A writer influenced by her Swedish heritage and Yorkshire upbringing
Author: Annika Perry
I’m a versatile writer whose books span across various genres.
My first venture into publishing is "The Storyteller Speaks" and this a collection of short stories, flash fiction and poetry. Published in January 2018 "The Storyteller Speaks" has received over twenty-five glowing reviews on Amazon.
"Oskar’s Quest", my second book, it is a beautifully illustrated children’s book for younger children (and all young at heart!). "Oskar’s Quest" is an engaging story of adventure and courage.
I have also completed one more story for children which is as yet unpublished.
"Island Girl", my first full-length novel, is in its final edits and I’m looking forward to publishing this in due course.
Writing has been a passion since childhood although it is only in the past few years that I have seriously started to write fiction.
Initially, a writing course gave me encouragement and direction with my writing. Furthermore, the tutor recommended blogging and in January 2015 I set up my blog, Annika Perry’s Writing Blog. I never imagined the friendships I would make and I’ve been overwhelmed with the warmth and incredible support from people around the world.
In spring 2014 I won First Prize in a Writing Magazine’s Short Story Competition which was a fantastic surprise and joy. Furthermore, I was short-listed for an Ink Tears Short Story Competition the same year.
The recognition of my writing ability outside of my family and friends was a huge boost to my self-confidence and as a result, I started the mammoth undertaking of writing my first novel.
Meanwhile, in early 2017 I was greatly encouraged by my friends and writers to publish some of my numerous short stories in a book. It was with great excitement and sense of achievement to launch the publication of my first book, "The Storyteller Speaks", in December 2017 with the paperback released in January 2018.
The latter part of 2018 and throughout 2019 was busy with the realisation of a dream project, to publish a children’s book. Like so many parents, my son when young would request a bedtime story. These I tended to make up and a couple became his and my personal favourites. I revisited one of these stories and after much rewriting, editing and finding a wonderful illustrator, "Oskar’s Quest" was ready!
Overall my road to publication has been circuitous and aided by the support of my family and friends.
After gaining my BA Honours Degree in German Language and Literature from the University of Leeds I started working as a journalist. Following a serious illness, I changed career and gained a position as Administration Manager for a busy timber import company. I worked here for many years before leaving to pursue my passion for writing.
I am now a full-time writer, blogger and book reviewer.
I was born in Gothenburg, Sweden and at the age of six, moved to the UK with my family where we settled near Ilkley, West Yorkshire. Since then I have moved many times but now live in a small village in North Essex, England with my husband and occasionally my son, when he returns during university holidays.
I am on the following social media sites and look forward to seeing you there. If you have a specific enquiry please use the form below.
Twitter: https://twitter.com/AnnikaPerry68
Author Website: https://annika-perry-author.com/
Amazon Page: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Annika-Perry/e/B0789NNWFX/
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/user/show/55576285-annika-perry
Linkedin:https://www.linkedin.com/in/annika-perry-5a9ab8a6/
Yesterday I hugged a mother and child The arms unyielding The bodies cold and unrelenting Yet such warmth in expression A soulful tenderness in their closeness
A unique embrace, where the usual Do not touch Replaced with Please hug me
Art is for all Art is not remote To be viewed at a distance Art is life Art is all our lives.
@Annika Perry, October 2024
My poem above was inspired by The Mother and Child sculpture by Henry Moore (1932) which is one of many wonderful, striking and thought-provoking pieces of art at the innovative and eclectic art museum of the Sainsbury Centre in Norwich, East Anglia. Originally a private collection by the Lord and Lady Sainsbury it was later donated to the University of East Anglia in the specially built museum. The collection is part of a desire to allow visitors to emotionally connect with the pieces (I did!) and enhance the belief in the ‘living life-force of art’.
Personal Note
Many thanks to everyone for your lovely comments on my last post and I was looking forward to returning here in September, Alas this became impossible. Tragically there was family bereavement as well as a devastating cancer diagnosis of a close family member. Along with the practical busyness of such news, emotionally I had to hunker down and slowly find my equilibrium. For now, my posts may be rather more erratic, my comments not as timely a I would wish. My heartfelt thoughts are with so many of you going through difficult times.
View of sunrise mist in a Swedish forest, August 2024
A Lone Bagpiper calls us Its unique tones drifting across the loch Clambering up the majestic mountain Skittering over the manicured lawn.
Gently herded by the music the wedding guests gulp down remnants of welcoming champagne, late-comers gaze longingly at the table of filled flutes.
A winding path leads us down to the loch onto the lawn. Nail thin stilettos pierce the grass jammed into the turf.
Traversing a wooden bridge the rope railings swing merrily to the steps of the hundred people.
Ahead looms a steep woodland path, the sunlight playing chase with the shadows of the conifers.
The Piper urges us upwards and onwards, decorative hats bob up and down enjoying their rare outing.
Below, stragglers pause on the bridge for photos.
Quiet conversations burst around me, friendships in their infancy. The tender chit-chat of ‘How wonderfully unusual.’ ‘Aren’t they lucky with the weather?’ ‘Is it much further, do you think?’
To the last question, it isn't!
From the soft gloom the guests step forth, pausing in awe.
We have entered The Land of the Fey!
In the bewitching sunny glade an officiant dressed in a white robe stands behind the wildflower-decked table patiently waiting for the hoard to settle.
A fiddler stands to her left the light lilting music bidding us to our slightly sloping seats, Bride’s guests to the left, groom’s to the right.
A packet of crushed wildflower petals for confetti rest on each chair.
Enchantment swirls around us all, hushed whispers of wonder in this haven of natural mystique.
The guests at this Inspired church of nature stand as one.
The most spiritual of ceremonies Begins.
Holding the hand of her chief bridesmaid’s mother a sprite of a flower girl leads the way. Not a dry eye as the father walks his daughter up towards the front.
In the full traditional Scottish garb the groom takes the hands of his soon-to-be wife.
A touch of the Celtic lores weaves its magical influence over the ceremony.
Two tartan bands are bound across the couple’s joined hands. Literally tying the knot!
In the ancient custom of Love, friendship, trust and honesty A quaich is passed between the two.
The two-handled silver cup filled with symbolic whisky and honey. They drink, their union becoming more profound.
Two readings, both from the world of literature, resound across the gathering, across the trees, the loch.
‘The Perfect Moment is now.’
It is! All our hearts are full. The legal marriage vows are exchanged sealed with a bountiful kiss.
It’s time for celebrations in honour of the newly married couple To start with abundance!
Below is one of the beautiful and inspiring readings from ‘The Thief of Time’ by Terry Pratchett:
‘Wen considered the nature of time and understood that the universe is, instant by instant, re-created anew. Therefore, he understood, there is, in truth, no Past, only a memory of the Past. Blink your eyes, and the world you see next did not exist when you closed them. Therefore, he said, the only appropriate state of the mind is surprise. The only appropriate state of the heart is joy. The sky you see now, you have never seen before. The perfect moment is now. Be glad of it.’
Join me for a quick look at the magical walk to the ceremonial glade.
The Lone Bagpiper leading us down the hill to the loch & lawn
And across the wooden bridge!
Below are photos of some of the local stunning scenery, as well as the rabbits in the Beatrix Potter Garden and image of a quaiche.
For the rest of August I will be in Sweden and as many of you know the holiday homes there, in the midst of the forest, are not connected to wifi. Although I look forward to answering comments on this post via my hotspot connection I will otherwise be taking an extended blogging break until September. Wishing you all a wonderful, peaceful, and healthy August!
In the midst of attending a magical family wedding in the highlands of Scotland I was overjoyed to see this beautiful review of my book ‘The Storyteller Speaks’.
Even while recovering from Covid Thomas Wikman’s diligent dedication to reading and reviewing never faltered and he read my book during this time! With warmest thank to him for this wonderful, incisive and detailed review.
I am honoured and deeply touched by his kind words and here are just a couple of sentences from his review.
‘The author’s ability to portray emotions without using superlatives is remarkable. I could feel for and sympathize with the characters with ease. A few skillfully descriptive words were all that was needed.’
Please read the full review by clicking on the link here.
Furthermore, please do take some time to explore his engaging and personable website which features not only his own book, plus multitudes of his other book reviews but also numerous articles on Leonberger dogs as well as scientific essays and the occasional informative posts about beers!
Huffing and puffing the monster roars towards him, the dragon festooned in belching smoke clouds. The sunny day is soon obscured with the sooty darkness.
On the railway bridge the five-year-old boy ducks up and down, jumping with sheer excitement and terror. He holds fast to the iron-wrought railings seeking safety from the exposed platform below.
As the behemoth nears him a terrible howl explodes through the landscape and he’s shaken to the ground of the bridge, as ringing seems to pierce his eardrums.
Here it comes, he mutters. His vision soon clogs with dirt and soot, the sticky blackness settling on his hand-knitted tank-top, on his shorts; his legs and arms quickly covered with an impressive layer of dirt. Even the thought of his mother’s despair fails to halt the epiphany of the occasion.
With his eyes agog, his mouth forms a perfect O-shape then he takes a deep breath and holds it as the beast passes beneath him, beyond him.
Shouting in exultation he suddenly coughs, yet he never take his eyes away from the roaring monster. He swivels and absorbs the magic of this surreal world, far removed from his family and friends. Just the beast and him!
A loud screeching of brakes cuts through the drama, his comforting sense of isolation crashes down with reality as the train comes to a stop at the station ahead and people swarm out.
Alas, the extraordinary scene slowly dissipates yet he remains enveloped within the ethereal cocoon of his first zenith of train experiences.
Maybe I should start this book review by clarifying that I’ve never owned a dog! I do like them and enjoy their presence when visiting family and friends. So why did I pick up this book about Bronco, a Leonberger, which is one of the world’s biggest dogs?
What I do love is stories and Thomas Wikman’s book is a terrific series of stories about one of the most affectionate, friendliest and gentle giant of personalities – Bronco. He just happens to be a massive dog, sometimes even mistaken for a bear!
The author is a natural storyteller and his fluid conversational writing style pulls the reader immediately into his family world and their dogs (yes, there are more than Bronco!) A family who care deeply for each other and their pets. It’s a book about character, perseverance, enjoying life to the full, of kindness and of giving. A book that encompasses love and warmth.
‘The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle’ is a terrific combination of storytelling of the life of Bronco along with factual expert information.
The book explores how Bronco came to the family (there is drama in that alone!), with hilarious and laugh-out-loud tales of his antics as well as some of his heroic deeds. Bronco was a superhero as he rescued two escaped hamsters — by putting them in the cheeks of his mouth! Luckily quick thinking Claudia, Thomas’s wife, performed CPR and they recovered. There were a few hilarious incidents when Bronco proved just too strong on the lead then on one occasion he successfully scared away a nighttime prowler as well as saving the life of another family dog. Bronco was a gifted escape artist and the scientist Thomas, not seeing any way this was possible, decided the dog had discovered ‘quantum tunnelling’.
The book is also a detailed and superlative reference and resource book for any owners or prospective owners of Leonbergers. The information includes the history of this rare and unusual breed, medical conditions etc in separate chapters as well as information panels regarding their care, diet, etc. Even as a non-dog owner, I found these all interesting and always enjoy learning something new. For example, Leonbergers were a favoured breed for many of the royal courts in Europe at one time and it was mind-boggling to read that after World War Two there were only eight Leonbergers left in the whole world. The medical conditions include many I recognise from human diseases and illness and not something I would associate with dogs. My learning curve was steep when reading these facts.
The numerous photos of Bronco (and some of the other dogs) are adorable and I was smitten with the captivating and beautiful illustrations which are interspersed throughout the book and these capture many of the humorous moments perfectly!
illustrations by Naomi Rosenblatt
The addition of a small quiz was a welcome surprise and even this non-dog owner didn’t disgrace herself — although not quite acing it!
Just as Bronco becomes an integral part of the family he also became an important member of the local community. At one stage he proved too popular with the football players’ at the daughter’s local matches. Poor Bronco was asked to leave as the players attention was not on the game. The sense of community extended to the Leonberger groups around the globe and the Leonberger Health Foundation International awarded him the treasured Grey Muzzle Award, which is given to any Leonberger aged 12 by which time Bronco was a veritable canine centurion.
The chapters regarding Bronco’s failing health are particularly poignant and moving. By now the Bronco had won a place in my heart and I was tear-eyed as I read of these difficult times for him and the family.
‘The Life and Times of Le Bronco von der Löwenhöhle’ is a gem of a book which shines bright with humour, love and positive energy, the stories carrying the reader away with them while the expert facts are fascinating and informative. A book I highly recommend.
Finally, it should be noted that the author is donating his proceeds from book sales to the Leonberger Health Foundation International, an organisation that supports research aimed at improving the health of large dogs.
NB. With many thanks to Thomas Wikman for the kind permission to feature photographs from his book in this review.
About Thomas Wikman
Thomas Wikman is a retired automation, robotics, and software engineer and inveterate dog lover who emigrated from Sweden to the United States, where he and his wife raised three children. Their cherished Leonberger, Bronco, crossed the Rainbow Bridge in 2020. The Wikmans live in Dallas, Texas, with their two dogs—a pug and a miniature Australian shepherd.
Do take a look at Thomas Wikman’s engaging blog, Leonberger Life which features amusing and heartwarming stories about their late Leonberger dog Bronco, as well as other Leonbergers. It also has a lot of information about the Leonberger breed, the history, care, training, Leonberger organizations, etc.
It started with an email. As a subscriber to the local garden centre’s newsletter they kindly offered me a tray of wildflowers. A sucker for anything floral and even better if free I was eager to acquire some. There was only one problem — I was in Sweden and the offer expired before my return. With a big sigh I accepted this was one deal I’d not take up.
A day after my return to England another missive stated that the offer had been extended one more week. Imagine the dash to my car, engine revving, tyres kicking up the dust as I drove away! Unfortunately this was not my departure to the garden centre, rather a subdued tired drive, remembering to keep on the left and at last I was there.
Stepping past tables of beautiful blooms, bushes in full display and hanging baskets in all their glory, I enthusiastically walked up to the tills to claim the free tray. With unmatched enthusiasm, I was directed to a trolley outside. My heart sank a few notches. Before me were three forlorn trays, featuring the straggliest weedy flowers! I nearly caved into my initial desire to leave them alone before choosing the best of the worst and headed home. Maybe, I hardly dared to hope, maybe with TLC galore they might flourish.
Mid May – the straggly ten wildflowersMid May – planted and looking rather lost!
In the following days and weeks, I avidly studied the wildflowers which had been delicately planted in a corner of the garden. What magical transformation as the warmth, sunlight and watering helped them recover and grow in unrivalled spurts.
Mid June – Promising!Mid June – First flower!
Soon glorious green plants with fragile flowers swayed in the breeze, filling the mass of brown earth with buoyant blues, reds, and yellows.
End June
Nurturing and growth became the motif for me during the month of June. A month of reflection and these humble wildflowers symbolised the metamorphosis within me.
The wildflower garden this week in July – full ground cover.
Having helped a young couple over two weekends to move into their first home I pondered the love, care and nurturing that led to this moment. To help them find their wings and to give them belief in themselves. Heartened by their joy and excitement my thoughts drifted back to my life.
This month my husband and I celebrated 25 years of marriage. I must have blinked for a moment or a lot longer as I was not at all aware when those years flew by. For days I contemplated this Silver occasion, waiting for an epiphany to strike me. Instead, an awareness crept up on me, maybe while gazing at the wildflowers, the roses and poppies. That the richness in life is in the minutiae, that it is impossible to sum up a quarter of a century of togetherness. However, the growth, the care and nurture of each other and our relationship is tangible, an exponential development of our existence. The small moments of caring and love, of understanding, of laughter creating a whole.
We celebrated over a long weekend with friends. On one afternoon I was entranced by talented students at the Yehudi Menuhin School in Surrey, England. Founded by the master violinist in 1963 the school, with just over eighty students from ages 8 – 19, takes in pupils from around the world, whatever their financial circumstances.
The orchestra and auditorium at the Yehudi Menuhin School (Photo from school website)
As they are guided by their teachers, so our spirits were lifted by the sheer and absolute beauty of the music. I was transported up and beyond the wonderful auditorium, tears in my eyes. At one stage my friend put a knowing arm around me and we just nodded. No words were needed then. Later picnicking on the school grounds with the other members of the audience conversation flowed easily, our joy shared as we discussed our awe of these young gifted musicians.
The importance of our roots was reinforced during the visit to one of England’s largest vineyards. Set in the beautiful Surrey Hills the chalky soil is key to the success of the 256 acres of vines at Denbies Wine Estate.
Each year is fraught with possible hardship, particularly from the elements with regard to frost and rain. The grapes are harvested by hand for the most part, tenderly picked to avoid any damage to the skin which in turn would effect the quality of the grape’s juice.
Below is a slideshow of a series of carved oak barrels exquisitely detailing the wine making process from the training to the tasting!
Once again the theme of nurture and care, of dedication flowed through this beautiful and relaxing visit. The highlight of the visit included the tasting experience of some of the sparkling and table wines as well as a road train tour. The latter provided stunning views of the landscape and the hills full of young vines with a chance to view the young budding grapes just as they were emerging from the flowers.
The flowers have just ceased and young grapes soon on the way.Young vines trailing down the steep hillside.
How could we not celebrate our special day without a romantic meal? I was overjoyed to have the chance for a sublime meal and experience at The Ivy. The iconic restaurant was founded in 1917 and even this one, an hour away from the original in London, features the signature harlequin stain-glass windows!
Me outside The Ivy after dining!
The Ivy is not somewhere we would normally go but wow, the food was superb, the dining experience exquisite and we were even presented with a surprise delicious anniversary dessert!
Our surprise chocolate choux pastry and strawberry dessert.
The evening is engraved in my mind and spirit.
To finish my post, I want to share a few sentences from a precious letter written to us by my dear departed grandfather upon our marriage. (To those who do not know, he was a fisherman.) As always upon reading this loving analogy I am struck by his eternal wisdom.
‘ It is rather difficult to explain to someone else what a marriage is to me, but I will use an image.
That this will be a boat (a fishing boat) is quite natural to me. The boat (love) is setting out to sea, out to the North Sea. It isn’t a day trip; it will probably be a week before you are home again.
You are not guaranteed nice weather. It is autumn and you have to meet storms as well as sunshine. What is the first to do before you set out on such a trip? It is to check the condition of the boat which is to carry you. You don’t set off with a boat that is ready to ‘fall apart’. No, it has to be of the very best material available. The engine (heart) has to be strong and safe. You have to learn to listen to the engine that you can hear the smallest change in tone and rhythm — and as quickly as possible correct any fault. I hope you understand my image.
Yes, this I also have to say: when you have been fishing for days and nights and have no strength left, then drop the anchor and fasten the hawser at the front. The rest and sleep is indescribable. Do not forget the anchor and the hawser. One more thing, do not anchor on clay bottom — it can set you adrift. Anchor on a hard bottom so you can trust your anchor.’
I’m not one for following rules! Even more so when reading instruction manuals, the very sight of them causes the same reaction in me as physics classes at school – my cognitive skills freeze!
However, I could not fail to be inspired by a creative writing prompt in my beautiful mslexia Diary & Planner.
This is what my mind saw: Take a favourite sentence. I had just the perfect one in mind:
‘Life is really simple, but we insist on making it complicated.’ Confucius
I came across these wise words for the first time earlier in the week while reading Khaya Ronkainen’s heartwarming and inspiring newsletter. (Do take a look at her wonderful poetry and blog here .)
Next, I believed I should place the sentence vertically down a page, a letter per line. Then create a poem or short fiction, starting with each letter on each line!
Creative ideas flowing I scribbled away with a satisfying whirl of energy. It became long; longer than I’d expected. Halfway through I returned to the instructions (quite typical for me!) and realised my piece was unravelling before me!
This was an acrostic writing exercise which involved selecting a sentence and listing the 14 words vertically. (Error #1 Mine was only 11 words) One should then make the first letter of each word into 14 new sentences or lines of poetry. (Error#2 I had made each letter of the sentence a new line – hence 50 line-long poem).
Instructions are great, and helpful at times yet they can be abandoned, as inspirations take us to new directions! Just so! Instead of scrapping my piece, I returned to it reinvigorated, daring!
I hope you enjoy my non-acrostic poem below and I wonder have you ever had any experiences where not following the instructions led to something new?
Listen
Listen! I’m speaking Fine Except I’m not.
Speak to me Relish the moment Experience life Accept it.
Listen Lightly let your heart sing.
Yellow Stains on your shirt Immersed in fantasy My imagination Plays tricks.
Lions, or is it loins, Enwrapped, enraptured, Business, only business, you say. Untruths, lies, fiction Truth, tantalising close Warped, twisted, broken Especially from your mouth.
I sink down onto the chair, Nestling amongst the blankets Snug as a bug, as my mother used to say. Insistent promises; you should become a writer.
Shut up, I whisper Tornado of words whip Over the coffee table, behind the TV.
Neither listen.
Me becomes we Armed with history Knitted over time.
Incorrigible, you really are, my Dad declared. Was I? Am I?
Neither of us speak.
Groundhog Day number 63 or is it 541? I forget.
The Clock Oozes pain. Mine and yours.
Please Listen I’m done Come to me, though As always, worn down.
Dappled sunlight a soft path Fragments of light and shade played catch beneath the lively birch leaves.
A hush hung delicately in the air.
So many goodbyes. To fathers and sons left to fight To a country To one’s language.
For Alina, this was the toughest goodbye. Yet not so at all.
They didn’t understand.
She wasn’t being difficult, as her aunt claimed. She wasn’t a baby, as her sister teased her. She wasn’t like the rest of them.
Her Mama understood that.
These kept her safe. Three grasped tightly in each hand. Knuckles white at times.
She wasn’t a baby.
She knew she was five. A big girl.
But the pacifiers had been her rock. Soothed her as explosions shook their home protected her as Mama forced a way for them through the heaving stations.
These helped her sleep on the trains in the cars from strange beds under unfamiliar blankets.
To home. Her new home.
Alina ran ahead, flitting onto the beach jumped up on a rock arms akimbo feeling free.
Shells, of the sea variety, picked, pocketed Later painted.
Next a left, then a right. She’d arrived at the tree.
The whispers meandered up the path, weaving between the tree trunks carried by the warmest of breezes.
‘She’ll never dare … … it’s too much for her.’
But Alina realised at last. The pacifiers, these pieces of plastic, never were her rock.
Here was her world.
They were her everything. Mama, Sestra and Titka. Her family Her father - her Tato so far away.
Pinks, blues, yellows, reds Clusters of the rarest decorations hung on ribbons from the birch branches.
One lone pacifier waved hello Ten or more bunched up for safety.
Not a sound.
The air shifted next to Alina. One became four.
Stillness filled her being Sublime peace.
It was time.
‘Up there, please. Lift me up!’
Glancing up they saw it too the perfect branch the sunshine lighting it up.
On a yellow and blue ribbon dangled her six rocks her six pacifiers.
Let them fly here, highest of them all In this nook in this sanctuary.
‘The best and most beautiful things in the world cannot be seen or even touched – they must be felt with the heart.’ Helen Keller
It’s often been said that ‘I think too much’ or ‘overthink’ and to a certain point, I agree! At such times a quote might come to mind, to appeal directly to my subconscious and lead my inner self onto a positive path! The increasing popularity of quotations seems to confirm that many others are seeking out inspirational sayings and taking the thoughtful words to heart.
Combined with beautiful images the two elements become a real tonic for the soul!
Please enjoy these final four quotes coupled with photos taken by myself. May the sage sayings and beautiful pictures give a boost to your spirit.
The small boat here is heading out across the archipelago on the west coast of Gothenburg at sunset. In all twenty islands are inhabited here with many more smaller uninhabited islands among them.
‘If the only prayer you say your whole life is ‘thank you’ that would suffice.’ Meister Eckhart
It is mesmerising to walk through a fully grown wheat field here at home in the South East of England, caressing the top of the stalks, the sharp leaves lightly scratching my bare legs. Ever since seeing ‘Gladiator’ however, the emotions of such a walk have become slightly tainted and tempered with tragedy and bloodshed following the haunting beginning of the film.
‘An artist is not only one who is inspired but also is one who inspires others.’ Salvador Dali
Cressing Temple in Essex is the site of the two astonishing barns on land which was given to the Knights Templar in 1137. They are the oldest and finest 13th-century barns in the country. The Tudor Garden at Cressing Temple is a haven whatever the season, the tranquillity of its symmetrical and balanced design and planting a delight. It hosts a large collection of plants that were typical for the 1600s.
‘In every walk with nature one receives far more than he seeks.’ John Muir
My final photo is a celebration of autumn colours from one of the 18,000+ trees at the National Arboretum of Westonbirt. To read more about this amazing place and see many more photos please click here. One cannot help but think of John Muir and his incredible words inspired by nature!
I hope you’ve enjoyed this short series of posts and thank you for following along with the posts. By now I will just have returned from my break in Sweden and I look forward to catching up with your posts as well as your thoughts on the series. I would especially love to hear one (or more!) of your favourite quotation(s)!
‘It is a serious thing/just to be alive/on this fresh morning/in this broken world.’ Mary Oliver
My second of three photo and quote posts begins with another perspective of looking up, this time into the loft canopy of the giant pine trees on the land in Sweden. The sun becomes a beacon through the needles, the sky seeming to stretch into space, into infinity!
‘The words that enlighten the soul are more precious than jewels.’ Hazrat Inayat Khan
Meeting friends, picnicking by a lake and exploring a national heritage castle is a perfect way to spend a Saturday! It was wonderful to catch up with university friends at Hever Castle, Kent one warm summer’s day last year. Hever Castle was originally built in 1383. However, it was modernised in the 15th and 16th centuries and became home to powerful families, including the Boleyn’s (Ann Boleyn was the second wife to Henry VIII). The castle provided a stunning foreground to our lazy picnic meal.
‘Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.’ Maya Angelou
The cool mystery of the sunset against the Swedish forest captures one’s imagination, the play of colours tantalising, the dark horizon of the serrated edge of tree tops a stark contrast to the play of blues and pinks!
‘May you arise in the morning, think what precious privilege it is to be alive – to breathe, to think, to enjoy, to love.’ Marcus Aurelius
Finally, one of my favourite places in Sweden is Fjällbacka and its captivating view from the top of its famous rock. The Vetteberget reaches 74 metres high and the islands of the archipelago stretch out as far as the eye can see. Returning to the small town nestled between the rock and the sea one must first brave and walk beneath the three giant rocks in the King’s Cleft! Read more here!
Thank you for reading this second of three posts featuring photos and quotations as I am away in Sweden for the next few weeks. Although comments are turned off for this post they will be on for the final one in this series. Plenty of time for you to think of one or more of your favourite quotes and I look forward to reading your thoughts upon my return!
Annika Perry 