Okay, it’s confession time. I’m directionally challenged, but I’m getting out my maps of the world. Will you be my witness and travel companion? From Georgia to Gallup, Greece to Gibraltar, I’m determined to go to my grave without taking another wrong turn.
Winnie Nielsen says: This is truly Farmgirl Romance off the grid! I am very curious to see what the inside looks like. This is upscale from the outhouse on my grandparent’s farm in the 1950s.
Cindi Johnson says: Oh dear. My first reaction to seeing this picture was “Oh I like that! What a Nice little house.”. Does this mean that I have an unusual attraction to outhouses? Hahaha ~ maybe so! One of my favorite pictures that I’ve taken over the years is of an outhouse that a friend and I stumbled upon while following an amazing little stream trench dug by the Chinese during the gold rush days ~ out in the middle of nowhere in the high mountains of Northern California, sitting pretty as you please with door open waiting. Yes, I like this picture very much and I think Winnie is right ~ true Farmgirl romance!
Barbara Criss says: This is exactly how the snow looked at my house this morning. We also have an outhouse at our cabin that looks almost like this . So it looks very homey to me. I love this picture,although I do not love using an outhouse.
Nancy Coughlin says: Looks like a very well constructed and maintained unit!
Winnie Nielsen says: Such a view! I love our morning photos that you share. They are always so interesting and beautiful.
With the holidays fading fast in our rearview mirrors, we find ourselves in the wide open expanse of …
Photo by Walter Baxter of geograph.org.uk via Wikimedia Commons
midwinter.
About this time of year, we start counting the days until spring and wondering how the rugged residents of far northern latitudes do it. How can they keep their chins up with months more until thaw and precious little daylight in which to weather the harshest of seasons?
They must have a secret.
Photo by 4028mdk09 via Wikimedia Commons
In fact, they do.
Well, it’s not exactly a secret—the rest of the globe just hasn’t caught on to hygge yet.
The Danish term hygge (pronounced something like “heu-gah”) is worthy of translation among traditions nationwide, if for no other reason than the fact that Denmark is the happiest country in the world, according to the United Nations General Assembly’s World Happiness Report.
Photo by Kozuch via Wikimedia Commons
That’s pretty big, right?
While I’m fairly certain hygge is a noun, its definition isn’t cut and dried. It’s more of a concept, really, a notion, a ritual of sorts.
Photo by Christian Bier via Wikimedia Commons
Perhaps I should leave the defining to a lady who knows the nuances of hygge, Louisa Thomsen Brits. She’s a writer of Danish descent, and she crafted a lovely blog called—you guessed it—Hygge, where she explains this winter survival strategy most eloquently:
“Hygge is the art of building sanctuary and community, of inviting closeness and paying attention to what makes us feel open-hearted and alive. To create well-being, connection and warmth. A feeling of belonging to the moment and to each other. Hygge happens when we commit to the pleasure of the present moment in its simplicity,” Brit writes. “Hygge is a kind of enchantment—a way of stirring the senses, the heart and the imagination, of acknowledging the sacred in the secular—a way of giving something ordinary a special context, spirit, and warmth, taking time to make it extraordinary.”
Okay, so maybe that’s more of a roundabout explanation than a hard and fast definition, but you’re beginning to get the gist, aren’t you?
According to VisitDenmark.com, “Hygge actually comes from a Norwegian word meaning ‘well-being.’ It first appeared in Danish writing in the 18th Century and has been embraced by the Danes ever since.”
Now that we’ve come closer to the meaning, explore the practice (not to mention pronunciation) of hygge in this mini video travelogue from Copenhagen:
Winnie Nielsen says: This was fantastic! I have never heard of Hygge but I think it is a great idea. Ohhh, a porridge cafe? Count me in. A person could start the day with porridge, then get a cozy table with a coffee while they read and do their laundry, then meet a friend late afternoon for a local beer with a friend all while immersing themselves in lots of winter hygge. What a great way to live in these cold,grey and somewhat dreary months of Winter. Leave it to the Scandinavians to understand Winter and make it a season of joy. And that huge bonfire photo you posted? That looks like the size of the bonfire we experienced on New Year’s Eve in Iceland. It was more like a house on fire than the sort of bonfire’s we are used to here!! However, everyone is sitting or standing around, singing , laughing and enjoying the time with family and friends. We didn’t even see a fire truck or EMS close by. Amazing!
Yes a great concept. No like here. I would love to go to the kinds of cafes that they showed in the clip. We have nothing like that here, well not here in PA dutch country anyway. But I noticed that everyone was very young in this clip, what do older people do and where do they practice hygge ? Besides the bonfire, which luckily my friends do nearby and in a big way. Fire about 30ft across and burns all night. Yep, I guess that’s hygge here after all.
Karlyne says: Lisa, I noticed that they all spoke very good English, and I wonder if that’s why the young uns were on camera? Hmmm. They all seemed to be very good-looking, too, but that’s probably just because they’re Danish. And ride bicycles. And drink coffee beer. And eat porridge. And do their laundry while drinking coffee.
hi karlyne,
Actually, nearly all scandinavians speak wonderful American accented English, not “veddy proper English ” like some nations. They are all very fluent and many older folks ( post war time) are as well. Yep, they do have a nice and rather slowed down lifestyle especially for a big city. My German friends are all on a very hectic, fast paced lifestyle. But cafe life is the way most Europeans get together and socialize. Not so much in their homes as we do.
Karlyne says: I’ve read articles about how Europeans in general, and Scandinavians specifically, have smaller houses and many fewer possessions than Americans and that might partly be because they do go out to socialize and don’t “need” their houses so much. Americans do tend to stay put in their homes, don’t they?
Houses are often prohibitively expensive, like millions instead of thousand of dollars worth in cost. My German friend says a $ 250K house here would be like $1- 2 million in Germany for instance.
And the lack of so many possessions like us doesn’t make them unhappier , does it?
Karlyne says: Sounds like the difference between the cost of houses in California and Idaho!
Karlyne says: I rarely watch videos (I have the sound muted on my laptop), but today, as the cold, frozen fog is seeping through all of my windows, I thought the sound of Hygge needed to be heard. And what an encouraging video, because although I don’t have physical access to any of those cozy, lovely community things, your post at least made me happy to see them and has got me thinking of some Hygge things that I can do. Thanks!
Love this! Yes, being married to a Dane, I know all about “hygge”! It’s slowing down…coffee in a cup and saucer, not in a “to go” cup, it’s warmth and coziness and good conversation. Great post, MaryJane! Farmgirl hugs, Nicole (Suburban Farmgirl)
I LOVE this!! Definitely plan to invoke this here in North Central Montana! 🙂 Thanks for sharing!
Pingback: Mia’s Hygge Time | Raising Jane Journal
Barbara Burch says: Having spent my last 30 years in Fairbanks, Alaska where our seasons consist of June, July, August and Winter, I recognize and enjoy Hygge daily!! Our town in filled with warm inviting coffee shops where there is always amazing coffee and all the trimmings. My friends and I gather for good conversation and good coffee often. My husband and I have our own Hygge routine as well. Every evening, after the fire has been stoked and made ready for the night, about an hour before bed, we have tea (decaf of course) together. We try lots of different flavors and while sipping our tea we have a conversation about the day. It’s a very cozy time for us and prepares the mind and the body for good restful sleep.
Winnie Nielsen says: I’d like to be riding a horse down this friendly path through the woods to see where it goes.
Cindi Johnson says: This beautiful country road takes me home. I can almost feel the warm sun and smell the pine. What a nice start to the day 🙂
If you were walking the woods of Scotland on Midsummer’s Day (June 24 in the U.K.), you might have spotted something few humans have seen … unicorns.
Of course if you’re Scottish, you might not blink an eye. After all, the unicorn is the “national animal” of Scotland, along with the red lion, both of whom appear on its royal coat of arms.
Photo, Woodland Trust
Scotland’s Woodland Trust, an organization that protects and restores the country’s woodlands, likes to inspire people to visit forests, plant trees, and enjoy the many benefits that woodlands have to offer. And this year, they also inspired imagination and wonder as they held an event in the Ledmore and Migdale woods in Sutherland featuring the mythical, mystical unicorn.
Photo, Woodland Trust
Needless to say, the event was a magical success, drawing fantasy lovers from around the area to marvel over the elusive unicorn.
Although we think of the unicorn as pure myth, the ancient Babylonians, Persians, Romans, and Greeks all describe a horse with a single horn who had magical properties that could heal any disease or illness.
Winnie Nielsen says: This parallels the woodland fairies that live at the waterfalls in Norway on the fjords and come out and sing and dance when visitors pass by. It all feels so magical at the time and the mist of the falls provides just enough of a veil to make one second guess their rational thinking!
Most of the ” proof” of unicorns existence came from showing Narwhal tusks. Read about it in wikipedia:
“Some medieval Europeans believed narwhal tusks to be the horns from the legendary unicorn. As these horns were considered to have magic powers, such as neutralising poison and curing melancholia, Vikings and other northern traders were able to sell them for many times their weight in gold. The tusks were used to make cups that were thought to negate any poison that may have been slipped into the drink. In 1555, Olaus Magnus published a drawing of a fish-like creature with a horn on its forehead, correctly identifying it as a “Narwal”..[The narwhal is largely mentioned in the book Lore of the Unicorn. In the book, the author Odell Shepard describes the earlier interpretations of the narwhal, from being a fish with a horn in its forehead, to a sea-unicorn. ”
Just wanted to give the ” rest of the story” as Paul Harvey used to say.
Traveling in Scotland is a favorite of my hubby’s and mine! We’ve had the privilege of making three different trips, and they have included travel in Ireland, Wales and England.
On our first trip we were on a tour with a lot of other Americans with the last name “Armstrong”. Our guide took us to many places that had Armstrong Clan influence. But we also traveled to other places as well, one of which was a boat trip across the Loch Ness. At one point I went below deck to the ladies room and decided when I came back up to join my hubby and other travel companions I’d be sure to tell them I saw the Loch Ness Monster from the porthole window! It was fun!
CJ
Winnie Nielsen, Farmgirl Sister of the Year and a Florida resident, sent me an e-mail and photos this week that I thought you’d enjoy seeing. Isn’t it wonderful to think that farmgirls-at-heart can see such different views right out their kitchen doors? What might you spot in your “backyard”?
“You always post such wonderful photos of your neck of the woods that I thought you might enjoy some of Warren’s photos taken a few days ago. Here are some of our local residents at Alachua Sink, a nature preserve that flows into Paynes Prairie on the south side of town heading out of the city. How ‘bout dem gators?!”
Winnie Nielsen says: It is the cooler days of the year we have right now in Florida that I most appreciate it’s gifts. There is plenty of food for critters of every description, bright blue skies, and many days of sunshine just perfect for gathering up those rays to warm your bones. Definitely, DON’T feed marshmallows to the Gators as some are want to do!!
Cindi Johnson says: Oh my gosh those are amazing pictures from Winnie. There is obviously something much deeper that defines a farmgirl than cows and chickens ~ though you won’t find me raising gators any time soon, yikes! I love the shot of the bug on a dangerous path there; a bird version of pizza delivery. Thanks to Winnie for sending a piece of her world for us to see.
How awesome those photos are, such beautiful detail and action.
Nice pictures Winnie.
Thanks MaryJane for sharing Winnie’s husband’s photos. Wow, what wonderful wildlife. I live a few miles away from a large Wildlife sanctuary. We have in Feb through Late March the migrating snow geese and tundra swans from the arctic circle. We get as many as half a million of the geese on the lake there in good years. But numbers are declining. It is the highlight of each winter for me and many others around here. We have lots of waterbirds but no pelicans. And no gaters !
Certainly are not creatures I’d see in my backyard! The only long-legged water fowl we have are blue heron. All other waterbirds are either Canada geese or a wide variety of ducks. Gators? Nope . . and no, thank you!
Thanks for the share Winnie!
CJ
Karlyne says: Great pictures, Winnie!
Winnie Nielsen says: What a perfect bird community! Complete with everything you need.
Cindi Johnson says: What a beautiful scene. Those sleeping grasses and the still water look to be just moments away from bursting with the life and activity brought by bugs, birds and animals. I could sit there and watch for hours.
Winnie Nielsen says: Vintage combine in my favorite color?
MaryJane says: Yes (seasoned eye), and yesterday’s “ornament” rests at the foot of one of our outside beds. How are you this fine Florida morning Winnie?
Winnie Nielsen says: I am fine MaryJane! I just got off the phone with my Idaho friend, Kellie, who just got engaged over the weekend!! It is a very happy day!!
MaryJane says: Ah, how sweet. Who is the lucky partner? Tell her congrats for me.
Winnie Nielsen says: His name is Christopher and he is one of a group of friends she grew up with. It looks like she is marrying May 2, so I will be going to Idaho for that and doing some sightseeing for a few days before I arrive at Wild Iris Lane. I am so happy for her and all I can say is he is one lucky guy. Alas, the Wall Tent has been packed up and she is living with her brother in Sandpoint, mastering Karate in Christopher’s Karate business, and sewing away with orders from her Etsy shop. How fast life changes for these 20 year olds in the 3 years I have known her!
Winnie Nielsen says: Wow, what a gorgeous winter view. The seasons of your rolling hills are so full of beauty and color surprises!
MaryJane, I loved your new magazine for Feb-Mar. highlighting the 15th year anniversary. When it came in the mail, i just had to sit down and read it twice from cover to cover. The staff pages were wonderful because I know a few of those people but not how they have been a big part of your work. It was interesting to learn about each person and some of their contributions. Some of your tributes were ones that have happened since I joined, but as always, I am intrigued with the earlier years and what all went into making MaryJanesFarm the vision that has captured my heart and continually inspires me to figure out what means success for me. And to answer your question, “Will I continue this? Only if you want me to.”, I can only say, I cannot imagine my life without MJF! I hope it will be a legacy that StellaJane and Mia will continue for upcoming generations. I believe there will always be an audience of women seeking a different and simpler path in their lives. The wild west was in part successful because of rugged, creative, stubborn, hard working and determined women. That prairie spirit, I believe, still inspires women to live off the land, make a new start, live out their dreams, and march to the beat of a different drummer. For that we need community and sharing and a means of keeping some of the old, but dependable, ways and recipes alive and working in our lives( like real american clothespins!). MJF gives us that community, that inspiration, that encouragement, and that template for launching out to new pathways. Your $5000 investment has changed the lives of thousands of women and young girls one apron, one badge, one garden, one fresh egg, and one new farm at a time. Although Saying thank-you is indeed important , it doesn’t seem like enough. Taking responsibility to keep your vision alive by reaching out to others and continuing the conversations about an organic, sustainable, and simpler life seems to be what is needed as repayment. This 15th Anniversary Issue is indeed a wonderful way to start a New Year 2015! Whoop!!
MaryJane says: Ahhh, Winnie, you’re the best. Thanks for saying it so well. Where would we be without you? We can’t wait until May 6. Yes, I have my eyes on my grandgirls. Soon, they’ll be old enough for me to begin regular Young Cultivators classes with them. I’m pretty sure they’re picking up on the business end of things (just like my kids did) because last week I had them here for a 3-day stayover and listened in when Stella was playing pretend “business” with Mia. She had a ton of gear out on a table and was VERY busy stapling, stamping, etc. At one point I heard Mia say, “Stella! How come I always get the cranky customers?!” That still has me laughing.
Winnie Nielsen says: Hahahaha, Mia! Having been the youngest child and sister in the family, I know too well Mia’s plight. Somehow we littlest ones get stuck with what the older ones don’t want. Tell Mia, that it builds character and grit and she will be triumphant in the end!! Just ask my older brother. Little Sis had her ways of always evening out the playing field, much to his surprise!
And yes, soon it will be time to make my plane reservations. This last trip earned us a feebie on Delta! I am already excited and my friend gave me some farmer jeans for Christmas to wear for barn and farm viewing. It is going to be an Epic Trip!
Nancy Coughlin says: Your photograph brings some wonderful memories of time spent in Idaho. Perfect time of the year to reminisce.
Buy props used in MaryJane’s books and magazine!
5% of profits will benefit www.firstbook.org, a non-profit that provides new books to children from low-income families throughout the U.S. and Canada.
Here’s how:
MaryJane will post a photo and a description of a prop and its cost along with a few details as to its condition here: https://shop.maryjanesfarm.org/MaryJanesCurations. It’s a playful way to be the new owner of a little bit of farm herstory.
Oh my, this makes me want to turn the knob and go inside for a look. Love that vintage window sash!
Just love seeing older homes like this one. Bet the door was often open for friends to visit.