Nordic Moods

26/02/2024

Nordic flower 🤎

Part of the mystery of Norway above the Arctic Circle is the reason why people live there, remote and in extremes of light and dark, cool and colder. Luckily Mother Nature provides us with the answer.

My relatives are originally from Bodø, a municipality in Nordland county, Norway. It is part of the traditional region of Salten and just above the arctic circle. We used to travel by car from the far south of Norway, a journey that took several days at the time. A car fully packed with us - three quarrelling kids in the back - and a trunk filled with groceries and presents for my bestemor (grandmother). In those days the only way north was via the so-called national roads. Challenging and adventurous. I clearly remember the harsh and desolate environment with its sparse vegetation when crossing the polar circle.

Flora above the arctic circle has magical survival abilities. The ability to grow and reproduce at the highest altitude and the ability to develop in difficult atmospheric conditions are proof of resilience in the face of the bitter icy winds.

Think I might just plan a nice road trip again.😁🍀

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25/02/2024

One swallow does not make a summer.
I know! But still, look who’s creeping in! ☀️
With his proverb, Aristotle says that a single fortunate event doesn’t mean that what follows will also be good.

Thanks for reminding me. Duh. 🙄

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20/02/2024

KONNERUD - WINTER ‘61-‘62 (part 2)

My dad, who loved to show off his ski jump abilities during family gatherings på Konnerud, once used the roof of our house - covered in meters of snow - as a ski slope. As he was smoothly sliding down the roof, knees bent, feet neatly aligned and ready for a spectacular jump, the tips of his skis got caught behind the clotheslines (also covered in snow) next to the house. As a result he dived into the snow, headfirst - skis sticking out in the air. ⛷
While the rest of the gang rolled over with laughter, I remember being the only one in utter shock, crying out Nei men pap-pa!
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In winter, the route Konnerud-Drammen and vice-versa - was traveled on foot, on skis or by sled. One day my parents went downtown Drammen for groceries, mom on the back of the sled. The first few hundred meters went smoothly apparently, but as the slopes got steeper and the turns sharper, the sled gained more and more speed until the point was reached where the brake lever no longer worked. In one of the sharpest bends, my mother was tossed off the sled, flew through the air and landed meters away in the snow dunes.
It wasn’t until my father arrived downtown Drammen, that he noticed the loss of his passenger. Or so he said. Did my mom believe his version of the story? No, she didn’t. To be honest, there was literally nobody who believed his side of the story. And I must say, he had only himself to blame. 😉

How I would love to visit Konnerud again. For the cabin, for the special memories, and yes, for the snow and the cold as well. I would even participate in an Onsdagsrenn. ⛷️

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18/02/2024

Green is for peace of mind, for family, friends, loved ones. And for some serious hygge on rainy days.
🌿☘️🌱

Crown shaped 👑 candleholder: Moonstone by Ro Collection DK.

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18/02/2024

KONNERUD - WINTER ‘61-‘62 (part 1).

Every time my father had to upgrade his Engineering degree in Oslo, my mother, baby sister Ingeborg and I, would stay på Konnerud, close to our relatives in Drammen. We lived high up the mountain, in a wooden cabin, with the roof often covered in meters of snow; winters på Konnerud could be brutal. ❄️ Hard to imagine for the avid winter lover I’ve become over the years, but as a child I hated the snow and the cold.

When I think of Konnerud, I remember the wood stove burning, I remember my red anorak, the thick and itchy woolen sweaters, hats, mittens and socks, the leather ski boots, the wooden skis, the smell of the wood and the fresh air, the closest neighbours quite a distance away, and Vesslemor, their daughter my age.

Vesslemor was the very opposite of me. Vesslemor was always happy and smiling. Like any Norwegian child, the cold didn’t seem to affect her and she loved to ski. Ski competitions, the so called Onsdagsrenn, were organised every Wednesday for the Drammen-Konnerud children, and literally every child participated. And every child enjoyed it. Not me, though. The icy cold, the snow clumps on my woolen mittens and socks, my numb fingers and toes, and - last but not least - my parents and relatives, cheering and clapping me towards the finish line.

In an ultimate - but counterproductive - attempt to stimulate me, my parents used Vesslemor as an example and a motivation; Vesslemor is also cold, but she just keeps on skiing, darling. Vesslemor also has ice cubes on her mitts, sweetie, but she ignores them.
Many an Onsdagsrenn was won by Vesslemor. My own highlight was the consolation prize; a silver plated cake server.

To be continued…
Or read all about it in the blog section on my website. 🆙

14/02/2024

Coffee breaks be like ☕️ 🫶
Writing while watching tennis 🎾 or should I say watching tennis while writing…✍️
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14/02/2024

Happy Valentines! 🗝️🫶
And as Valentines is all about love, I just wanted to share a little love story with you.

Approaching Larvik
In order to spend our many summers in Norway, we would drive from the Netherlands to Frederikshavn in northern Denmark and take the night ferry to Larvik just across the Skagerrak in Norway. We would reach Larvik by dawn. The first things that strike you when approaching Larvik on deck of a ferry, are the colourful houses scattered along the rocky coast and the fresh smell of the sea; the sort of experiences that stay with you forever.

I still, to this day, have a crush on those typically Scandinavian colours the houses are painted in. Colours that are historically meaningful and have always served a purpose. Blue used to be my favourite; the colour I was totally in love with, but as time passed, my taste changed and nowadays I prefer the reds and the ochres.

The red
Traditional Norwegian house paint is made from non-toxic linoljemaling - paint based upon pigments, linseed oil, water, wheat and rye flour - which has a breathable, weather- and waterproofing function against the harsh climate. The paint comes in a handful of typically Nordic colours. First and foremost, there is the rich and eye cathing red. Red, a pigment by-product of copper mining, specifically in the town of Roros, is simply low cost iron oxide. Even a harsh climate with extremely changeable weather conditions could not harm the houses. The red mud paint lights up earth-red in dry weather, but in damp weather it is a few nuances darker. As it proved to be very effective for the preservation of wood, it became the traditional colour for barns, homes, sheds, outbuildings and outhouses. The greens, the blues, the yellows and the whites (which was the most expensive and often used by the well-to-do) only came later……

Curious to learn more about the (organic) origins of the other typically Scandinavian colours? Then do visit my blog through the link 🔗 in bio. ⬆️

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11/02/2024

Self care Sunday 🫶
Have a good one!

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10/02/2024

‘What day is it?’ asked Pooh.
‘It’s today’, squeaked Piglet.
‘My favorite day’, said Pooh.

A.A. Milne

08/02/2024

ENTANGLEMENT 🌿🍂🧶
Float framed chalk painting.
With its taupe-pink-green-grey tones and its botanical theme, it has a 50’s/mid-century feel to it.
More info and details through 🔗 in bio.

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06/02/2024

Good morning dear all! 🤍
A little update on yesterday’s plans:
• Found the 2 m tall plant and it’s going to be delivered shortly. 🌿🌱
• Decided to wait with the spray paint job until spring (or at least the first opportunity to open the doors for a longer period of time). Thanks , you were right! 😁
• Waiting for my sewing machine to be repaired (looking forward!).

Today is meant for something completely different. Stay tuned! 🤎

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05/02/2024

Just an insignificant update:
Remember the upside down lamp with the trunk? 🐘
Yep, so do I.
Well, I cut it off….the trunk part that is.
Much better, if I may say so myself.💡

What else is on my agenda…🤔
• The hunt for a very! big plant 🪴 And when I say big, I mean at least 2 meters tall.
• Then, find myself a repair shop for my faithful sewing machine. It’s blocked and I simply cannot solve the problem. Not funny, because I have a zillion plans and ideas in my head.
• Finally, find the right spray paint for my radiators.

Ok, that’s it for now.
Wishing you a nice week ahead!

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01/02/2024

Guess who just flew in…
It’s baby sparrow. 🐦
Now all we have to do is wait for the parents. I have a feeling they won’t take long.

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31/01/2024

Please welcome our newcomer. 🐘
A gentle giant who traveled all the way from Africa through Denmark to the Netherlands, just to be part of the family. 😉
What a boss!

The elephant is one of the world’s most iconic animals, known and loved by both children and adults for the long trunk, the big ears and the wise eyes.
Elephants are caring and empathetic and tie strong bonds across generations in the herd.
This elephant is made of solid ash wood by skilled craftsmen with a sense of detail.
For each elephant sold, Novoform donates €4,- directly to the WWF projects.

Info and details: Linktree in bio ⬆️
******

29/01/2024

27/01/2024

Comfy & cosy 🤎 Mariposa and I.

Unlike most chairs from the late 30’s, the Butterfly chair requires the user to recline, relax and contemplate the world going by.

Soon after Knoll introduced the chair, the market was flooded with copies, prompting Knoll to cease production within a year of its introduction.

Nowadays the chair is under the helm of several other (Scandinavian) companies and - to this day - it never lost its good looks.

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27/01/2024

Mariposa is in the house 🏡
Mariposa (the butterfly chair) has a matted chrome base and a seating of the softest of cognac coloured leather imaginable.

She embraces you with her soft wings and makes sure that you feel protected and cosy.
Mariposa is the epitome of lightness, wouldn’t you agree?

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23/01/2024

Hasta la Pasta! 👋🏻🍷
In other words Enjoy your evening you too!

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23/01/2024

The very last of the Mohicans 😉
Dale of Norway’s traditional cardigan HEDDA 🇳🇴 is no longer in their collection, thus it reached the status of ‘collectors item’.

The Hedda Jacket belongs to the Eventyr (Fairytale) Collection. It was based on the Setesdal Valley pattern, but made with a much finer Merino yarn. The contrasting button placket emphasizes Dale’s signature look with a tailored, feminine fit. Details include interlocked ribbing on hem and sleeves, button closure, medium high neck with trim, and a beautifully detailed pattern with contrasting colors along the buttons.

In this case, HEDDA (in size M) has a light blue detailed ribbon along the button closure.

Info and details: link in bio ⬆️

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22/01/2024

CHRISTIANIA 🇳🇴

The nostalgic design of the Dale of Norway Christiania cardigan/jacket is inspired by the early 20th century fashion trends with fine detailed patterns and a form-flattering shape.

Christiania 🤔…. Does the name ring a bell 🔔? Yep, it might well be. In the old days it was the name of the city currently known as Oslo. 💙

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22/01/2024

FALUN 🇳🇴

Based upon the Falun Cross Country World Championship in 1993, this sweater is knitted with a soft and loosely spun yarn from a 50/50 alpaca and wool blend. The design originates from a time where knitting technology made big Jacquards possible, now updated with a young, wide and contemporary fit. 💙

Link in bio for details ⬆️ and while you’re at it, don’t forget to subscribe for 10% off.

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22/01/2024

Today 🌫️⛈️ I’m moving my work space to the living area. Just to make sure that everything I need is within reach, so to speak. 😌
Luckily I did my running when it was still dry earlier this morning, so at least the start of the day was promising.

The last three weeks I had my near & dear ones over from Portugal, so my priorities were definitely not focused on social media. Well, now it’s time to get back on track and get going with some newly inspired ideas.

How about you?
What is your remedy for storm Isha?

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15/01/2024

Meet Ava.
Ava has a mind of her own. She is not afraid to share her views and beliefs, even if they are not mainstream. Ava is a free spirit, independent and powerful. She doesn’t think within boxes.

Ava has been singing in the choir of St. John’s Cathedral in Den Bosch, the Netherlands since her early childhood. She appreciates her classics and their heritage.

Depicted:
Ava wearing a true Dale of Norway classic, the SETESDAL cardigan.

PS: beautiful cardigan Setesdal (Ava not included) is on its way to another lover of Norwegian classics (in Germany) as we speak.

27/12/2023

What day is it?
It’s cosy-up-under-a-warm-woollen-blanket-on-the-couch-day. 🧶🐏
It’s podcasts-and-books-day. 📚

🔗 Linktree in bio 🆙
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24/12/2023

JULEKVELD

Following our Norwegian tradition, we celebrate X-mas on the eve of the 24th. A variety of food and drinks on the table, presents under the tree, and a group of loved-ones gathered together. My favourite moment of the holiday season 🎄♥️🎄
The rest of the days are meant for the ultimate walks, talks, games and leftovers.
What are your plans these days?
Wishing you peaceful X-mas celebrations 🥂✨
̊norsk

22/12/2023

Sometimes I’m just sad 😔…..
when a dear customer returns a woollen throw…..because the colour doesn’t meet the expectations. 🧡

No hard feelings though. 🫶
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21/12/2023

Thinking of nearest and dearest, close by and far away.🌲✨

In the Northern Hemisphere winter officially begins on Dec. 21 with the winter solstice – the day with the least amount of possible daylight and the longest night.
The good news is, as of tomorrow, we’ll start gaining sunlight. ☀️

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🎄

20/12/2023

Seating area as seen through the branches of a Christmas tree 🌲✨
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Modular chair Palo:
Swiss cushion🇨🇭:
Mid century Stig Lindberg Berså rug:
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19/12/2023

Well on the way ✨
The closer we get to Christmas Eve, the more likely it is that candles are popping up practically everywhere. 🤔
Is there a particular name for this peculiar phenomenon? Anyone? 😁

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16/12/2023

I have too many candles 🕯️…said no one ever. 😁

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