Swedish Skinny Dip

                 So I did my usual run around the lake today and I could not help but notice how hot it was for being fall in Sweden. For some reason there was a break in the cool down, and since I had not run into a single soul the whole workout I took advantage of the opportunity that you see in the photo; I went for a swim.

                 I grew up swimming in the Pacific Ocean on a beach right down the street from my house. I think that this was when water became such calming element for me. I never thought I could live so far away from the ocean as I do now. And even though I do miss the sound of the tides moving in and out on top on the sand, I have found almost equal, however different qualities in my experiences with life on the lake. The stillness of the water while you are swimming in a lake gives the body a different weightlessness that it has when you are struggling to stay above water in the oceans ever-changing surf. The other thing about this particular lake is that it has a particular algae that does great things for my skin. When you get out of the lake it feels like your whole body just got a facial.

                I think if the weather was nice enough I could take a swim in the lake every day until it freezes over, which will happen soon enough.

Malmo Fix

             I gave myself a window shopping day in Malmo. I love living in the countryside as long as I can get to the city at least once every two weeks. Malmo is 40 minutes and a whole world away from our little village in the forest. I love Malmo because it is so diverse. There are people living in Malmo who come from all over the world. I love all the energy and the old buildings. 

Even though I have been to Malmo many times I still feel like a wide-eyed American tourist every time.

 There are some really fantastic interiors stores downtown. It's very interesting that the Swedish market place is so different in so many ways than the American interiors market. The first major difference is the amount of merchandise. Sweden's merchandising strategy seems to be less is more. The great thing about this idealism is the customer can really get a good look at each product without being overwhelmed. This was my favorite lamp, it reminds me of loose paper flying away. I see many different ways you could take this idea....projects, projects!

Super cute Scandinavian retro inspired housewares everywhere! 

           Now I have had my fix of the city. I type on my kitchen table next to a small bag of supplies for upcoming DIY projects I am posting. I love ending the week with my lists all crossed off.Relaxing weekend ahead!

The World from my window

Finally some sun. Very pretty day, went to Småland. Very charming, I will have to do a post all about that area soon. Came home early enough in the evening to take some photos in my own backyard.

Now we BBQ. It's not cold enough for min man to give up on it yet.......

Chipped China

 

When I worked for Bloomingdale's in the Fine China and Crystal department I spent years selling the latest, most exclusive and cherished tableware in the world. I believed in the products that I was selling and I loved working for a store that prided itself on having the newest products, and trends. 

However, long before I worked for Bloomingdales I had developed an intense love for old things. This affinity was first fostered by my Mother and my Grandmother. Even after all these years going to trade shows in New York and looking at the products for the season to come, I still somehow always feel a need to create appreciation for all the products that came before. 

In my family I am known as the "old china pattern detective". I find strange pleasure in endless searches on eBay and replacements.com for additional pieces for china patterns that have been long forgotten. To me when I use vintage or antique tableware I feel like I am using things that have a soul. I don't think people think about all of the wonderful occasions their vintage or family heirloom tableware has seen. I think sometimes we live in such a disposable culture that we forget that these old things are a part of our heritage. They are the pretty things that tell a story about where we came from and where we are going.

The dish featured in the photo above is from a set given to me my mother-in-law, Agneta. I ate on them as a guest in her house for many years before they were passed down to me and my sister-in-law. Even though some of the dishes have chips I would never even think about throwing them away for a new set. The dishes have been part of family gatherings here in Sweden for three generations now. I never met my husband's grandparents before they passed away, but using their china makes me feel closer to them and part of our family story.

To San Francisco with Love

 To San Francisco with Love

After writing my post yesterday about my prolonged obsession with the small Swedish village in which I now reside, I felt a little guilty and sad for my City by the Bay. I left San Francisco in such a flurry that really I don't think I ever gave a proper explanation as to why I left. I guess my relationship with San Francisco is much like most intense,passionate, long term relationships that we have. Usually, even after the relationship ends you still have love for the great times you spent together. So here it goes:


Dearest San Francisco,
              
               First off let me say that is was a very difficult decision to leave you. We have spent all of my twenties together. We had so many amazing times that I will never forget.
            
             When our relationship first started I was so young and hopeful. I felt such a strong attraction to you and I thought that my thrilling life with you would never end. My parents tried to warn me that a life with you would be stressful and expensive, but there was nothing anyone could have done to pull me away from you. I enjoyed shopping on Fillmore Street, as well as eating and drinking at each and every new bar/club/restaurant within the city limits. I joyfully chatted with many, many fantastic people; all of whom just wanted to be around you. You had so much great energy and I had a great time at all of your parties. This lifestyle worked great for me for years, but as time went on I changed. 

            I knew for a couple years that it was not working out the way it used to, so I moved out of the center of the city down towards Ocean Beach to see if living a little farther away would help. In those years I waited for the bus or light-rail for seemingly countless hours. The rest of my time was spent working downtown among masses of people all day long. Life with you was all consuming but also provided enough inspiration for all eternity. The problem for me was with all the noise around I could not find peace. I did not have enough space create anything that was my own. So what I'm trying to say is, it's me not you.

           If my life turns out to be as long as I hope it will,there may be a time when being together makes sense again. Until then you have thousands of different wonderful people who love you and always will. I wonder if you even know I have been gone. Well, it's been fun. I know I will have a great time next time I see you.

Much Love,
Natalie