Light seems most welcome right now as those of us back in the USA are living through some very dark times. Thanks Laura for your pieces. I always like reading them.
Yes, this is Sweden :) If you feel detached from nature, then try dismissing the melatonin and face mask. Then you may not sleep at all, but that's nature.
Btw., when I wanted to buy melatonin, I found out that it's available only on prescription here in Sweden. But shops abroad have no problems sending it here, so it is still available, even if you can't convince a doctor that you need it.
I think that the way the year changes makes nature more alive. It may be difficult to sleep at times, but it is so anyway because the Swedes are so noisy (in my experience, anyway), and the fact that you can see the light change day by day makes you feel a movement.
It is difficult to imagine, as this would mean that something new had happened in Sweden, where the best thing people know is to stick to old procedures :)
He he – don't move too fast! But a "Hey" (when entering) and a "Hey då" (when leaving) will already work in most elevators. It is built into people, they just need it to be dragged forward.
Lovely piece Laura. I have been to Scandinavia in June and experienced this first hand but only for a few days. It still upset my circadian system. I was thinking how difficult it must be trying to use so many measures to get a nights sleep including contending with the blackout blinds. As Leonard Cohen sings "that's how the light gets in".
There is a crack in everything, but especially in my blackout shades… My new theory is that it’s these extremes of weather that created the famous Scandi tough-mindedness. They are seriously unstoppable. Still thinking this one through, though. Thank you for reading!
Here in the northern area of Texas, the solstice promises that the hottest days are coming, endless, torturing to animals and nature. Rain ceases, heat blazes, and we all fear the electric grid will fail. It did, a few winters back, and people succumbed. This year we not only face a crisis of will’s, in our government, but the growth of this state, and the fear that we cannot keep pace.
Thank you so much for reading and for the comment. I was born in Texas and my family was among the very early settlers of Dallas country. I spent my childhood summers in Houston and remember the storms, floods and blackouts, not to mention the sunburns if you weren’t paying attention for five minutes. Nature is a serious force there. My grandfather used to call it “God’s country” and it’s painful for me to think of how much has changed. I think we will be OK but it will be a long struggle. Sending you strength and courage.
Thank you, John. I was staggering around exhausted and realized that not everyone has to contend with this LIGHT 24/7 and that I should write about it. And my friends said it was a restful interlude for them to read me with no bitching about the U.S., so there’s that!
This is great! I love the sun & usually think of midsummer up there with just plain envy. I love thinking about it more complexly--light that makes everything clear, naked, without illusion. "The stars have fallen from my eyes." What wild cycle that must be to live in. Thanks for sharing!
Light seems most welcome right now as those of us back in the USA are living through some very dark times. Thanks Laura for your pieces. I always like reading them.
I often think of you. Come visit us!
Yes, this is Sweden :) If you feel detached from nature, then try dismissing the melatonin and face mask. Then you may not sleep at all, but that's nature.
Btw., when I wanted to buy melatonin, I found out that it's available only on prescription here in Sweden. But shops abroad have no problems sending it here, so it is still available, even if you can't convince a doctor that you need it.
I think that the way the year changes makes nature more alive. It may be difficult to sleep at times, but it is so anyway because the Swedes are so noisy (in my experience, anyway), and the fact that you can see the light change day by day makes you feel a movement.
I actually found melatonin at Apotek. It seems it’s allowed now. A miracle!
It is difficult to imagine, as this would mean that something new had happened in Sweden, where the best thing people know is to stick to old procedures :)
Yes, it’s shocking! What’s next? Chatting in the elevator??
He he – don't move too fast! But a "Hey" (when entering) and a "Hey då" (when leaving) will already work in most elevators. It is built into people, they just need it to be dragged forward.
Loved these reflections.
Thank you, Lindsey. I’m a big fan of your work, so the compliment is doubly appreciated!
This is a wonderful piece, Laura! The light can be so sinister and it very hard to convey that feeling. You do that beautifully here. Xo
Lovely piece Laura. I have been to Scandinavia in June and experienced this first hand but only for a few days. It still upset my circadian system. I was thinking how difficult it must be trying to use so many measures to get a nights sleep including contending with the blackout blinds. As Leonard Cohen sings "that's how the light gets in".
There is a crack in everything, but especially in my blackout shades… My new theory is that it’s these extremes of weather that created the famous Scandi tough-mindedness. They are seriously unstoppable. Still thinking this one through, though. Thank you for reading!
Such a bittersweet prose.
Here in the northern area of Texas, the solstice promises that the hottest days are coming, endless, torturing to animals and nature. Rain ceases, heat blazes, and we all fear the electric grid will fail. It did, a few winters back, and people succumbed. This year we not only face a crisis of will’s, in our government, but the growth of this state, and the fear that we cannot keep pace.
Loved your writing. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much for reading and for the comment. I was born in Texas and my family was among the very early settlers of Dallas country. I spent my childhood summers in Houston and remember the storms, floods and blackouts, not to mention the sunburns if you weren’t paying attention for five minutes. Nature is a serious force there. My grandfather used to call it “God’s country” and it’s painful for me to think of how much has changed. I think we will be OK but it will be a long struggle. Sending you strength and courage.
A lovely, evocative piece, Laura, thank you.
Thank you, John. I was staggering around exhausted and realized that not everyone has to contend with this LIGHT 24/7 and that I should write about it. And my friends said it was a restful interlude for them to read me with no bitching about the U.S., so there’s that!
This is great! I love the sun & usually think of midsummer up there with just plain envy. I love thinking about it more complexly--light that makes everything clear, naked, without illusion. "The stars have fallen from my eyes." What wild cycle that must be to live in. Thanks for sharing!