase.

My advice this week is:
Take a look at : What Would Budha Do at Work? By Franz Metcalf and BJ Gallagher Hateley, a book full of practical wisdom and inspiring quotes.

We all need new inspiration from time to time, and inspiration comes from many places. From other human beings and from nature, notably. But also, quite simply, from books.