Blogging friends, please meet my reason for moving to Colorado:
Elena Sharon arrived on Thursday, April 14th.
Her proud Mom and Dad are over the moon
in love with their new daughter.
And for me? Let Grandma-spoiling begin.
The End … but the beginning?
Life brings so many changes, doesn’t it? Sometimes planned, yet often when we least expect it. Usually welcomed, yet occasionally a curve ball.
And even when they’re planned and welcomed, changes are frequently unsettling.
I’ve worked through most of the unsettling emotions these last few (quiet on the blog) months. Now comes the unsettling physical aspect: This American in Norway is moving to Colorado!
Temporarily? Permanently? The future will let me know.
But much of my heart will remain in this welcoming country, as Jan’s family is my family, I’ve been shaped by the culture of which I’ve been a part, and sharing it with you has been a gift. I’m not the same woman who moved here in January 2007.
This little piece of the internet has a new name. It will be mostly quiet, but referring to the changes written about above — you never know what the future will bring!
Nine years in Norway, as seen through my photos
and heard through the music of Edvard Grieg and Ole Bull.
behind Bryggen: a different perspective
Just about everyone recognizes the familiar silhouettes of Bryggen. They’re seen on posters and prints sold around the world — and I’ve certainly shared those silhouettes, buildings, and history often!
During a visit to Bergen yesterday to pick up a few gifts for upcoming celebrations, Jan and I headed to the shops in Bryggen … and then decided to walk behind Bryggen, taking a different route back to the car. In my almost nine years here as an expat in Norway, I’ve certainly been there before. But this time I decided to stop and capture the interesting angles, different views, and traditional colors of this famous part of the world.
No matter the angle, I can feel the history surrounding me!
Celebrating
A week ago Saturday there were hints of the sun appearing from behind the clouds. I had a birthday also making an appearance soon, and Jan and I grabbed the opportunity to head into Bergen for a couple hours of celebrating and hanging out in Bryggen, followed by a fantastic meal at one of our favorite traditional Norwegian restaurants, Bryggeloftet & Stuene, that “…has an extensive and varied menu offering a wide choice of fish and game dishes based on Norwegian traditions.”
Our conversation while surrounded by the history of Bryggen, and then the perfect meal, was the best way to celebrate the beginning of a new year. And what a year it’s going to be: One of change with two weddings, three new grandbabies … and a move!
Where will we be moving? Stay tuned….
daydreaming of lazy days in Spain
Early this year during the dreary month of February, I shared a post remembering Spain’s summer light. Our week there in August 2014 was warm and relaxing, and I’m glad I have those memories … especially as it’s been a cool and rainy summer in this part of the world.
The Summer of 2015 didn’t offer too many warm enough days to comfortably spend out on my bench listening to the sounds of the boats on the fjord below me and the seagulls in the air above. And with this late-arriving and cool summer, the area birds have had difficulties finding food, and those at our feeder are a little more intense and frantic to gather seed. While sitting on my bench watching them for a few chilly moments recently, I started daydreaming of the warm, relaxing hours in the outdoor living room of our friend’s Spanish home, many of those hours spent watching Marbella’s birds riding the winds in the sky above me …
… or perched on a far-off tree, outdoor furniture, or just above me on our rooftop …
… or flying along the Mediterranean, in the same area where I’d earlier spent some time with Salvador Dalí …
The photos of dots in the sky aren’t very clear of individual birds … but looking at them helps me recapture the feeling of space, light, and warmth. Daydreaming of balmy temperatures and sunshine filled skies: You’ve been missed this year!
Wordless Wednesday: fire in the sky
A few hours in Denver
I saw several new places while visiting Colorado in June, and enjoyed a couple of them quite a bit. And another favorite activity happened the day I left: I walked around the Union Station area of Denver for hours before my Amtrak train trip back to Ottumwa.
I live in such a remote area of Norway, it was nice to soak up the sounds and activity of a busy metropolitan city!
After dropping off my luggage at the Amtrak counter …
… and a 30 minutes stroll around the streets in front of Union Station, I decided it was time to sit outside with a bit of refreshment and absorb the sounds of the area. The Thirsty Lion suited that need quite well.
Refreshed, I headed out for a larger loop around the area. Even with only a few blocks of this busy city being explored, I saw plenty of planning that makes nature accessible, from walking paths using railroad bridges over the South Platte River …
… to a section of the 17.8 mile South Platte River Trail …
… to sculptures and greenery that add interest to the scenery …
There were historical buildings, shops and streets …
… and signs that require no additional comment 😉 …
… and finally, a stroll to Coors Field. It was so quiet, almost eerily so. In the quiet, the remembered sounds of the crack of a bat and a crowds’ roar echoed — the result of so many memories of baseball games seen at Wrigley Field, Citi Field, Turner Field Citizen Bank Park, and Camden Yards!
The weather was threatening all day (in fact, it rained so much that night my daughter’s basement flooded), and I stayed within a few blocks of Union Station and its protection from the elements. Through my loops through the area, the inside of Union Station was my place to sit, grab a cup of coffee, people watch, admire the architecture …
… and then go out and explore a little more.
All of this was with the faint backdrop of the Rocky Mountains blending with the cloudy sky of this Mile High city.
And then it was time to go out and wait for the arrival of my train back to Ottumwa. Standing on the platform, I admired the curves of the outside architecture one more time …
It was a wonderful way to say goodbye to Colorado … and I’ll be seeing it again soon! Details to come. 🙂
Refreshing rain through a dirty window
Refreshing rain. Brown dying branches. Fresh green growth. Sunshine through the water droplets. Opposites that blend and contrast. Invigorating!
All through my dirty window. The dirt adds texture, don’t you think? (That’s my story, and I’m sticking to it.)
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