Unconditional Love, Boundless Freedom & The Mailman's Moped:

Grandfather Leopold Schaudy

Growing up there, childhood was defined by pure, natural play—from games like Oazeckerln in open fields to exploring the quiet corners of the countryside.
A central figure of my early years was my grandfather, Leopold Schaudy. Well known as the local mailman and a passionate musician in the Wilfersdorf brass band (Musikverein Wilfersdorf), he knew virtually every family and their stories. Together with my grandparents, I went on countless excursions and bus tours that expanded my horizon.
One of my favorite stories from my kindergarten days in Wilfersdorf: my granddad would often give me a ride to kindergarten on the luggage rack (Packlträger) of his mail service moped—which, of course, was strictly forbidden! Occasionally, the local gendarme caught us red-handed. But more often than not, I was too quick: at the first sign of danger, I’d leap off the moped, dive into the bushes near Wilfersdorf Castle, hide until the coast was clear, and then proudly walk the remaining few steps to kindergarten on my own.
My grandparents loved me to tears while giving me complete freedom to discover the world at my own pace.

Educational Empathy & Lifelong Gratitude: Mrs. Zisch (Wilfersdorf, 1971)

That freedom extended into my very first steps at school. In 1971, starting primary school in Wilfersdorf, I was extraordinarily lucky to have Mrs. Zisch as my first-grade teacher. At a time when left-handed children were routinely forced to write with their right hand—often leading to speech impediments like stuttering—Mrs. Zisch protected my natural inclination because her own daughter was left-handed. Being allowed to remain authentically left-handed preserved my intuitive, visual creative flow.
Out of deep gratitude, I continued to visit Mrs. Zisch every summer during the school holidays for many years, always bringing her a homemade cake to share stories and stay connected.

A Dog Bite & A Handy Compass

First grade brought another unforgettable turning point: on the walk home, I often accompanied a classmate to her house, where her family owned a black dog. One afternoon, playing a bit too intensely with him, he bit the back of my right hand, requiring stitches.
To this day, I am profoundly grateful to that dog! From that moment on, that small mark meant I ever since instantly knew which way was "right." It made my life easier countless times—especially during my driving test, where instant directional responses to the examiner's commands were crucial. Without a driver's license, my life's journey would have taken a very different turn! ?

Elegance, Inspiration & Tactile Guidance: Aunt Wanda Brunner

Another pivotal mentor was my chosen aunt, Wanda Brunner, who also lived in Wilfersdorf. She was a magnetic figure I deeply admired and aspired to be like: whenever she entered a room, time itself seemed to stand still, and all eyes naturally turned to her captivating presence. I considered myself incredibly fortunate to later choose her as my confirmation sponsor (Firmpatin).
As a dedicated kindergarten professor, she noticed my dyslexia as it became apparent in my early school years. Drawing on her rich access to educational resources and tactile learning tools, she developed a tailored training program for me. Through engaging, hands-on techniques, her patience and striking presence helped me overcome these learning challenges while laying the groundwork for my lifelong connection to tactile materials, forms, and creative expression.