Kristine Vikse

This poncho-sweater is from the Winter 2012 collection of Norwegian designer Kristine Vikse. There’s so much to chose from but I think this would be my first choice. It looks so warm and comfy.

Photo from kristinevikse.com

Childrens knitting from Dale

I simply love Norwegian Dale. They make beautiful knitting design. Just have a look at these childrens clothes. There’s more at Husfliden.

Source: Dale Garn

A few photos from May 17th, Norway’s independence day.

Images: beautifulism

Southern Norway in May

Photos: beautifulism

Beautiful antique table

The table is from the beginning of the 19th century and have taken the lead on my wish list. It “only” costs NOK 10 300 (USD 1 800 and Euro 1 320). If you’re into antiques you may have a further look here.

With inspiration from The Essence of the Good Life.

Mitt lille land

"Mitt lille land
Et lite sted, en håndfull fred
slengt ut blant vidder og fjord

Mitt lille land
Der høye fjell står plantet
mellom hus og mennesker og ord
Og der stillhet og drømmer gror
Som et ekko i karrig jord

Mitt lille land
Der havet stryker mildt og mykt
som kjærtegn fra kyst til kyst

Mitt lille land
Der stjerner glir forbi
og blir et landskap når det blir lyst
mens natten står blek og tyst"

* * *

“My little country
A small place where a handful of peace
thrown out among the plains and the sea

My little country,
where the mountains are planted
between the houses and people and words.
And where silence and dreams grow
As an echo in the barren soil

My little country,
where the sea stroking gently and softly,
like a caress from coast to coast

My little country,
where the stars slip by
and become a landscape when it gets light.
while at night, is pale and silent”

 

Utøya

Oslo, the Tiger City becomes the Rose City

To youth by Nordahl Grieg

Enemies near and by,
threatening your right!
Under a storm of blood -
You have to fight!

Might you then ask in fear,
unarmed and open:
how shall I combat them,
what is my weapon?

Here is your shelter strong,
here is your sword:
faith in mankind,
and in everyone's worth.

For all the future holds,
seek this and tend it.
Die, if you have to, but:
deepen, extend it!

Silent the bullets glide
all through the night.
Use all your strength and love,
stop deadly flight!

War is contempt for life.
Peace is creating.
Add forces to the strife:
death shall be beaten!

Love - and enrich with dreams -
greatness of old!
Challenge unknown terrain -
truth will be told.

Works not yet being built,
stars never seen -
reveal them through rescued lives,
able and keen!

Noble is everyone,
earth, rich and sweet!
Hunger and suffering,
caused by deceit.

Crush it! In life's own name
injustice shall fall.
Light, bread and love and hope,
birth right of all.

Forcing all weapons down,
warfare shall cease!
Shielding man's dignity
creating true peace.

Who by his right hand's side
carries a burden,
precious and dear to him,
can never murder.

This is our promise,
from kin to kin:
cherish our fragile Earth,
it's ours to win.

We will protect and keep
beauty and grace -
as if we held a child
in tender embrace!

I have no words.

Norwegian invasion

There you go, our area has now official been taken over by the country in West. Much nicer than the blue and yellow Swedish one. ;)

Sognefjorden

Today’s lovely

17th of May dessert–a must!

Sweet stuff is a must on the Constitution day!

17th of May by Christian Krohg

17th of May 1893 by Norwegian painter Christian Krohg (1852–1925). Note that the flag does not have the Union badge of Norway and Sweden, the so called sildesalaten (Herring salad).

Source: Wikipedia

Gratulerer med dagen!

17. mai, er vi så glad i…

Varme gratulasjoner på nasjonaldagen. Jeg håper dere får en vakker og fin dag, hvor enn dere befinner dere!

(It is the Norwegian Constitution day today. Congratulations to all Norwegians, where ever you might be!)

Elsa Beskow’s year in drawings

From Julias Vita Drömmar comes these amazing drawings of every month of the year, made by Swedish author and illustrator Elsa Beskow. So pretty in a children’s room!

Elsa Beskow was born in 1874 and died in 1953. Her father was Norwegian (had to mention that) and her mother was Swedish. She married former minister Natanael Beskow and they had six sons.

She published forty books and combined reality with the fairy tale world. Children met elves or goblins, and farm animals talked with people. Central were the relationships between children and adults and children's independent initiative.

Beskow became one of the most well known of all Swedish children's book authors. Many of her books have become classics and are reprinted still. She also illustrated ABC books and songbooks for Swedish schools.

Her books have been translated into many languages, among others; English, German, Arabian, Japanese, Polish and Norwegian.

One of her most known tales are about Aunt Green, Aunt Brown, Aunt Lavender and Uncle Blue. Her inspiration came from her own Aunts and her Uncle. This is the one I remember and read most often, by her.

Others I read were Aunt Brown’s Birthday, Peter and Lotta’s Adventure, Peter in Blueberry Land, Children of the Forest, Pelle’s new Suit and Uncle Blue’s new Boat. I read them again and again!

Have a look at her illustrated year: