I am enjoying this series, Ann. I really liked these lines especially:
" Olli and Annu were two who understood—who listened for wisdom in the goodness of their work—who heard kindness in birdsong and in the creaking boughs."
Thank you so much, Neil. I was thinking about a favorite psalm when I wrote that little chunk about the way the work we do can be like a prayer: “May the kindness of the Lord our God rest upon us. Establish the work of our hands for us. Yes, establish the work of our hands.” 💛
What a special series. Your ancestors would have been proud, I'm sure, to know that they would be represented this caringly, many miles and years later.
Beech trees are important to Denmark as well, and actually bookend the beginning and end of the national anthem.
Anyway -- looking forward to the rest of the series!
That’s so interesting about Beech trees in your national anthem, Hasse. they are to me the most beautiful tree in the forest. I love the way they hold onto their papery copper leaves all winter for no apparent reason but to make the forest more beautiful in a bleak season. Thank you for your thoughtful reading as always.
This is magical Ann 🌲 I really love that you are sharing one chapter at a time. It’s a thoughtful way to experience this story. Already a complex texture is emerging, and the inclusion of Finnish words adds so much. I love “Kotoisuus” ! How does one pronounce that?
Emma, thank you. I’m glad you’re enjoying the small layers. I really could spend a lot longer on each one, but it’s good for me to just put something out without overthinking it sometimes. As for the Finnish, I wish I knew the proper pronunciation— very little of that part of our family heritage has been passed along to me. But I wanted to include something that felt like words my ancestors would use, so I’m trying to weave a couple words into each section. Lovely of you to read it. 💛
Wes, I guess I was trying to make a few medieval nurse’s notes. I know my grandmother wanted to be a nurse very much, but instead she had to work in an orphanage during World War II. After that, she was a full time housewife. I always wonder where she got the dream of being a nurse? Maybe her mother or her grandmother? I remember her beaming at my nursing graduation.
Ah, Carol! You're very welcome. My great-grandpa, Bruno Olsson, spoke Swedish. Loved to laugh. Was famous for saying: "Jumpin' Jimminey! I just can't wait for Christmas!" with all the J's pronounced like Y's ☺️💛
I love love love the mythology here, Ann! I would like you to write the codex filled with all of the Finnish mythology and all of the apothecary recipes. :)
"Annu always kept careful notes in her Forest Codex: a volume bound between covers of birch bark, marked in elderberry ink." -- vivid!
This was all so meditative and poetic. And then we get to the final line and I'm left wondering what awaits next! "The woods are restless this morning."
Nathan, thanks so much for the encouragement! So glad you're enjoying this small tale. I'm definitely having fun imagining what the Forest Codex might contain. I would like to create some version of this as a physical object--then leave it in the attic of my house for some future owner to chance upon :-)
Have you ever seen Codex Seraphinianus? Maybe we spoke about it at some point? Have you seen some of the artwork and writing in there? I'm going to buy a copy at some point.
Anna this is utter heaven! I adore every gentle word, especially the sprinkling of Finnish which I've never heard before, a beautiful story unfolding...
"It happened on a morning painted silver-bright with frost, when breath hung visible like prayers. Olli kissed his Annu soft goodbye, a kiss that tasted of honey and held the warmth of their peaceful hearth." 💛
Oh, I’m glad you like that part Julie. My grandma always had a large patch of purple and white violets growing outside by the back porch. I’m trying to sneak in all kinds of little snippets of things I remember from my childhood growing up with Scandinavian grandparents.
I am enjoying this series, Ann. I really liked these lines especially:
" Olli and Annu were two who understood—who listened for wisdom in the goodness of their work—who heard kindness in birdsong and in the creaking boughs."
Thank you so much, Neil. I was thinking about a favorite psalm when I wrote that little chunk about the way the work we do can be like a prayer: “May the kindness of the Lord our God rest upon us. Establish the work of our hands for us. Yes, establish the work of our hands.” 💛
What a special series. Your ancestors would have been proud, I'm sure, to know that they would be represented this caringly, many miles and years later.
Beech trees are important to Denmark as well, and actually bookend the beginning and end of the national anthem.
Anyway -- looking forward to the rest of the series!
That’s so interesting about Beech trees in your national anthem, Hasse. they are to me the most beautiful tree in the forest. I love the way they hold onto their papery copper leaves all winter for no apparent reason but to make the forest more beautiful in a bleak season. Thank you for your thoughtful reading as always.
Great series Ann. Very interesting!
Thank you Shital!
This is magical Ann 🌲 I really love that you are sharing one chapter at a time. It’s a thoughtful way to experience this story. Already a complex texture is emerging, and the inclusion of Finnish words adds so much. I love “Kotoisuus” ! How does one pronounce that?
Emma, thank you. I’m glad you’re enjoying the small layers. I really could spend a lot longer on each one, but it’s good for me to just put something out without overthinking it sometimes. As for the Finnish, I wish I knew the proper pronunciation— very little of that part of our family heritage has been passed along to me. But I wanted to include something that felt like words my ancestors would use, so I’m trying to weave a couple words into each section. Lovely of you to read it. 💛
Stunning storytelling as well as a guide toward connecting with nature.
Kim, you’re so kind. I’ve never done a serial fiction before, and I’m trying to keep it simple. Sort of like a picture book. I’m so glad you like it.💛
I love the graphic nature of the ingredients stuck directly into a book with descriptions right there of everything. very cool, thanks
Wes, I guess I was trying to make a few medieval nurse’s notes. I know my grandmother wanted to be a nurse very much, but instead she had to work in an orphanage during World War II. After that, she was a full time housewife. I always wonder where she got the dream of being a nurse? Maybe her mother or her grandmother? I remember her beaming at my nursing graduation.
What a lovely memory, that proud grandmother. These are the treasured things, right?
indeed, memories pressed and saved. the way the mind is always writing these small poems in its endless notebook.
Such a cool way to put it, Ann.
I love this line so much:
It happened on a morning painted silver-bright with frost, when breath hung visible like prayers.
Thank. you, Ben. In my version of fairytale heaven, it is always a frosty morning or a snowy night.
I am loving this series, too. Especially the excerpts from Annu's Forest Codex.
Thank you, MK. I want to work that in some more. Nature is such a patient healer.
This was delightful! Thanks for the Finnish lesson, also. My grandpa was an Andersson and a Finn, although he spoke Swedish.😊
Ah, Carol! You're very welcome. My great-grandpa, Bruno Olsson, spoke Swedish. Loved to laugh. Was famous for saying: "Jumpin' Jimminey! I just can't wait for Christmas!" with all the J's pronounced like Y's ☺️💛
Yup, that would be the correct pronunciation, for sure!
Beautiful! Finnish sounds / reads so fairy-like to me!
That's so good to hear, Susanne! I'm just trying to make something that honors Greta's memory in a light and loving way. Thank you for reading!
Thank you for sharing this story and this wisdom! Beautiful 💙
Caroline, thank you for taking the time to tell me! 💛
I love love love the mythology here, Ann! I would like you to write the codex filled with all of the Finnish mythology and all of the apothecary recipes. :)
"Annu always kept careful notes in her Forest Codex: a volume bound between covers of birch bark, marked in elderberry ink." -- vivid!
This was all so meditative and poetic. And then we get to the final line and I'm left wondering what awaits next! "The woods are restless this morning."
Nathan, thanks so much for the encouragement! So glad you're enjoying this small tale. I'm definitely having fun imagining what the Forest Codex might contain. I would like to create some version of this as a physical object--then leave it in the attic of my house for some future owner to chance upon :-)
That would be so incredible.
Have you ever seen Codex Seraphinianus? Maybe we spoke about it at some point? Have you seen some of the artwork and writing in there? I'm going to buy a copy at some point.
https://www.reddit.com/r/wtfart/comments/9ru4em/ive_been_exploring_the_strangest_book_codex/
Oh wow! No, I had not seen this. It looks like a more modern and super-interesting version of the mysterious Voynich Codex. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Voynich_manuscript
Yes, agreed! I was trying to think of the older book when I left my comment but I couldn't remember it. Another book I'd like to own!
The writing he invented is wild. Love that.
Anna this is utter heaven! I adore every gentle word, especially the sprinkling of Finnish which I've never heard before, a beautiful story unfolding...
"It happened on a morning painted silver-bright with frost, when breath hung visible like prayers. Olli kissed his Annu soft goodbye, a kiss that tasted of honey and held the warmth of their peaceful hearth." 💛
What a magical read! I need to catch up on the other parts.
I really appreciate you, Manuela. Thanks so much for reading.
Love this: "Their wild fragrance gave rise to her forest-scented dreams." This reads like a dream.
Oh, I’m glad you like that part Julie. My grandma always had a large patch of purple and white violets growing outside by the back porch. I’m trying to sneak in all kinds of little snippets of things I remember from my childhood growing up with Scandinavian grandparents.
My husband and I were in Finland last summer and absolutely fell in love with it - the places, the people, everything. Magical!
I’ve never been! If I ever do get to go, I will pick your brain and find out all the wonderful places that you liked best.
Oh, please do!