Coffee and Spring Flowers

It's Saturday, and the sun is peeking behind the clouds ...

Another week has gone by - one day after another:

Seizing the moments - being present at work ... From 'Good Morning' til 'See you tomorrow!'

Feeling the wind and the air and the fresh scents of the spring on my way home.

Since January I have skipped, after the work, these obligatory "I should's" - and have given space to "Right now I feel like's" ... That is, resting [procrastinating] with a good conscience. We'll eat dinner together and share chores alright, but anything besides that would be a lot. The need of not "doing" anything else, not having things in schedule after 5 pm., is worth taking notice of. 

At the moment I enjoy listening e-books - from the library services like e-reolen, via the Audible -App, or the Kindle audible. The latest audible books have listened / am listening at the moment are: Brené Brown: The Gifts of Imperfection, Alli Worthington: Breaking Busy, Lisa Unger: Die for you and Tami Hoag: The Bitter Season (I need a good crime novel every now and then.) You Version - Bible app has also an audible version, together with many different daily devotions.

Spring flowers - daffodils, tulips and tiny hyacinths - bring about the feeling of spring inside. I look forward of finding the first pussy willows by the lake - that is a clear sign that we're getting close to Easter.

The other weekend I crafted a very simple pot decoration, with linen cloth and simple package thread. The green linen cloth is at least 14 years old - I did sew trousers and anoraks to our boys using this fabric, when they were toddlers ... And I haven't thrown it away - linen is just a wonderful fabric, and I do like the color.

Editing photos and playing with textures and stamps is also something I find inspiring and relaxing. The pretty Spring branch-stamp below is a March present from Leslie Nicole at French Kiss-textures - I receive their news letter, and there by get a lovely present each month.

I made the poster below this morning using texture overlays from both French Kiss and Kim Klassen - who both share from their experience and are of great inspiration to me.

Well, just a little update from my corner of the world. Our sons are setting things up for a LAN-game evening, and my hope for a date night with my hubby later today is high :)

How do you notice your need to unwind, and in what ways do you regain energy, social surplus and mental presence?

Life is available only in the present. 

That is why we should walk in such a way

 that every step can bring us to 

the here and the now.

Thich Nhat Hahn

... Wishing you a peaceful weekend,

Nina

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Happy and Creative 2017

January has turned to February - the pale and coolish winter light at noon does small miracles when photographing.  

Natural light is "my thing". Maybe that is due the lack of experience with flash - Who knows? 

Well, I like natural light, it kind of makes my world go around in a safe and predictable seasonal circle. 

I guess I've grown to like these seasonal changes - the rhythm, they create.

It has been a while since I've written an update here, besides the For Your Sunday-posts.

Sometime last fall I decided not to open computer after work, in order to spent less time by the screen. I have also turned off all notifications in my cell phone (besides from the text messages), and my cell phone is often times on a voiceless mode. Well, it sounds quite radical now that I write it ... Yet, I've reasoned, that this it is how I like it to be. For now.

When that is said, I need to hurry and say that I'm definitely not 'polishing any glories here' - I'm posting photos on Instagram, and following & being inspired by others photos. 

There is time for everything ... I've been thinking about learning to post to Blogger from iPad ... when my "hiatus" phase will be ebbing out.

Well ... I've knitted some things for Christmas - and at the moment I'm finishing some of my own projects, like the grey poncho-to-be in the photo below. Wool and knitting kind of belongs to winter, doesn't it?

The soft beige cardigan is knitted by my auntie, as well as the leg warmers - I'm wearing them almost every day at home ...

Thank you dear auntie!

The decorated pocket watch in the photo above is a Christmas present for my father - I'm so fond of it, the way you can 'click' the top of and check the time.

And - last but not least - we had a 4 day get away to London! The trip was a present to your youngest son - and it was such a great trip! I've taken loads of photos and some videos, they're to be posted here in the near future.

You've probably already guessed that the briefcase in the photo above is from London - there's room for both pc and notebooks. I needed a briefcase, my old one has faithfully served me the last 8 years - it's pockets worn so my keys are disappearing in-between the leather and the lining (not practical at all!) Well, we walked by a shop close by the British Museum, and my husband noticed the briefcase in the window ... And I was sold!

Well, I refer to many items in the post - as a form of a Thank you-post ... I'm also very happy for the Christmas cards I received - They're still hanging over the door to the living room! My own Christmas cards are yet to be written ... (it just never happened before it was too late, so I have saved them for next Christmas :)

:   :   :

As the years pass, I am coming more and more to understand 

that it is the common, everyday blessings of our common everyday lives 

for which we should be particularly grateful. 

They are the things that fill our lives with comfort and our hearts with gladness -

- just the pure air to breathe and the strength to breath it; 

just warmth and shelter and home folks; 

just plain food that gives us strength; 

the bright sunshine on a cold day; 

and a cool breeze when the day is warm.

Laura Ingalls Wilder

... Cherishing the everyday,

Nina

A Sense of Balance

Happiness is

a place between

too little or too much.

Saturday morning and coffee ... 

Watching the roses above brings about a peaceful and balanced feeling in me. 

Creating balance between duties and hobbies, social time and alone time, getting things done and keeping breaks, reflecting and "turning your mind of", is a work of art. 

Having a 100% balance in everything would be boring. Yet, most people tend to thrive when they find themselves and the different areas of life in balance - the Golden Mean.

I was wondering last weekend about how it will be to start working againg after summer holidays. And, as it shows, I was troubling my mind unnecessarily - The week has been fine and smooth. I was worried about busy mornings and hastily prepared dinners, not getting the neck-back-exercises done etc. ... But the meal planning seems to be working well (we have a saying in Finland: Well Planned is half done).

That being said, I have had to admit to myself that my dream of volunteering this autumn, in addition to work, has to be postponed. I have a fresh memory of a period, when my plate was too full, which was not healthy for myself nor the people around me.

Are you struggling in finding ways to bringe a sence of balance in your life, you might like Leo Babauta's article When Your Plate is Full.

As I mentioned before, I do not believe in keeping a 100% balance - if that even were possible. But I believe that most of us do wish to be there, where our ressources and time somewhat meets your actual needs and challenges. There will be more or less challenging periods, but having arrived to the other side, makes one appreciate and nurture a more balanced life, when possible.

...Until next time,

Nina


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August sunlight

The sharp August sunlight has been brightening up the neigbourhood here now and then, during this week.

We were in downtown the other day, and I took these snapshots of the old buildings by Israel's Plads.

In the end of the street to the right from the upper image, you'll find the Torvhallerne - two buildings filled with all sorts of delicate and culinaristic specialities, with some cafe's and restaurants as well.

A slight sommercold bug kept me inside two days, but yesterday afternoon I was able to enjoy the sunlight. 

During my last visit in the library, I grabbed a random cook book due to the appealing book cover. I was positively surprised when I opened it: Besides the delicious and easy-to-prepare ~ recipes, the author describes small anecdotes of her life. Her love for good and tasty food shines through the lines. The book is written by Sophie Dahl and is called "Miss Dahl's vuloptuous delights".

Summer is ebbing into autumn, the last weekend of summer holidays is at hand ...

All in all, it was a never to be forgotten summer — 

one of those summers which come seldom into any life, 

but leave a rich heritage of beautiful memories in their going —

 one of those summers which, in a fortunate combination of delightful weather, 

delightful friends and delightful doing, 

come as near to perfection as anything can come in this world.

L.M. Montgomery

... Until next time,

Nina 

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Café on a Bluish Monday

The schools have started today.  That marks, for me - symbolic - the end of the summer holidays. Yet, this year, I am lucky that my summer vacation continues still for this week ....But the feeling of the ending summer, is hovering over me like a dark cloud.

Well, as it happens, my friend is also on vacation this week, so we decided to go for a walk around the nearby lake. Walking is good, as well as talking with a friend ... so towards the end of our walk, the blue feeling of saying goodbye to the summer, was not feeling that heavy. 

Our local, cozy café has opened again (after the summer holidays :)  so on our way home, we dropped in for a cup of coffee. And from there on, my day has been unfolding somewhat naturally ... The daily routines of everyday life do make a frame, even to a blue Monday, that is safe, predictable, and uplifting.

Too often we underestimate the power of a touch, 

a smile, 
a kind word, a listening ear, 

an honest compliment, 
or the smallest act of caring, 


all of which have the potential to turn a life around.


Dr. Leo Buscaglia

... May there be silver linings for your blue and rainy days as well,

Nina

Summer Holidays

A Saturday afternoon, two weeks ago, I was going to grocery shopping ... And on my way to the store, there was live music on the tiny square! Benjamin Aggerbæk was playing jazz with his band - so I grabbed an Iced Coffee from the nearby cafe, enjoyed the light jazz in the sun. 
It was a joy to watch the sweet toddler playing with the red balloon, and I took a snapshot of her ... This photo called for an color spot edit with a touch of vintage, didn't it?!

Summer Holidays are over us, and we'll be visiting family the next two weeks, where I will be away from the blog. However, thanks to Blogger's Post Planner - function, I have written a few post, that will pop up here every now and then.

Louis Amstrong & Ella Fritzgerald:
Dream a little dream of me

... Wishing you slow days & sunshine,

Nina

Smooth Jazz Melodies

Copenhagen Jazz Festival has started, and there is music all over the town. Nina and Søren Baun - a bother and a sister - held a concert in the cozy Cafe Cadeau.  

Café Cadeau is a non profit café run by Frederiksberg Integrationsforening (FIF) and Church Integrations Ministry (KIT). The profit of the café goes to integration and humanitarian projects in Denmark and abroad.

We had an unforgettable evening with a lovely mix of Nina's moody and modern jazzy songs, 
and Søren's groovy and light numbers & evergreen cover songs with Latin rhythms.

I hope to get to listen Acoustic Lounge, that is playing in Cafe Cadeau on Monday.  
Acoustic Lounge is one of Søren Baun's Jazz Projects.

Søren Baun 1. July 2016 Cafe Cadeau #CPHJazz from Nina Jensen on Vimeo.

I recorded short videos from the concert - Video above is recorded with Cinamatic iPhone Application 

(a Hipstamatic Style video recoring app).

The video below i recorded wih the build in camera of the iPhone, and edited in iMovie.

Søren Baum 1/7-16 Cafe Cadeau #CPHJazz from Nina Jensen on Vimeo.


... With melodic greetings,
 Happy Weekend
to you! 

Nina


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Random 5 from this week

I was an early bird this morning, watching the sun creating a pretty play of shadows in the kitchen. Before the day starts with errands, I'll journalize here 5 Random things from this week:

• I have slept a lot this week ... I connect the sudden need for sleep to the start of the pollen season. Besides the need to sleep, I sneeze and have itchy eyes - But luckily the medicine is helping! And a nap after work or after dinner is said to be a good ting :)
• Pancakes made of  1 banana and 2 eggs makes a tasty breakfast! I add also a pinch of salt and just a touch of baking powder ... I recommend!
•  I am half way through reading Unashamed by Christine Caine - her authenticity shines through the lines ... I can't wait to pick it up again later this afternoon...
• The days at the work has flown by so fast ... I enjoy spending time with unique children and motivated colleagues :)
• I enjoy watching videos from the Light Room Killer tips by Scott Kelby - here's a good one on noise reduction.

... Wishing you a peaceful weekend,

Nina

Tid bits on School Camp & Propel Women Book Club

It's Saturday afternoon ... And my eyes are resting on photos from the lovely School Camp this week.

We had a great 3 days School Camp with the 3rd -6th graders at my work. The weather was with us, we had sunny and warm days outside: By the sea, in the forest, climbing on the fallen tree trunks, admiring the things growing around us. 
Not forgetting sports and games - Baseball is the game for sunny days ... I just love it! 
I got some tips on how to cast the ball, and also this very helpful line: "Just hit the ball - Don't think!" - seemed to work well for me :)

I was back home yesterday at 4 pm - and I thought I would just close my eyes for a while, but I woke up 4 hours later! Well, I woke up fresh and had some supper and tea - and was ready to fall asleep at the normal time - I guess the fresh air and camp life does consume more energy that you expect!

:   :  :

Just a quick tip to any bookworm friends of mine: 
I joined the Propel Women Book Club a while ago, and I have just purchased the first book through the club - Christine Caine's Unashamed. 
Christine Caine spoke at the Colour Conference in London last month - Her witty yet straight forward nature made it an unforgettable experience to listen to her sharing. 
Especially her work with trafficked woman at the A21 is wonderful, rescuing the fate of many, not only women, but also men and children, as A21 is focusing on the trafficking taking place among refugees today.

In the Unashamed book Christine Caine tells her story and how she has coped with the shame, she has carried on her shoulders dues some of the experiences from her life (abuse among other things). 

I downloaded the Unashamed Kindle version, and will read alongside the other Book Club members - Christine Caine will have a video each Monday on the Book Clubs Facebook group, where there will be discussion etc. 
I look forward of opening the book and starting the first chapter ...

I hope you're doing well,

Wishing you a peaceful weekend,

Nina

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A Little Spring Update

I am in love with this world . . . 

I have climbed its mountains, roamed its forests, 

sailed its waters, crossed its deserts, 

felt the sting of its frosts, the oppression of its heats, t

he drench of its rains, the fury of its winds, 

and always have beauty and joy 

waited upon my goings and comings.  

John Burroughs

:   :   :

Spring weather has brought sun, rain, hail and wind to us the past few days ... 

Yes, I'm checking the weather and temperature each morning, in order to decide between a winter coat, a spring coat or a rain coat... 

Back in my childhood in Finland, I remember that April was the month when the snow was beginning to smelt, making small brooks and becks, where we would play with boats made of bark.

Our younger son has been down with influenza last week - It's great that he's gotten well and back to school - and that the rest of us seem to have skipped the virus this time.

I have been without sugar 3 weeks ... I just had to try if I could make it and how it would be!

I was surprised to experience headache the first 2 days (maybe that was a coincidence?) - and also that after 5 days, the graving for sweet things just lost it's power on me! 

I have sipped tea in the evenings - and it has been easy to skip the cakes at the work. This weekend I was to a birthday party, where I got a piece of birthday cake, which tasted fine and sweet ... So, there has been a tiny break in the sugar free period - But I will continue, and intend to keep on going sugar free still for some time.

Something nice is taking place very soon - that is, the Colour Hillsong Conference at London, starting on Thursday. As it happened, I was able to jump in as a friend to a friend swapped her place with me. We're 4 friends traveling together - we met some time ago just to an art, walk & coffee afternoon, and planning the upcoming trip.

Moreover - A dear friend of mine, whose living in UK, is able to meet with me in London ... I'm really thankful for being able to travel, and I am looking forward to this weekend!

You are never too old to

set another goal

or to dream another dream.

C. S. Lewis

:   :  :

 With smiles and happy midweek greetings,

Nina 

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Knitting Grey

Moments with knitting are a form of wellness for me ... I found this grey woolen yarn and a recipe for a poncho some weeks ago, and this afternoon was calling for some knitting. Knitting with needles number 8 is nice - it enables you to get some visible results within a short time. 

I have a confession to make - I grew tired knitting a cardigan with needles number 2 ... So I did set that project aside for a while, and have picked up this poncho instead.

Including myself in the photos more often is something I'm trying to remember - so as the light was fine this afternoon, I did set up the tripod and used the auto shutter. Setting the focus right took some trial and error ... I did get my daily motion for sure, jumping back and forth when adjusting the settings!

... Wishing you a peaceful weekend,

Nina

Tulips & Sunshine

The melody of spring is found in tulips ...

Light playing on the pretty petals,

highlighting the form & textures.

:   :   :

I bought these tulips Friday on my way home from work,

and have enjoyed seeing them open in the weekend.

... Sunshine to your week

and silver linings a cloudy days,

Nina 

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Photos: iPhone 5S, Camera+, Snapseed, VSCO, TadaaSLR, Mextures & Image Blender apps

February 2016 [Month in Photos]

Sun started to peak out between the clouds more often in February, creating a feeling that Spring is just around the corner. Yet, the Frost revisited us with some snow flakes and chilly weather. 

Some colds and flues - a part of winter - have been underway ... So pots of warm tea with honey, ginger and lemon, has been brewed in the kitchen.

Winter Break with slow mornings and some get together's, created an oasis or rewinding with the family.

Blogging Every Day in February made med pick up my camera and go out and about - walks in the neighborhood are refreshing both for the body and the soul.

 How has your month of February been? 

Nina

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Helmikuun kollaasihaaste by Pieni Lintu

[Blogging every day in February - Day 29]

Magical Moments

Monday morning starts a brand new week, that is carried partly by well knows routines of every day life. At the same time, it will contain events, meetings and moments, yet unknown ... to be seen as the life is unfolding.

Stopping occasionally - in the midst of the most familiar situation - activates our senses and curiosity. It brings some things to our focus, we often times take for granted. Noticing these things, and maybe accentuating the moment with words ... A note to one self, saying it aloud to children or colleague, or maybe taking a snapshot - enables us to take a break, and sometimes, really, this helps us to find the magic in the moments.

 ... With mindful Monday greetings,

Nina

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Roses of Inspiration at Enchanting Rose

[Blogging every day in February - Day 22]

PS. The printable above is my first scrapbook-like try - Inspired by Roxi Hardegree's pretty watercolor doodle-kit, I purchased last weekend.

Winter break

Our winter break week started with bright sunshine and chilly weather ... Such a delight to be blended by sunlight after gray days with rain!

I visited a friend of mine this morning, and held her beautiful and precious 3,5 month old baby girl. I was taken by her daughters blue eyes and the sweetest smile, she gave to her mom!

Our boys have been out and about ... I wonder if there will fall some snow one of these days? The weather forecast promises cold weather and frost ... Let's see...

I baked macaron cakes yesterday, and took a snapshot as the cakes were resting before baking. This is the only photo of the macarons ... They turned out well and with four of us in the family, the cakes made a tasty treat: The macarons were made to be eaten and enjoyed, not to be photographed, after all.

Keep your heart open to dreams. 

For as long as there’s a dream, 

there is hope, and as long as there is hope, 

there is joy in living.

Anonymous 

 ... Until next time,

Nina 

[Blogging every day in February - Day 15]

Random Acts of Kindness

Someone had collected these baby mittens from the ground and set them by the bus stop on a bench ... That is a friendly gesture.

Another Random Act of Kindness I witnessed this week, happened during the rush hour by our little town square. A man jogging over the street dropped his phone without noticing it - the phone fell from his pocket as he was crossing the street. A young gentleman picked the phone up, and run up to the jogger, returning the phone to him ... That was lovely to watch ~ many of us by the square saw what happened, sending encouraging and friendly smiles to this young gentleman, as he walked back to his fiancé.

I helped a colleague by taking over her shift, so she could go and pick her child from the nursery a bit earlier.

Our friends have 'adopted' a cat, that had been left behind by their neighbours, as they moved to another city. The sweet cat, they've now named 'Sille', is a bit shy yet very pretty ~ she has brown fur with few grey spots, and beautiful green eyes. 

... A bunch of Random Acts of Kindness this week ~ it is encouraging to see, how we care for one another ... Fellowmen ~ colleagues~ citizen ~ pets and animals.

What Random Acts of Kindness have you noticed this week?

Nina

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 [Blogging every day in February - Day 13]