My Week In Pictures.

Sometimes pictures describe my life better than words.
(please click image to enlarge)

Our Home.

I remember very vividly, actually in minute details, the first time I visited the place that I call home today.
It was a wonderful spring Saturday, sunny and warm. The air was saturated by scents of the first bloom and something else, something novel yet very tangible - the sense of expectations and perhaps awakenings.
Natural and personal as well.

That day has since then become part of my most precious recollection, which consists of the most unforgettable moments in my life. In no uncertain terms, I experienced happiness to the extend I have not known by then. Having endured a very trying and devastating period in my life, one that barely ended by then, it felt as if I have been through the fires of purgatory and suddenly crossed the gates to paradise...

I recall particularly sitting on a covered patio, enjoying the warmth of a setting sun and a sharing a glass of wine with a man that was basically a stranger, yet who felt so familiar, so safe and so very exciting simultaneously. And I remember very strongly the persistent urge of not ever wanting to leave him.

Of course little did I know then that only a few months down the road, at one point I would indeed come back to stay for good. I moved in and am still in the process of doing so - little by little some more of my possessions find their way onto the shelves and into his cabinets and closets, which he only observes with amusement.

Thus slowly his home is becoming my home as well, even though it will take a while for me to stop feeling like a guest, something I have come to respect and accept. However, the transition has so far been so incredibly smooth and effortless, as even though it is a home of a man, it is cosy, loving, charming and warm. Just like the man himself.

Until we one day are able to purchase a home together, I relish in exploring the many sides of the man I love, by exploring the place where he has invited me to stay forever - our home.

(Please click on images for a larger view)

Solitude At Daybreak.

For years, my exercise consisted of a daily morning run on a treadmill located in the basement of my old house. It was easy and it was practical, having my own gym within reach. It also made it harder to have any excuses not to run.

Upon my recent relocation, my old treadmill has been left behind and thus I have adapted a different exercise routine, the one practiced by my new family. A novel concept to me; running outside. Stepping onto a natural ground, finding a rhythm in following the versatile terrain and enjoying (or fighting) the elements.

Thus three times a week, I get up at daybreak and set out on a run through the sleeping neighbourhood, by now on a fairly familiar route, which eventually takes me onto a path around a nearby lake.

I have come to cherish this tranquil time in complete solitude. As I jog along the solitary path, I very rarely meet anyone but the occasional dog walker or elderly couples on their first stroll of the day. As a naturally early riser, I enjoy the stillness of a newborn day, heading outside, inhaling the morning scents and stepping on the dew covered ground. Most of all I love to visit the lake at this hour, when mist still lingers upon its surface and the first sun rays burst from behind the trees.
My morning run has certainly become one of my new found simple pleasures.

(All image in this post are taken with my iPone on a recent run, during a beautiful late August morning.)

Scented Lilac.

Lilac is one of my favorite blooming shrubs. It holds so much significance in my perception, as its unique scent brings back so many happy memories.

The aroma regresses my childhood and most of all my teenage years, when the bouquet of the purple flowers would saturate the air, signaling the onset of summer - and in its turn, the carefree days of the approaching holidays.

Even today, every time I encounter a lilac shrub in bloom, I have to linger for a while, closing my eyes while I inhale that fresh fragrance of the flowering bunch, making me recollect and reminiscence, defying the laws of time.

Ultimately those brief moments remind me of that one single vital fact - the best in life is indeed free and locked into a few simple pleasures.

In no uncertain terms such was my recent encounter, finding this purple treasure blooming in scented abundance - in the same place where I found true love. Yet another symbol send by the universe, reassuring me that after all the detours and wrong turns I ever took in my past, I am at last traveling on the right path, moving in the right direction...

Days Off-Line.

As much as I love to update this site of mine regularly, at times I feel I want to withdraw from the on-line world. Blogging, as much as it is highly addictive is also highly time consuming. Thus occasionally I experience a need to return to my own life, as it plays out off-line and just live it without the need to document it here.

This happens to me a few times a year, currently coinciding with spring tiredness and the change of seasons. It certainly felt revitalizing to focus on other aspects of my life, areas which I have neglected for a while.

So what did I do in my week off blogging?
I got some work done at the lab (my boss would be happy), I caught up on some reading, I relaxed with some great company, ate some great food, I cleaned my house thoroughly - particularly the large windows as the return of the sun reveals so easily that the glass panes are dirty.
I removed the outdoor Christmas lights, which I usually keep through the winter and I enjoyed the last traces of the snow. It made me happy to realize that the early spring flowers that were about to bloom two weeks ago survived under the white cover and are still growing through the last traces of the wintry precipitation.

I contemplated life's big questions - well, the questions of my life mostly - listened to my favorite music and watched some great movies.
Still, the best visual shows were the ones that played out in front of my newly cleaned windows - the very early spring sunsets. As the sun is now moving higher and higher in the sky, slowly approaching its true cardinal direction for the spring equinox later this month, it will soon return completely into my view.

Eventually, my inspiration to write returned slowly and I missed writing and compiling all the photographs that I keep taking. This made me realize that as much as I have an off-line life, I also do have a very essential on-line life as well.
And in certain ways these two are now intertwined.
It's good to be back.

My Perfect Breakfast.

A few years back, I received a free gift with an online purchase - six beautiful, colourful, ceramic egg holders. Very cute and very appealing, they are without a doubt a great addition to any breakfast table.
I learned only recently that the egg cup is actually a collectible item, having been used by mankind already in prehistoric times, such as the Minoan Crete.

Thus, just like the ancient man, even I truly enjoy getting a soft boiled egg for breakfast - to me it is one of life's simple pleasures. However, as I am no expert when it comes to egg boiling and being deterred by past experiences, not getting it right one single time - the cups have been sadly collecting dust on the shelves of my kitchen cabinets.

Still, one of the magical aspects of life is that it changes, when we least expect it. Therefore these days I once again enjoy the privilege of one of my favourite simple pleasures, on regular bases. The one where perfectly soft boiled eggs are served in perfect egg cups. In perfect company.
My perfect breakfast.

For The First Time...

Recently I experienced an enchanting occurrence - for the first time, ever. It was a moment that will forever stay etched in my perception, creating an unforgettable recollection to last a lifetime. And beyond.
I felt my body, heart and soul being consumed by this experience, which lingered within me, long after it was gone, to become an eternal, precious memory…

It made me realize how very few “first” we get the privilege to come across as we age and mature and it made me recall fondly all the pristine experiences we encounter as children, as we set upon the journey of life.

There are many memories in my recollection that make up for the very first steps into the unknown. The most vivid ones I can remember fully and completely. Their imprint has left behind a sensation of sounds, scents and sights.

Such as my very first day in school, walking with my parents up to the grand building, which still appears vivid in my memory. I recall the feeling of excitement as well as anxiety, feeling the onset of change, as if nothing was going to be the same ever again.

My first bike ride, the very first one when the safety was removed and I really controlled the bicycle on my own, without the supporting hands of my father or my own feet on the ground. That incredible feeling of achievement and victory.
A very similar sensation to the one I experienced when I learned to swim, in the pristine waters of the turquoise blue Mediterranean on a vacation with my family, when I was about ten. As my small body floated on the surface of the warm water, finally after I have conquered the fear of letting go of the sea bed, trusting my own capabilities and not giving into failures or giving up.

And later in life, the first time I sat behind the wheel of a car. My first flight. The first time I traveled on my own.  My first pay check. The first time I moved out on my own. My first published scientific paper. My first scientific discovery. The feeling of excitement when I signed the deed to my first house…
My first kiss of course, but that came when I was six years old actually, I admit. But the one that really meant something came much later in life and I still remember every single detail about it.

There are indeed many first in my recollection, either of personal, professional or intimate nature. My recent experience though made me realize that a first can occur at any time, at any age. And often when we least expect it. The promise of new wonderful encounters is made by each sunrise.
As after all, each new day we get a privilege to experience is the first one in the rest of our life.

Serene Summer Evenings.

Summer is my favorite season, without a doubt. The light evenings, the warm days, wind still nights and dewy mornings. The world feels quiet a different place in the middle of the year - it is as if a collective happiness settles all around. Everything seems brighter and lighter, problems and worries are far removed.

As much as I love to sit by my fireplace in the winter time, while dreaming myself away as I gaze into the dancing flames, my favorite place to be every evening during weekdays in the summers is by my large living room window.

As soon as I get home and greet Batcat, I need to remove the troubles of my working day by pouring myself a glass of sparkling white wine and opening my living room windows, revealing breathtaking views of green nature, misty horizon and in time; the setting sun. I take off my shoes and let my hair down, lighting a few incense sticks, I sit back and listen to the classic masterpieces by great composers from the past. The sounds and the scents, together with the cool taste of the wine and the warmth of the setting sun does wonders. Relaxing my body and soul and bringing true serenity to my whole being...

Do you have a favorite spot to relax?

Passion In A Cup.

Considering my recent post about Chocolate, I thought I would dedicate one to a another wonderful addiction of mine.

Coffee.

This rich and bitter, yet so smooth, aromatic and almost seductive drink is is my drug. I used to drink coffee with cream, but after I have became the owner of a new, wonderful appliance; the Senseo; I take it black only.

With Senseo, I have finally left the coffee cave of the primitive human and joined the modern coffee drinking world. In fact, it was a Christmas gift from very good friends and although I had my doubts at first, I am now a true believer in this technology. Making a cup is the easiest thing each morning and it never tasted this good.
Drinking coffee has become not just luxurious, almost clandestine pleasure, but being very cost effective, the most guilt free one as well.

Xocolātl.

Chocolate.
A word evoking a plethora of images and emotions within us. Smooth texture, bursts of taste, feeling of comfort and happiness. Seductive pleasure. Who doesn't love the taste of this ancient indulgence?

In any case, chocolate is simply the best thing I know, even though my preference is white chocolate, which by some is not considered true chocolate at all. This due to the fact that it lacks the cocoa solids.
The raw material for chocolate production; cocoa mass, comes from the beans of the Cacao Tree, which has been cultivated for at least three millennia in Central and South America. Cocoa mass was used originally in Mesoamerica both as a beverage and as an ingredient in foods. The earliest chocolate beverages were made by the Aztecs. Known as Xocolātl, a Nahuatl word meaning "bitter water", most likely due to the fact that the seeds of the cacao tree have an intense bitter taste and must be fermented to develop the flavor.

The Maya civilization used the cacao beans to make a frothy, bitter drink used for ceremonial purposes and in addition to everyday life. The chocolate residue found in an early ancient Maya pot in Río Azul, Guatemala, suggests that Maya were drinking chocolate around 400 AD.
Until the 16th century, no European had ever heard of this popular drink used by the Central and South American people. It was not until the Spanish conquest of the Aztecs that chocolate could be imported to Europe.

Chocolate has become one of the most popular food types and flavors in the world. While it is regularly eaten for pleasure, it has been linked to particular health benefits in the human body. Dark chocolate benefits the circulatory system, lowers blood pressure and it has been linked to serotonin levels in the brain.

Almost Golden.

As we are reaching the mid of the fall season, this also means the imminent peaking of the foliage turn. Right now, the nature here is bursting with warm colours, saturating the landscape in every shade of my favorite tints of the sunset and the earth.

This week was the week of the fall holidays, meaning most Danes were off work and school. They could not have asked for better weather. The days were sunny and still, the nights very cold, perfect conditions to intensify the colour onset. I brought my camera with me every day to work, taking pictures constantly, as I could not help but marvel over the incredible beauty surrounding me. It amazes me each time the effect the sun and the light has on me, it lifts my spirits in an unusual way.

My birch tree is probably one week away from its absolute most beautiful display of almost entirely golden. Fearing though that he weather is about to turn for the worse,today's update might be one of he most stunning ones to come.

My Favourite Spot.

My favorite spot in my house, throughout fall and winter is on my favorite chair in front of the fireplace. I can sit there for hours reading, or just leaning back, drinking something warm, looking into the flames, with Batcat sleeping on the warm sheep skin at my feet.

Immediately to my right are my large windows facing west. They offer some sunshine in the early hours of the afternoon, at least until the late fall. Right now, I can gaze at the open space beyond, which is bursting with warm colours against the blue sky.

We have had one of the most beautiful fall weeks on record. Sunny, cool days and clear, very cold nights, bringing the first frost of the season. Of course this is an ideal weather to light the fire in the afternoons and evenings.
My biggest problem is at all times to have enough firewood. I really do not have a large terrace, therefore I can only store limited amount of wood outside. Thus the only way to get firewood is to purchase it in home improvement stores, where it is sold in sacks. It is somewhat pricey, but the wood is of superb quality, pre-cut and already dried and ready to be used. I often wait until the stores offer it on sale and then I buy as much as my little Toyota will carry. I store it in my basement and every time I bring fresh wood home, I take much pleasure in stacking it. There is something infinitely calming, at least to me, in arranging the firewood. Furthermore, it spreads wonderful scent throughout the house. Batcat of course loves to assist me at all times, hiding in the piles and hunting the discarded plastic sacks.

I love when the basement is full of wood. It gives me a certain comfort to know that no matter the weather, I can always keep warm.

Defining The Season.

Every season holds a certain kind of significance, perhaps even magic, which distinguish it from the three others. Fall is no exception. There are certain characteristics to this time of the year, making it a very distinct period in time.

I have grown to love autumn. It used to be an unwanted prelude to the dreaded winter, but today I enjoy its splendor. Perhaps I identify in some way with this season, as it somewhat reflects my own status, the way I stand on the verge of the summer's end and am about to enter the autumn of my life.

Here is a list of ten distinctive events that define this glorious season for me:

1) Turning Of The Foliage.
As soon as the leaves start turning the trees and bushes into every shade of golden, red and brown, I know autumn has arrived. I love colour and to be suddenly almost part of a painted scenery is magical in more way than one.

2) Scent Of Smokes From Burning Fires.
The air becomes saturated from the burning of firewood, that brings a cosy and relaxing atmosphere. But there is also another apparent scent of burning of the fields and autumn leaves. This scent has been around as long as I can remember and as soon as it fills the air, it can take me back in time to the autumns of my childhood, if I only close my eyes...

3) Autumn Storms.
Rain and wind riping through trees without mercy - the Scandinavian storms are like no other. And only the citizens of the North can clearly appreciate them. Some relish in the power of nature and its manifestation at rugged shores of the west, where seas are high and winds forceful.

4) Dark Evenings.
The light vanishes as if by a stroke of magic. Each day feels shorter and the sun lies low on the horizon, turning the daylight into the hues of orange. It sets earlier and earlier each day, submerging us in darkness already in the late afternoons until it disappears almost completely.

5) The Return Of Candlelight.
My favorite fall event. I love candles, mostly as I love the quality of light they create. Everything looks beautiful and magical by candlelight and to a certain degree, candles equal tranquility. Every evening the flickering of the flames helps me to wind down after a busy day.

6) Fall Produce.
Growing up in Sweden, the autumns meant family weekend excursions to forests to pick mushrooms, but also to private farms and fruit tree orchards, where we were allowed to pick fruit to take with us home. We picked apples, pears, plums and of course, corn cobs and enjoyed being together in beautiful surroundings. The taste of such fresh produce picked and eaten on the same day simply can not be described.

7) Autumn Cuisine.
When the summer departs, and the cold and windy days arrive, I long for the hardy and rich Scandinavian autumn food. Stews and hot soups are my favorite, but I love "Brændende Kærlighed", which translates something as "Burning Love". It certainly tastes very good.

8) Nature Walks.
There is something different about taking a walk in an autumn forest. Whether it is during a beautiful sunny afternoon, when the sky is blue in deep contrast to the golden foliage, or whether it is in the misty mornings and during foggy days, feeling the fallen leaves rustle under ones feet, invoking a film noir experience. The enchantment of the season is ever so present, enticing our mind and soul, and filling our heart with a sense of sweet melancholy.

9) Hot Or Strong Drinks In Front Of The Fire.
The absolute best, after returning from a long autumn walk is to light the fire an enjoy its warm glow in good company of people we love and - with hot drinks. Or strong drinks for that matter. I personally prefer something strong that warms me from within, while the flames warm my face and make my mind wander.

10) Halloween.
The tradition of Halloween has become very special to me over the years. I guess due to the fact that it embodies the intriguing and mystical in life; it holds a magical enchantment based on Celtic traditions, it brings light into a dark season, it represents time of harvest and it certainly signifies the imminence of the Holiday Season.

What feelings or sentiments does autumn invoke in you?

Autumn Garden.

Today we are experiencing the first autumn storm. The west coast is being pounded by hurricane winds and hard rain while we in the east feel the force of this storm in the violent gusts that rip through the trees outside and make my chimney howl.

In my mind and my pictures I rather revisit yesterday. It was one of the most beautiful autumn days on record. Sunny, cool, wind still. The air was fresh and nature bursting with colours. It was my day off and became one of those days when everything is just right. I spend most of my Friday outside, tending to my garden an terrace, an activity I enjoy immensely. I purchased fall flowers and plants, such as Heather and plenty of evergreens, which are hardy enough to survive the winter. And of course a pumpkin as October is not right without one. I also planted a plethora of spring bulbs, hoping to be greeted by multitude of Crocuses, Tulips, Daffodils and Hyacinths comes February-March.

When I look out onto my backyard as I write this, I can not believe the difference one day can make. As the rain is pounding at my window panes, and the hurricane force gusts forces the tress almost to level with the ground, the below picture collage seems almost unreal.

Flashback Friday: "L'amour Est Bleu".

"L'amour est bleu" was composed by André Popp and written by Pierre Cour. In 1967 it was performed by Vicky Leandros as the Luxembourgian entry in the Eurovision Song Contest. (The original enthralling, almost vulnerable performance can be found here).

I was born that year and even though I can not claim to remember the song as a hit, I am familiar with the later remakes of this fragile, melancholic piece, most notably the Paul Mauriat instrumental version from 1968. I knew of it for decades, but became completely infatuated with the compilation in the 90's, when I bought an album with a collection of the most romantic instrumental pieces entitled "Love is Blue", by Paul Mauriat and His Orchestra.

There are very few instrumental melodies that appeal to me, but this one envelopes my heart every time. Riddled with musical intervals that are so significant of the 60's, it nevertheless sounds ever so timeless, fitting adequately in any decade due to its reference. There is something infinitely delicate about the harmony, full of unrequited longing, hiding a certain kind of sorrow. But then again, that is the intention of this lovely musical gem I guess; to convey the endless power of love and the bittersweet sensation that this universal emotion leaves us with at all times...

Stone And Glass.

I do not make my own jewelry, but I think I would enjoy it if I had the time and the experience.
To me jewelry appeals the most when it is different, unique in material or design. I like it to resemble or reflect the beauty of the metal, glass, or leather, using the motifs of nature or history. As in ancient times, jewelery was adornment, but it also had a meaning to the bearer. To me the most beautiful pieces are those made as copies of actual Historical Jewelry. Such as the Native American, Viking or Celtic jewelry.

When I took a walk with my parents on the beach this summer, I found a stone that was naturally hollow. Interestingly shaped, it immediately resembled a pendant to me. When some left over glass pebbles and a dark string was added, it created a piece with a natural feel of stone and glass. I love the result perhaps not because it is well made, but because it is a beautiful gift of the sea on a sunny summer day, bringing back memories of the best things in life.

Autumn Feeling.

And so it has begun. Within a week, the autumn truly did arrive. Summer has left for good and there is no trace of it left, I am afraid. What a difference a week can make. The air is filled with scent of burning firewood and additional mix of earthy scents, that are so significant of this season. Even though it is still warm, the breeze carries golden leaves and the sun lies ever so low over the horizon.
It is time to light a fire in my fireplace, poor myself something strong and golden and spend a lazy Saturday evening with a good book and reminiscence about the sunny days, that will return first in almost a year.

Summer Finale.

A beautiful Indian Summer week is ending with an equally stunning sunny weekend. The air is still, the sky blue and the sun is shining.
However - it is not summer any longer. The sun has lost significantly in strength and with its position low on the horizon, it no longer warms up my terrace. Already in the middle of the day, it hides behind a row of birch trees, emerging first an hour later, to cast its final rays upon my windows.

This Summer Finale is certainly a beautiful time of the year. I love summers endlessly, but the early onset of autumn holds a definite magic of its own. It brings a certain tranquility and soothing serenity. Watching the nature winding down slowly as the rich summer retreats is contagious.

As with any seasonal transitions, there is a feeling of anticipation of a change in the air...

The Days Of Indian Summer.

This past week has been warm and sunny, thus signifying the beginning of the Indian Summer days in Scandinavia. This period will stretch about a month forward, into mid October, bringing a few summer like days; the final taste of this beautiful and fleeting season.

Although the air will grow cold with possible first frost in the early mornings and nights, the days spend in sunny, shielded spots can still offer precious few hours of vital sunshine. Those delightful final rays, before we pass the fall equinox and the sun will slowly start to disappear.

I only have a small front and back terrace, that is my own. However, I share an incredibly beautiful backyard with my neighbors. A park-like area, just in front of my windows, which is pleasing to the eye in every season.
Lined by beautiful birch trees, it is covered by bushes and shrubs, the name of which escapes me. During the course of the year, it either displays flowers or berries, adding colour to the green back drop.

I love this spot, as it is very serene and tranquil. In fact, when I stepped there for the first time ever, I decided to buy my house.