Our Ruby Everyday Life

"All these days, coming and going, little did I know that they were life itself."These sad words were uttered by a Swedish lady in her nineties.

I hope I've learned from her mistakes. Our everydays are so precious to me.
Like this orchid standing in the kitchen window, with these tiny red drawings in the middle of the flowers.

Short visit in Sauda. Even in the cold white surroundings I see some red on the wall. Holding round my mother is indeed colouring my day.

Being members of the local art gallery we get value for our small fee.
Interesting exhibitions from home and abroad all around the year.
Often young talents trying their wings for the first time.

Valand, a long time deceased local artist, perfectly demonstrates how a dot of red can give a painting depth and life.

Some days I start tidying up in old paper clippings, only to be halted by pictures like this.Serina four years playing with watercolours and oil on the back side of a tapestry rest.
Amidala is balancing on the piano, keeping attention over the garden and the neighbourhood birds and cats.

She also comes curling in my lap while I am busy blogging or net shopping.

I find comfort shopping quite intriguing and contagious.
I found a picture I just had to snatch in front of some other costumers on the annual autumn exhibition. Gunnar applauded while taking picture.

Gunnar is providing us day by day with our gluten free bread.
He's phenomenal, using almost no yeast, but letting the dough raise for 12 hours; what patience.


I bought cheap rubber boots on the local net-thrift shop.
While collecting them we were surprised by the marvellous view of a to early sunset. The days are growing shorter all the time now till December 21st. Today the sun will be down at half past four. That is way too early.


Then there's wonderful moonlight, myriads of stars to gaze at and the occasional Aurora Borealis.
Ten years ago Gunnar wrote this poem after he and Serina had been out enjoying the wonders of the sky one autumn evening. Serina made the poem into a painting and gave him for father's day, which will be next Sunday in Norway.

Oh, yes, I'm greedy at seizing moments. "Sternstunden", to quote Stephan Zweig.

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Garden fall, the last rose of Norway

Last Tuesday Gunnar, Amidala and I had probably the last great garden day of this year. We worked until the dark fell on and we couldn't see what we were doing. The next day more rain and chill made us stay indoors, but the joy of yesterday still lingered on. So did the hideous pains in my right wrist.

I love roses, but the love is mostly unilateral. Even so, I keep planting new ones. Red ones only, and late this fall some slow growers finally rewarded my efforts.
Hidden among a big hydrangea shrub a tiny red little fellow
assured me that my love was not in vain.

Amidala thrives when we are working outdoors. She especially finds joy in the tranquillity in the afternoons, and chase the odd mouse now and then. She also invites her friends to come over for a "happy meal", but when her folks are outdoors, she's busy guarding her territory.
The leaves of the blood beech in late afternoon sun. They are a sight for soar eyes. They just grow without any cravings at all, and know how to die in beauty.

Amidala most is taking part in the procedure of planting spring bulbs. That is; I am planting, and she's digging them up to control if the work is properly done.
She's such a lovely, Godgiven creature. I dedicate this Dylan song to her.

Do you love me,
Or are you just extending good will?
Do you need me me half as bad as you say,
Or are you just feeling guilt?
I've been burned before and I know the score
So you won't hear me complain.
will I be able to count on you,
Or is your love in vain?

Are you so fast that you cannot see
That I must have solitude?
When I am in the darkness,
Why do you intrude?
Do you know my world,
Do you know my kind,
Or must I explain?
Will you let me be myself,
Or is your love in vain?

Well, I've been to the mountain,
And I've been in the wind,
I've been in and out of happiness,
I have dined with kings,
I've been offered wings
And I've never been too impressed.

Alright,
I'll take a chance,
I will fall in love with you.
If I am a fool,
You can have the night,
You can have the morning too.

Can you cook and sew,
Make flowers grow?
Do you understand my pain?
Are you willing to risk it all,
or is your love in vain?

Can you cook and sew,
Make flowers grow?
Do you understand my pain?
Are you willing to risk it all,
or is your love in vain?

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