“Mediocrity is a form of madness, a dream embraced by the masses because it makes just getting by an acceptable — sometimes applauded — social art form. What is excellent requires extra effort. To agree to sleep our way through life is to lose everything, because it rules out the possibility of our soul’s awakening.”

-Guy Finley

Reflections of winter

The above quote sums up why I haven’t been here so much lately. I am striving beyond mediocrity in my career for the time being. My new position is making demands on my creativity, problem solving ability, mental and physical energy. However this quote describes why I still love doing this. It is becauseI am constantly challenging myself to grow and to learn, and to do things I am not quite sure I can I can’t be equally active in all areas of life, however. So if I don’t post as often as I feel I should, or would like, I hope you know that I am still here and following along anyway

On Thursday we had the pleasure of meeting up with five blogger friends to plan for the Oslo Blog Gathering 2010 which is taking place this summer in August. We have had so much fun meeting others who enjoy blogging as much as we do that we decided to invite as many as possible to hook up with us for 4 days of fun here in Oslo. Last summer we were lucky enough to be invited to visit Claudie and Pierre, and we had TorAa with his wife Anna, and Mrs and Mr Lifecruiser staying there as well. It was really a great deal of fun to meet people which we have had contact with over several years in person and have some off line experiences with them too. I suppose bloggers are pretty social people by nature, otherwise we wouldn’t be putting ourselves out on the net all the time in order to meet and share with others.

And so the plan was hatched, sometime in 2008 that we would invite some friends the summer after we visited Claudie. The list grew and grew, and we naturally invited Tor into the planning since we have had contact with him even before we started as bloggers. It wasn’t very long before we realized that we could not have this event at our home, because we simply wouldn’t have room to invite everyone we wanted to meet. So the search began for accomodations.

Norway is currently the most expensive city in the world to live in or visit, so this made it a challenge to find a good place to stay at a price which was affordable for everyone. After searching high and low, and a lot of telephone calls we finally found a hotel which was excited about our project. First Hotel Millennium seemed really to understand what we were trying to do. In addition booking could go through VisitOslo, our local tourism bureau, so that we don’t have to get involved in the money in any way. We don’t want that responsibility, thank you very much!!

Planning party for the Oslo Blog Gathering 2010

Renny has also worked on the program and convinced VisitOslo that this was a project worth their time and creativity, so we have brought them on board as well. There is a little fee to join the gathering, but I hope everyone understands that we are not involved financially at all. The fee covers things like the reception at the city hall, and VisitOslo’s assistance including the OsloPass which gives us access to all museums and public transportation for free! Plus they threw in the guided bus tour which will pick us all up right in front of the hotel.

What I am looking forward to most is to meet everyone. After writing to some of these bloggers for many years it is really exciting thinking that we will get to meet in person. It seems to be more and more common for people to meet in real life after having contact online. I have never been disappointed meeting my online friends. In fact most of the time I have been pleasantly surprised that we have even more in common than I originally thought.

This time was no different. We met up with Corinne from Northern Natterings, BB from A Canadian in Norway, TheWriter1978 from An Alien in Copenhagen, Cairo Typo from Wandering the World, and of course TorAa from TorAas Mirror was there too. With a little tapas and a little wine the enthusiasm was high from both the bloggers, and the hotel staff. Believe me, this will be an event you will remember!!! Hope many more decide to come!!! If you want to meet some new friends from around the world, then come join the party! Like reading blogs but don’t have one yourself? It’s okay for you to come too, blogging will of course be a theme but we are open to active users of other social media like Facebook and Myspace as well. Just get in touch if you are interested, okay.

For more info on Oslo Blog Gathering 2010 click here!!!

This weekend we had the most incredible weather. A steady wind from the North has brought us a perfect winter this year. First we got a good coating of snow from the 23rd of December through the New Year, which have been combined with very cold weather. (-15 degrees to -22 degrees Celsius.) These conditions create beautiful scenery when the entire world is coated in snow and ice, and looks almost magical.

Slunrise over Kalvøya

Saturday morning we got up ‘early’ (sunrise about 9:10 am hahaha) the temperature the first day was -20 but we know how to dress for the winter conditions so we had really a lovely time outside. We went to take pictures of Kalvøya island, in the Oslo fjord at sunrise, and then since the sun rises so slowly in the winter time we also went to Frogner Stranden, a harbour area on the outskirts of Oslo. I had suggested this place because I noticed the icy fog on the water the day before and I hoped that we would have as good conditions again.

Beautiful morning sky

Our trip was so successful, with literally hundreds of photos to choose from, so we had to take another trip out today. We knew that this kind of conditions might not last, and they make for perfect photographic conditions. Many others were outside today enjoying the sunshine and the crisp fresh air along the coastline.

Magical ice crystals

We went first to Bygdøy in the area of the Shipping historical museum, Kon Tiki Museum, and the Polar Expedition Museum. Here there is a nice water area where we took a lot of nice photos, and I took some video of Renny. He was really down at the edge of the water, fascinated by the ice, and apparently not worried about any risk to himself! Well, he did not fall, and eventually I was drawn down to the waters edge by my own competitive nature, but icy it was indeed. Here is a little video of Renny challanging the elements.

Afterwards we went to Huk beach on the other side of the same island. Here there were many more families enjoying the natural surroundings and the remarkable weather. As you can see the photographic conditions were outstanding too, and there is a bit of video from there as well.

Romance in winter

Photohunting

Both places are near Oslo, and will be easily available for the Oslo Blog Gathering. Of course it will also be a bit warmer in the middle of summer. I recommend that you drop in and visit RennyBA to see his catch of the day, in our photo hunt of course! And enjoy the wonderful weather wherever you are!! Here is one last video from Huk!

A poem as the new year approaches.

Happy New Year 2010

“At the sound of the tolling midnight bell a brand new year will being. Let raise our hopes in a confident toast, to the promise it ushers in.

May your battles be few, your pleasures many, your wishes and dreams fulfilled. May your confidence stand in the face of loss and give you the strength to rebuild.

May peace of heart fill all your days, may serenity grace your soul. May tranquil moments bless your life and keep your spirits whole.”
Unknown

Wishing you all a wonder and safe New Year’s Eve. Thank you to everyone who makes this blog so special to me!

In Norway the week between Christmas and New Years has a name, something which I think is quite handy, it is called Romjul. In earlier centuries Norway celebrated Christmas from Christmas eve to Holy three Kings day (January 6), and Romjul were the days from the Holy Christmas days until January 6th. Now however most of the celebration lasts only until January 1.

Snowy trees in Mariestad

Romjula for many in Norway is a time for Christmas peace at home, many take vacation, and the schools are closed. Many families use this time for visiting and enjoyig special Christmas foods like rice porridge, gingerbread and glazed toasted almonds. Romjula can be a quiet time indoors with a lot of eating, but also walks outdoors for fresh air, reflection and contemplation play a roll. Many families go skiing or enjoy their holiday at their cottages in the mountains.

Before, it was also customary to visit the neighbors singing Christmas songs and receiving cookies and cakes in return for the concert. Now a days the newer tradition is to crush and eat the gingerbread house the family has made during Christmas. More and more people in Norway travel abroad for Christmas and New Year celebrations, and romjula has become the high season for many resorts.

Fireworks and Sweets at Åkes

Each year we spend romjula in our vacation home in Sweden. Even if there is snow the trip went slow but safe over the boarder to the place we call our little Paradise. My two sons are along for the trip, even though my oldest has moved out to study, he is now home for the holidays. We use this time to rest up after a hectic season before Christmas, and to build bonds and good memories with the family.

Among the activities which are the highlight of this period is the annual New Years Party which is a fast event here. We gather with our neighbors and everyone takes something with them to celebrate the evening. We usually provide some champagne and the fireworks. Hop on over to RennyBA’s Terella to see how we buy the fireworks which we send up ourselves!

Pretty pink Swedish godis

While in this shop buying fireworks I found something else to take pictures of as well. Christmas is also one time of the year many loosen up their health restrictions and eat a bit of candy, Sweden is king of loose candy, or godis as it is called here. The Swedes are considered the best in the world to eat and make bulk candy. Each Swede ate approximately three kilograms of candy per person last year, a total 24,000 tonnes.

Just about one quarter of the selection

I didn’t buy any of this pretty candy, I just liked the colors for photographic purposes. I don’t crave this kind if candy but if it is in the house I will eat it! So we will buy a little bit tomorrow to celebrate New Years Eve but when it is eaten up it isn’t invited back into the house for a while! Mostly because Renny and the boys can eat a bit and leave it however I sneak out to the dish time after time.

Pretty colors, lots of sugar

We are enjoying a peaceful vacation – well except for the boys who are hold up in their room with their playstation 3 blowing people up in some video game or another….this I will never understand. However they did play online with a friend they have known since they went to the same babaysitter together when they were small, a friend who lives in NY while they were here in Sweden, and that part of it is kind of nice! Hope all of you are having a lovely holiday season, or Romjul as it is called here.

Although I have been working at the women’s shelter the last two years, I have to say this year was especially affected by my work. For one thing I am now working in the daytime so a lot of responsibility had to be shared by my husband and my sons. Another thing is that my job is following up families with children who have lived at the center, and just before Christmas that isn’t the easiest job in the world.

However there are many reasons which I do love my job, and am grateful for the life I have here and now. My day started with the promise of a White Christmas. Although I left for work at 9 am this morning the sun was not yet up, and the soft colors of dusk filled the air and filled my heart with Christmas spirit. I ringed Renny and told him that he just had to go out and take some photos today, the results of which you may see here!

I have also spent the past few days making sure Christmas will be good for as many people as possible. I have been active in organizing the Christmas celebration at the center, and packed many presents for children of all ages. For the families I follow up I have been taking some of the children out to find gifts for their mom’s, and making sure everyone has something to open on Christmas day.

Dawn, December 24

We also had to make sure that a nice dinner was served for everyone at the shelter and all our guests who have lived there earlier. Since many of the women are immigrants and don’t eat traditional Norwegian Christmas food we had to find something more to their liking. Therefor I was up until 1 am last night making 20 lbs of chicken curry, and cooked up an entire bag of saffron rice to go along with it.

Saffron rice with raisins, cashews and Indian spices

Don’t worry there are other angels at the shelter and three other dishes were made by employees, and many more by the ladies of different cultures living with us. Even though some of them were Muslims, they threw themselves into the spirit and join in the festivities…as long as we don’t feed them pork!

Chicken Curry, without the extra sauce

All the children were so excited about Santa coming, and I enjoyed picking out gifts even to my adorable little 5 month old pal, who got some new rattles and a those great keys to chew on while he is working on his first set of teeth. The mothers received gifts from the largest cosmetic seller in Norway, plus The Body Shop, and Mary Kay (so everyone will be looking smart for Christmas Day!) Working here reminds me how greedy many of us can be, and how small things can bring so much happiness when you can’t afford everything you want. At least all my girls have everything they truly need, and for that I am grateful.

On the home front Renny made the traditional pork rib on “little Christmas Eve”, and made our yearly Lutefisk dinner this evening. Justin and Kyle were put to work vacuum cleaning, and dusting the furniture, decking the table and washing the bath. My family had done a fabulous initiative so that I could be out in the world helping others, and in that way they are a part of my work too.

This years Christmas Tree, beautiful as always!

And now I have over a week off to recover. I will go back to work the Monday after New Years, and well deserved since I have worked overtime everyday the last two weeks! I wish you all a Merry Christmas wherever you are. Remember how lucky you are to have a home, remember how lucky you are to have a family, you can lose everything in the blink of an eye. Never take it for granted – remember that you have what you need! And if you don’t, reach out for help and somebody like me will be there, have faith!

Powerful and moving stories from women and children fleeing from their own family, concerned Queen Sonja when she visited Oslo women’s shelter Tuesday.

After just a bit of caos in planning and preparing the past few weeks I am finally able to tell our little secret. The Crisis Center had a planned visit from the Norwegian Queen as a special gesture before Christmas. The children were so excited as we prepared and decorated, made a painting as a gift and baked lots and lots of gingerbread for her visit. (Foto: Bjørn Sigurdsøn)

Queens Sonja and Inger Lise W. Larsen, lederen for Crisis Center decorate gingerbread

The Queen explains it this way: “I came because I think it is important to see the various problems we struggle with in the community. This is violence of various sorts and we must see that it is stopped, “said a clearly affected queen after her visit to Oslo Crisis Center.

The Queen herself wished to visit the crisis center, which has nearly 50 residents approximately half of which are children, since it is now just before Christmas. She brought with her a basked with sweets for young and old alike. The Queen spoke at length ith two of the young women. A mother with four children and a young woman from Pakistan who was forced into an arranged marriage here in Norway.

“This visit has shown me that there are strong women, with a different background than our own, who have managed to escape their situation and which have faith in their own life, “said the Queen.

The young Pakistani woman, “Samina” lives in hiding for fear of being murdered after she ran away from her husbands family. She was forced marriage with a Norwegian-Pakistani man who did not want to marry her. After daily beating and an unsuccessful suicide attempt her only way out was to flee to the crisis center.

“I would never have believed that the Queen of Norway will cry for my sake. I told her my story and I cried. Then she wept, too. It was very beautiful,” said ”Samina” (all quotes taken from NTB)

We thank Her Royal Highness for visiting us, and would like to say that everyone this very pleased with the visit at a wonderful, and difficult time of the year for families in crisis.

As most of you already know I am a lover of the theater. In the past 12 months I have seen Les Miserables, Mamma Mia, Jesus Christ Superstar, and now this past week I saw Cats. What do these four plays have in common? Lets see, oh yes THEY’RE ALL MUSICALS! Because I love music too, and dance, and live stage. So if you are like me, Oslo is the place to be. At least here in Norway. We have a little over 6 theaters in the local area, mostly kept in the classic style. And if you are a dancer or an actor Oslo is also the place to be because it is here we have the best directors, and the best opportunities on the scene.

Cats

Based on “Old Possums Book of Practical Cats” by  T. S. Elliot, Cats first opened in the West End in London in 1981 and has been one of the most popular musicals ever since. The London Production ran for 21 years, and on Broadway Cats ran for 18 years in a row! And when you see it you can understand why, in fact I have seen it twice myself. Since it has been seen around the world and translated into over 20 different languages (including Norwegian).

Grizabella, the seemingly unfamiliar cat, from the Norwegian production

The story of the play is about a family of Cats, which call themselves the Jellicle cats and begins by introducing some of the Cats and what a Jellicle cat is. A cat with a soul. Each year on this night the Jellicle cats come together for the Jellicle ball. At the ball the oldest and wisest cat chooses one cat who will on this day be reborn (because as you know cats have 9 lives.)

Rum Tum Tugger, rumored to be a homage to Mick Jagger of the Rolling Stones

The story becomes more exciting when a strange older female cats enters the scene and is shunned by the Jellicle cats. One quickly gets the idea though that she is not as unknown to them as she seems to be, and she is in reality a Jellicle cat which has left the family for many years and now has come back to the Jellicle ball. The plot thickens

In this video clip it explains the story of what a Jellicle cat is. It gives a good impression of how Cats is throughout the production. Most impressive is the dance in Cats. Every little girl who dances dreams of one day getting into a stage production of cats, and the two little girls I escorted to the theater were no exception. They hung on every note, every movement, after the break when the cats were crawling around the audience on all fours they even got up close contact with the actors and they were totally thrilled! I think it was even more fun to see the production with these two little girls because they were just the right age. I had two girls who I follow up on my job with me, 10 and 12 years old and they had so much fun going to a real grown up production.

And of course this is the most famous song from Cats, Memory. Oh I just previewed this before posting and I swear I still get goose bumps and tears in my eyes. Heck with little girls – I want to be able to sing and dance like they do, and I’m a bit over 40! That is exactly the magic of Cats, it doesn’t matter if you are 10 or 100 its just as beautiful for everyone.

I’m sure I  could see Cats 20 times and still be as fascinated by the music and the dance, and how demanding it must be to play in this production, having both to sing perfectly and dance perfectly, and do it several times per week! Amazing!!

Well I wasn’t exactly at the award ceremony, but I was one of the thousands lucky enough to see Barack Obama in Oslo today. I remember so well that when I heard that Obama won the Nobel Peace Prize that I said to my husband, RennyBA, ” I want to see him!” I tried to get tickets to the Peace Prize concert, but was not one of the lucky ones, I even bid on tickets on an ‘ebay’ like service here in Norway, but without any luck.

Queen Sonja, Michelle OBama, Barack Obama, King Harald, Crown Princess Mette Marit, and Crown Prince Håkon

Fortunately I was lucky enough to be in Oslo around the time that Obama visited the King’s Castle and quickly understood from all the police in the area that something was about to happen! And then it did! The President drove by waving at the onlookers, along with Michelle and a number of secret service officers. And so my wish was granted, I did get to see him. Unfortunately as .luck would have it my telephone camera was full and by the time I deleted a picture to save one…this is what I got! After the motorcade drove by

Missed the motorcade

He also made a short appearence on the balcony of the Grand Hotel as most of the Nobel Peace Prize winners traditionally do, at exactly 7 pm they came out and winked to the crowd of 10,000 Norwegians who gathered for the event.

Waving from the Grand Hotel, courtesy of Aftenposten

Now the Peace Prize dinner is on the television and I probably get a much better view then I would have in person!

Everyone thinks he made a good speech, a historical speech, and the entire country is buzzing about it. It has been personally an exciting day as an American living in Norway, I have been able to be proud to be a part of both countries at once! Click here to see a panoramic view of the crowd outside Grand Hotel!

Jeeze…you get a little busy, get caught up in your work for what seems like a couple of days and zip….Christmas is right around the corner. Okay maybe not right around the corner but it does seem to be everywhere you look these days. We have had a dusting of snow or two here but nothing major yet. Still we wanted to get into the holiday spirit this weekend while enjoying a weekend away with our friend TorAa we went to Vadsbo Museum in Mariestad, Sweden to see their Christmas market.

Old Fashioned Christmas Tree

Although the market was small, it was filled with charming traditional Christmas decorations we wouldn’t find other places. I like the old fashioned ornaments because I think they have a whole other charm to them. Tradition and something simple to decorate the Christmas tree.

Hand made woven hearts

These handmade woven hearts are also common in Norway. They are not soooo easy to make, but we did them in Arts and Crafts this week at the center, so they aren’t that complicated either as long as you have the pattern.

Cremehus, paper cone ornaments

These ornaments are of a variety I collect here in Norway, hung on an adorable miniature tree. Sometimes our Santa Claus hides some goodies inside these on the tree, so the children check them on Christmas day looking for treats. They are common in all the Scandinavian countries.

Traditional light decoration in Sweden

And finally no Swedish home would be complete without this light in the window. While Norwegians are more partian to Advent stars , the Swedish have long had this advent candle in the window, typically in an arch as you see here. We have one as well in our apartment in Sweden, and RennyBA and I set up our Christmas decorations before we left.

Hope you have enjoyed this short look at holiday traditions and it maybe put you into the Christmas spirit. If you are wondering I have not bought a single gift yet, and honestly I am not quite sure what I am buying, except for RennyBA’s gift….which is a nice secret. Have a good week my friends!