Cleo's Corner (7.23.10)

I am writing from Vaxholm, Sweden where I am staying with friends I have met over the years. Christina Skytt, shown in the picture with me, saved me from nearly drowning in a water aerobics class in the local Stockholm fitness center. The instructor was giving directions in Swedish and I was floundering in deep water, not knowing what I was to do. We had lunch after that event and have been friends for the past 17 years.

Another good friend I met while shopping is Monica Linderoth, a marvelous potter who has a shop in Vaxholm. She makes everything that is sold in her shop and you can see the sample of her work here. Over the years, I made many purchases and she and I became friends. This year, she invited me to stay with her in her 160-year-old home which sits right near the center of this artist colony located off the coast of Stockholm in the archipelago.

One evening, Monica and I took one of the many ferries that run between the 159 occupied islands in the archipelago. This archipelago, which actually consists of approximately 42,000 islands, is one of the largest in the world. As the photos show, it is also very beautiful.

Christina’s family has a lovely home on the other end of Voxholm where I have spent many an hour playing with Emma, her youngest daughter, and enjoying the views and fabulous food.

People always ask me if I have family in Sweden. The answer is no and yes. I first met Anna Whalgren in Durham, NC in 1993 and she invited me to visit. A few months later, when I had been retired out of my software business, I called and she offered me a free apartment in Stockholm for three weeks.

What a joy my first visit was. Anna had a dinner in my honor after the first week where I met seven top ladies of Sweden—Anna, representing writers, and then others from politics, dance, agriculture, art, news, and education. For four hours we shared our stories. Towards the end, one of the women said, “You’re really nice for an American.” Yes, we have a bad reputation in parts of the world but I am happy to say that today they still like me. Out of that luncheon came invitations to Spain and Greece to visit their families. Ultimately, my three week trip turned into four months!

In fact, I now have seven families I visit and follow as their children grow and their lives change. I love being part of this group of kind, sensitive, intelligent and friendly people who have opened their homes and lives freely to me. Our plans are to make a visit to Finland while I am here and enjoy the treats of that country as well.

After four months of winter with piles of snow, the sun is out and that has brought out lots of Swedes as well. Life is good in this part of the world, at least in the summer, and it is such a pleasure to see children playing, older people sitting and basking in the sun and parents resting as their children enjoy the fine weather. Many ships are also in view as they ply their way to Finland and other interesting areas in this lovely region of the world.

I will be here for five weeks so you’ll see lots more of Sweden and the incredible culture which I come here to enjoy as often as possible. Blessings to all.

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