Door County chez nous

January 16, 2013

January 16, 2013 Photo of the day:

"Door County chez nous"

This is probably the first thing you see when you enter our home. I loved it the minute I saw in it Bliss, my favorite shop in Sturgeon Bay. Local artist, Robert Soukup, created this colorful painting depicted so many iconic Door County images: an outline of the Door Peninsula, the steel bridge in downtown Sturgeon Bay, the Washington Island ferry, the Cana Island, Sherwood Point, and Eagle Bluff lighthouses, sour cherries, violets, and lady slippers. The artist graciously remarked the sailboat in the center of the print to resemble our boat, painting Sail la Vie on the transom. This painting evokes so many happy memories and makes me smile whenever I see it!

Sail la Vie (photo used to remark painting)

Visit my Door County Pinterest board for more lovely photos

Brilliance

January 15, 2013

January 15, 2013 Photo of the Day: "Brilliance"

It's amazing how a sunny day can brighten your outlook!

Moonrise

January 14, 2013

January 14, 2013 Photo of the day:

Noble Victory Memorial Chapel at Dusk

I drove through Delafield on my way home today. Rather than just passing through, I turned into St. John's Northwestern Military Academy. The Noble Victory Memorial Chapel is where we were married seven and a half years ago. Today, it is about 70° colder than that beautiful day in July! Yet, I waited as the sun set, and a tiny sliver of a new moon rose over the turrets.

Celtic Love Spoon

January 13, 2013

January 13, 2013 Photo: "Celtic Love Spoon"

Spoons are considered symbols of affection in many cultures. Today, my Larson nephews asked, "Auntie, you're Irish, right?" They understand that Dad & Auntie are adopted, so we don't have the same ethnic backgrounds. In fact, I'm 1/2 Norwegian, 1/4 Swedish, & 1/4 Italian. Although my whole life, especially on St. Patrick's Day, I've been taken for a Celtic lass. Maybe, the reddish brown hair, the fair, freckled skin, or the light eyes (a curious shade of blue) are misleading, or maybe, as my brother was quick to point out, I am the size of a leprechaun, but I am neither Irish nor Scottish, although my Scandinavian ancestors plundered the British Isles mercilessly. I guess I am Celtic by marriage. Uncle Eric's Scottish grandfather made this Celtic love spoon for all of the women in his family. This interwoven love knot dates as far back as 1000 year ago. Legend has it, a young man would present a decorative, hand-carved spoon to the girl he wished to marry. The pattern on the spoon forms one continuous loop, symbolizing togetherness & unity. The fine finish & intricate design reflected his affection for the girl. If she accepted, they were betrothed. I am so fortunate to inherit Eric's grandmother's spoon. It is displayed proudly in our home as a symbol of Celtic love, unity, & fidelity. No, Auntie may not be Celtic, but Uncle Eric is, & Auntie feels the love :)