Full Grown and Thankful

So yesterday I turned 31. I woke up slow and opened a box wrapped with satin ribbon to find a dress that fit me perfectly, carefully selected by my thoughtful husband. I got on the train to Malmo and on my way there passed through breath taking woodlands and picture perfect countryside.
I treated myself to a pedicure from a wonderful woman from Vietnam who has lived in Sweden for 20 years. She spoke beautiful Swedish to me with the patience of a saint. We spoke slowly in our second language about what it is like to be an immigrant in Sweden. We spoke about how hard it can be but mostly about all the reasons we loved the country and our experience as a whole. I walked out of that little salon feeling appreciated, understood and totally pampered.

We then met friends for dinner that treated me to great conversation and a bouquet of the pinkest peonies. When I arrived home late in the evening I had tons and tons of messages from family and friends wishing me "Happy Birthday!" from all over the world.

So this is what I know for sure at this point: My name is Natalie Hanna Soderbom. I am a full grown 31 year old women but most of all I am just thankful as hell. Because I am loved for who I am no matter where I am, my life is truly beautiful.

Summer Love

Some of you may have noticed that I have not been producing so many blog posts, well the reason for that is I have been too busy enjoying the Swedish Summer. When you spend half of the year in less than warm weather when the sun comes out you drop everything and go outside.

 

This is the time of year that made me want to move to this little village in the middle of Skane. Long walks around the lake and BBQs that last long in to the warm evening, these are the simple things that I live for nowadays. 

 The air is so fresh from all of the foliage and flowers in different stages of bloom are seen at every turn.

Small red cottages with white trim hide mysteriously in overgrown gardens. The lake stands as the constant back drop to every snap shot. Every frame I look at when I return home looks like an illustration from a children's story book or fantastic post card. Just breath in and breath out. Oh yes, this is paradise.......

Back by Request

 

            To many Swedes this cake represents summer time in Sweden. I learned to make it last summer and now it has become a summer tradition in our household as well.

            My husband has a couple of good friends who are bachelors. They come out here to our house in the country every so often and this is the dessert they all hope I make them. Last night one of those friends walked through the door with all the necessary ingredient to make the cake along with a cute look on his face. He says "I heard Jonas was over the other night and you made him the Strawberry Torte so I was hoping maybe we could have it for dessert tonight...?"

           I think it's an honor to be well known for making a Swedish dessert. I will make Strawberry Tortes all summer long for whom ever wants one.