Category Archives: Scandinavia

On Scandinavian painting traditions – aspirations, light, and mindset…. Part 1

Posted on January 8, 2017 by annamadeit

Although we have effectively turned the corner, with both the winter solstice and 2016 behind us, it doesn’t yet feel as if the light is coming back. At least not to me. But – you have to trust me on … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Scandinavia | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 4 Comments

Doors, portals, passages and gates of Sweden

Posted on August 20, 2016 by annamadeit

I’m sure that somewhere, photographic essays – yes, probably entire books, have been assembled on doors and their similes. After all, for being such a simple, utilitarian building element, they are ascribed huge symbolic importance; hope, opening, opportunity, passage, transition from … Continue reading →

Posted in On Building, Scandinavia | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 17 Comments

Do what you love, and success will follow

Posted on March 15, 2016 by annamadeit

My 13-year old lamented the other day that he didn’t know what he wants to do with his life. He was concerned that he doesn’t know what to study in college. “Well, you have plenty of time to figure that … Continue reading →

Posted in Nice People, Scandinavia | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | 6 Comments

Nifty kitchen solution – 2, complete with a “retiree incubator”

Posted on March 12, 2016 by annamadeit

I was recently in Sweden with my mother, working on a new kitchen for her. She spends half her time in the US, and half in Sweden. A few years ago, tired of planning their summers around the content of their … Continue reading →

Posted in Cool building materials, On Design, Scandinavia | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Whippings, weather and witches – and other superstitions relating to Swedish Easter traditions.

Posted on April 20, 2014 by annamadeit

Well friends – it is Spring again and with it, time for another ancient and mysterious holiday. To me, in some sense, the word “Spring” is an onomatopoeia of tremendous potency. Here in our northern hemisphere, it is the time … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Just for fun, Scandinavia | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments

Fatten up with a Semla on Fat Tuesday!

Posted on March 4, 2014 by annamadeit

Well my friends, once again, it is Mardi Gras, Fettisdagen, or Fat Tuesday – whichever moniker you prefer! Back in the day, that meant that this was the last day of Shrovetide, and your last chance to gorge yourself on … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, Food and Drink Recipes, Scandinavia | Tagged , , , , , , , | 11 Comments

Bullar – the real Swedish treat!

Posted on April 14, 2013 by annamadeit

IKEA has no doubt opened minds and wallets of millions of nesting Americans. I’m totally cool with that. What I do have a problem with, however, is that because of IKEA’s populistic prominence, Swedish meatballs and cinnamon rolls have now … Continue reading →

Posted in Food and Drink Recipes, Scandinavia | Tagged , , , , , , , | 9 Comments

Magic and Mysticism in Scandinavian Vernacular Architecture – on Folklore, Superstition and on How the Gods Really Were in the Details…

Posted on December 30, 2012 by annamadeit

The urge to decorate is as old as mankind. Since time immemorial, adornments have served as status indicators, cultural and national insignia, as well as tribal trademarks. Heraldic badges and coats of arms mark political and familial affiliations, and entire … Continue reading →

Posted in Culture, On Building, Scandinavia | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | 12 Comments

Celebration of the times before the big disconnect – how the old masters selected wood

Posted on October 11, 2012 by annamadeit

I spent my childhood summers on a farm in a rather desolate part of northern Sweden. At one point, much later in life, we were looking into moving a small grain storage barn on the property. It was situated a … Continue reading →

Posted in Cool building materials, Culture, On Building, Scandinavia | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | 5 Comments