Sandy Brehl's Blog, page 9

Choices, Chances, and Changes: Make the Most of Life

 

 

 

Dr. Maya Angelou

The recent (and quite sudden) death of Maya Angelou at age 86 triggered some reflections. Despite her age and impressive success in many walks of life over those years, neither she nor family and friends expected her to pass when she did.

I was not yet a teen when a cousin of mine died suddenly- spinal meningitis- in her senior year of high school. I recall vividly hearing variations on the same comments over and over: she never got to live her life; she should have had the time to finish college, marry, have children.

And I vividly recall thinking, as much as I tried to understand their pain and sense of loss, “No, she had the life she was meant to have. If it ended then, it is all she was ever meant to have.”

I was a strange kid, I guess. I saw no reason to assume that I would live to be thirteen or eighteen or eighty. When someone wondered aloud, “Why her, why now?” I wondered to myself, “Why not me? Why not now, or a year from now?”

I decided at that young age that none of us are promised a minute more life than the moment we are living. Whatever opportunities or challenges you face – to do good work, to solve a problem, to help a friend or stranger, to lighten someone’s day, to savor the present experience – may never be there again. Do-overs and second chances are never promised. What we are doing right now may be the last thing we’ll ever do.

Whether we have ten years or eighteen or eighty-six, making each moment matter, treating it as our last chance to do something worthwhile, to be our best selves, is a choice. No one states that better than Dr. Angelou herself in her reading of one of her most famous poems: I RISE. (here)

When I hear parents and teachers advising young writers or artists to choose majors that are “safe”, I urge them to help their child explore possibilities that would allow them to pursue their dreams, to work in the fields  or related areas that they love. As much as statistics suggest that the pursuit of  art, or writing, or music, or acting, or even cooking as a career is not a “lucrative” choice, all of these areas can generate satisfying careers and successful lives.

As these very thoughts were being typed, revised, and edited for posting, I received word that a decades-long friend had died. She was in her nineties and her latest cancer was no longer responding to treatment. Still, she invariably was out and about at every opportunity, maintaining her chipper and upbeat style, and speaking openly about her inevitable outcome. When asked how she was feeling, she always said she had nothing to complain about. She often named a few of the things for which she was grateful, always starting with her many long years of life and adding that no one ever said she’d live forever, but she came close.

Word of her passing was no real surprise, and yet I felt a physical sensation of loss when I heard. I truly felt as if the world was now a bit heavier without her here to lift us all up and lighten the load.

But she, and May Angelou, and every other amazing, courageous person who embraces each moment of life with joy, set the path for  the rest of us to do our part to lighten the world for others.

 

Memorial Day Reflections: What Do We Owe?

Memorial Day is an American institution, but is marked around the world on other dates. Sadly, every nation has experienced war and suffered the  loss of those who served.

I was tempted to write about the Norwegians who fought against Hitler and his Nazi military machine. Some fought as Norwegian troops, stationed  and trained in Northern England. Others fought in secret resistance forces located throughout Norway. Still others fought by using their military and merchant ships to ferry supplies to the Allies and to shuttle forces into, and escapees out of, Norway through heavily mined and patrolled waters of the North Sea and beyond. It’s estimated that by the war’s end, more than 10,000 Norwegians had been killed, among them about 4,000 seamen.

OHARE Airport in Chicago, Illinois

But then I heard Scott Simon on NPR’s Saturday morning Weekend Edition. His programs are so consistently excellent that when I miss them I often listen to podcasts later. The programs are always entertaining and intelligent. Simon’s essays are often eloquent and inspiring, which was the case this week. The concluding paragraph of one on Saturday is quoted here:

Navy Lt. Edward O’Hare, for whom Chicago’s O’Hare Airport is named.

“One and a half million passengers are expected to move through O’ Hare International Airport this Memorial Day weekend, and some travelers might want to hold a thought for the man for whom it’s named. He was a 29-year-old flier with a wife, a daughter and his whole life ahead of him, who, in the words of the citation on the Navy Cross, “gallantly gave his life for his country.”

I hope you’ll listen to the

This weekend the least each of us can do is to pause and reflect on this story or one of your own choosing. Turn your thoughts to famous figures, a friend or family member, veterans of any war from the Revolutionary War to our Afghanistan, or even those who died representing other countries. Just do yourself and them the honor of setting all else aside for a few minutes to put their sacrifices at the center of your attention.

Then read this brief essay by a third grader, written for the last Memorial Day before 9-1-1.

Memorial Day

© 2001 Ali M., 3rd Grader, Academy Elementary School, Madison, Connecticut.

As the flowers rest on the decorated graves and the sunlight shines on the beautiful sailboats, Uncle Sam whispers in my ear about how we should care for the soldiers and remember the ones that have died. Swimming pools open, BBQs fry. Today is the day to think of what they have done for us. There are blurs of red, white and blue marching down the street and flags are lowered at half-mast. But we should always remember and never forget what set us free, from this very day on.

Well said, Ali, well said.

 

A Peek at a Weekend in Stoughton: Syttende Mai

Saturday, May 17, 2014 was momentous for the countrymen and immigrants of Norway. It was the bicentennial of their Constitution Day, a celebration of two hundred years of independence as a country, the oppressive years of German occupation notwithstanding.

It was also the official publication date for ODIN’S PROMISE. 

Inside Nordik Nook

Once again the words to that Richard Rogers Sound of Music song are looping through my brain:

Nothing comes from nothing,

nothing ever could,

so somewhere in my youth or childhood, 

I must have done something good.

Just outside the shop.

Not because I’m in love, but because my book-signing day in Stoughton, Wisconsin exceeded anything I could have imagined, or deserved.

All writers imagine the day when their books are published, when readers say good things about them, and when a signing or launch event is a success. Nothing in my wildest dreams would have been as much fun as this day was.

The Nordik Nook is an utterly charming shop, and Patrice Roe, the owner, was warm and welcoming. She and her staff made space for me in a prime spot, and traffic throughout the day was intense.

Several friends showed up to help with the celebration. A random survey of visitors indicated people had come from far and wide, often by the busload. I was finally able to meet Kathleen Spale, the accomplished artist who created the beautiful cover for Odin’s Promise. She made the trip up from the Chicago area and planned to enjoy the art fair in particular.  Everyone I met was in a celebratory mood, curious about the book, and eagerly offered Norway’s traditional hospitality to me, to each other, and to the entertainers just outside the shop.

Norwegian exchange students with a sponsor.

Sales were steady, which is always a good thing, but even better was the sense of VELKOMMEN I received there all day long.

The students pictured have nearly completed a year living in the area and will return to Oslo within a few weeks. They seemed delighted to see their homeland celebrated so authentically, and were ecstatic to find imported Norwegian chocolate available at the shop. Seems it’s one of the things they missed the most!

One of the many families who maintain the traditions and culture of Norway.

I plan to return sometime when things are less intense, that’s for sure.  I don’t expect to see bunad being worn, or find performers on every corner.

But I’m eager to fully explore this shop and others, to walk the streets of such a friendly town and savor the experience in my memory. And Stoughton has a full schedule of activities throughout the year, with plenty to offer curious visitors.

If you find yourself anywhere in the area (southeast of Madison, Wisconsin), make it a point to do the same. And tell them I said hello!

Norway in the United States: Syttende Mai

With the big day looming I began putting together a post about this annual Constitution Day event, made even more celebratory by this marking the bicentennial of the original signing back in 1814.

Picture from the www.Norway.org

Then I came across this post (here) from the Norwegian Embassy in Washington. I’ll encourage you to read through the full link, but for anyone in a rush, at least read this much of their post:

“At the 200th anniversary of the Norwegian Constitution, this year’s 17 May celebrations will be the biggest ever. If you would like to join us in the celebration, here is a list of events in New York and surrounding states.

200 years have passed since The Assembly of Eidsvoll signed the Norwegian Constitution.

When it appeared in 1814, the “Grunnlov” was a progressive document in the development of modern democracy, law and human rights. In its wake, values such as freedom of speech and gender equality became cornerstones of Norwegian politics.

Of course, the Constitution is also a powerful symbol of Norwegian independence. Click here to read more about why we celebrate the Bicentennial.

For all the above reasons, we have celebrated the Constitution Day ever since. With the Bicentennial, this year is going to be something special. Here are some of the places you can put on your “bunad” and have a taste of Norwegian culture and heritage on Saturday, May 17.

See also: Info page for 17th of May celebrations planned throughout the U.S. this year.”

Earlier this year a contest was held in Norway to select a song for the bicentennial celebrations. The winner was selected, and the song has now been shared around the world. Even though you won’t understand the words (or maybe you WILL!) take a listen (here)  and you’ll recognize the pride and independence in their voices.

While I’m in Stoughton this weekend I’ll be keeping an ear open for this song, along with other traditional songs, dancing, and displays. For more examples of what you’ll find in Stoughton this weekend, like their Facebook page, here.

 

A Blog Hop: Character Notes

Last week I was tagged in Elizabeth Caulfield Felt’s blog to participate in a “Meet My Main Character” blog hop. Her link is here, where she wrote about  her current project, Snow White and the Queen.

She writes that it  is being submitted to agents at the moment and a publication date will hopefully be forthcoming. So, thanks, Elizabeth, for letting me introduce you and other readers to Mari, of ODIN’S PROMISE.

 

Here are the blog hop questions, with my responses:

What is the name of your character? Is he/she fictional or a historic person? My main character is Mari, an eleven-twelve year old girl. She is entirely fictional, but her development was very much shaped by the research I did on the history surrounding her.

When and where is the story set? ODIN’S PROMISE takes place in Ytre Arna, a small village near the west coast of Norway. It spans the first year of the German occupation of her country during World War II. Hitler’s troops took complete control of Norway under the guise of being “friends” to “protect” them from the Allies. Although some Norwegians welcomed the Germans and cooperated, Mari and her family recognized this control as an invasion and loss of freedom. A side note: This was written long before the current Ukrainian/Crimean/Russian events.  The daily news has eerily mirrored much of my research about the German/Norway relationship at that time in history, and my book released just this month.

What should we know about him/her? Mari is quiet and timid, a decade or more younger than her brother and sister. She has grown up relying on older, protective adults in a safe, quiet community. The occupation forces her to give up her “little one” nickname to make difficult decisions, assume responsibilities, and protect secrets. She relies  on her faithful Norwegian elkhound, Odin, to share those secrets, to protect her, to never leave her.

What is the main conflict? What messes up his/her life? As if these challenges weren’t enough, Odin makes an enemy of a pair of German soldiers who routinely patrol her village and surrounding mountains. The growing awareness of her family’s involvement in resistance efforts also requires her to examine her view that choices are always black and white. What is the personal goal of the character? Mari must find her voice, then decide when, where, and how to use it. She must also face the fact that choices and decisions are never as simple or clear cut as she used to think. Ultimately, she must make her own choices and live with them.

Is there a working title for this novel, and can we read more about it? ODIN’S PROMISE  is available for sale now (here), with an official publication date of May 17. An excerpt is on this website, and a giveaway is being offered until May 25 in connection with a review on Renee Cromier’s Mother-Daughter Book Review blog, here.

Now it is my turn to tag some other authors:

 

First tag goes to Wendy Orr: http://wendyorrjournal.blogspot.com

“I’m a Canadian born Australian author, mostly of books for children and young adults. My books include: Nim’s Island (the book that the film was based on), Nim at Sea, Peeling the Onion, Ark in the Park, The Princess and her Panther and Raven’s Mountain For a complete list, see my website,www.wendyorr.com” Wendy’s post on this hop will be delayed a few weeks due to travel commitments, but that gives you time to check out her prior posts and website.

 

Next tag goes to Sally Spratt:  http://www.sallywrites.com

“I’m a writer, reader and lover of all things silly. I have two children’s picture books available on the MeeGenius app and a middle grade novel in the works.”

 

My final tag goes to Lili Wilkinson: http://liliwilkinson.com.au/blog

“I studied Creative Arts at Melbourne Uni, and then went and taught English in Japan for a while. When I came back, I got a job at the Centre for Youth Literature, at the State Library of Victoria, where I managed a website called insideadog.com.au, about books for teenagers. I’m now studying for my PhD and writing full time. I live in Melbourne.”

 

So there you have it, my character responses and some links that should offer peeks into the lives of very afferent characters, too. I know I’m looking forward to reading what Wendy, Sally, and Lili have to say about their characters.

Catching My Breath: Grateful for Such Support

Wish I could say this is me, but none of my childhood pictures come close to this cute!

Even though I’m still digging out from under the tasks I set aside during recent weeks, I’m rarely doing so without a smile on my face. That’s because I feel the constant glow of support from the recent party, emails, calls, and other contacts. The warmth with which Odin’s Promise has been welcomed to the world is not only heartwarming, it truly surprises me. After years and years of steeling myself for rejection letters and “not quite right”s, it’s almost too hard to believe.

 

I’ve been feeling the same about the  virtual support I’ve received through the amazing cyber-world of children’s literature. I shared individual links as reviews, guest posts, and interviews appeared in the past couple of weeks. Now I want to thank those hosts (and cheerleaders) in one place.

April 21 – Erik at http://thiskidreviewsbooks.com/2014/04/21/blog-tour-odins-promise-by-sandy-brehl/

April 21- Suzanne Warr Review http://suzannewarr.com/archives/2728

April 22- Guest post/Rochelle Melander  http://www.writenowcoach.com/blog/?p=2358

April 28- Suzanne Warr interview  http://suzannewarr.com/archives/2743

April 29- Alex Bough  http://thechildrenswar.blogspot.com/2014/04/odins-promise-by-sandy-brehl-review-and.html

April 30- Margo Tanenbaum interview http://www.fourthmusketeer.blogspot.com/2014/04/blog-tour-odins-promise-interview-with.html

May 1- Heidi Grange      http://geolibrarian.blogspot.com/2014/05/blog-tour-odins-promise-by-sandy-brehl.html

May 6-  Nerdy Book Club Blog -guest post http://nerdybookclub.wordpress.com/2014/05/06/characters-as-role-models-by-sandy-brehl/

If you’ve been buried under must-do tasks, too, I hope you’ll come back to this list when you have time and click on each post. In every case these are blogs I follow, respect, and learn from with each post they share. It’s a privilege to join their space, and I urge you to follow their posts, too. You’ll find your to-be-read lists and piles growing, and that’s always a good thing!

I can just imagine Odin’s tail wagging at the welcome he’s received!

From Odin, Mari, and me…

to Erik, Rochelle, Suzanne, Alex, Heidi, Margo,
and the Nerdy Book Club Crew (Colby),
TUSEN TAKK!

Traditions: Syttende Mai and Families

Since ODIN’S PROMISE became available, readers are being introduced to a variety of Norwegian foods and holiday traditions. That includes Christmas, (Jul) of course. The delicious cookies and kranse kake  pictured and described in previous posts are wonderful examples of that. Other occasions, like weddings, confirmations, and birthdays, incorporate treats like these, as well as lefse, favorite meals, and family-specific practices.

The national celebration of Constitution Day, the 17th of May (Syttende Mai), also has distinctly regional practices. These varied over the decades and across the vast expanses of the regions of Norway.

As with our Fourth of July, the size and scope of the celebrations in the capital, in Norway that’s Oslo,  are some of the most elaborate.  Click this link for an example from YouTube:    Oslo, Syttende Mai, 2012

 

The 2014 Stoughton “King and Queen” of Syttende Mai.

 I’m excited to be spending Syttende Mai in Stoughton, Wisconsin this year, signing books at the Nordik Nook Gift Shop. Stoughton is well known for its annual three day celebration, falling on the weekend of May 16, 17, and 18 this year.

If you’re at all intrigued by the customs, costumes, foods, music, and traditions of Norway, plan to visit Stoughton. Not in Wisconsin? Do an internet search to see if other communities near you might be celebrating, too.

Kathleen Ernst has a helpful post here describing practices old and new.

Nancy (of cookie and kransekake fame) was kind enough to share more thoughts about her own family’s traditional practices.

Nancy, how important was your Norwegian heritage while growing up and did that carry over while raising your own family?

Nancy: I grew up in the Wind Lake area which at one time was settled by Norwegians when they came to America so there were a lot of traditional foods and celebrations. Norway Lutheran Church was one of the first Norwegian churches in America. They held Lutefisk dinners and still do today although the population is more diverse. We had all the Norwegian bakery including lefse at our holiday functions.

My grandparents taught us some of the Norwegian language but mainly spoke it to each other when they didn’t want us to understand what they were saying. When my husband (also Norwegian) and I were married at the church our reception was a traditional smorgasbord and we had a kransekake (celebration cake).  

We have always emphasized the Norwegian culture. Both of his parents are Norwegian (his father came to this country as a young man). So when our children were born we named them Erik Bjorn and Kari Ingrid. During the years, we have celebrated Christmas Eve every year with the same foods and traditions. The grandchildren have embraced the Norwegian traditions but I wonder if they’ll continue to appreciate their heritage after we are gone.

 

Hardanger lefsa (wheat base) served in western Norway.

Our granddaughters love the Hardanger lefse (different than potato lefse) that I make around Christmas. So shortly before our youngest turned five, I asked her what she wanted for her birthday. She replied that she would like me to make “that salsa” that she liked. I was puzzled as to what she was referring to. She said, “Grandma, you know……the stuff with sugar and cinnamon on that you make for Christmas!” Then it dawned on me that she was referring to lefse. It has been a birthday treat ever since.   Grandpa does the baking and I do the rolling.

Potato lefsa, commonly served throughout Norway.

 

What would you most like people to know about Norway and Sons of Norway?

Nancy: The country of Norway is considered one of the best places in the world to live and the Norwegian people are wonderful. Although our trip to Norway was some time ago, I found the people so friendly and unassuming and that made me proud to come from that “stock.”   Sons of Norway membership provides us the opportunity to remember our roots and be proud of them.

Thank you once again, Nancy, for a view into the world of your national and family traditions. I assure everyone that this attitude of welcome and hospitality extends to the Norwegian immigrant population in this country. Everyone is welcome to attend holiday events, Sons of Norway activities, and ask questions freely. Give it a try!

In the coming days I’ll be back with more colorful stories and visuals about Syttende Mai!

 

Kranse Kake Recipe: and another Giveaway!

I can’t think of a few ways my  launch party for Odin’s Promise could have been better. That’s due in large part to the generous efforts of my friends, including Nancy, baker extraordinaire. She not only baked THIRTY DOZEN specialty cookies, she set up a display of the tools of her trade, so to speak.

Kranse Kake

(Ring Cake) Traditional Norwegian Celebration Cake

Flaky almond cakes in concentric rings are stacked and “glued” with thin powdered sugar frosting. Traditionally a bottle of aquavit (anise flavored alcohol) or a bottle of wine is placed inside the stack.

To serve, the glazed rings are removed one at a time and broken in small pieces to share.

Norwegian flags on the Kranse Kake are traditional.

I asked Nancy about how she came to be such a skilled  baker of these traditional delicacies.

Nancy: My husband and his brothers had been involved with Sons of Norway  years ago when we were a young married couple. At that time it was mainly men… the women had their own organization but I really wasn’t interested as it seemed mostly social. About ten years ago (we had both been retired a while) we decided to join as the Lodge was in its new building.   I was already in a number of other activities, but at the first meeting, one of the ladies was going around getting people to sign up to make cookies for the International Folk Fair. My hand shot up like a space launch at Cape Canaveral. I baked about 30 dozen colored and decorated Spritz cookies. That was the beginning of very active involvement.

Nancy, you’re tireless and talented. How have you put those assets to use in Sons of Norway?

Nancy: I have worked regularly at the monthly Torsk dinners mostly as a server in the kitchen. I love meeting all the people as they come through the line and then working with members to clean up after the dinner. I have also served on the Cookie Committee. We bake and sell thousands of ethnic cookies each fall. It takes about 7 weeks of baking to fill preorders and enough cookies to sell at the November and December Torsk Dinners. I served as an assistant secretary, did some baking demonstrations at meetings, and served on various committees.  

 

Sandbakkel cookies and kransekake strips.

Kransekake, the traditional celebratory cake, is featured in Odin’s Promise. Nancy was kind enough to share her recipe and special directions. She also made kransekake strips, small spritz strips make with the same dough as the ring cake. Ask anyone who was there, they are truly delicacies. So you don’t even need to have the ring forms to experience the deliciousness of kranse kake. No excuses now, give it a try!

 

Nancy’s Recipe for Kranse Kake

3 – 8 ounce cans SOLO pure almond paste (this brand works best)

1 cup granulated sugar

2 egg whites

            Mix together in mixer until well-blended. Spray tins well with PAM for baking with flour. Use flat star template in cookie press to make a ring of dough in each section of the tins. Use a blunt tool such as a plastic orange peeler to press ends together. Be sure the ring of dough is perfectly round.

            Bake tins (2 or 3 at a time) in a 325 degree oven for 17-22 minutes. Check at 15 minutes. Do not let the rings get too brown. They should be just turning and be golden brown on the edges. Remove from oven and let cool before removing from pans. (I take my orange slicer tool and gently lift here and there to make sure they aren’t sticking.)

            After rings are completely cold, remove from tins and arrange in order on a counter. Begin with the largest and stack “gluing” them together with frosting:

                                         1 egg white slightly beaten

                                          3 drops white vinegar

                                           1 cup powdered sugar

Put the “glue” into a strong zip-lock bag and when you are ready to assemble the cake, snip a very small piece off one corner of the bag. Pipe a solid band of frosting all around the top of the layer and then immediately set the next layer on top. Repeat until all layers are used.

            If you wish, you may pipe “scallops” of frosting around the cake to decorate. Store the cake in an airtight container. It may also be frozen.

Norwegian flags or wrapped candies may be stuck into the cake for decoration. For special occasions, I have used a wired ribbon bow atop the cake.

This recipe makes an eighteen layer cake. You will likely have dough left over which can be used to make fingers. (Just pipe out long lines of dough on a cookie sheet and cut into uniform pieces and then bake.)

If you double the recipe (which we do for weddings) it will make a 36 layer cake and about 200 fingers.

Note: I always use the SOLO almond paste because it works the best. I have used other brands (Odense) and the cake does not turn out as well.

 Good luck!

Thank you, Nancy,  for all you did to make this celebration so authentic and memorable.

Thanks, too, to Alex Bough who shared a review of Odin’s Promise on April 29 at The Children’s War blog. The post includes a giveaway opportunity until May 6, so be sure to stop by.

Photos, an Interview, and a Giveaway!

April 24 is a night I’ll always remember,  and here are just a few glimpses at what I mean:

Just waiting for the first guests to arrive… looking good enough to eat!

Best volunteers and friends anyone could have: Pat, Nancy, Barbara, Mary, and Celine!

I’ll get busy creating a page dedicated to party pictures and comments, but for now here are just a few more:

Such a wonderful turn out- beyond my best estimates.

Friends, neighbors, writers, teachers, history-lovers, and former students joined me that night.

I’m equally excited to “go visiting” with cyber-friends like Suzanne Warr, who wrote such a lovely review last week (here). Today I’m honored to be interviewed by her and her delightful pet-family (here)! Take a few minutes to join us at her blog, Tales From the Raven.  Don’t forget to enter the Rafflecopter giveaway for TWO chances to win a copy of Odin’s Promise.

Thanks, Suzanne, for helping me keep this celebratory spirit rolling!

Norway House, Here We Come!

Tomorrow (Thursday) is the Book Birthday party at Norway House. (Details here) The location couldn’t be a more perfect match for this story, and I’m thrilled that it was available. Norway House is a busy place. It is used regularly for Sons of  Norway events, rented for events by a wide range of other organizations, and is also booked for wedding receptions, parties, and events like the Rosemaling Show.  The Sons of Norway Lodge also offers scheduled public events that are very popular. One of these is their fabulous TORSK SUPPER, which is  not lutefisk, but boiled cod. They offer this eight times a year, and the last opportunity until fall will be Saturday, April 26. 

 

Here’s the buffet menu:
Boiled Cod Fish
Norwegian Meatballs
Boiled Potatoes
Cranberry Sauce
Pickled Beets
Flat Bread, Desssert, and Coffee

If all my talk about Norwegian culture, food, and hospitality has you interested, click the link for details and ENJOY!