I once read a book about the history of prison architecture, on how the concept of supervision from above, over time, was developed in the layout of jails. On our way to see my father, we stopped at an old ruin by Lake Vättern. I wandered around the ruin, and gasped when I saw the steep drop of the rock edge beyond it. With wide views in all directions over the lake and the neat, tidy fields surrounding large farms far below, it truly was magnificent.
From its perch on the rock, its 17th century creator Per Brahe the younger, could easily survey the expanses around it, and keep a close eye on friend or foe alike. The exhilarating drop in elevation brought to mind another ancient concept – Ättestupan. This word relays the way elders, who felt their end was near, would throw themselves over the edge of a cliff, in order to die an honorable death, and spare their relatives from the slow process of a conventional passing. Since it’s election time in the US, I can’t help but think they were the old world’s version of modern Americans, who can’t bear the thought of leaving their families with staggering health care bills, and instead opt for what they consider a more merciful suicide.
On that note.. really NH – Donald Trump??? WTF…
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About annamadeit
I was born and raised in Sweden, By now, I have lived almost as long in the United States. The path I’ve taken has been long and varied, and has given me a philosophical approach to life. I may joke that I’m a sybarite, but the truth is, I find joy and luxury in life’s simple things as well.
My outlook on life has roots in a culture rich in history and tradition, and I care a great deal about environmental stewardship. Aesthetically, while drawn to the visually clean, functional practicality and sustainable solutions that are the hallmarks of modern Scandinavia, I also have a deep appreciation for the raw, the weathered, and the worn - materials that tell a story. To me, contrast, counterpoint, and diversity are what makes life interesting and engaging.
Color has always informed everything I do. I’m a functional tetrachromat, and a hopeless plantoholic. I was originally trained as an architect working mostly on interiors, but soon ventured outside - into garden design. It’s that contrast thing again… An interior adrift from its exterior, is like a yin without a yang. My firm conviction that everything is connected gets me in trouble time and time again. The world is a big place, and full of marvelous distractions, and offers plentiful opportunities for inquiry and exploration.
I started writing to quell my constant queries, explore my discoveries, and nurture my curiosity. The Creative Flux was started in 2010, and became a catch-all for all kinds of intersecting interests. The start of Flutter & Hum at the end of 2013 marks my descent into plant nerd revelry. I occasionally contribute to other blogs, but those two are my main ones. For sure, topics are all over the map, but then again - so am I! Welcome to my blogs!
What a view! Tidy fields indeed! Thanks for sharing your trip with us. 🙂
One wrong step, and I would have seen those fields up close! It was pretty amazing… 🙂
My vignette: http://www.itsnotworkitsgardening.com/2016/02/wednesday-vignette-workshop-greenery.html
WTF does stand for Wednesday, Thursday, Friday right? This was really a great post.
I can see you reading a book on prison architecture.
I hope your trip was amazing despite weather. Thanks for sharing.
Ha! It can mean whatever you like it to mean… It has been a wonderful trip, thanks, and it feels great to have caught up with old friends and relatives. A lovely time indeed!
No snow?!? Fabulous view. It has been lovely to experience a bit of Sweden through your eyes. Enjoying it!
Can you believe it? It really is not normal weather behavior for this time of year. Glad you’re enjoying the trip. 🙂
An interesting place indeed. If I were ever to desire to end my life, this wouldn’t be a bad place to do it. On the other hand that would litter the lovely countryside. Perhaps a craggy coast where the ocean could wash the body away to become food for sea life would be better. Anyway, hope you’re enjoying your vacation. Thanks for letting us experience it vicariously through your vignettes!
P.S. my offering can be found here: http://outlawgarden.blogspot.com/2016/02/wednesday-vignette-shrooms.html
Oh my – let’s hope we never have to make that kind of choice… Yes, thank you – I am positively loving it, even though part of it was work (even though it didn’t really feel like it).
Beautiful, and I love all this fascinating information. Thank you so much! I’ve been taking a break from social media and the election for a while; it is such a relief to not pay attention sometimes.
Thanks! And, isn’t it interesting that we can be so tired of it all, even though in actuality it has barely begun…? Supposedly nobody cares until after the Iowa caucus. I feel like I’ve been assaulted by politics forever.
Yes. And Iowa, New Hampshire – their populations are tiny; New York State and other areas of the country have little in common with rural Iowa; I think too much importance is placed on these places in terms of political coverage by the media.
I agree. It’s a little like the sighting of the groundhog-thing. Really means nothing…
WTF indeed. I’ve chosen to ignore the fact our country as lost it and focus on the sunshine Portland recently experienced instead: http://www.thedangergarden.com/2016/02/wednesday-vignette-good-morning-sunshine.html
Good to know the weather is better over there. Pretty much pea soup over here…
It was probably dank, dark and inhumane as a prison but makes for impressive ruins.
Let’s eat: http://bannersbyricki.com/archives/5227
Oh no – it was never a prison, Rickii. It was a smaller country retreat for a man of power and good standing. It succumbed to fire, but its skeleton remains. Like all real estate, it was all about location. Such a spectacular view! Mind you – it was probably all of what you said during the winters.
I love that view through the stone wall!
It’s almost as impressive as your view, Kris! 🙂