from blah to Ahhh...

I've experienced some manias within the past four days. It began with completing a reading of Robert Pirsig's book, Lila. And, it culminated with tonight's long-jog of 45 minutes. I can't remember ever running for that long consecutively. It was grrrreat! And, i'm really tired now!! I went for the run after chauffeuring Grandma to church. I felt the heathen as I let her go alone. But, after completing the run I felt like I had done my own part to keep the world on the right track. I made the extra effort of saying some prayers en route. So there, God.

yesterday was better...

...than today's endless deluge of cold rain, here in St. Louis.
But they can't all entail: a productive morning of thesis research with french press inspirations; a walkabout Longview Park followed by a picnic of my brown bag lunch under a crisp, sunny-blue sky with sweet autumnal smells in the air and warmth yet on short-sleeved arms; afternoon errands; a bike ride from Gramma's to Whole Foods to get a Pumpkin Beer to drink whilst I computer-worked the afternoon away on their sunny patio; a detour on the bike ride home to collect a gallon-sized bag of ripe persimmons from a feral tree; evening with gramma...dinner and newspaper word puzzles.

a day so sweet it've sated a sugar junkie.

where am i again??

oh yeah, San Francisco! two weeks before i go to St. Louis to begin my masters thesis fieldwork towards "A Phenomenology of Taste". and, returning to Oslo for round 2 in November.

weeds are where it's at

i took a walk a few evenings ago, to catch the sunset and hunt for some of the springtime tender, edible weeds i've seen around Oslo. it was a beautiful evening, but i finally chickened out in plucking the dandelion, stinging nettle, and "skvallerkål" (?) i was hoping to bag. i did get to see this though, speaking of chicken...what? where am i? chicken bones on the sidewalk? is this oslo or market street, SF?! a somewhat charming sight.

days have passed, and i finally gathered the green + lively comestibles tonight after a run along the Aker river. i had been worrying about picking plants from ground in the city that most likely had been pissed on by dogs, or was filtering streetwater run-off. i had to choose the weeds carefully, to appease my mild neurosis and prevent myself from a carelessly contracted food poisoning. lucky for me i found a sweet, old secret garden tucked amongst some residential buildings and an old preschool. i got a few meals supply of vibrant greens. here's the assortment, (photo'd on my table):



<< "brennesle" = stinging nettle



<< "skvallerkål" = (don't know the name in english)
<< "løvetann" = dandelion


...they all add up to deliciousness in my body! nutty and asparagus-like flavor of nettle will be added to pasta sauce tomorrow. the bit-of-sourness and zing in the skvall. was added to a cabbage slaw for smoked fish nachos tonight. and the dandelion was chopped and added raw to my packed lunch for tomorrow, in a salad of grated beet+grated carrot+minced garlic+mustard+balsamic vin+salt+pepper+coriander...and is accompanied by avocado, a hard-boiled egg and knekkebrød.

spring in steps again.

some spring things...

Today is the second, calendar day of Spring in Oslo. I awoke to sunshine and strolled along the Aker River through the city. Old snow still lingering, but plenty reason to feel a season change (including ducks playing in the river, more people enjoying the outside, sunglasses, smiles, good smells in the air, green things poking out of the soil from buried and sleepy flower bulbs...). This afternoon brought in gray skies and some cold rain. Still: springtime is coming on strong.

Had (another) great Sunday brunch at Revolver with Alix. My usual fix: black coffee, egg sandwich, potatoes. Alix's choice: black coffee and the "vegan" english breakfast (an oxymoron? no way, it's 2009 kids!).

Other things... I'm trying my darndest to be inspired in writing a term paper for "Development and Environment: Theory and Policy Challenges". Freedom of topic and ample time have simply allowed for too much procrastination, but will be attempting some productivity today.
Writing on the development of "Bondens Marked" (farmers market) in Norway.

Thursday night, 19 March: witnessed the magic of music-maker Fever Ray. Truly magical. And i can't stop listening to the released full recording. Lyrics and melodies to make me go "hmmm" and "uh huh".

Monday night, 9 March: got myself to the performance of the Rubies--San Franciscans shine on Oslo! Deeeelightful to soak in "home".

s'all i got for now...

it's a snowy saturday

wet flakes have been falling continuously outside. from my window i see fluffy accumulation. i hear the bus at the stop around the corner, making its timed stops...society here isn't stopped in the face of such forbidding weather.

and, i shan't let it make a fool outta me!
(even though i haven't bought winter boots yet. uh...d'oh!)
i'm venturing to the public library for some class reading: "Development and Environment--Theory and Policy Challenges".

fueled by a big bowl of oatmeal and a cup of the perfect blend for me (blue bottle coffee company's 3 African blend of beans. thanks, again, joellen, for keeping me going).

and You!...fare thee well.

happiness in 2009!!

on december 31st i moved my first semester's accumulated student-stuff, via a $40 taxi-ride, across Oslo to another student residence. it's superb! i'm elated with the start of 2009 already.
this student residence was built in 2003, and designed by the smart norwegian architects (Snøhetta firm) who created the awesome, new opera house in downtown Oslo.
my single flat is on the 4th floor of the building and i have a big south-facing window, and therefore terrific access to the precious winter sunshine! ...it's been shining brightly the past two days. i'm also delighted by the view of some very mary poppins-esque rooftops. annnnd, i live in the same 'hood as my three besties: Alix, Johanna, and Marija. we've been making good use of the proximity already with impromptu and very neighborly visits.
here's a quick tour of my first day at home-sweet-home. don't mind the just-moved-in austerity or the disarray...the place is quickly becoming a cozy winter nest. AND, the coziness has certainly been ensured by the christmas packages I just received from family and friend lovies...mmmHmm!