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I'll run out with my tongue sticking as far out as I can get it, to taste the snow flakes. Who wants to join me?
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Tomorrow I plan to do a cavalcade of 2008, and may be even start a new blog with a little reader's surprise. Let's see what happens.
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It is a cloudy, dark day here in The Woods today. My throat is like the weather, I am sneezing and my body is arching. Can it be the flu coming for a New Year's visit? I do know a very good cure though - tea, lots of tea with honey, a quilt and books, books books.
I wanted to take a book photo out on the veranda outside the kitchen, at 9.45am I still had to use the flash. Daylight will visit only briefly today. Luck is that indoors we still have all the special Christmas lights, I will not be in any need.
But back to the theme of this post; Books. And reading. And a thank to you all for your suggestions yesterday. Julie, I will not read your "Virus Analysis and Research", no way! But I have Walden on my coffee tabe, and enjoy it in bits and pieces :-) (Julie sent me Walden a few montsh ago). Lea, you sent me bookshopping yesterday. I was in town with Marta and Torgeir, and as always our feet took us to several bookstores. In one I bought the new J.K.Rowling. I started it this morning, and I find it quite entertaining.
Perroula, the Stieg Larsson triology is very popular here in Norway. Are you able to read it in Swedish or in an English translation? The three books are translated into Norwegian and I have given them to Ingrid, one by one. She has finished them all, and as soon as her boyfriend has finished the first one I'll get it. I look forward to read them, as "everybody" here in Norway seems to have read them already.
Alexander McCall Smith :-), oh, I love his books about the African female detective. They must be among the funniest books ever written. What is The Right Attitude to Rain about Islandsparrow?
Marilee, you are tempting me with the saga you are reading. I have quite a collection of books set in India, or about India, and can always find room for more. I started Rohinton Mistry and A Fine Balance before I visited India, but I have not finished it yet. The writing is good, but still it is a heavy book, and looooong! Anna, can you see a Charles Dickens book somewhere in the pile of books in the photos? I have meant to read it this Christmas, but haven't yet!
Pop-music :-) I have never read anything about popmusic, and don't think I ever will. May be I should, to broaden my horisont? What do you think Betty C? I do read alot about opera :-) I have tried M.C.Beaton though, I have a few of her mysteries at our cabin. Do you like this one lila? Sounds perfect with a Christmas mystery during the holiday season. Hercule Poirot tend to visit our televisions during Christmas. Als a perfect choice :-)
Lora,I finished the Karen Blixen book last night. Her writing style is fantastic, she must be one of the best story tellers the world has ever known I think. I have seen the movie out of Africa, but never actually read the book. I do have it in my shelves, and plan to read it some day. I look forward to hear more about the books you will be getting from your mom Laura. Any good knitting books around? As I've already replied to you Suki, I read The Elegance of the Hedgehog not long ago. I think it is my best book of 2008. Good luck to both you and Joan in the reading of it. Please let me know what you think of it.
Another Winter Tale book Alexis. I must check it out. (I am unable to find a link to your page from the comment you left.....) Mary T, the author you are mentioning is new to me. I love to learn about new writers and new books. Thanks alot. Suz, I'd love to know more about your books about prayers.
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Note: what would we do without books? And without friends to share them with?
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Yesterday was a long day of reading and writing, my studio was my sanctuary, the world could roll on while I created my own sphere.
My mind wouldn't rest, but hurried around like busy crows. Then suddenly they found treetops where there were room enough for all. Some sat down for a sleep, some had time only to breath a little extra. But then life felt right again and I was ready to keep on flying.
Photos: through my studio window last night.
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What are you reading right now? I have a stack of books, and among them Karen Blixen
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After abounding breakfast tables for some time, it was good to be back to bread with brown cheese, a piece of lefse (because it is still Christmas) a glass of orange juice and a mug of tea.
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What do you eat for breakfast?
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Here in Norway the Christmas season starts the 23rd of December with the decorating of the Christmas tree. The main celebration is the 24th, julaften or Christmas Eve, and then we have a few days where family parties are the most important events.
When family parties are done, the juletrefest, Christmas Tree Parties, take over. The party season last for a couple of weeks, Marta's last juletrefest this year will probably be on the 10th of January, when my parents will take their grandchildren to a special juletrefest. (Then the New Year's Balls take over, but that's another story.
In our family we have a very special tradition with a family juletrefest. Today is the day, and I will spend the morning making food to bring along. We all bring something. Click on this link, and you will be taken to last year's family juletrefest.
Photos: Ardi makes the most charming paper art for Christmas. Every year I get one in the mail, every year they find their way to the Christmas tree.
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Every year Marta and Terje start early with their Christmas baking. They make a list, and a gingerbread house is on top of it.
Baking the pieces is easy, it is always done while baking the rest of the cookies.....
.....the pieces are stored in a box, and the days pass.
"Pappa" Marta asks from time to time, "when shall we make the house?"
Then one afternoon, just before the holiday starts, the time is there. Terje burns the sugar and glue the pieces together, Marta is the decorating queen.
The house is always a simple one, and then Marta puts her soul into the decorating. This year a family, with alot of kids, is playing in the snow outside the house. Sledging, having a snowball fight, climbing the roof to jump down into the soft sugar snow, the old grandpa is out with his stick, a pair of lovers looking at the full moon......
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A 17 year old boy here in Trondheim has made the Nidaros cathedral out of gingerbread dough and sugar this year. It is amazing. Take a look yourself (and press the video button under the photo to see it all)
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Houseguests have left. Marta and cousin Mathilde have invaded Ingrid's rooms down in the basement with the new ABBA SingStar. Terje is busy with his tasks.With a pile of books on the coffee table the coach is mine.
The tide. The rythm. The pulse. Life is the changes between busy activity and slowing down, breathing slowly.
Candles on the Christmas tree. A tale of Light on Earth.
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Yesterday, julaften, Christmas Eve, was filled with sweet moments. Here is my favorite - late at night, just before they left, my parents. My mother is playing Mozart. My father is writing a thank you in our gurestbook but takes a break in his writing watching my mother, listening to her music.
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Tha coming days are filled with family gatherings, but as soon as time slows down, I plan a long blogland travel. Look forward to stop by your place. I hope you have coffee ready for me. What else?
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Itis lille julaften, the day before The Day. I have tried to close my eyes for weeks now for all the decorated Christmas trees in blogland, today I am allowed to open them.
Marta and Terje bought our Christmas tree yesterday, and when it started to snow in the evening, Terje carried it inside. "Marta, shall we start decorating?" he asked. "Oh no, pappa. It is not lille julaften yet. You can't cheat me for my traditions" was Marta's prompt answer. So while the doorbell was busy most of the night and neighbours and family came to change gifts and to sit down for a cup of coffee and bits and pieces of the Christmas cookies, the tree stood there without lights, wondering - what is going to happen.......
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There might be an update tonight of the shining tree, or we might be too busy enjoying a big lutefisk dinner with family and friends.
A photo of Marta and the tree is up in Marta's advent calendar.
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