Currently Reading

Posted on 2/5/2013 by anneberit

On any given time in my life I have at least a couple of books that I’m in different stages of reading through. Today I collected the books I’m currently reading and found this stack of goodies:

365 gratefuls by Hailey & Andrew Bartholomew
This inspired me so much. I read it through once and plan on keeping it on my desk as a reminder of how important it is to be grateful – even when things are not always what we wish for! I love the photographies and the collections of moments from people (of different ages and gender) from all over the world. Such an amazing project. I really believe in the power of photos + words. Check out their webpage 365 grateful – and their soon to be launched film (below is a little video they made about the project).

Bibelens perler. Møt fortellingene med Kristuskransen by Martin Lønnebo
I’ve been familiar with the Pearls of Life that bishop emeritus Martin L. once made to help him (and others as it turned out) in his prayer life. He has written several books about the wreath, but I love how his words in this one is centered around one story from the bible at a time. Reading the story with the wreath in hand opens up and makes the biblical stories more powerful to grasp and keep an hold on. There is just something about holding the wreath in my hands that help me concentrate and be in the moment, close to the bible and close to my self. It’s a gem of a little book that is best taken in slowly. (I’m not sure if this book is translated to English right now, but some of his books are).

Animal, Vegetable, Miracle. One year of seasonal eating by Barbara Kingsolver
I’ve heard so much good about this book and finally got it in my hands today. I have already started reading it and feel connected to the story already. I really do believe that we need to think through and maybe drastically change how we eat and how we produce food. I can see a post in the future about this one. Already eager to grow and produce more of my own food.

Call The Midwife. A True Story of the East End in the 1950s by Jennifer Worth
I never thought I would love this book. But I do. I learn so much about how life in the 1950s were. I did not even knew I wanted to learn about it, but it intrigues me non the less. I’m going to see the movie once I’ve read through the book.

The Full Cupboard of Life by Alexander McCall Smith
I love this series. It’s so full of heart and warmth and life wisdom. I’ve been reading it through several times, but the series always end back in my current reading circle. It’s so easy to grab when I have nothing else I want to read – and even after several reading-through’s I still find the stories and conversation fresh and endearing.

The Happiness Project by Gretchen Rubin
I have to admitt I have never read this one through. I really do not know why. It might be because of all the cleaning and clearing in the first chapter. (Haha!) This year I started with good intentions in January, but I have not picked it up since February. Many other books makes me happy, but I would think this is the right book to read (all the way through) in a year when HAPPY is my One Little Word – don’t you think!! (I think this book is a blog post waiting to happen to!).

Harry Potter og Halvblodsprinsen by J. K. Rowling
We are still going strong on our reading HP. In a few days we will be beginning reading this one, just have to watch the No. 5 movie since we finished that book yesterday. I love reading this to MT and I hope he won’t go tired of it until we are finished reading them all together. Books is such a good way to connect, and also to talk about the hard stuff of life.

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So that was my list of books currently in the reading pile. Thanks for reading along.

What about you? What books do you read and have you read something lately that you’ll recommend? (I love to find new good reads!)

Day in the life | April

Posted on 1/5/2013 by anneberit

I captured my day as I lived it on Tuesday April 30th 2013.

THIS WAS MY DAY:
05:45 – MT is up bright and early today. Goes downstairs, leave me to sleep another hour. 07:15 – I jump into the shower. MT leaves for school and I get some breakfast. I walk Ferdinand. Thankfully I remember to bring my camera. 09:05 – I get ready to leave for church (funeral). Ferdinand have to wait at home. 10:03 – Arrived at church. Final touches on the sermon and last preparations for the funeral. 13:15 – Stops by the store on my way back home. Ferdinand is so happy to see me. Get outside to clear out the mess in my car (or rather some of the mess…). Get the mail while Ferdinand runs around happy to be outside. Makes some lunch/dinner (cheese sandwich). Ferdinand does not approve of not getting anything of the meal that smells so delicious (but it’s too spicy for him!). 14:30 – Make a phone call. 14:50 – MT is back home. 15:00 – Meeting with the organist. Preparing the service for Sunday (Confirmation). 16:00 – Devotion at the elders centre. 17:00 – Meeting with the youths for one last practice before the big day on Sunday. 18:05 – Left home to watch the last few minutes of MT’s soccer match. Thankfully I saw 2 of his goals for the team. Sadly they lost the match, and MT was a bit grumpy about that. 19:30 – Went to the farm for a short visit as we were in the neighborhood. MT watched TV as I talked with my parent(s) about everything and that. 21:50 – I realized that our short visit had turned long and we got ready to leave. We saw several deer down in the field (too bad it was too dark to photograph them). Stopped by the store on our way back home. 23:23 – Went for the last walk of the day with Ferdinand. 23:52 – Send in my tax return online. Went upstairs to say good night to MT, but he was already asleep (good thing he has the day off school tomorrow). Stayed up a while surfing the web. So good to have a little bit of time to myself before bed. 01:05 – Good night!

THANKS FOR READING – how was your day?!

Happier | An app for Gratitude

Posted on 23/4/2013 by anneberit

My word for this year is happy. And on my search for happiness I found this fun app that reminds me three times a day to log something to be grateful for. I have to say that I mostly update the app in the afternoon and evening (when I have some down time) – but at least I stop for a moment and think: what have made me happy today – and then I write it down. It actually helps me to notice and to seek happiness; I have three spots to fill. One fun thing is that I can add photos to it also – and share it on twitter.

The app is called Happier and it’s free. Click the link and learn more about it. And if you do join – feel free to add me as friend.

Small steps in search of a happier life. Not because I need to be happy all the time (no one is – and it’s not a goal to be either, this life of ours is complicated enough as it is – we don’t need to add impossible goals to the mix), but mostly to learn to be grateful for what I have. I know there are some good in the little things. I just have to look and notice.

I’m ending with a little gem from Sunday morning. MT and Ferdinand in bed, one reading – one sleeping, both cuter than words.

Happy I captured the moment with my phone (the camera that is always with me)…

10 words that describe my son

Posted on 22/4/2013 by anneberit

MT is turning 10 years old today. And I made a list of words that describe him. I found one random photo to go with each. Happy birthday my favorite son!! Love you.

Atletic.

Artistic.

Curious.

Reader.

Silly.

Smile.

Talker.

Creative.

Friend.

Brave.

Now I’ll better go and get the house ready for birthday party later today. Happy Monday!

Sunday Thought | Acts 8:26-39

Posted on 21/4/2013 by anneberit

Do you believe, with your whole heart?

It was only hours before he had sat there in his carrier not understanding the meaning of the words he read. He most have said it out loud for suddenly there was another man standing beside him asking him: ”Do you understand what you read?”. It was Fillip, one of Jesus’ disciples, and as the man went ahead with his journey Fillip came with him and helped him to see how the prophecy came true in Jesus. How Jesus gave his life so others could live, how he was resurrected so we could have a hope for a future beyond this life.

His whole life got different then and there. Now he understood so much more of what he had read. Now he also understood that he needed Jesus more than he ever had needed someone else, being a man of power as he was. When he saw the water stream ahead he tuned to Fillip asking for help to get baptized.

Do you believe with you whole heart? Fillip answered. And together they went down to the shore and the man got baptized then and there. Changing his life forever.

This week I will live, believe and pray with my whole heart too. Opening up for good things to happen. Living the length and the width of my life. Hope you’ll join me!

click here for more sunday thoughts

Found | Inspiration : Books

Posted on 20/4/2013 by anneberit

I love reading a good book. Usually I grab one that’s on my nightstand if not every night, then every other night. In the summertime I love to read sitting outside (I long for summer now!) I have at least one ongoing reading project, but more often two or three. When I decided that this edition of Found | Inspiration should be about books I’ve been browsing both my book shelves and the internet. I’ve pinned a few favorites too to my Books Worth Reading or To-Read board. And right now I’m a bit overwhelmed, because there are just so many good books to grab hold of. Overwhelmed – and THANKFUL – I might add. I can not wait for the two books I ordered today to arrive, but until then let me tell you a little bit, and quite randomly, about what I’ve been loving reading:

Brenè Brown – I love every one of her books that I already have and her last one Daring Greatly is on my to-read list. She talks about how shame keeps us from living with out whole heart. She gives examples and writes in a way that both makes me understand what is happening – and makes me think. Her books is best read several times. She has a beautiful and newly redesigned website.

Tracy Clark – is a photographer and author, most know for her founding of the site Shuttersisters.com and for her books Expressive Photography and Elevate The Everyday. I’ve really found a lot of inspiration for my photography in the first book and the second one is on my to-read list.

Karen Walrond – a author and photographer I found last year. I love her blog Chookooloonks and love her photo style with her rich and colorful images. She reminds me to see for beauty everywhere – most of all in my fellow human beings and in my self. I love how she portraits people so beautifully how they are. So far The Beauty of Different is her only book, but I think she has started her second book, so look for that in a year or so.

Alexander McCall Smith – an author I’ve been reading for quite some years. I find myself rereading his books more often than not. Especially the series about Mma Ramotswe; The No. 1 Detective Agency. It is a funny read with lots and lots of life’s everyday wisdom. A real feel good book – or rather books – there are over 10 in the series already.

Yrsa Sigurdsdottir – a new to me author this year, but I’ve read five of her books already (thanks to a friend introducing her to me). I love her writing style, how she keeps me on my toes throughout her books – one of them especially ended each and every chapter in suspense. I struggled as much with putting the book down as picking it up to read after dark. It was scary, entertaining and highly interesting. It’s called I Remember You and it’s not for the faint of heart

Jennifer Worth – also a new to me author this year, have written a book about the life as a midwife in East End of London in the 1950s (this was also a recommendation from a friend). This is an interesting documentation about how life was in this area over 50 years ago. I have not finished reading it yet, but so far I’m intrigued. It’s called Call of the Midwife (and you might have seen the film already).

I’m stopping here. I’ve found quite a few more good reads along the way, some that are long time favorites too and not mentioned above – so look for another book post later in the year. I always love a book recommendation, so if you have – please share in the comments. I’m also looking for good thing to read for my kid or for him to read by himself.

Wishing you a blessed weekend!

Recently in my Instagram feed

Posted on 19/4/2013 by anneberit

I love the Instagram app on my phone as and easy way to capture and share bits and pieces from my day. Above and below are a few recent favorites.

Lately I’ve edited most of them with the Pic-Tap-Go app, although I think it makes the photo loose some of the quality (if I wanted to print these in larger format). But I love the ease of the app and how I can layer the effects.

Thankfully the snow is melting away at an impressive speed. Can’t wait for spring and summer to take over. I want to grow vegetables and feel the sunshine on my face.

What is the weather around your place?!

Digital Scrapbooking | April 2013

Posted on 18/4/2013 by anneberit

One of the things that make me HAPPY is scrapbooking. These days I’m not scrapping as much as I want – but those pages that I do get done means so much to me. Thankfully I’m part of The Daily Digi Team witch mean I have to make at least two pages a month. You can find the first one I made with the April 2013 edition in this blog post, the second one I made with the April 2013 the digi files you can see below:

Credits: Credits: Template by Nettio Designs. Papers and elements from Today Tomorrow Always by Erin Kay Studio (as part of The Digi Files for April 2013). Font is Curier New. | Words: I’m no big fan of getting up early in the morning. I’d much rather sleep some more, to be honest. But give me a morning stroll by the oacean to wake up and I’ll sing out loud and clear: MORNING IS GOLDEN!

The photo was taken last year on confirmant camp early Sunday morning. It was so beautiful down by the beach and I needed the fresh air to get through the last day of camp. I was tired. I always am. But, then, that is all part of the experience of camp.

Thanks for looking. See you around!

for more posts on scrapbooking click here

Favorite Capture | Baptism Day

Posted on 17/4/2013 by anneberit

It’s crazy that this is already seven years ago (SEVEN!). But here he is hugging the pastor that baptized him on Easter Sunday (April 16th) 2006 in my hometown church. Good memories!

Happy Wednesday - hope you find some GOOD today!
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Favorite Capture is a series of post showcasing just ONE favorite photo. I love to show a whole lot of photos, I want to tell the full story – but sometimes, sometimes, just a photo is enough. Most photos will be new and recent, but there will also be some good old favorite photos every now and then!

MT’s Birthday Week

Posted on 15/4/2013 by anneberit

Inspired by the internet I’ve decided that we need to celebrate our life events more. After all the passing of another year is not all sad and for a boy that turns 10 it’s quite a big deal! I want to celebrate life and all that is good. And birthdays are fun!

This year I’m thinking of having birthday weeks celebrating – and not only birth day. I’m not all sure we’re going to pull it off since we are not that good of planners – and we have to do it with a thigh budget – but a few of our favorite things to do together doesn’t cost much anyway.

Since MT isn’t reading here (and doesn’t understand English all that good anyway) – I’m going to think a little out loud here. MT’s Birthday Week starts today and I’m not yet sure how this is going to turn out.

If any of you celebrate birthday weeks I’d love any recommendation sent my way!

This is my thoughts:

Write him a note each day with things we shall do or places we are going (much like how we do it in December – our Advent tradition). I know MT likes this approach of secrecy.
Make – at least – one of his favorite meals and watch net-TV as we eat (he loves that! And we don’t do it too often because I like to talk with him during meals).
Go someplace unexpected. A walk or some sightseeing, at least somewhere he has never been before. Not to far away, though.
Make invites together for his celebration with his class mates. Prepare the party together too.

This is as far as I’ve come. I’d better get stated on the note – and what’s in the making today. He’s getting home from school in a couple of hours.

Happy Monday to all!!

This is from last year, he turned 9. Love that smile!

Sunday Thought | Mark 6:30-44

Posted on 14/4/2013 by anneberit

You might have heard the story a million times. You might been so used to thinking of how Jesus took 2 fishes and 5 breads to feed the thousands – that you don’t recognizes how impressive that is. Or maybe you don’t think it is possible and are getting frustrated with the story all together. I don’t know. I really don’t. All I know is that today we are stopping by the story in church (at least here in the Lutheran church of Norway). And here are a few thoughts of mine about it:

It’s one of the stories that challenges many of us because it’s breaking the rules. The rules of nature as we all have come to know them. Some believe that the biggest wonder of this day is that people reached for their own food and started sharing it with others. And that is a big deal, no questions, we should do that more often; sharing what we’ve been given with others. But, I’m not sure if that is how the story went, how strange it may seem. Because I think that a God that have created this wonderful world of ours and that resurrected Christ on the third day – for sure – can feed everyone with the smallest amount of resources.

I also believe that if we are willing to give our resources to the Lord, no matter how small they might seem. The good Lord can make it into something more, something that can bless the people we share this world with. That is big!

So don’t underestimate the small stuff – they are great things waiting to happen!!

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Found | Inspiration : by Food

Posted on 13/4/2013 by anneberit

It’s quite late – and it’s been a long day already – but I wanted to share a few more finds. This week: I’ve found a few good FOOD recipes and resources. Especially of the whole food kind. I can’t wait to try these ones out. Enjoy!

A Couple of Cooks
Important words about slowing down and take time to rest. This also goes for the way we prepare and eat our food. And What We Eat is more important than we want to admit.
This Tomato and Basil Soup with ricotta dumplings looks just delicious.
I’ve never tried kale before, but I’m intrigued to do so and this Healthy Rice Bowl with kale, red pepper and egg seems like just the recipe to try it out with.

(real) Food Loves Writing
I love how green this Lemon and Tarragon Pesto Dressing is. A must try this coming summer! (Can’t wait).

Sprouted Kitchen
Love how beautiful the photos are on this site. I think I am on a tomato roll lately because I found another soup that looked just as delicious as the one mentioned about, only different: Roasted Tomato Soup!

Lots and lots more out there! Please share your favorite finds in the comments.
I’m thinking of making this Found | Inspiration a weekend staple.

Wishing you a blessed weekend!

Loving having some daffodils by the door.

Snow in April

Posted on 12/4/2013 by anneberit

It’s not all that uncommon with snow in April around here. But I still do not approve of this. We already have enough snow that covers the ground and needs to melt away.

Waiting for spring…..

feature photo for photo story | limeblog.net

A Sunday Walk to the River

Posted on 11/4/2013 by anneberit

Yesterday I shared with you one of my recent favorite photos. As I told you I had plenty of photos to share and here is the rest of the story from that day:

We decided, that since we had the day off – and since we had completely been slackers the day before – it was a really good idea to take a walk to one of our favorite spots by the river. Ferdinand (the dog) had never been down by the river bank, so it sounded like a fun idea to see if he liked the water (he SO did!).

As we walked by the house I captured it against the blue sky and saw all the snow on the ground and remembered how the house had shaken as it fell down from the roof a few nights before. MT said it sounded like thunder.

It was a nice little walk, filled with lots laughs as MT slid and fell (over and over again) on the icy road through the woods.

The walk was also filled with quite a few small conversations between the two of us about this and everything (the best kind of conversations if you ask me).

Ferdinand was all over the place smelling smelling smelling. And when we came down to the river bank he was just scooting from side to side, dipping his pows down in the cold water and seeming absolutely happy (and a little bit crazy).

MT threw a few sticks and rocks into the water (as usual) and I just enjoyed watching the river, the woods and my boys. Thankfully I brought my camera and snapped away as we walked. Cherish the little moments – that is what I want!!

Once back home MT gave Ferdinand a warm bath. Later there were comic book reading and recharging of batteries. We all felt so much happier now than before we went outside.

A favorite Sunday. Thanks for watching.

Favorite Capture | Best Friends

Posted on 11/4/2013 by anneberit

I’m not sure if you have guessed it already? (I’m not even sure if I have many regular readers left…, ahem). But I’m trying to get into this blogging-regular-post-thing again. I’m not promising anything, because our life is as hectic and challenging as ever (- but still so SO GOOD!). But here I come with another type of post that I will do on a regular basis: showcasing just ONE favorite photo. I love to show a whole lot of photos, I want to tell the full story – but sometimes, sometimes, just a photo is enough.

In future Favorite Capture posts I won’t even write much more than one or two sentences. I want the picture to stand out. This time, however, I have a few words more to share:

I captured it on Sunday afternoon. We had walked to the river bank and back, both MT and Ferdinand (our dog) had played down by the water side and dipped a bit into it as well (mostly Ferdinand). It’s the beginning of spring here, so we usually have to give the dog a cleaning once we’re back inside – but this day we gave him a bath – he really needed it. In this photo he was more or less dry, but not completely, so I wanted him to stay put on the floor. MT brought his comic book and sat guard on the dog (not all that easy as I was cooking dinner at the time and it smelled delicious).

I love these two:

Happy Thursday – hope you find some GOOD today!

Digi Scrapbooking | April 2013 (1)

Posted on 9/4/2013 by anneberit

One of the things that make me HAPPY is scrapbooking. These days I’m not scrapping as much as I want – but those pages that I do get done means so much to me. Thankfully I’m part of The Daily Digi Team witch mean I have to make at least two pages a month. Here is one I made with the April 2013 edition of the digi files:

Credits: Template from Fuss Free: Daily Goodness 2 by Fiddle-Dee-Dee Designs (as part of The Digi Files for April 2013). Papers and elements from Photo-Gram by Emily Merrit, Lauren Grier and Micheline Martin. Font: Courier New.
Word: You have been waiting for the tooth to fall out for quite some time now, and suddenly tonight you had it in your hand. Happy boy and a happy toothless grin for the photographer. Soon you’ll have all big boy teeth!

He really did wait so long for that tooth to fall out. Not to mention he wanted to cash in a few bucks on it. Not that he still believed in the tooth fairy (or so he said) – but he did not want to risk anything – so he put the tooth in a glass of water just in case. LOL.

Thanks for looking. See you around!

for more posts on scrapbooking click here

Bottling up the HAPPY feeling

Posted on 8/4/2013 by anneberit

Today I was reminded to grab hold on something that too often elude me:
I have a fantastic good life. I am so grateful for all that I have been given!

I truly am. But I forget it in the middle of me struggling with those things and events that doesn’t make me happy. For, off course, I don’t have everything I wish for. Not in money, not in love, not in self-esteem – I could go on and on about this, but I won’t, not today! Too often the don’ts take over my focus and I start to feel bad about my self and my life. It’s a downward spiral to no good. I really don’t want that to fill my days (or others).

Because sometimes. Often when I’m not expecting it. Often when I’m just being and not doing. A feeling of happiness and gratefulness wash over me. How I wish I could bottle up that feeling. The thing is. Somehow I can! Happiness is a choice, just like other choices in life. The more I give myself opportunity to feel it, the more often I will experience it. The more I seek it out, the more I will find.

Everyday I pledge to go that HAPPY route with my day. I don’t always succeed, but I try. I want to embrace what ever imperfection my life has. Enjoy the many things that make it so so good and be positive so I can lift others up as well.

HAPPY is my word for 2013. I need it, I want it and today I found it. In the middle of MT practicing his music sounds, dinner in the making and me stealing a few moments on the couch with a yellow cup of coffee in my lap (with my iPhone in my hand helping me to capture the feeling – see photo on top of the post).

Happy. I welcome more moments like this! Everyday joy.

Uncertainty | Sunday Thought

Posted on 7/4/2013 by anneberit

A little while ago I sat down to watch Oprah’s interview with Brenè Brown on Super Soul Sunday (it’s in two episodes, by the way, free to watch here and here. You should!). It inspired me deeply. One of her words about faith stuck with me:

Faith minus vulnerability and mystery is extremism. Don’t call it faith if there’s no vulnerability and uncertainty. If you have all the answers don’t call what you do faith! (Dr. Brenè Brown. PHD, LMSW)

Today I was reminded about it again as I meet Thomas, he whom had such a struggle to believe the others joy of Christ’s resurrection. He just could not believe. He had not seen.

And then he met Jesus.

In my mind I was there with him today and saw how his world got turned up side down – in the best positive way – as he too dared to believe, dared to accept what he saw even though he did not understand how it all happened.

I have never seen like Thomas saw, still I believe partly because of him. I’m thankful to know that I’m not alone when I feel uncertain, but mostly I’m thankful for how he shows me that Jesus is someone to have faith in. Even when I don’t have all the answers. Maybe especially then.

Blessings.
PS: Read more in the bible, this Sunday from: Joh 20:24-31

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Found | Inspiration : by films

Posted on 6/4/2013 by anneberit

This year I’ve taken a lot of little videos of our life and happenings. I hope to make them into films one of these days, inspired by Xanthe Berkeley and her Time Capsules (I’ve attended her class Journey and are highly inspired by fellow classmates as well). As I pounder around how I’m going to make my own films, here are a few that is inspiring me right now – not just by the way they are shot but also by the content.

Check out Tiger in a Jar for even more inspiration.

And here is a favorite of mine by Xanthe. Love the colors!

What inspires you?. Please share in the comments.
……………
Wishing you a happy weekend.
We have the weekend off and are planning to spend it together just the two of us (+ our dog Ferdinand). MT is going to bake(!), he also agreed to wash our dog. I’m going to start making a film from favorite photos + videos shot last summer (wish me luck!), walk the dog and relax. I can also see a movie night and reading of Harry Potter in the immediate future. We have plenty of happenings on the plate for the coming weeks, this weekend is for charging the batteries (so to speak) and being together. Bliss.

On Easter Eve | Sunshine

Posted on 2/4/2013 by anneberit

Our Easter has been good and busy. Filled with sunshine and cold nights. We’ve spent lots of time together, but also been off doing things on our own. MT have been happy, happy more than once – and so has I. I call that a win. It’s not always easy to find time for togetherness for the two of us when I have the working schedule as I have. (Off course we had a few downers this week as well, even this very day, but those I’d rather not keep those in focus).

It’s the search for togetherness that makes these few photos taken on our front step mean so much to me. Just us. Relaxing. Being together. Enjoying the sunshine. Being silly. Taking a few moments to just be. Talking. Reading. Being silly.

I took photos of his silly face (I might add that this is not his most silly face – some is saved for us and for our family and closest friends – he makes some pretty good silly faces, though) – and he took photos of me for my little 30-days project called First Cup of Coffee (we’ll get back to this later, hopefully, once I’ve finished..). And by the way, the book came highly recommended from a friend and so far I like it very much.

Hope you found some happy and good in your days as well! Blessings & hugs.

Joy | Easter Day

Posted on 31/3/2013 by anneberit

I’ve thought a lot about the feelings the biblical Easter stories holds this week. There is the simple, easy joy that is contagious, but isn’t deep as we meet it in the crowd on Palm Sunday. The wonder and worry as we read through the happenings on Maundy Thursday and the sorrow of Good Friday.

I’ve been thinking about Jesu’s friends and his followers, the closest few especially. How did they feel? How much did they understand of things as they happened? What would I have felt if I lived through the days together with them? (The easy answer to the last question: all the feelings possible, from good to bad – and back again! But, wow, what a week!)

Easter Day is a very special day. It’s the day that we celebrate the impossible. That Christ is risen. That hope is restored. Only, this day is not filled with the carefree joy from Palm Sunday. This is a joy that had a high price, a joy that is deep and founded in Gods love for us. For all of us. First told by the women visiting the grave, not expecting anything else but to do what tradition and love asked. Instead they met an empty tomb and an angel giving them the best message any human have ever been told to deliver: He is not here, he is risen from the death! No wonder they hurried back to the others, no wonder their voices filled with hope and joy as they told and retold.

Every day I felt a little bit of that joy. Today I remind my self to savor it, to recognize it, to appreciate it and to share it with others. Happy Easter, indeed!!

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Finished | Good Friday

Posted on 29/3/2013 by anneberit

It is finished. Jesus paid it all.

For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. (Joh. 3:16)

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To Serve | Maundy Thursday

Posted on 28/3/2013 by anneberit

A little Sunday Thought on a Thursday, as this Thursday is filled with stories. Stories that surprise, that heal and stories that splits. Here is one of them:

After teaching and healing by the temple for several days he gathered his friends together for the Easter meal. As they sat down to enjoy the feast he surprisingly took of his cape and filled a bucket with water. He knelt down beside the first one. He wanted to wash their feet. A dirty job usually deserved for the lowest low. What was their Master doing?!

As he continued to wash their feet he let them know – and feel – what love was. What love is. The water and the act of cleaning bound them together. He was not put here on earth to rule, but to serve. To give himself for others. To set us free.

Peter was the only one that dared to protest. He did not like to have his Master and Teacher kneeling down beside him with his bucket of water and towel in his belt ready to wash. No, Peter said, I can not let you do this. If I don’t do this we have nothing in common, Jesus answered, this act bind us together in compassion, in love and in faith.

Peter let Jesus wash his feet. Of course he did.

What would you have done?!

(–> read John chapter 13 to learn more about Maundy Thursday)

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Groving a garden | Tomato

Posted on 27/3/2013 by anneberit

This summer I really want to grow some tomatoes. I guess I have to start soon. I remember growing a few, many summers ago. Just having them in cheep plastic buckets that I had made holes in the bottom of. It was not all that pretty. But practical. And it was so fun looking for new growth and in the end eat delicious home grown tomatoes. So much better than anything store bought. For sure!

The only way to make sure I’ll do it is to start. So I have found the old buckets. Made plans to buy a few more. And now the seeds are going in the dirt one of these days. It’s crazy to think that last time I actually did plant my own tomato plants was several years before MT came into my life.

The photo above is from MT’s very first taste of home made tomato soup (he was a month shy of 3 years old). He was not so sure about it at first, but over the years he’s fallen in love with the red delicious fruit (or is it a vegetable?!) with so many uses.

Maybe this is the year were MT learns how to make his very own ketchup?!

Grow tomatoes, grow!

Wish me good look with the garden growing (if only on a tiny small scale) – and if you have any favorite recipes or guides to how best to grow tomatoes –> please do share!

Being there | Palm Sunday

Posted on 24/3/2013 by anneberit

I’m not sure if you have been there today, in your mind, together with the people gathered by the gate. I’m not sure if you have laid down your clothes or taken branches of the nearby threes for the king as he approached. I’m not sure if you took part in the shouting and rejoicing: Hosanna! I’m not sure if you followed him into town where he sat down by the temple entrance to teach and heal.

I’m not even sure if you like the idea of pretending being there. Pretending to hear, to smell, to participate and see. But I will highly recommend it. It’s a great way to make the story come to life. It’s the only way to be there yourself, even thought it’s been years and years since the event happened.

I like to do it. I like to pretend. To hear, smell, participate and see as good as my imagination can make it happen. Some stories is easier than others. Some times in my life makes it easier as well, and some make it harder.

When I think about this story I try to hear the carefree joy in the peoples voices. Hosanna! The king is here, we have no worries in the world. I think about how easy it is to get carried away with this joyful song and shouting. How it is contagious and how it spreads through the gathered people.

The children takes part in the joyous occasion too (off course). Later in the day they can be heard by the temple shouting out their Hosanna! Laughing and having fun as they relive the moment by the gate, again and again.

I want to join them in their silly singing. I think that this is just the kind of silliness that gets God himself to smile with us.

So swing your palm, sing Hosanna from the top of your lungs and meet the king of kings with joy. I’ll be right there next too you joining in as well.

click here for more sunday thoughts

Out skiing on a sunny day

Posted on 24/3/2013 by anneberit

MT have been waiting for a long time for his mama to take him to the local ski center. Off course he wanted to practice his skills and learn something new. He’s already pretty good at the Nordic skiing thing, but alpine skiing of the down hill kind is something he’s only done once before and back then he opted for the snowboard and was only in one short track where he had to walk up after sliding down (over and over again).

This time it was different. With money in hand he paid for his very own – and very first – lift ticket. He did not ski the whole hill, he found it a bit too long and steep (maybe next time), and stayed where his mama could see him. It did not take him long to get used to it thought, and after a few falls he mastered it pretty well. He was a happy camper on the way back home, and the thought about going back to the hills next week made him all smiles.

Maybe there is a good thing that the spring is still not apparent around here?!?

Working from home

Posted on 22/3/2013 by anneberit

I love my work. I really do. But every once in a while it get a little bit too much. I guess most of you can relate to that no matter what kind of work you do.

When I’m having this overwhelmed feeling I’m so grateful for knowing that I don’t need to go into my office to do my job, I can do it from my home (in my PJ’s if I so want, but usually I don’t. That I reserve for my days off…).

Today is such a day. I have no meetings and I’m staying at home trying to gather the ropes and tying some knots on a few projects. Lots if writing, answering emails and planning services and Confirmant classes. In a few weeks we’ll also have a big happening for some of the younger kids and I have to do some planning for that and write + send the letter of invite this weekend.

I guess I might not get it all done – even though I’m working from home and it’s quite quiet here during daytime when MT is at school – there are only so many hours in the day. But I will make a big dent in my pile of unfinished business.

Better getting started then!
I mean, after I’ve finished my breakfast, that is….

The wood fire

Posted on 21/3/2013 by anneberit

In February we got a new wood fire installed in the house. I love it. It actually surprised me that I could get it in the room we now use as our living room – but it also made me so happy to know that we could get that room warmer than before even in the coldest of winter days!

And when the owner of the house had to do some work in the cellar (also in February) and with that remove all the isolation under our floor board – the wood fire got even more important.

Daily Instagram | New wood fire

It’s still freezing cold to walk on the floor, especially when it is below zero outside, but when the room itself is warm – it makes all the difference.

Daily Instagram | Sunshine

So I wear wool knitted socks (often two pairs on at the same time), keep my feet off the floors as much as possible and feed the wood fire all day long when we’re home bound.

It’s kind of cozy actually.

Digital Scrapbooking | March-13

Posted on 19/3/2013 by anneberit

I’m still scrapping happily away. Not as many pages a month as I might wish, but at least a few. I especially love to play with colors. This is one of my favorite ways to relax and enjoy all the good things in our life. Small stuff and bigger happenings. Here are a few made for March 2013 edition of the digi files:

Credits: Papers and elements from Through the viewfinder. Font: Soymilk
Words: Winter has it’s moments. I enjoy it with my phone in hand snapping photos of the beauty I see. Coffee does help too. sunshine and coffee makes winter so much easier to handle. – photos snapped at the farm when I visited for a few minutes a Saturday; January 5th 2013

Credits: Papers and elements from Love Story by Wild Blueberry ink. Fonts: EM Photogram and DJB Liz
Words: Talk about getting happy! You got to borrow L’s three-wheel bike and off you went, swinging and turning like a little mad-man. D joined in and you two made a contest of it, look how you turn your head to see behind you – you surely wanted to be the first. Thankfully you guys let L bike for a while also, even though she’s not in the photo. You friends sure know how to have fun together! (24. feb 2006)

Here are a couple more of my favorite layouts from February and January (please click the images for description and credits):

Thanks for looking. See you around!

for more posts on scrapbooking click here

Helloooo

Posted on 18/3/2013 by anneberit

It’s been a while. I’m not sure if I’m back blogging just yet – but I know I’m back messing with the layout and colors of my site. And that is always a good sign.

I’ve been missing being here. Writing, thinking, sharing. I have so many photos just sitting here on my hard drive – I’m bad at sharing them even on flickr when I’m not blogging.

Here are a few recent favorites:

Hope to see you around. And please excuse the dust!

December 12.12

Posted on 13/12/2012 by anneberit

This day did not go exactly as planned. I wanted it to be the best day ever. The rare twelve, twelve, twelve. It wasn’t. I might have disappointed. I was not the best me that I can be, but I tried. I really did. To pick myself up again, to sparkle the urge to try again I’ve decided to make myself a thankful note – TWELVE thankful notes – to remind me that most of the things in my life are good, and mostly I’m good too.

THANKFUL #1 : Being a Mama. I’m blessed to be mama to the very best son in the world. Objectivily speaking off course… Sometimes he drives me crazy, but then – just when I need it – he tells me he loves me and makes me sweet notes and drawings.

THANKFUL #2 : Where I live. I live in a country that is just beautiful. Both with snow and without.

THANKFUL #3 : Wood + Wood Fire. I have a wood fire to keep me warm during the cold winter months. And my dad brings me wood to feed the fire.

THANKFUL #4 : Friends. I have friends that loves me and understands – even when I’m not the best me there is.

THANKFUL #5 : Advent Star. The stars in my window makes me happy. It reminds me of the old days where we used to count the stars in the windows to make the driving from here to there go a little bit faster; and of all the Advent seasons I have celebrated as an adult in my own home. I love this season, as hectic and busy as it is.

THANKFUL #6 : Family Time. The time I spend with MT is precious. I love that he sometimes opens up and tells me stuff he’s been thinking about. I love the hours we’ve spent reading together – and all the movies we have watched too.

THANKFUL #7 : Work. My work and my colleges. Not always easy, but giving and meaningful.

THANKFUL #8 : Traditions. Especially visual now during the Advent and Christmas season. The old one that I’ve brought with me from my childhood and the new ones that MT and I make now.

THANKFUL #9 : Extended Family. They are an important part of our life and I love that MT feels so connected to them and wants to be with them all the time.I look forward to celebrate several of the days of this season together.

THANKFUL #10 : Faith. My believes in something larger than me. It is my work and my life.

THANKFUL #11 : Scrapbooking. I love that there are so many ways to (digital) scrapbook – some is just words, some is just photos, some is mostly pretty paper – but mostly it is all of it combined. I can not imagine telling our story any other way.

THANKFUL #12 : Photograping. Both with my big dSLR and with my iPhone. Snapshots of our life. I love looking through them. Remembering.

The pure act of just writing this down as it came to me makes me feel so much better already. And tomorrow is a beautiful new day with clean sheets. I like that! Here are a few photos from this day. Hope your day had some sparkling moments too!

December Daily | Day 6

Posted on 8/12/2012 by anneberit

The days are coming and going a little fast right now, but I’ll try to get at least one story down, today it’ll be two.

The first one is about a sweet tradition for Thursdays: I make MT hot cacao to bring to school, since they have Outdoor Day. And just about every Thursday I start my work day a little bit slowly with a cup of hot cacao in my hand. It’s the small pleasures in life that make life grand and when I first make it for MT I might as well make enough for me too. It’s a good tradition. And a good way to start the day (at least once a week).

The second one is about our tradition of writing down Wish List(s) on the 6th every December – on St. Nicholas Day. I was sure our day was too busy this year, but in the end MT managed to get it down.

You know, mama, I have just a few things to write this year. It will go so fast, he said and wrote on:

Short and sweet: Games for PS2 | Money | R/C Helicopter

I’m not so sure about that chopper though, they break way to easy, but I also know that that is what he really wants. Though decisions for mama this year. Thankfully he do tend to like a lot of things and the last day he has been adding to the list as well, so a few more things will, for sure, make him just as happy as these ones will.

Still quite a few more days left before Christmas. I like that! Wish you all a good weekend!

December Daily | Day 5

Posted on 7/12/2012 by anneberit

Another day filled with work and school – but this time we had nothing planned for the afternoon and evening and we both got off early. This meant plenty of time together by the wood fire (it really is the best place to be on cold, cold days such as these!) – so we made it a Movie Night and watched a Holiday favorite: The Polar Express. This is our third year seeing it during Advent, so we can now call it a tradition, can’t we?! I love how MT several times during the movie shout out:

“Look at that, it’s almost impossible to think someone drew that! It is so well made! Wow, so talented”

Below is a screen shot I took of the movie during one of our little breaks.

This was also the night were MT decided what we should have for dinner. Meat balls with red sauce and pasta. One of his favorite things. He had to help making it too (even though he didn’t want to that much….).

Yep! It was a good day!

December Daily | Day 4

Posted on 6/12/2012 by anneberit

It was a cold day indeed. Most of the day we spent at the office (me) and school (MT) – and when we finally came back home again the house was really cold.

So we lit the wood fire and kept close to it.

Living Room

I miss spending the few hours by my self (after MT have gone to bed and before I have to crawl in too) in my living room, but right now I’m staying in the kitchen where it’s somewhat warm. I think I need a couple of new wool blankets to keep me warm during this winter. It’s like I’m freezing more and more for each year. MT laughs of me for using layers and layers of wool socks, but it’s the only thing that can keep my feet warm and cozy. I could use a new wool sweater as well.

I think I need a couple of sheep too, now that I’m thinking of it, to make sure that there are lots and lots of wool around at all times. Good thing I’m a farmers daughter! LOL.

December Daily | Day 3

Posted on 5/12/2012 by anneberit

This day was all about driving. I spent most of it behind the wheels as I helped my dad transporting some grain from the farm to a mill around 100 km north of us. I did not mind. Much. But his car was icy cold on the feet, there was something wrong with the heating system, I think, sending the warm air up but not down. After driving for several hours, I really noticed.

In the evening MT came with me to the farm again (to keep mom company, bring home some more wood and to pick up my own car). My brother was there as well (I did not know that until I came there), nice to chat a little with him – and so thankful for him being the stronger one so we actually managed to get the door, to where my dad keeps the good wood, open…

When we got home we lit the wood fire, but as I went to bed it was still quite cold throughout the house. I want the warmer weather back. Please! The snow is welcome, though.

December Daily | Day 2

Posted on 4/12/2012 by anneberit

The First Sunday of Advent is all about tradition around here.

First the special service where the Confirmants goes in procession with candle lights in the early afternoon, we sing Advent and Christmas songs and listening to readings from the Bible about the child that shall be born and bring light to the world. It’s one of my favorite services during the year, but it also is one that take a lot of effort to put together – and there are usually quite a few things that doesn’t go as planned, but we try to roll with it and make the most out of any situation – we don’t care much about being perfect and flawless in our church anyway.

Afterwards we go with torchlight over the bridge and to the place where we have our village Christmas Tree. We gather around the tree and sing a song or two before it is lighted and the holiday season official has started in our rural part of the world.

I love it. And this year MT was all into it too, even the torchlight part of it (earlier years he have been a little scared of the flames). I was so happy to see him embracing this experience and walking proudly with his torchlight held high.

When we finally came home we watched The Santa Clause as we ate our Evening meal. A really good day indeed.

December Daily | Day 1

Posted on 3/12/2012 by anneberit

December 1st snuk up on me this time. Big time.
But still I managed to find the good old advent calendar, write a note to MT and make a puzzle for him to solve in the morning. So it did not go too bad

In the afternoon we went to celebrate my SIL’s birthday. She had decorated the house and it was so nice to spend some hours with her and the rest of the family. Nothing fancy or big, just us, the family, enjoying time together.

MT had looked forward to be with his cousins all day long. He love spending time with them, but I never think he would have thought that he would be going home with a new hairdo. He was so proud of it and could not stop talking about how fun it was to get those curls flatten out a little for once.

Thank you I, you made his day!!

………………………………………………. and with that December is off to a good start! Look forwards to the days ahead

May 2013
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