a little danish

23 years ago today...

2010-09-17T03:11:00.003+02:00

...I became a big sister to the coolest kid around.

Trev, I feel so lucky to have you, such an incredible spirit in my life, and I am so proud of the man you are becoming.
I love you forever. Happy Birthday.

Hipstamatic Honeymoon

2010-08-28T19:29:00.003+02:00

Here's a sneak peek at some of the fun we've been having in our camper van. Oh my goodness.

Still here

2010-08-05T04:32:00.002+02:00

Hey there!
I've been kind of busy lately getting ready for the big party, but I did have some time with Laura on the boat this week. Heaven.

update

2010-07-21T05:37:00.002+02:00

I got home safe. Eating lots of kale crisps. Recipe over at My New Roots...

On my way

2010-07-16T09:14:00.002+02:00

I am just about to get on a plane to Canada. I can't believe this day is finally here.

My grandmother recently sent me this picture of my little brother and I catching cray fish, taken about 20 years ago. I can't remember seeing it before, but it's one of my favorites and I love looking at it every morning now.

Camping in Sweden part IV - on the way home

2010-07-07T12:58:00.001+02:00

Camping in Sweden part III - textures

2010-07-06T16:17:00.003+02:00

Camping in Sweden part II - on the road

2010-07-05T21:47:00.003+02:00

Our journeys are never about the destination.

Camping in Sweden part I

2010-07-04T23:01:00.004+02:00

We took the new motorcycle out for a serious spin this weekend - to Sweden, in fact. When we camped out last night, it never got dark. The sea sang us to sleep.

Lots more pictures to come.

Thanks for an unforgettable trip, my darling.

Another PIcnic. I Win.

2010-07-01T22:14:00.000+02:00

YUMMY!!!

2010-06-30T21:11:00.005+02:00

New recipe for the BEST lentil salad over my other blog!

My Girls / My Boys

2010-06-29T15:37:00.005+02:00

I love this song, both versions of it. The videos are great too. It's interesting to see such different takes on the same melody, both musically and visually. Which one is your favorite?

Animal Collective: My Girls

Taken by Trees: My Boys

The First Day of Summer

2010-06-27T10:42:00.005+02:00

At Ditte's summerhouse on the north coast of Sjæland.
Heaven.

2010-06-22T17:33:00.002+02:00

via

Last Weekend

2010-06-21T17:35:00.003+02:00

No, not the weekend that just passed. Last weekend. A week ago.
Time has been passing so quickly lately, and I get frustrated thinking of all the things I have to do. When this blog feels like a chore, I know I need a break. Better late than never, right?

I am still here, I promise.

Our favorite cafe for breakfast.

At our family's summer house.

Black bean brownies on Sunday night for dessert. Still working on the recipe...I like eating the experiments.

Yum

2010-06-12T21:06:00.000+02:00

New recipe at My New Roots. Chia Rhubarb Apricot Muffins.

Snail Portraits

2010-06-10T16:35:00.003+02:00

It has been very rainy this week.
I took pictures of snails on my walk home from work. I think they are such incredible little creatures.

I love how you can literally see into this one's head. Awesome.

Picnic in the Park

2010-06-09T22:53:00.003+02:00

Ditte and I went for a picnic the other night to try out my newly-acquired, real-life picnic basket! Can you believe someone actually threw it away?! It has all the cool plate/utensil/bottle holders, space for a blanket, and even a plaid lining.
I tell ya, shopping in the garbage is one of my favorite things to do (sorry mom and dad, I don't know where you went wrong either).

Electric Canola

2010-06-06T21:42:00.002+02:00

After a thunderstorm when the sun finally comes out again, it lights up the canola flowers like something from a disco. Must be all that electricity in the air.
Click to enlarge these pictures. This crummy blog platform really dulls the colours down.

p.s. mom - I lied. I put these on for you :)

Pink Petal Snow

2010-05-25T22:07:00.004+02:00

It has been very windy in this city the past couple days, and the streets are flooded with pastel pink as a result. Even though it's sad to see them fall off the trees so quickly, there is something undeniably luxurious about having to wade through petals.

One year ago, today.

2010-05-22T11:49:00.003+02:00

I love looking back through my pictures to see where I was and what I was up to 365 days before.
Last year on this day, my family was here visiting us in Copenhagen. It was so wonderful to show them around my new city, and to have them around the table for meals. A very memorable and special time for all of us.

I miss you guys so much. I love you more than anything.

For Emily

2010-05-17T21:18:00.000+02:00

The House on Salmon Street

2010-05-16T23:12:00.004+02:00

I stayed with my husband's aunt and uncle this past week on Bornholm. The plan was to speak only Danish for seven days in hopes that it would give me a leg up on my upcoming language exam, but my other intention was to just hang out with Hanne and Bo. She's a ceramicist, he's a woodworker, and they both have their own workshops right in their house.
They grow wild herbs, fruits, and vegetables in the backyard. They bake their own bread. They walk to work. They are quiet and thoughtful, generous and kindhearted. They are two of the most special people I have ever met.

Thank you both for such a beautiful week, and for opening your hearts and home to this curious, little Canadian girl.

Ridiculous Prefection

2010-05-11T21:54:00.004+02:00

Walking along the streets of Rønne, Bornholm's capital city, one cannot help but marvel at the seemingly freakish perfection of the whole lot. The houses look like they are made out of candy, each window is filled with fantastically themed trinkets - complete with lace curtains, and not a single speck of trash anywhere. It feels like a 19th century Disneyland, but it is completely, and so insanely, beautifully real. I can't believe people live like this. It's ridiculously perfect.

The best family portrait, ever.

2010-05-10T19:07:00.003+02:00

When I saw this photograph of my husband and his siblings yesterday, I actually squealed. Mikkel is in the middle, right next to the baby lamb. Ridiculous.

Forest Walk

2010-05-09T09:23:00.001+02:00

It was time for a little break from work, and for me to kick my Danish-speaking into high gear, so I came to Bornholm to live with Mikkel's aunt and uncle for a week. We are sticking to the absolutely-no-English thing, amazingly, and I think that it will definitely help me get in the habit of speaking more Danish, even if it's just a little bit.

I arrived on the island on Saturday and we went for a walk in the forest after lunch. It felt so good to be out of the city and actually smell spring, and see it happening all around us. I love this time of year for the fluorescent-green baby leaves, new life bursting from the earth, and the old decaying leaves being taken over freshness.

Another Series

2010-05-05T21:04:00.002+02:00

These were taken last weekend. Anna and I on the dock cracking up about everything. We are very good at making each other laugh.

A Series

2010-05-02T20:50:00.003+02:00

I had such a beautiful weekend!
Lots of cooking, lots of food eaten, lots of laughing, and spring bursting, new sights and sunshine - lots of pictures taken! I am just going to post this sweet little series I took of my girlfriends this afternoon, and save the rest for later.
(Click the pictures to enlarge them - their expressions are so lovely.)

Just One Reason I Love my Job

2010-05-02T10:45:00.000+02:00

When I came home yesterday and unpacked my bag from work, I spread its contents out on the counter and it all looked so beautiful. The colours, the textures, the flavours - I felt very lucky to have such luxuries in my life.
Here's what was in my bag (and everything was organic! sigh):
1 apple
2 pears
1 loaf whole spelt bread
2 heads garlic
3 avocados
a jar of sweet potato and chick pea soup that I made earlier that day
a bag of dried applebananas (have you tried these!?!)
1 bottle of biodynamic olive oil
1 jar of raw, biodynamic honey
small jar of black olives
3 leeks
5 raw chocolate truffles (also made by myself at the restuarant)

oh - and a couple sprigs of forsythia only because it exclaimed "I am so bright and happy, please take me home!" as I was biking by.

And I have decided to stop saying that I am "going to work." From now on I will say "I'm going to have fun. See ya." That makes more sense.

Breakfast at Anna's

2010-04-29T17:25:00.005+02:00

Anna lives in one of the most beautiful places on Christiania. Yesterday I went to visit her and we made breakfast there. The weather has finally turned and eating outside has never felt better. It is such a gift!
I think having a canoe in my front yard is a new life goal.
I also love how she has a "Not Private" sign hanging up where a public walking path meanders through her font yard.

hell yes

2010-04-22T17:02:00.002+02:00

Despite our extreme lack of wall space, I am so ordering this.
(click to enlarge - 178 neighbourhoods!)

via

evening

2010-04-20T18:55:00.001+02:00

Today at the Farm

2010-04-18T20:49:00.004+02:00

The ground, lately

2010-04-16T20:40:00.006+02:00

2010-04-15T22:23:00.005+02:00

oh, why yes indeed, i would love to live there. thank you for asking.

via

no more questions

2010-04-14T11:51:00.000+02:00

Combinations like this confirm my belief in higher power.
Sourdough toast rubbed with garlic. Avocado, lemon, chili, salt.

Crafternoon

2010-04-11T11:10:00.003+02:00

On weekends I get really crafty. Here's a pillow I made using a lino block stamp.
I think the spring rain must be getting to me...

yum

2010-04-10T09:51:00.000+02:00

so beautiful

2010-04-08T14:38:00.004+02:00

This is a new video from my favorite Danish band, Efterklang. The song is incredible, but coupled with the woodland images? Genius. Do yourself a favor and watch it full size.
I am really looking forward to their concert next weekend.

Modern Drift by Efterklang from Rumraket on Vimeo.

Celebrating at My New Roots!

2010-04-06T13:47:00.001+02:00

100 Articles published at My New Roots, and a mean chocolate fudge cake recipe for you to enjoy...

14 hours old

2010-04-04T23:50:00.002+02:00

We have a new niece.
Welcome to the world, beautiful little Vera.

Tim's Studio

2010-04-01T19:15:00.006+02:00

I stopped by Tim's painting studio the other day, around the corner from Gronsagen. He is working on a very large canvas that he says is a cow's head. I don't care what it is. It's spectacular.
And the studio too. (I got a new camera! - can you tell???) Every corner was poetry, and it made me miss my mother so much.

I love you, and I miss the smell of oil paint and varsol in our house and canvases on the walls changing with the seasons and your latest work.

thank you

2010-03-29T22:44:00.005+02:00

thank you sun, for shining every day for a week straight, warming my bones all the way through.
thank you air, for being so clean and fresh, and blessing my skin with your sweetness.
thank you mountains, for making me feel so small.
thank you ocean and your big waves, for letting me feel like a kid again.
thank you legs, for carrying me around this beautiful island and allowing me to climb SO high on the mountains and run through fields and tumble through sand.
thank you eyes, for being open to see everything, everything, everything.
thank you mikkel, for sharing the trip of a lifetime with me.

sigh

2010-03-28T23:15:00.002+02:00

We returned home from Gran Canaria last night, it was a spectacular trip.
There are lots of stories and images to share, here's a small taste.
Stay tuned.

Sundhedshuset

2010-03-16T20:37:00.005+01:00

Today I gave my first lecture at Sundhedshuset (The Health House) in Christiania. I arrived early to set up, and the room just looked so still and quiet, yet at the same time filled with so much potential energy.
We packed the house :)

I ended up sitting on the floor too.

Dear Winter,

2010-03-16T20:36:00.004+01:00

I know that you are so happy here in Copenhagen, but I am tired of looking at frozen lakes even though they are beautiful. Please go away now.

2010-03-10T11:18:00.005+01:00

Roasting hazelnuts to make spread-able heaven. Full recipe at my other blog: My New Roots

Grønsagen

2010-03-04T21:33:00.002+01:00

I cannot imagine how different my life would be without this place. My heart is forever grateful to the most unlikely place on earth.

Sunday Brunch

2010-03-01T21:52:00.007+01:00

Best (only) vegan breakfast plate in Copenhagen. Mikkel got eggs, bacon, and blueberry pancakes for dessert.
I would be lying if I said that I didn't devour every last maple syrup-y bite that he was simply too full for ;)

Around the House Sunday

2010-02-21T20:54:00.003+01:00

Today was freezing outside, so I stayed in for most of it. It's been a long time since I've posted pictures from around the house and I thought it was time you had another look. We like it here.

another snow storm

2010-02-18T21:44:00.007+01:00

It just won't stop.
Walking home from work (I have decided to stop biking in blizzards), I paused to look out over the frozen lake in Christiania. The sky was pink and the world was so quiet. I felt very thankful for everything.

Dear Winter,

2010-02-16T20:35:00.001+01:00

I know that you are so happy here in Copenhagen, but I am sick of looking at frozen lakes even though they are beautiful. Please go away now.

Dear Winter,

2010-02-16T20:35:00.000+01:00

I know that you are so happy here in Copenhagen, but I am sick of looking at frozen lakes even though they are beautiful. Please go away now.

Dear Winter,

2010-02-16T20:34:00.000+01:00

I know that you are so happy here in Copenhagen, but I am sick of looking at frozen lakes even though they are beautiful. Please go away now.

Dear Winter,

2010-02-16T18:31:00.001+01:00

I know that you are so happy here in Copenhagen, but I am sick of looking at frozen lakes even though they are beautiful. Please go away now.

quiet time

2010-02-08T20:11:00.005+01:00

Things have been quiet around here lately. I guess it's just winterness and snowies muffling life.
I saw this Devnendra Banhart video a couple weeks ago and I can't stop watching it. There's something so incredibly peaceful about the melody and the images put together - it makes me long for spring and being with friends in the country somewhere. And if I wasn't already married to the best man on earth, I am pretty sure I would be stalking Devendra. Yup.

Devendra Banhart, Walillamdzi from DAVID BLACK on Vimeo.

via hearblack

2010-01-31T21:38:00.003+01:00

There's been a lot of snow here lately. Apparently, Copenhagen has not seen a winter like this since 1995. It kind of reminds me of home, except for the fact that people in Canada generally stop biking when there's 2 feet of snow on the road.
Today I went out to visit my friend Andres, who lives on a boat. On the way I saw many things: ships frozen in place, a crazy vortex/whirlpool in the water (awesome), masts and trees and more snow and then Alba, his home. It's a beautiful place to live.

Food

2010-01-29T14:09:00.006+01:00

I've been working on a website for one of the restaurants where I cook. These are some pictures of the food I made yesterday, taken for the site. This gives you some idea of what I do all day :)

Wild rice, carrot, purple cabbage, chick peas, toasted coconut and arugula.

Roasted red pepper hummus.

Garlic-roasted sweet potatoes, black beans, toasted sunflower seeds, orange zest, poppy seeds and cilantro.

Steamed cauliflower, black olives, red onion, capers, parsley, white balsamic.

Roasted beets, lemon-marinated apples, walnuts, parsely.

Field Trip

2010-01-24T22:31:00.003+01:00

On Saturday we took the train to our friend Jacob's farm just outside of Copenhagen. He just got some sheep and goats so I played with them for a while (do you you know how much goats smell like goat cheese? Go figure!) followed by a warm lunch and a cold walk. A day well-lived.

Lunch

2010-01-16T16:43:00.001+01:00

Sweet sounds comin' down...

2010-01-11T21:00:00.008+01:00

Enough with the pictures...I can't get this song out of my head, and the video is almost too much incredible. At least watch it until they are all wearing matching sparkle tuxedo pants and performing the synchronized sway n' snap (that's my term).

The Last Batch from Bornholm

2010-01-10T12:08:00.003+01:00

I have the bestest friends

2010-01-07T20:39:00.002+01:00

I got THREE packages in the mail yesterday and it looks like Christmas just keeps on giving! Thank you to my best girlfriends for the beautiful and thoughtful gifts, I wish you could have seen my face when I opened these!
A Nikki McClure calendar (she's one of my favorite artists), a wool sweater, a re-usable shopping bag with a happy pig, homemade organic jam, alpaca, mohair and wool-blend yarn, and a feather print?! If this table got anymore Sarah B, I think I would explode.
I love you, sweet friends, and I miss you more than words can say. This meant so much to me.

and then it snowed.

2010-01-06T21:51:00.001+01:00

Walking Around

2010-01-04T21:59:00.002+01:00

So much beauty on Bornholm...it's almost too much for me.
Almost.

Where to Begin?

2010-01-03T19:27:00.004+01:00

Mikkel and I just returned from the most beautiful trip to Bornholm. We decided that we wanted to celebrate New Years in the quiet solitude that only a lonely cabin on the shores of the Baltic sea can provide. I took almost 200 pictures, so I am not sure where to start, but I guess the very beginning is an appropriate place. We had lunch at Mikkel's aunt and uncles place - a good meal in the city before we went into the wild.

on my way to work this morning.

2009-12-13T18:04:00.001+01:00

2009-12-05T19:55:00.000+01:00

New Recipe

2009-12-03T21:26:00.000+01:00

coming to My New Roots tomorrow...

My New Jewelry Tree

2009-12-02T16:51:00.001+01:00

After seeing a bunch of these in designer shops for hundreds of dollars, I went to the woods to get one for free.
Thanks, nature.

Weekend

2009-11-30T16:46:00.001+01:00

Parsnip Galaxy

2009-11-27T12:32:00.001+01:00

Groovy tree, I like you

2009-11-24T20:48:00.002+01:00

ka-POW!

2009-11-22T21:49:00.002+01:00

And just like that the sun came through the clouds. ka-POW!
It was a beautiful Saturday, filled with bright walks on crunchy leaves, plenty of shadows, and a sunset at the canal. Just what my heart needed.

As a side note, I have not forgotten about this blog, but it's hard to get excited when there is barely enough light to take a decent photo.
More to come...if the sun can man up.

Fall at your doorstep

2009-11-06T13:56:00.002+01:00

Oh so so golden Berlin

2009-11-02T20:28:00.006+01:00

Just got back from a shiny trip to Berlin. For some reason the city was totally glowing and shimmering all over the place. I couldn't help but notice how the brightness of autumn has kissed each and every boulevard, tree leaf, and friendly face. Mmmmm. So warm, Berlin. Thanks for the golden times.

Autumn Goodness

2009-10-25T21:12:00.000+01:00

My New Scarf

2009-10-19T21:03:00.001+02:00

I finally finished my "tube scarf" - so practical and warm! Now I just need it to get a little colder...but I can wait a month or so ;)

From the Demo site

2009-10-17T20:01:00.005+02:00

I walked across the street yesterday to see the piles of rubble where a cluster of abandoned buildings recently stood. There was something oddly beautiful in all the heaps of like-materials. They reminded me of conversations.

Rise and Ride

2009-10-15T13:01:00.000+02:00

I think that the very best way to greet a new day, is to get on your bike and ride into the sunrise. This was on my way to work yesterday morning.

And yes, I know how lucky I am.

Pictures from Canada Part III

2009-10-08T20:53:00.001+02:00

Next I went to camp. Instead of teaching 300 13-year-old boys how to make hemp bracelets, I led a game where you have to chase each other, blindfolded, wielding pool noodles as swords.

Pictures from Canada Part II

2009-10-06T22:31:00.007+02:00

The next few days were spent at Mel's cottage for a serious reunion. We all turned into 13-year-old girls again, possessed by the sun, delicious food, the Les Miserables soundtrack, french braids, late night gossiping, and falling asleep in a pile. I have the most beautiful friends in the whole world. It's true.

Pictures from Canada Part I

2009-09-06T21:04:00.000+02:00

What a glorious trip. Magic, in fact. I spent the first two weeks with my sweet husband roaming around restaurants in Montreal, and laying around docks at the cottage. The weather welcomed us back with open arms; sunny days and starry nights. Thanks to all of our friends and family for the smiles, hugs and laughter.
More pics to come...

On my Way

2009-08-19T17:00:00.002+02:00

Back to Cananda I go for some much needed cottage hopping, girlfriend sleepovers, farmers markets, and starry night skies. A giant fields of zinnias would also be nice. Thanks.
See you soon...

Us

2009-08-18T21:16:00.000+02:00

I was going though some pictures this evening and I found this one that I hadn't seen before. It must have been off my dad's camera, taken from when he was in Copenhagen for the civil ceremony. It's Mikkel and I in the City Hall, trying to figure out which room we are going to be married in on the following weekend. I remember exactly how I was feeling at that moment: so excited, a little nervous, and deeply in love. I have the best husband. I am so lucky.

p.s. dad - I like when you take candid photos.

2009-08-16T20:29:00.000+02:00

Beet Love

2009-08-14T19:03:00.000+02:00

Rita

2009-08-12T21:37:00.006+02:00

Tim's cat Rita is a real character. Every time I am over for dinner, she sits at the table waiting for us to come and eat.

Tailkaas

2009-08-10T17:26:00.004+02:00

2009-08-04T17:45:00.001+02:00

Saturday Carpet Market

2009-08-01T18:11:00.000+02:00

Dinner and More Shapes at Tim's House

2009-07-30T18:02:00.000+02:00

Tee Hee

2009-07-30T16:08:00.002+02:00

My friend Majya just tattooed a sprouted chick pea on her neck.
A SPROUTED CHICK PEA!!!

We Did It

2009-07-28T15:02:00.010+02:00

We couldn't have asked for a better day.
Thanks to everyone who came to celebrate with us, and to those that couldn't make it, I promise to host "the party to end all parties" in Canada next summer.

Mikkel and I coming out of city hall, being showered with rice.

The family. (L to R: Georg, Maria, Claus, Emil, Mads, Marie, Me, Mikkel, Jesper, Rasmus, Dad, Diana)
The boys having a toast.

My bouquet.
Me.
Mikkel.

A quiet moment with my husband.

And a not so quiet moment, thanks to my father.
I love you, dad.

And thanks to everyone for flooding us with letters, emails and gifts of congratulations. We have the best family and friends, ever!

Back to Bornholm

2009-07-20T16:37:00.003+02:00

Tangle

2009-07-15T08:54:00.001+02:00

Perfect Sunday Checklist

2009-07-13T09:02:00.004+02:00

1. Sleep in. Check.
2. Motorcycle trip to the countryside. Check.
3. Antique market. Check.
4. Beach cartwheels. Check.
5. Play with cat. Check.

Yup. Got it all done! Hard work...

2009-07-10T22:33:00.000+02:00

Day at the Beach

2009-07-08T17:13:00.003+02:00

We had planned to hide ourselves away in the ceramic studio, but when we arrived bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, the doors were locked and closed for the summer! We went to the beach instead. Life could be worse.

From the Garden

2009-07-06T22:06:00.001+02:00

I know I post a lot of flower pictures, but this I just couldn't resist. I can't believe what nature can do.