Since I’m gearing up to leave my country for the US in a few months (not permanently, but for a year or so) I’ve begun to think a lot about my country, my relation to it and my own history and what I am proud over with my country – which is quite a lot of things. Taking a long farewell of my country is – a bit surprisingly – to see it with new, fresh eyes. Suddenly I see a lot of things that I’ve been taken for granted and realize that I will miss them. It thus brings about a lot of feelings in a way that I hadn’t anticipated since I’ve been looking forward to this relocation for quite some time – it is a luxury to be able to do such a thing by free will and curiosity. I’ve also – which started almost unconsciously – begun to take photographs with this in the back of my head; thinking that I will put together a post of “my Sweden – my soil” before I leave. Making lists in my mind over what I’m looking forward to and what I will miss. My travel and living in another country will get a blog of its own. The lady dandelion will continue, but I think the experience of living in another country should have a blog of its own. I will be happy to get your input on this down the road – as well as input on what you want me to write about. So: expect more gearing up for travel blog posts now and then until my departure in October. Some might be very sentimental, but I hope you won’t grow too tired of them. Now: This is a few photos captured the last few days when it has been very warm, damp and beautiful. A part of my country. A part of me.
(The first two photos were taken just after hearing the devastating news of the brutal terror attacks in Norway – our close and dear neighbour. Words are futile, but my thoughts are with them – the victims and their families, as well as the Norwegian people. It felt even more brutal hearing the news in this beautiful scenery.)
The very image of Swedish summer and country side. Pastoral beauty. Very warm. Damp.
A bit further down the road – heading home. A very damp and warm evening – around 9.30 pm. Ridiculously beautiful. One can almost see how damp it is in this picture.
From the bike ride the day after – approaching the Royal Mounds in Old Uppsala. Still very damp and warm.
lady dandelion 
How lovely photos You presented here. They are full of life and color.
Great pics as always…..
Is your time in US a vacation, sabbatical ??
Should be great experience for you….
All the best!
It’s a combination of things. I plan to travel and work and blog about it. When things get a bit clearer I will announce my travel project on the blog. :) Thanks a lot for kind feedback! :D
Lady Dandelion, I will miss your gorgeous photos of Sweden. You are such an amazing photographer and your heart for your country really comes through in your work. I will miss that, but at the same time, I am delighted to hear that you will be in the U.S. If you will be in or near New England, definitely look me up. It’s a wonderful place to be. I would be happy to offer warm hospitality to you. Many blessings to you, Dandelion. =)
Karen, thank you so very much for your kind words about my photos – it makes me very happy. I’ll drop you an e-mail – I will most definitely be in N.E. :D
Oh, excellent!! Definitely drop me an email! I look forward to it! =)
Pen shows are a must take opportunity while there. Looking forward very much to your landscape and pen photography!
If you come to Philadelphia, let me know! I’d love to set up a Philly pen meetup.
Absolutely – that would be great & is quite likely to happen. :)
Beautiful, warm, evocative photos. Always good to start on a new adventure.
Thank you! Yes, it is! :D
Lovely images!
Thank you! :D
What an adventure you have to look forward to. Your ‘stranger abroad’ blog posts are eagerly awaited. I wonder if your first impressions of life in the US will mirror my own after long years in Japan. Good luck on your journey.
Thank you! I’m curious to know about your experiences of living in another country. :)