Forest

The Enchanted Monastery

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Monasterio de Santa Cristina (Ribas de Sil) in Galicia, Spain, originates from the 11th century, when monks came here to live in seclusion to meditate.

We had great difficulties in finding the hidden monastery, and had to follow winding roads for miles. Then a multitude of stone steps down…but, we were richly rewarded.

There is not much written about the monastery, or its church, but the very location and surroundings are enigmatic. I hope you noticed the stone faces watching us from above in the header…

You can only imagine all the trouble getting the stones for the monastery down here…
…and the impressive church

Hidden in the forest, it was impossible to get an overview of the buildings. We walked up the layered paths, and the unreal feeling only escalated. Not many monks have ever lived here – but how did they survive? It seemed impossible that they would have grown anything in this stone paradise. No matter how green it was…

The cross on top of the church
Stones, stones…
…and majestic stone fences in layers

The old trees all seemed to be aware of us being there…and as I turned around on the path, one of them made my eyes wander up the trunk for his message…resting some four, five meters up…

Thursday Thoughts

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Do you want to feel safe? Are you in some kind of danger? If you want to live a good life, you might have to blend in. At least sometimes.

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SL-WEEK: Reflection

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For Sylvain Landry – Reflection. I love the way the world changes in reflections. In the header, a photo from somewhere in China, where many separate worlds are revealed …and the second photo is from my forest at home. My world.

Bäcken lever. The brook comes alive when the ice is gone.

Bäcken lever. The brook comes alive when the ice is gone.

 

Today, May 9

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Milles kungarike

Milles kungarike

This day, 14 year ago, a remarkable friendship started between me and one of my most beloved friends ever. Mille. He came to us on May 9 and will stay for ever in our memories even if he left us, May 9, two years ago.

These two pictures were among the first ones I posted on my blog. I am very grateful for all the happy memories.

Seven Day Nature Photo, Day Seven – Home

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I have been nominated by my friend Sue, at WordsVisual, to take part in a challenge of a photo per day for seven days, of anything from the natural world. And every day I should nominate a new member.

On my last day, I must tell you the truth – nothing in Nature is more dear to me than ”my own” forest. The paths I walk every day, sitting under the giant beech tree, nodding to My Old Friend when passing – in whatever costume he greets me. I may travel the world and enjoy its beauty – but This, is my home.

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Today,  my last entry, Day Seven.  Again, I would like to nominate all my followers and readers who love Nature and feel they can find time and joy in participating in  7-day Nature Photo. Again, my heartfelt thank you to all of you – and to Mother Nature.

CFFC: Alleys, Driveways, Parking Lots, Dirt Roads

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I will stick to dirt roads for Cee’s challenge – one summer road (with me and Mille) and one winter road. For more entries, click here.

It would be fun to know what the English speaking world calls this kind of summer road! In Sweden we call it a ”tvättbräda” – a wash-board (translated). I guess it might have another name for you?

 

 

SL-WEEK 36: Women

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Sylvain Landry – Women. International Women’s Day.

In the header – The old and the new China.

 

Young Chinese girl of today

Rome – a connecting nun.

My mother, here 79 years old. Still hiking, still curiously looking forward to things…

A woman – not passé even if she is ageing.

The Lark has Arrived –

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They say the lark has arrived in Skåne – the southernmost landscape of Sweden. That is where I live, but I have not heard her yet…Every year they come early, trying to be the first ones to find a place to nest…and every year some of them will die – when winter will not let go. Nesting on the ground is dangerous in any case.

That is the way life works. You have to be brave and take risks in order to succeed. Migrating birds, people who have to leave their home countries in order to survive. But we all have to face this – maybe not risking our lives…but still.

And Winter has not loosened his grip, yet. We are patiently waiting…all except Totti. This is his season, his temperature, his joy. Lagotto Romagnolos do not come with a zip…

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WPC: Seasons

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Jen at WordPress asks us in what season we are now. In Sweden we are still in Winter, but with glimpses of Spring. The ice is breaking up and the sun is getting warmer. A beautiful time with the colours returning.

For more seasons, click here.

 

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