A Little Trip
Good Morning dear readers!
I started today with lunch at Musselbaren in Ljungskile. It's a very cozy little rustic shack on the water surrounded by fjords and lush tree covered islands. And of course the best mussels you could ask for!
First Day At The Boardwalk
Today was the first day I go to the boardwalk in Smögen. We call it Bryggan. It's the most popular place during the Summer, but I have never gravitated towards that area so much. When I was younger I would go with my cousin, Amanda, and go to all my favourite shops. There were two in particular; a jewelry shop, that I was obsessed with and spent all my summer pocket money on. And the second store was a knick-knack shop, where you can buy fun island themed memorabilia.
During midsummer, this boardwalk is flooded with young people and boats docked by the restaurants and bars. I have never been interested in this scene. I went once for midsummer and that was it. I suppose I always felt most at home on the open rocks and in the water swimming. This place to me represents such innocence. And I don't want to forget that by being pulled into the crowds and the summer nightlife scene.
Soon it will be Easter and the boardwalk will be flooded with holiday makers.But for now I enjoy my first boardwalk experience with just a few people sharing the rays of the sun.
The seafood is incredible here and is not to be missed. I love how fresh it is.
I spotted seals in the harbour. I have never seen that before. It must be because there aren't as many boats coming in and out of the harbour. During the warm summers they are busy sunbathing on the warm rocks, or trying to sneak a fish by our boat when we are out fishing mackerel.
Although the sun was out, it was still a bit nippy in the air.
More signs of spring. I used to love snow drops as a child.
It's interesting to see how quickly the seasons are changing. The sun sets in a different place than what it did when I first arrived in Sweden back in January 2024. In June it will be so far to the right you wouldn't even see it in this shot. What a wonderful time ahead now.
The camera does the work for me as I film a time lapse. Now I can lean back and enjoy the present moment.
Enjoy your evening!
Love,
Annika ♥︎
Spring is In The Air
I took hundreds of photos today, I don't even know how I'm going to choose just a few to share with you. I wish I could transport you to this place. Today it really felt like Spring. Here are some signs of Spring on the island.
Poorly
I have a terrible cold today so not much of update from me. I take it as a positive sign; that my body is letting go of being in a heightened state. And that's usually when I get sick. I remember in school, I would always get sick after exams. It's comforting to know that my body is letting go of stress and tension.
The sun is shining here and I'm sending you smiles across the miles.
Lots of love ♥︎
No Words
I don't know why I put pressure on myself so write to many words. Sometimes photographs say a thousand words. And isn't that the beauty of art? That the art can help us see what is inside of us. The art can speak to a part of you that has been long forgotten. Art is healing. Nature is healing. This island is healing. Even on cloudy days.
I'm A Woman Obsessed
Since I got here I can't stop creating. It's like I'm in love. It's a wonderful feeling. It's also a new feeling because I can't quite switch off. Gone are the days where I would count the days down to the weekend so I could work on some creative projects. When the weekend came round, I was too tired or had social commitments. I just struggled to find the time, energy and honestly, the inspiration. I did not feel inspired in my surroundings. I'm learning as an artist location has such a big role for my creativity. This place to me is the most magical place. I will continue to create as long as I can afford it, both time wise and financially.
I feel like I jumped into YouTube and blogging head first as soon as I arrived. I'm working hard to pause, gather my thoughts, my energy, and get myself into a healthier routine so I don't burn out from the very beginning. I also want to make sure that there is more balance where I have time to connect to my true self, to heal from my limiting beliefs, and seeds of self-doubt still planted within me. This is very important to me because my true self can speak through my art, and hopefully inspire many around the world to also connect to their true selves. I know as artists and empaths, we are very sensitive beings, and self doubt can often get in the way of creating and self-expressing.
I've been on the computer a bit too much these past days. I think I need to spend more time outside. Even writing this now I feel a bit dizzy, like I'm on a moving boat. I also have a few boring personal admin things to take care of so I think I will focus on that this week.
Lots going on and I promise to update you! Until then enjoy your week.
Lots of love to you,
Annika
Rock Ring
Which photograph do you prefer?
Feeling Refreshed
After a few days at the spa, I felt my body was refreshed and rejuvenated! It was an incredible way to reset my body. But nothing does it better than nature. On the drive home I stopped close to Nordens Park and took a picture of the beautiful scenery. There is something familiar about this place. Makes sense because I have always driven by as a car passenger, but for years I have always been fascinated by this particular inlet. So I stopped to investigate it. I was fascinated by the way the water flowed in, the little farmhouses with the dramatic rock background. To live here seems like a little slice of heaven.
A Little Spa Retreat
Welcome to the emerald pool! Or that's at least what I call it. This pool has healing light. Every time I took a swim I imagined the healing green light healing my heart. If you believe in chakras, green is the colour to represent the heart chakra.
This place is truly wonderful as it allowed my body the rest. I spent some afternoons napping and not bringing much with me except my notebook for thoughts and ideas. Sometimes I left my phone in the hotel room, and on those afternoons I slept well in the heated spa beds around the pool. I didn't realise how much more alert I am with my phone next to me. How much stress we might be putting our bodies under without even realising it! That's a scary thought.
I'm not much of a napper but clearly my body needed to rest. As my Grandma always says, healing is the best medicine.
So here come some beautiful photos from the most wonderful spa outside Gothenburg called Sankt Jörgen Park Spa and Hotel. I don't usually go to these spas so this was such a luxuty.
The restaurant was wonderful. This is the same space as the breakfast buffet which was a dream experience.
I clearly couldn't wait to take a bite of my dessert! FYI I am not a food blogger. I just had to share this incredible art.
Speaking of art, the hotel had the most beautiful artwork hanging on the walls. I had to take pictures to add to my inspiration folder.
