First Lake Swim

After a five mile run around the lake I made a bold move. After surveying the area and seeing that most of the ice that covered the lake just a couple of days ago had melted and feeling the heat of the spring sun, I knew what I had to do.

I put on my bathing suit, picked up my towel and walked back down to the lake for a swim.

Was it cold? Yes. Did the locals walking around the lake stare at me like I was crazy? Yes. Was it worth it? Absolutely!?!?!?!

After being inside so much the cold jolt of the water made me feel alive and the time I spent sunbathing on the dock afterwards reminded me of why I am here: For nobody's enjoyment or piece of mine but my own. Here's to Spring newness and renewal, Amen.

Sunday in the Forest

Today began at 11am. We crawled out of bed hungry so we ate Swedish Pancakes with blueberry jam and a healthy amount of coffee. My husband works in Malmo Monday through Friday so we really savor every leisurely moment of our weekends together.

After breakfast we thought it was only fair that we rewarded our dog with a long walk in the woods on the other side of the lake from our house.

Our dog Peete is the kind of dog that was made for country living. He's not good on the leash and I am not sure he ever will be. When we let him loose in the woods like we did today we can really see him in his element. He runs and runs and then ends up sitting like a good dog at our side. When he looks at us while he is still and sitting his eyes say, "Thank you so much, I love you!"...

The forest is silent except for the numerous birds who are greeting the spring that we were all waiting for. The ground is quickly being covered by bright green moss and the sun peeks through the trees and warms our cool skin. It looks like the winter is over!!!!

Small Signs of Spring

Today I trudged through forest with my dog Peete looking for inspiration. Since most of the snow had melted it's much easier to make the trip through the forest, all the way around the lake. Among the existing snow patches I did end up coming across something refreshing: the little white flowers pictured above. This time last year the snow was long gone and these little white flowers covered the ground of the forest like an enchanted carpet.

It seems this year they are still making their way despite the layers of ice and snow existing around them. To me it feels like I have alot in common with these resilient little flowers.No matter how cold and long the winter lasts, we are both here to stay.