One of the things I love about blogging is the chance to interact with people all over the world. I learn so much about places I have never been from people I might not otherwise have met. A couple of years ago I met Renny and Diane, a couple from Norway. I've really learned a lot about Norway from both of them. They offer slightly different perspectives since Renny is Norwegian and Diane is American. Both have wonderful blogs that are a delight to visit. Some time ago Renny offered all his readers a chance to engage in a swap of gifts unique to whatever area the participant is from. I jumped at the chance.
Here are the lovely surprises from Norway I found in my mailbox. first are a pair of adorable little trolls who sit on my kitchen windowsill along with a few other "friends." They keep me company when I am in there cooking and dancing. Renny and Diane also sent a CD of music by famous Norwegian composers and let me know the trolls are especially fond of Edvard Grieg's In the Hall of the Mountain King.
The other item they sent was a really lovely hand painted wooden plate. The style is similar to what I know as tole painting, which is popular in the Pennsylvania German tradition, so I especially loved this piece.
If you head over to Renny's place you can see what I sent him and Diane. I am betting you can all guess what sort of thing I sent but go check and say hello.
In other news, NYD won the contest with his plan for how to thwart an evil mastermind, thus he may claim he pair or tie dyed socks...assuming he considers that a prize. Congrats, NYD! thanks to all of you for your plans. They all gave me quite a chuckle.
That's a fun idea. I'll go look, but I'm guessing tie-dye?
ReplyDeleteI popped over there to Renny's place and what great gifts you sent them. It looks like they're having fun too.
ReplyDeleteThat is a gorgeous plate!
ReplyDeleteHow did I know it would be tie-dye?
ReplyDeleteThe swaps are a wonderful idea! Can I say that we really enjoyed our little swap-meet with you? Hope you enjoyed it, too. . .
Anything from Limey, is truely a gift of love....G
ReplyDeleteLove the shirts you sent to him and Diane. And look at those precious Trolls! Are trolls precious?
ReplyDeletePrecious?? Trolls?? The word that came to my mind was "unsettling."
ReplyDeleteLove the plate, and the tie-dye tees in the snow!
I went there, knowing full well I'd see some tie-dye, but not expecting to see those folks rolling around in the snow with them on. Very good! Lovely plate, too.
ReplyDeleteOoo. Pretty plate! And those trolls are too funny. Gotta love it! :)
ReplyDeleteI'll bet those trolls dance like fairies! Wait that didn't come out right.
ReplyDeleteI'll bet those trolls dance like no others! Oh hell they are just cute as shit!
citizen, however did you guess? ;)
ReplyDeletepouty, they do look like that are having a great time! makes me smile to see it.
cocotte, i thought so too and it will look great once my kitchen is painted the green i have chosen
desmond, good guesser ;) glad to know you and molly enjoyed.
gman, awww, i am blushing.
maribeth, well my trolls are precious to me :)
craver, how abotu "cute?"
suldog, hehehehe, you also know me too well.
kat, thanks. i think it's really lovely
cheesy, they dance with abandon, just like me. ;)
Dang, I knew I'd lose to NYD! ;) Hahahaha!!! Wonderful! And I'm definitely going to check out the other sites too :) What a cool idea to exchange gifts :)
ReplyDeleteI do love this 'Swap-o-rama' Lime and as you've seen; We love your gifts too - Just because its from you, are unique and made with love and care.
ReplyDeleteGlad you liked the Norwegian Trolls too and good to know you play the right tones for them - makes them feel welcome and appreciated in your home you know and also they won't miss Norway that much :-)
i'm totally guessing what you sent and i'm sure i'm correct! trolls have always creeped me out - but that plate is quite lovely =)
ReplyDeleteIt's gotta be tie-die... gotta be.
ReplyDeleteAnd Grieg - How do I love him, let me count the ways.
The trolls look like some of my in-laws. For that reason keep a close eye on them.
ReplyDeletethose trolls are TROLLS!!! i think of the cute purple haired trolls with smiling faces.
ReplyDeletesolitaire, you win for the most charmingly girl response.
ReplyDeleterenny, so far the trolls are still smiling in their new home. :)
ella, you do indeed know
jazz, grieg is great and that piece of music is especially terrific
beach bum, LOL
mary, no purple hair here
Sorry; when I look at troll dolls and try to pronounce "c, u, t, e," the sound that comes out of my mouth is "frightening."
ReplyDeleteI agree with craver...about the trolls!
ReplyDeleteReally nice gifts indeed - in both ways, I also loved your colorful shirts.
ReplyDeleteAs a neighbor country to them, (Sweden) I'm very familiar with trolls and love them. We have them here too.
There are also nice trolls you know ;-)
Sometimes I even feel like a troll... when having a bad hair day! *giggles*