This painting is byWilliam Henry Johnson 1901-1970
Flowering Trees, Norway circa 1947
I’m sitting here in Kristiansand with my second cousin, Kristin, doing something often overlooked and unheard of- relaxing and just being still. It’s been two days of catching up on family, culture, interests, travel, and life.
One might think it’s not using my time here in Norway well when there are endless places to see, visit and explore- but this trip is about connections and spending time in Southern Norway and contemplating the past and dreaming about the future.
I’ve been here one week, and with such long days, in some ways, it feels longer. I have two more weeks here, so I’m not panicking yet that I don’t have much more time to do what I want. I’ve been here enough to know that I can’t do it all or see it all, but I have little doubt that I’ll be back one day soon.
To date, I have visited with family and old friends; I’ve walked along old dusty roads that were once well-traveled by me as a youth and spent some time in my head. I took walks in the woods and rested my hands in the crystal clear water of the lake below my parent's summer “hytte.” It always feels like a bit of a dream being here. I was going to say fantasy- but fantasy isn’t real- and Norway is genuine to me.
Right now, I’m sitting in the beautiful warm sunshine, but the air beneath us is crisp and cool, so the atmosphere is beyond pleasant. When I first arrived at my parent's place and took a deep breath, the smell of the air beckoned an immediate familiarity and offered such soothing comfort. The smell of the air is an instant reminder of years gone by. It’s a return to something I love. It’s more than a place to visit; it’s a part of me.
Here in Norway- I can immerse myself in the art of relaxing while still being able to experience Norway. I’m connecting with the culture through conversation, sometimes silence, and even learning a new hobby- knitting.
That’s where the “Koselig” phrase comes to play. It’s the art of presence, with or without others. It can be curled under a blanket with a good book or knitting with someone in the quiet of the moment. I suppose the closest word in English is cozy- but cozy often is an environment or setting- Koselig is a feeling or emotion, but the setting almost always is cozy! Whether sitting in the hytte gazing at the view (see below) or eating a simple but perfect meal- the peace creates a mood that can only be described as “Koselig.”
Tomorrow I will reconnect with my folks and continue to share in their days in Norway.
Another visit with either my husband, adult children or friends will bring more adventure- but for now- for this trip- it will be about what is familiar, what is known, and what is Koselig
