The Hero’s Heart

“Not the glittering weapon fights the fight, but rather the hero’s heart”

All you bad guys out there: don’t even think about it.. Any funny business – and you will have to answer to this big little hero

September

Already the first month of fall is here. I’ve said it before – and I’ll probably say it again – how time flies! Well, if for nothing else, it’s a good excuse for taking some more pictures

A mushroom shimmering almost like gold

Mr C insisted on bringing the umbrella outside – on a sunny day. I told him there was only blue sky to be seen, but he wanted to be sure in case of a sudden rainshower

Here he has found himself a nice collection of autumn leaves. He studies their beautiful colors carefully, and then..

Oh, are these really for me?

Another mushroom in the grass

You may wonder what this rose is doing among autumn photos. Well, it was just growing there, right next to the mushrooms, blooming in all it’s beauty. As if to remind me that even if fall is here, there are still some warm, sunny days ahead for us to enjoy. Besides, I love roses. And that’s really all the reason I need

Some more wonderful colors

And a few more.. ah, now I see why he wanted to bring the umbrella. He noticed that the colors were matching!!! Have a nice weekend

Just to Let You Know

Just a few lines to assure you that I am still alive..! As is my blog – despite the fact that it seems to have been in a state of hibernation the past month

It has been a very busy month, to say the least. Not leaving much time – or even energy – for other activities, blogging included. I think I can safely say that I’ve been falling asleep at night as soon as my head hit the pillow – or even 2 seconds before that.. yes, really

Anyway, here we are; settling into the new apartment.

So are we happy with the way everything have turned out? Absolutely! The kids are all over their new neighborhood. I see their happy, enthusiastic faces from sunup till bedtime, as they’re keeping themselves busy exploring new places, searching for new treasures, making new friends. According to them, the world is a pretty cool place to be right now, and I can only agree.

I would love to add some photos here, but quite honestly I seem to have misplaced my USB cable.. although I’ve been looking all over for it (Still have a few boxes to unpack).

But as they say on the radio: Just stay tuned. I’ll get back into writing a little more frequently, soon.

Moments to Remember

There’s a lot of good things to be said about photography. I can make you a list if you like.. But I’m sure most people would agree that the best thing is that it gives us a unique opportunity to capture that special moment in time – and keep it forever. Perhaps we don’t fully understand what a miracle this is. Personally, I often wonder how people even survived before the age of photography

Some moments are so special to us that we would never forget to eternalize them. Simply because we know their importance and how we will wish to keep and treasure them in the years to come.

But as we know; our journey through life is also made up by all those small moments along the way. Like today, when I was headed home from the grocery store and suddenly spotted a hedgehog crossing the road just in front of my car.

In less than a second, and without really thinking – I pulled over, opened the door to the back seat and quickly dragged my 4 year old out of the car. He looked somewhat puzzled, but there was no time to explain to him what was going on. I just put my finger over my lips and pointed at the hedgehog that was now approaching the bushes nearby (amazing how fast those little feet can move). And holding each others hands, we silently tip-toed towards him, afraid we were going to miss our opportunity.

Luck was on our side though: we made it. With a smile on our faces, my son and I sat by the roadside, staring into the bushes for more than a minute. Two pearly black eyes stared back at us. We were hardly breathing. It was a magical moment – until mr hedgehog decided the meeting was over; unceremoniously turned his back on us and simply wandered off.

Mr C was thrilled however, having had his first encounter with a real hedgehog. And honestly, although I have seen one or two before – I felt how the experience really brightened my day as well.

My only regret was that my camera… was at home.

Without a doubt, life brings to us lots of memorable moments. Sometimes we get to capture those moments on camera, a wonderful opportunity for which I am truly thankful. And sometimes we get to keep them only within our hearts – which is also good.

But the best thing is, when every now and then.. we are fortunate enough to get both.

Some hedgehogs have all the time in the world and don’t mind posing for a photo.. those that are made from polyresin, that is

Enjoying the Simple Things

As a child, I was fortunate to spend part of the summer at my grandparents. Their house was situated in the countryside, surrounded by open fields and woodland. They even had a dog for me to play with, and I always enjoyed my visits there.

The best part however, was their garden. A real, old fashioned garden; you know the kind that is filled with herbs and colorful flowers, apple trees and a variety of tasty berries, in addition to numerous secret hideouts. And a swing. In other words; a true wonderland for a little girl.

My granddad has passed away, but my grandma, now well into her 80s, is still very much alive. She is in many ways a remarkable lady; always well informed and with a clear mind.

Through the years I have learned a lot from her. She taught me that there is wisdom to be found in reading the words of others, always providing me with books (some with inspiring photographs too:) From her I learned that there is beauty and peace to be found in the love and respect for nature and its inhabitants.

I learned that some of our greatest treasures in life, lies within our own imagination and ability to create. And she showed me how happiness is really about the small things in life. That what truly matters, what bring to us the greatest joy and satisfaction, are quite simply – the simple things.

A very good example of the above; raspberry jam. Home made, of course, from her own garden. Mmm…

Beautiful bluebells. I remember how I always used to pick some for her, just to be rewarded with that special smile. They were clearly her favorites. Now that I have kids of my own, I find it easy to understand her joy. I love them also.

Another one of planet earths tiny miracles; small but perfect.

Below are a few more details found in my grandmas garden. Also a quote that I like; about finding joy in the simple things, and being truly alive.

If the sight of the blue skies

fills you with joy,

If a blade of grass springing up in the fields

has power to move you,

If the simple things of nature

have a message that you understand,

Rejoice, for your soul is alive.

~ Eleonora Duse

A Special Day

If you think today is just like any other day, then you will have to think again. Just ask my youngest son, and he will tell you it’s the most special day of the whole year.Here he is seen patiently waiting for his guests to arrive. (Who knows; maybe they’ll even bring presents..)

That they did. And here is a photo of the best gift, the one he had really been wishing for.

This blue-eyed fellow was quickly taken to heart as well.

Better not forget that magic wish..

And what’s a birthday without fishing?

It turns out this fish is actually made of candy.. isn’t he the lucky one!

He even caught another treasure. One that (I believe) is made of pure gold.

So you see; there’s nothing ordinary about this day. Quite the opposite; it’s a very special, very happy day.

At last, he’s a real 4 year old

April Fool

No, I’m not going to pull an April fool’s joke on you (I do have a few up my sleeve for my kids though..) However, today being April 1st, I thought it would be a good idea to congratulate my mom – who is our family’s own “April fool” – having her birthday today.

My mother is a woman of many talents. Lately she has taken interest in fashion design for Barbie dolls. Among other things she has created a very beautiful and elegant collection of bridal gowns, with quite some attention to detail. Clearly she has put no small amount of time and effort into her project. This photo below shows one of her designs. Click on it if you’d like to see some more. Happy Bday!

Mr Funny Face

Hey mom (yes, you with the camera) – why don’t you forget about those boring trees over there.. and take a look at me instead!

Ok sure, Mr Funny Face, never mind the trees. I can take those pictures another day. What is this anyway; a little touch of spring fever? Hmm.. probably

Oh No!

My 6 year old has been struggling with his first loose tooth lately. Finally, it came out – and soon another one followed.

From the moment he discovered there was something called the Tooth Fairy, there has been a constant focus on finding more loose teeth..

The other day he hit his foot against a chair, and quickly removed his sock to have a look at the injury.

Then, while giving his foot a close examination, he suddenly exclaims:

Oh no! Now I’ve got a loose toe!

Ha ha.. well, dear mr S – I sure hope not! (the Tooth Fairy isn’t really interested in toes anyway, is she?)

Busy Hands

The kids have been busy helping out with Christmas preparations..presents for grandparents have been carefully created

and the traditional decorations put up..

Christmas greetings to friends and family..

oh, and not to forget the sweets!

Even Spiderman came by to lend a hand

And this little (violent) fellow.. Bang! And again – bang!

There, perhaps now it’s flat enough..

Mmm.. tastes good, you don’t mind do ya mom? – after all it is Christmas!

The smile of a homemade angel

Looking out the window, waiting for the holidays to arrive.. a special assignment of which this guy is very proud. When the church bells ring on Christmas Eve, he too gets to turn around and join in for the celebration!