It is the first day of spring. There has been new snow during the night but the sun is getting more powerful and all in all it is thawing. I compiled some photos from this year’s winter. We had lots of snow, and after having the first teary meltdown because of the “bloody” white masses I eventually got stronger because of all the snow shovelling. There were beautiful afternoon and morning skies, unwelcome visitors in the house stealing my night sleep and many mornings with only 8 degree celsius in my little house. Never thought I would spend another winter in this place. But it is over now.
Beste Freunde FFM
If you ever visit Frankfurt and you are looking for a fine, little place to eat I can warmly recommend “Beste Freunde“. Super tasty food prepared with the finest seasonal and regional ingredients! I had the privilege to join their oriental christmas dinner/feast during my Germany visit. Soooo delicious!!
Colours
I really like the new wall colours at my brother’s new place. They match all sorts of wood.
Almost forgotten
Before I will document the long series of culinary events during my Germany visit I have three pre-Christmas memories almost forgotten.
1. I was so lucky to find a new beautiful brickband on a loppis up north. It has been up since I got it.
2. Christmas decoration this year at my place was minimal, but of course a variety of traditional Swedish Christmas candle holders were involved.
3. Several straw-folded julbocks followed to Germany this year.
In remembrance
Cannot believe what I found today. When I was 16 years old and spent a year at a US American high school I witnessed an a cappella choir singing a song which very much touched me. Years later I asked around, trying to find out what beautiful song I half remembered but I wasn’t successful. I only remembered tiny bits of the lyrics and now I know they are part of the famous poem “A thousand winds” by Mary Elizabeth Frye.
Do not stand at my grave and weep.
I am not there. I do not sleep.
I am a thousand winds that blow.
I am the diamond glints on snow.
I am the sunlight on ripened grain.
I am the gentle autumn rain.
When you awaken in the morning’s hush
I am the swift uplifting rush
Of quiet birds in circled flight.
I am the soft stars that shine at night.
Do not stand at my grave and cry;
I am not there. I did not die.
The song I heard is part of Eleanor Daley’s Requiem: In Remembrance. And I only know because today when I put back my violin into its case I found a little hidden pocket and felt that some papers were in it. Amongst others the program of the high school event I had heard the song at. Amazing! Back at home I found the song on the internet and Spotify and I have been sitting weeping because it is so sad and beautiful.
@Dalälven
One cold afternoon in December I took these photos on my way back to Garpenberg. They are taken right at the Dalälven and I remember it was the only sunny day during the month. Magic.
Season sadness
I am actually only sitting and writing something here as this is the second time this year that I am snowed in. It is the weekend and so far no snow plow has found its way to the forest. So I am basically stuck again and took some time to sort old pictures. Even though my shoulders are aching because of all the snow shovelling it has become much more pleasant to be outside. It is actually LIGHT. Looking at these pictures I remember November and December and the many weeks of fog, rain and darkness that really gave me the blues. So three cheers to the white masses out there!
The wreath
One late afternoon in December we met at a friend’s house to craft wreaths. I had never done it before and went for a minimalistic version with rose hips that now after almost two months still look fine. They are weathering the snow and ice and when it is windy outside I hear the wreath scratching the old door.
Norrland
Two sings to like in Northern Sweden: the light and “schvuu”, norrländsk for “yes”, “ok”, “aha”, “I listen, continue to talk”, or “end of our conversation”.
Shotgun
With all that snow it is easiest to accept to be at home. One of the things I can do is play the violin and this tune makes me want to play this morning.
thelighterdays 