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Thursday, August 15, 2013

Sweden 2013

"Rosendalen" - Rose Valley in English. My happy place and therefor also the name of my blog My Rose Valley.

Hans Rosendahl was my grandfather's brother. He was a ceramic artist. He built this house and lived here until he died.

Vacation crochet of course! From left: The Shawl, a stool cover project that was left behind and my pot holder
together with my new cool specs. :D
I went away for 3 weeks from Cyber world and my home. I disconnected. I was together with my kids. My man. My family. My crazy big multi faceted family. Seven cousins playing from early morning until late night. Seven grown ups organizing, preparing, cooking, shopping, blowing away pain from bumped knees and elbows every now and then and just chilling out actually.

We were outside, in the water, in the woods, on the fields, markets, cafées... We were pulling fish off the hook, doing dishes by hand, sipping coffee, listening to birds in the morning, killing flies, sleeping in collective arrangements. Talking about life and about nothing. Laughing. Like you only can life with your family. 14 people together for 21 days in a red and white Swedish cottage somewhere in the archipelago north of Stockholm. It was intense, chaotic and absolutely wonderful!!!

We collected wild flower seeds to bring back home to Switzerland. To plant next spring. To feel more "at home" in "my home". Many childhood memories were made. The Swedish language has blossomed for my kids. Its been good. It was necessary. I now have new plans, energy, ideas. I am ready to take on fall and start on new projects, learn new things. Challenge myself - make my dreams come true. I am happy. Next time I show you even more.

Kärlek
Annette


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25 comments:

  1. DebAugust 16, 2013 at 12:21 AM

    Looks like you had so much fun. My Dad was born in Sweden, but moved to America at 5 with my grandmother. Wish they would have taught us the language. I really know nothing of my heritage and I am sad about that. I loved your post.

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  2. cristinaAugust 16, 2013 at 12:46 AM

    Annette!!!!!! I think that your life in Sweden is so happy! And I thank you for sharing all this moments with us! I hope you enjoy, play and smile with your family in this summer time! Kisses from Catalonia!!!!

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  3. Kim@Snug HarborAugust 16, 2013 at 4:10 AM

    That looks heavenly!!

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  4. Heidi [Banks of Frog Creek]August 16, 2013 at 5:43 AM

    It truly sounds lovely! I had to sigh at your red and white cottage comment. My great-grandparents were from Sweden (one set at least... The others were Norwegians!), and so my grandparents' lake cabin has always been red and white in keeping with their Swedish heritage. I haven't been able to visit the cabin these last few years, but the memories I have there are priceless :)

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  5. Kathleen O'GradyAugust 16, 2013 at 6:03 AM

    Sounds wonderful!

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  6. AnonymousAugust 16, 2013 at 7:20 AM

    <3

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  7. tlcukjourneyAugust 16, 2013 at 7:24 AM

    It sounds to me like you had the most amazing and wonderful time... It is always good to unplug from the Internet for awhile!!
    The pictures are beautiful.
    Tammy x

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  8. Monique van den BergAugust 16, 2013 at 7:31 AM

    That sounds you had a great time in Sweden.

    I life in a place that's called Roosendaal. It's in Holland.

    I am excited to hear about your new plans.

    Groetjes, Monique

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  9. Jessie's NeedleAugust 16, 2013 at 8:14 AM

    Sounds idyllic - does one good to recharge life's batteries once in a while. How lucky to get three weeks.
    S xx

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  10. Happy in redAugust 16, 2013 at 9:49 AM

    Sounds amazing. I was born in a place called Roosendaal. I wish it was half as cute as your great-uncles shed ('cause it wasn't and I'll never return there). Is that your niece with the fabulous red hair?
    Esther.

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  11. Country Maison (Eva Martin)August 16, 2013 at 11:27 AM

    Looks Amazing !
    I have always felt very attracted by the Nordic countries, and Sweden is deifinitely on my wish list !!
    Thanks for sharing !
    xEva

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  12. NeeleAugust 16, 2013 at 11:33 AM

    That looks amazing! Love youre pictures as always. Have a great weekend.
    Neele.

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  13. LilyAugust 16, 2013 at 1:47 PM

    Sweden looks beautiful - my idea of a good lifestyle. My husband's step Mum is Finish and their family had a similar beautiful country house where the days were spent gathering water, eating, boating and of course spending time in the outdoor Sauna. I have no idea how I ended up living in a city for so long! I am glad I have finally decided to follow my heart into rural living at last. Lily. xxx

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  14. WiviAugust 16, 2013 at 4:29 PM

    Vilken härlig semester du haft och det verkar som om solen skinit på er hela tiden. Visst är Sverige fantastiskt när det är så.
    Kram

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  15. CarinaAugust 16, 2013 at 5:15 PM

    I so know what three weeks you had Annette. I am Swedish and live in Ireland but has lived all over the place for the last 25 years mostly Asia. My first stay overseas was 6 months in Switzerland working as an occupatinal therapist aid in Burgerspital in Basel. Then followed the occupational thereapy training in England where I meeet my Chinese husband. The ties to Sweden are never lost and nothing is as beautiful as thoose Swedish summers. Whish you can send me some inspiration. Got sick 8 years ago in a neurological illness Dystonia and I find it hard to motivate myself although I love crafts and crafts weird enough help me to allivate my symptoms like gardening as well. I love my garden too and I have a big one with Atlantic view. Love your work.

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    Replies
    1. GerleneAugust 18, 2013 at 10:21 PM

      Carina, where in Ireland are you? I"m an OT here in Ireland....I'm South African.

      Delete
  16. StelAugust 16, 2013 at 5:31 PM

    Aah...there's been so many beautiful summer posts coming out of Sweden. Truly beautiful. And I can't help but wonder is the shed that Emil used to sit and carve his wooden figures after being very naughty and painting Ida's face blue, or similar :-D

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    Replies
    1. StelAugust 17, 2013 at 12:58 PM

      Annette - It starts with you and one more over a coffee :-)
      Will have to visit visit Sweden one day! The land of Emil and Pippi, Ikea and Abba, Volvo and fika - many reasons to come on a pilgrimage.

      Delete
  17. AllsterretjeAugust 16, 2013 at 7:03 PM

    Hi Annette, love your pictures of Sweden!
    We went on holiday there last july en we all loved it very much. My husband was very jealous when He saw the picture of the big fish you caught. He had fished there a lot, but he never had caught such a big one.
    Keep the happy moments of Sweden in you're memory, so you can get them back any time you like....
    Xx allsterretje from Holland

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  18. AllsterretjeAugust 16, 2013 at 7:11 PM

    Hi Annette, love your pictures of Sweden!! We went there on holiday last july and we loved it!! I showed the pictures to my husband and he went crazy when he saw the one whit the big fish you caught. He lovers fishing when we are in Sweden, but he has never caught such a big one. He was a bit jealous to be onest.
    Keep the old en new memories of Sweden in your mind and you have Sweden whit you in your hart!
    Love allsterretje from Holland

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  19. UnknownAugust 16, 2013 at 8:13 PM

    What great photos! Such memories you have made with your family - they'll be bright in your mid for decades I am sure! I am glad you were able to stit down and do some hooky too. A mom needs her down time too!

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  20. UnknownAugust 17, 2013 at 1:06 AM

    Hi Annette such stunning photographs, such happy times. Thank you for sharing
    Lots of love
    Dorothy
    :-)xxxxxxxx

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  21. Sandra (Cherry Heart)August 17, 2013 at 10:24 AM

    It looks absolutely idyllic! The shawl looks divine, I can't wait to see it all finished! :)

    S x

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  22. KrisAugust 17, 2013 at 5:27 PM

    Hi Annette. It all sounds fabulous!!!! The photos are lovely!! I hope to see you homeland one day!!
    xo Kris

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  23. homemade@myplaceAugust 19, 2013 at 12:10 PM

    Love Sweden!!
    xxxxxx Ale

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Thank you so much for visiting my world. I love reading your comments and I do my utterly best to respond to questions and sweet messages. Thank you again for popping by.

Kärlek
Annette

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