March for Women

If only it was easy as a "Swedish Fika" -- check out this funny video that puts things into perspective politically.  Hey, why can't we all just take a chill pill and enjoy some coffee and goodies you ask?

Well, they do in Sweden, and it does help the corporate climate be more humane.  I'm not such about the politicians, but I imagine they have fika too.  And why not? It's a nice break in the day.
So today I'm headed to Boston, not to enjoy a cup of coffee with friends, but to remind the President that we matter and that we'll be watching him.  I am really worried about human rights, in particular women's rights, and what will happen to them under this President.  So Trump, if you happen to stumble upon my blog, please remember it's not the 1950's.  You can't treat women like meat, and we have a long way to go until we get our just desserts.

Representing strong women everywhere in my Viking Hat on the Boston Commons! January 21, 2017

My Best Christmas Gift

One of my best Christmas presents - not including the love of my family, friends and cats - was one I bought myself.  Ha, ha!  I saw these adorable Pandora charms at the Copenhagen airport and feeling nostalgic about leaving Scandinavia, promptly bought them both.  Aren't they cute?

The is the Viking - my fav!

Here's the Danish mermaid based on Hans Christian Andersen's book "The Little Mermaid".  The real scupture is in Copenhagen.














The Little Mermaid (statue) The Little Mermaid (Danish: Den lille Havfrue) is a bronze statue by Edvard Eriksen, depicting a mermaid. The sculpture is displayed on a rock by the waterside at the Langelinie promenade in Copenhagen, Denmark. (from Wikipedia). 

I've visited the scupture in Copenhagen and it's really lovely, a lot smaller than most people realize but well worth the visit.  Hope to make it back there this summer and jangle my charm at her! :)

Slow Cooker Beef Stew on MLK Day

Hi everyone, it's that kind of weather today - beef stew weather.  Chilly, clear, crispy is the kind of weather that calls for something hearty and hot.  I like that I can make it early and head out for a wintery walk before enjoying it with a baguette and good red.  Yum!  Slow Cooker Beef Stew  So, how are you all today?  It's Martin Luther King Jr Day in the States and we think of him with honor and respect for everything that he did to bring this country together and to make things right.  We all need peace.  Try to find your little corner of peace today whether it's a dinner with friends, or a nice walk in the woods.  The warm feelings that you gather inside will grow and spread to others. Tomorrow I'll bring this peaceful feeling into work with me and pass it on to my students.  I try to do that everyday and I can't if I feel all tapped out.  Just wondering, what helps you refuel?

What's up with fashion?

I try to stay hip, really I do.  Even as a preschool teacher I still like having that "je ne sais quoi"/"you know I used to live in Europe, and work in a marketing department" kind of air.  It's kind of hard when you're dealing with dirty diapers and paint.  Low-rise pants definately do NOT cut it, but I do try.  So, here's my issue - what is actually in fashion?!! Does anyone really know?  Elle says; stripes, mules and sneakers. http://www.elle.com/fashion/news/g29249/2017-fashion-trends/.  Boring.  I feel like it's all comfy clothes or sheer clothes.  The comfy clothes I rock, the sheer not so much - but where's the fashion trends in all this?  I know, I know, I am really not in that informed.  I mean I just bought a flannel shirt so I am very behind the times, but it truly was easier in Sweden.  There everyone knew what colors were in, and as long as you had something new in that color you were doing good.  Individual, schmidual I say - just tell me what's in and I'll add a little something to my wardrobe.  Why's it got to be so hard? Check out http://takeaim.nu/look-like-you-tried/  Can you help me please?

Swedish American of the Year

Hello, this lovely lady Emily Tepe - artist IVA - was awarded the Swedish American of the Year in 2015 and she does a nice job of explaining what it meant to her to be awarded this honor by the VASA Orden of America.  It is a great honor.  2016 it was awarded to Nils Lofgren of Bruce Springsteen's band the E Street Band!  It's not an easy thing obviously being awarded this recognition wonder how I could "finagle" an intro? ;-)