October 2024: Nordic Events (Virtual & SoCal)

Welcome back to another post of Nordic events happening virtually and in and around Southern California. Before we get to the virtual ones, here are some in-person happenings taking place soon that local readers might be interested in putting on their calendars.

Celebration of Leif Erikson Day — Saturday, October 12

The Scandinavian American Cultural and Historical Foundation will host its annual Leif Erikson Day Celebration on Saturday, October 12, at California Lutheran University in Thousand Oaks. The program includes a brief recognition of the first Europeans to set foot on North America along with a tribute to Leif Erikson by the President of the United States. This will be followed by a preview of the 2025 Nordic Spirit Symposium, Before the Vikings: The Magnificent Nordic Bronze Age. The program will conclude with a reception/social at the Scandinavian Center.

Newport Beach Film Fest: Swedish Spotlight — Tuesday, October 22

Here’s a chance to see Sweden’s submission to the Oscars for Best International Feature, The Last Journey, a documentary directed by Filip Hammar and Fredrik Wikingsson. “In a desperate attempt to make his old, depressed father embrace life again filmmaker Filip Hammar takes his dad on a surprise road trip to France – the same journey they made every summer during Filip’s childhood. Filip is confident that this trip will invigorate his dad, who certainly once more will become the joyous person he once was, if he can only re-live some of the best moments of his life. The spur-of-the-moment methods Filip uses fuels the film with chaos, creativity, love, humor and, inevitably, sadness. The documentary The Last Journey is an honest, genre-dissolving look at death’s approach, seen through the eyes of a desperate son who too long has lived in denial of the inevitable. A heartfelt investigation into the end we all face with our parents, and a peek into our own futures. It’s groundbreakingly original, but still relatable and real. Upon its release in March 2024, it was lauded in unison by Swedish critics as equal parts devastating and groundbreakingly humorous. It also started a national conversation (in the media, in workplaces, in homes) about family and ageing. The film has taken Sweden by storm and recently become the most seen documentary in the history of Swedish cinema.”

Norwegian Christmas Fair — November 15-24

Southern California readers, mark your calendars for the Norwegian Church’s annual Christmas Fair which will take place Friday, November 15, through Sunday, November 24, in San Pedro. The church will be filled with Christmas goods and a festive atmosphere. Hours are 11:00 to 4:00 every day except Sundays 12:00 to 4:00. On the weekends including Fridays, Norwegian hot food and sandwiches will be served.

Aurora Live in Concert — November 21 in Los Angeles and November 23 in San Francisco

From her website: “Aurora Aksnes, known simply as AURORA, is a Norwegian singer, songwriter, and producer who has captivated global audiences with her ethereal voice and unique blend of electronic pop and folk influences… Her music is characterized by emotional depth and lyrical complexity, exploring themes of nature, love, and the human experience. Renowned for her dynamic stage presence and captivating live performances, AURORA combines elements of dance and storytelling to create an immersive concert experience. She is also an advocate for environmental and social issues, using her platform to raise awareness about climate change, mental health, and equality.”

Now on to virtual events…


Vesterheim Benefit Auction (October 6 – 13)

Each year, the auction includes one-of-a-kind folk art by artists working in the Norwegian tradition. There’s also a chance to win an 8-day European River Cruise for two in 2025 from Viking. Many of the pieces in the Benefit Auction are donated by Vesterheim Gold Medalists and exhibition ribbon winners from Vesterheim’s annual judged competition, The National Norwegian-American Folk Art Exhibition. Proceeds from the auction benefit Vesterheim’s Folk Art School, which has provided classes since 1967 in fiber arts, woodworking, painting, cooking, jewelry, blacksmithing, knifemaking, and more. View items now!

Nordic Spirit Classics’ Second Friday Series (Friday, 10/11, 7:30 p.m. PT)

Join the Scandinavian American Cultural & Historical Foundation for their next presentation pulled from the archives.

Family Handcraft at Home: Nordic Cooking with Brunost and Lingonberries (Enrollment deadline 10/11, starts 11/1)

This experience starts November 1 and is available all month. Looking for a fun way to explore Norwegian culture with your family on your own schedule? November’s Family Handcraft at Home with Patrice Johnson is for you! You’ll get to learn some simple recipes using brunost (brown cheese) and lingonberry jam. Lingonberry jam is a staple of Northern European countries and brunost is regarded as one of Norway’s most iconic foodstuffs, considered an important part of the country’s cultural identity and heritage. Using these two items as the basis of our recipes, join us for a culinary and cultural adventure. The best thing about this class is that you can watch the video and open your kit of materials to explore these recipes whenever it is most convenient to you and your family members!

Vesterheim FamilieTid: Enchanted Echoes – Tales of Nyckelharpa and Näcken (Saturday, 10/12, 1:00 p.m. CT, Free)

Join musician and storyteller Renee Vaughan for a journey into the world of the nyckelharpa and the rich folklore of Swedish folk music. Learn about Näcken, the mystical shapeshifter known for enchanting musicians and their instruments, sometimes causing the instruments to play on their own! Experience the tales and tunes of Swedish folk classics like “Hårgalåten” and “Balzar Jungfrun,” and the music of wizards like Byss-Kalle, Gulamåla-Viten, and Olov August Widmark. This course is perfect for kids and their families who love music, stories, and a touch of magic.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Needle Felted Fall Landscapes (Thursday, 10/17, 6:30 p.m. CT)

Enjoy the relaxing art of needle felting while making a textile as pretty as a painting! Using a piece of felt as your canvas and wool roving as your paint, you’ll work alongside artist Kayla Ann to create an autumnal landscape you’ll be proud to display. You’ll come away with the skills and tools to keep needle felting beyond the online workshop. While the entire class will work on the same fall-inspired vista, Kayla will also discuss how to adapt other images into 2-D felted pictures and where to find supplies to do more needle felting on your own. Suitable for ages 14+.

Cooking Class with Swedish American Museum (Monday, 10/21, 4:00 p.m. CT)

Participants are taught Swedish recipes and can cook along with the group and ask questions as they go. In October, you will be making pasta dishes and chocolate desserts.

Genealogy Session with Swedish American Museum (Saturday, 10/26, 10:00 a.m. CT)

Delve into ancestry and history at this genealogy session with Thomas MacEntee focused on artificial intelligence. Some might think technology and historical research are opposites. The truth is “tech people” like Thomas are needed to guide today’s genealogists through the maze of options so they can deploy the best apps and devices as they break down those research brick walls.

The Norwegian Character of Norwegian Mangle Boards Webinar (Saturday, 10/26, 1:00 p.m. CT, Free)

The host of this webinar is Jay Raymond, author of the book Mangle Boards of Northern Europe, which displays and describes the mangle boards of seven European countries. The mangle boards of Norway present a unique challenge to describe in that they borrow from the styles of the other six countries and, yet, maintain characteristics all their own. Jay estimates that 5,000 to 10,000 mangle boards are currently in the collections of the museums of Norway, more than any other country. In his research, he identified the maker of one board in Vesterheim’s collection, which appears in his book, an absolute rarity in this realm.

Swedish Christmas Food Traditions from the Past to the Present (Sunday, 10/27, 1:00 p.m. CT)

What is the history behind many of the most important Christmas dishes in Sweden and why is the iconic potato sausage nowadays so rare on a Swedish Christmas table? This lecture will put light on those questions, but also on how the Christmas table was served before and how it is served in a traditional way today. The Christmas dishes are however not free from being influenced by food trends and of course food influencers, so therefore the Christmas table changes over time, in small steps and sometimes almost imperceptibly.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Wool Embroidered Sheepskin Mittens (Fridays, 11/8-11/22, 2:00 p.m. CT)

Get excited to jump into a cozy, interdisciplinary experience of all things sheep while making your own custom embellished sheepskin mittens!  Explore Scandinavian-style wool-on-wool embroidery using hand dyed wool yarns from the instructor’s sheep on upcycled washed wool fabric. Then, using naturally bark-tanned leather from the instructor’s farm, learn how to stitch shearling sheepskin pelt to create comfy chopper-style mittens.  This class is unique in the locally sourced items that will arrive in your kit! Three, small-scale woman-owned operations from rural Wisconsin make each aspect of this project possible — the instructor’s farm raises the sheep, the artisan mill spins and dyes the yarn, and the natural tannery that turns the hides into leather.  Savor this multifaceted course infused with cozy stories and warm hands for years to come. While previous wool embroidery experience is helpful, no prior experience is required. Suitable for ages 16+.

Intro to Northern Sámi (Sunday, 11/10, 2:00 p.m. CT)

Are you curious about the Sámi language and culture? Are you looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to the north of Finland, Sweden, or Norway? This two-hour introductory workshop is the perfect way to learn some history of the nine living dialects of Sápmi, get a feel for North Sámi, pick up a bit of grammar, and learn how to pronounce some words as part of basic greetings. Families welcome!

ASI Nordic Table Event: DIY Holiday Gifts with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 11/14, 1:00 p.m. CT)

Start preparing for the holidays with make-ahead recipes perfect for gifting and entertaining! Kristi Bissell, the creator of the food blog True North Kitchen, will demo a savory seed cracker, sturdy cookie, and a DIY glögg (mulled wine or juice) kit in this hour-long virtual class. All these recipes make terrific stocking stuffers, care packages, or gifts for a lucky host, and as a bonus, these recipes keep well and are worth stocking at home for yourself, too! Plenty of other tricks, tips, and further gift ideas from the blog will also be shared, allowing students to get ahead on holiday gifting.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Felted Ornaments (Thursday, 11/21, 6:30 p.m. CT)

Create a festive, quick decoration with needle felting this season! This fun project makes use of cookie cutters you may already have at home to make a felted ornament with clean lines, even shape, and adorable details. Students will work alongside instructor Kayla Ann to learn needle felting basics which are applicable to a range of other projects. Once you get started, felted ornaments become an easy project and the perfect gift to decorate a present or tree!

ASI Nordic Table Event: Scandinavian Holiday Sweets with Nichole Accettola (Thursday, 12/5, 3:00 p.m. CT)

Get a peek into San Francisco chef and baker Nichole Accettola’s kitchen this holiday season! Nichole, who lived and cooked for many years in Denmark, today runs Kantine bakery café in San Francisco and is the author of Scandinavian from Scratch: A Love Letter to the Baking of Denmark, Norway, and Sweden. In Scandinavia, making simple candies and confections at home is a beloved holiday tradition, and they are perfect for sharing on the cookie platter or giving as gifts. In this demo, Nichole will share some of her favorite holiday confections and go-to cookie recipes, along with some of her best tips and tricks from her many years as a professional chef and baker and some stories about the Christmases she spent in Copenhagen, Denmark.

ASI Nordic Table Event: A Festive Brunch with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 12/12, 1:00 p.m. CT)

The holidays call for special meals at every time of day! Join Kristi Bissell of the True North Kitchen food blog and gather a collection of new recipes perfect for holiday breakfasts and brunches. Whether you’re interested in mastering a classic like aebelskiver (Danish filled pancakes) or prefer a make-ahead dish like baked porridge, these Nordic-inspired recipes will make your holidays both memorable and delicious. You’ll be ready for any holiday breakfast or brunch, from a visit from Tomte on Christmas morning to New Year’s Day and beyond.

Which events or experiences look interesting to you?

What I’ve Been Reading Lately & #WITmonth (August 2024)

Welcome to another round of “What I’ve Been Reading Lately” when I enjoy linking up with other readers. My focus these past summer months was the reading challenge at work. Luckily, in August I had two 5-hour flights for uninterrupted reading which helped with completing that challenge. All of the books this month checked off a box (or more) for that challenge. I tried as much as I could to choose books that crossed over with other reading challenges, but with less success than I had hoped. I did complete all the prompts, though not with unique books.

August was Women in Translation Month so I made sure to support that initiative again this year. Since I read books by women in translation all year, I try to find new original languages and points of view to read in August. This August I read a novel translated from the Catalan with multiple unusual narrators which was a nice change of pace.

For September and the next months, I am refocusing on my Nordic Reading Challenge and the Read Around the World and Diversity Across Genres challenges as well as participating in the Norwegian #sakprosaseptember challenge where we read nonfiction (sakprosa means nonfiction) books that correspond to various prompts (with English translation).

What have you been reading lately? 


Fahrenheit 451 by Ray Bradbury (1953) 📖

I found this 1984 edition on my shelf at my parents’ home. I believe I read it back then, but I didn’t have any recollection of details from the book. It was like reading a new-to-me book. I definitely enjoyed (re)reading the book because references and comparisons are often still made to it. Another interesting aspect of reading it is that Ray Bradbury lived in our neighborhood for years until his death in 2012. When his house was later sold and torn down, the new owners installed a gate with words from his writing to honor his legacy which I frequently pass by. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: A classic AND a book about books, bookstores, or book clubs
  • Read My Own Shelf

People We Meet on Vacation by Emily Henry (2021) 📖

I really enjoyed Emily Henry’s Beach Read (Reading Lately, July 2023), but unfortunately, I was underwhelmed by this one. I loved the idea of Poppy and Alex’s friendship and the travels around the world they did together on a yearly basis, but I think there were too many trips going on. The main trip is the road trip to Palm Springs after 2 years of being separated after something “big” happened on their last trip. While the Palm Springs trip is happening, the story jumps back in time to previous trips leading up to the one that disrupted their friendship. And I felt the resolution to their relationship dragged a bit. (And too bad their planned trip to Norway didn’t work out!) ⭐️⭐️⭐

  • Summer Reading Challenge: A road trip book

When I sing, Mountains Dance by Irene Solà (2019) 📖
Translated from the Catalan by Mara Faye Lethem (2022)

There wasn’t just one unusual narrator in this book but several, and together they told an immersive story of life in a present-day village in the Pyrenees mountains of Catalonia in northeastern Spain. The story unfolds through a series of interconnected narratives, each providing a very different perspective on the village’s collective experience. Starting with storm clouds and continuing with witches, mushrooms, a deer, mountains, and of course some human narrators and even a pet dog, the reader is immersed in this village’s life. I was surprised by how engaged I was in this book. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: A book with an unusual narrator AND a book by a woman in translation
  • Book Voyage: Read Around the World: Europe (Spain)
  • #WomenInTranslationMonth

Fourth Wing (The Empyrean #1) by Rebecca Yarros (2023) 🎧📖

This was a fun read, especially since so many others around me had recently read it or were reading it at the same time. I never would have thought I’d read and be so engaged in a high fantasy novel about “the brutal and elite world of a war college for dragon riders”, but the trials and tribulations of the strong and independent Violet who never imagined herself there, her fellow cadets, and the commanding officers kept me turning the page. A note, if you are sensitive to the F-word, this book is not for you. Book #2 is on my TBR for when I need another read for pure entertainment. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: Romantasy AND a big book AND a book “everyone” has read

Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson (2022) 📖🎧

This is the story of two estranged siblings who reunite in California after their mother’s death. She had left them a voice recording to listen to together along with a black cake to eat together when “the time is right.” Their mother, born on an unnamed Caribbean island to a Black local woman and a Chinese immigrant man, shocks the siblings with the news that they have a half sister and she shares the story of her life growing up on the island and being forced to leave, of which they had no knowledge. Her story takes us from the island to the UK and USA, and interspersed with her story are those of the three siblings. There’s a lot going on here – many characters, many points of view, many issues – all of which kept me totally engaged in the story.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: A book written by a BIPOC author AND a debut book
  • Book Voyage: Read Around the World: North America (Caribbean Island)
  • Read My Own Shelf: unread BOTM selection

An Elderly Lady Is Up to No Good (Elderly Lady #1) by Helene Tursten (2013)
Translated from the Swedish by Marlaine Delargy (2018) 📖

This collection of short stories features Maud, an 88-year old woman who lives alone and, due to a technicality in the contract from way back then, rent-free in her family’s spacious apartment in Gothenburg, Sweden. She is still agile and totally with it, unless she finds it beneficial to pretend she isn’t. When someone or something is causing a problem and threatening her lifestyle, she has no problem resorting to murder. It’s supposed to be a “funny, irreverent story collection” but it didn’t quite land with me.


Inside Out & Back Again by Thanhhà Lại (2011) 📖

This is a middle grade novel-in-verse about 10-year-old Hà who is forced to flee Saigon, Vietnam, with her mother and brothers when the city falls in 1975. It is based in part on the author’s own childhood. After travel on board a navy ship and time at refugee camps in Guam and Florida, they ended up in Alabama, a world so challenging and different from anything she had known. She struggled with the language, bullies, friends, and everything she missed from Vietnam. Family and friendly people did make it easier over time. It was a completely absorbing read and gave interesting insight into a refugee experience — all in verse which was impressive! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: A book from a past school reader list
  • #DiversityAcrossGenres: Asian (API) / Historical Fiction

What have you been reading lately?

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September 2024: Nordic Events (Virtual & SoCal In-Person)

Welcome back to monthly posts of Nordic events happening virtually and in Southern California. Even though it’s not officially fall yet, it still feels like that as students of all ages begin to return to school.

Southern California readers, have you taken advantage of some of what the Los Angeles area has to offer during summertime? Many events continue into the fall. Also coming up soon is the family friendly Vista Viking Festival. California’s premiere Viking festival and Norse heritage event takes place September 21 and 22 just north of San Diego at the Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in Vista. Festival tickets are already available.

Come see Vikings in their camps and get a glimpse of Viking life. Listen to live music from local favorites. Browse the vendor village, enjoy food from food merchants, and wash everything down with libations of mead and ale from the Beer Garden. Try your hand at ax-throwing, archery, and spear flinging on the Weapons Range. Enjoy Norwegian and Viking cultural demonstrations, competitions, and battles! And back by popular demand is an exclusive tasting event with Viking Spirits. This special limited seating event will feature wine and spirits along with Scandinavian delicacies. Each of the four daily seatings is limited to 25 participants so get your tasting tickets early to secure your seat and time slot.

Online book clubs have selected their fall reads. Check out Nordic Book Club Meetings to see what is being read when. Does anything look interesting to you?

What’s on your calendar for September?


ASI Nordic Table Event: Apples in the Nordic Kitchen with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 9/5, 1:00 p.m. CT)

Time to go wild for apples! In this virtual class, Kristi Bissell of the blog True North Kitchen will demonstrate several apple recipes, taking inspiration from Nordic ingredients and traditional dishes. From breakfast to fika to dessert, this class will cover a range of ways to incorporate diverse apple flavors and textures into our fall kitchens. The demonstration will include a simple apple compote, Danish apple trifle, and Swedish apple cake.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Wool Embroidery Intro with Laura Berlage (Fridays, 9/13-9/27, 2:00 p.m. CT)

Embroidering with wool has captivated imaginations since at least the Viking Age, offering beautiful and textured means for stitched expression. Dive into this world with textile artist Laura Berlage and learn about its many iterations over the centuries with this immersive introductory class, while stitching your own floral piece. During the course, students will learn 14 different stitches, how best to utilize them in a design, and good process discipline while stitching—skills and concepts that you can apply to any number of future embroidery endeavors. Great for beginners or those with some embroidery experience who are looking to master the finer points of decorative stitching with wool. Suitable for ages 16+.

Intro to Swedish with Jean Hanslin (Saturday, 9/14, 9:30 a.m. CT)

Are you curious about the Swedish language, but not ready yet to commit to a multi-date class? Are you looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to Sweden? This two-hour introductory workshop taught by Jean Hanslin is the perfect way to get a feel for Swedish, pick up a bit of grammar, and learn how to pronounce some words as part of basic conversation.

FamilieTid with Vesterheim: Norwegian Folk Stories (Sunday, 9/15, 1:00 p.m. CT, free)

Join Vesterheim and celebrated Norwegian storyteller Johan Einar Bjerkem to hear folktales and sing some songs from Norway. You will meet trolls, princesses, and maybe even the character Askeladden! Bjerkem will also share the history of the stories and tales he tells.

Cooking Class: Breakfast Variations (Monday, 9/16, 4:00 p.m. CT)

In the online cooking classes hosted by Swedish American Museum in Chicago, IL, you are guided through Swedish recipes. In September, Sweden celebrates Brunch Day so in honor of that students will make Frukost Varianter – Breakfast Variations.

Embroidered Mittens with Steph Anderson (Friday & Saturday, 9/20 & 9/21, 5:30 p.m. PT)

Journey back to the Viking Era or earlier Iron Age and learn the same techniques those before us have used in decorating and embroidering their socks, mittens, and other nålbinding garments. In this class, you will be adding embroidery to your mittens. You will learn to add a little structure to the fabric of the nålbinding mitten, plan a design to embroider either using a pattern that is in your kit or making your own pattern, and learning embroidery stitches and techniques to make a mitten that has some beautiful embellishments. No embroidery experience needed. You will need to supply your own mittens by either purchasing or making your own nålbinding mittens.

Genealogy Session: The Viking Ship and the “Discovery” of America with Timothy Boyce (Saturday, 9/28, 10:00 a.m. CT)

Delve into ancestry and history at one of Swedish American Museum’s genealogy sessions. Timothy Boyce will tell the story of the Viking Ship, its amazing transatlantic voyage in 1893, its reception in the New World, and its subsequent history.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Design and Weave a Repp Band with Kerstin Neumüller (Saturday & Sunday, 9/28 & 9/29, 10:00 a.m. CT)

Join Swedish textile artist and educator Kerstin Neumüller for two online sessions to design and start weaving a repp band on a small rigid heddle style band weaving loom. The first session will focus on how to create different patterns in woven repp bands, a style in which warp threads tightly cover the weft threads. Kerstin will share a variety of possible patterns, giving students a starting place for designing their own band. Students will then use any small rigid heddle style loom they have on hand and their own yarn to prepare the warp and weft for weaving a repp band in the second class. This virtual class is an excellent option for students who need a refresher on band weaving, or for anyone who owns Kerstin’s book Simple Weave but wants to work alongside her live. Wide ranging discussion of project options on small looms, materials, and tips for weaving bands will fill in during work time. Suitable for ages 12+.

The Rise of Aquavit in the U.S. (Sunday, 9/29, 11:00 a.m. CT, free)

For a long time, the only aquavit an American could get was imported from either Denmark, Norway, or Sweden. In the mid 2000s, there was a surge of American distillers who began making the classic Scandinavian spirit for the American market. With this new batch of distillers came a new outlook of how aquavit could be enjoyed. No longer limited to drinking it straight with traditional meals, bartenders and spirit enthusiasts began playing with the use of aquavit in cocktails. Join co-founder and CEO of Vikre Distillery, Emily Vikre, as she shares the story of aquavit’s rise in popularity, as well the story of Vikre Distillery’s founding and its early life making a name for itself in the world of spirits.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Fanciful Paper Cutting with Torben Jarlstrøm Clausen (Sunday, 9/29, 1:00 p.m. CT)

Join Danish paper-cutting artist Torben Jarlstrøm Clausen live from his home in Odense, Denmark, to explore the universe of fanciful paper-cut beings. Working in the tradition of storyteller and paper cut artist Hans Christian Andersen (who was also from Torben’s hometown of Odense), students will work alongside Torben to release their own fantastic people from a piece of paper using only a pair of scissors. In just 90 minutes, students will experience the very best moment of cutting paper – when the paper is unfolded, the magic occurs, and your happy paper-cut person emerges! This workshop welcomes paper cutters of all levels who want creative prompts as well as a historic and contemporary look at paper cutting in Denmark and beyond. All experience levels are welcome; suitable for ages 16+.


LOOKING AHEAD

(Spots still available as of publication date.)

ASI Nordic Table Event: Danish Rugbrød with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, 10/3, 1:00 p.m. CT)

Hearty Danish rye bread (rugbrød) is one of the classic Scandinavian breads, often used for open faced sandwiches. While this bread can be hard to find outside of Scandinavia, it’s actually quite simple to make at home, even for novice bakers. Join Kristi Bissell, creator of the blog True North Kitchen, in this virtual class to see a demonstration of all the steps of her yeasted Easy Overnight Danish Rye Bread. She’ll discuss pan options, sourcing ingredients, and even share some tips on a sourdough variation.

Introduction to Spoon Carving (Friday, Oct. 4, 1:00 p.m. CT)

Learn how to carve a spoon from a fresh-cut tree using traditional Nordic carving techniques. Over Zoom, Jess Hirsch will lead students through the process of carving a spoon, using a prepared wooden blank. We will cover tree anatomy, axing out a blank (roughed out spoon shape), knife holds for the hook and sloyd knife, drying, and finishing – from tree to spoon! This class is great for the beginner or the person wanting to learn sloyd-style carving. Together, students will go through safe knife holds and the steps to carve their very own cooking spoon! Carving is just as safe as cooking at home – students only need good hand strength and flexibility to carve their own spoon. Please wear pants and close-toed shoes. This class includes a kit of materials.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Wool Embroidered Coin Purse (Thursdays, 10/10-10/24, 1:00 p.m. CT)

Embroidery is a beautiful way to make an everyday object feel special. Inspired by traditional Nordic embroidery designs, explore the world of wool-on-wool embroidery with a variety of stitches and learn how to transform the fabric and liner into a miniature purse, along with attaching the kiss clasp like a pro. All the steps and techniques featured in this course are great skills to learn if you are considering making a full-scale traditional purse in the future; and we’ll explore beautiful examples from across history and regions as we go. Finished coin purses will be approximately 4.5”x 4” wide. Students will have the option to select from a variety of wool fabric colors for their project kit and use embroidery yarns from the instructor’s own sheep. This class is a great way to explore wool-on-wool embroidery for both beginners and those with some embroidery experience. Suitable for ages 16+.

ASI Nordic Handcraft Event: Needle Felted Fall Landscapes (Thursday, 10/17, 6:30 p.m. CT)

Enjoy the relaxing art of needle felting while making a textile as pretty as a painting! Using a piece of felt as your canvas and wool roving as your paint, you’ll work alongside artist Kayla Ann to create an autumnal landscape you’ll be proud to display. You’ll come away with the skills and tools to keep needle felting beyond the online workshop. While the entire class will work on the same fall-inspired vista, Kayla will also discuss how to adapt other images into 2-D felted pictures and where to find supplies to do more needle felting on your own. Suitable for ages 14+.


Which events or experiences look interesting to you?

What I’ve Been Reading Lately (July 2024)

Welcome to another round of “What I’ve Been Reading Lately”. My focus these summer months is the reading challenge at work. All of the books this month check off a box (or more) for that challenge. I’ve tried as much as I can to choose books that cross over with other reading challenges, but with less success than I had hoped.

August is Women in Translation Month so I’m making an effort now to support that initiative again this year. For our summer reading challenge at work, one of the prompts is “A book by a woman in translation”. I’m happy to know that others at work are reading women in translation this summer as well!

How is your summer reading going?


The Paris Apartment by Lucy Foley (2022) 📖

Lucy Foley has long been on my TBR list. I have two Book of the Month selections by her! And no time like the present with the Olympics in Paris to read the one set in Paris. It was fun to be back in Paris and read snippets of French (after junior year abroad and a somewhat recent vacation there), but otherwise it was not a very thrilling story. I enjoyed it, but too many clues just happened to appear. This experience won’t keep me from reading my other Foley book, The Guest List, though, which friends have loved. ⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: A book related to the Summer Olympics (featuring a sport or set in Paris)
  • Read My Own Shelf: Unread BOTM selection

The Lion Women of Tehran by Marjan Kamali (2024) 📖

When I saw this was a Book of the Month selection for June, I didn’t hesitate to select it because I had just seen that the author would be at a local bookstore to discuss it. I had read her previous book, The Stationery Shop, which I enjoyed, and the premise of The Lion Women of Tehran intrigued me, and it didn’t disappoint. It was an engaging and moving story of friendship, betrayal, and finally redemption between two girls from very different backgrounds in Iran. It spanned decades (1950s to 1980s) and provided insight into a turbulent history that is still unfamiliar to me.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: Free Choice
  • Book Voyage: Read Around the World: Middle East (Iran)
  • #DiversityAcrossGenres: MENA/General or Historical Fiction

Lillian Boxfish Takes a Walk by Kathleen Rooney (2017) 🎧
Narrated by Xe Sands

This book takes place in a day, December 31, 1984, to be exact, but it actually spans decades as 85-year-old Lillian goes for a walk around New York City and reminisces on her life. She has lived a full life as a poet, the highest paid advertising woman in America, wife, mother, and divorcée. She was an impressive woman but it came at a cost. I loved her strong and vibrant personality and admired all her interactions with various people along her walk. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: Takes place in a day AND Book with a character over 60
  • Book Voyage: Read Around the World: North America (New York City)

Sandwich by Catherine Newman (2024) 📖

I had read rave reviews about this one and surprisingly my hold at the library became available much earlier than I expected so I jumped at the opportunity to read it. It takes place over a week during the summer when Rocky, a 54-year-old woman, is on the family’s annual vacation to Cape Cod with her husband, young adult children and a girlfriend, and elderly parents. She is menopausal and nostalgic — and maybe she was too much so that I was turned off a bit. I did laugh out loud at some parts and enjoyed their multigenerational family time, but I wasn’t blown away by it as much as I thought I would be.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: Food in the title

Drømmen om et tre (Klimakvartetten #4) by Maja Lunde (2022) 📖
(The Dream of a Tree, available in English translation October 2024)

This is the finale to The Climate Quartet, a loosely connected series of books that each explores a different climate issue. This one is about seeds and features the Global Seed Vault located on the Norwegian island of Spitsbergen in the Arctic Svalbard archipelago. The story takes place in 2110 and is about a small group of people living there. They live in isolation having cut off contact with the rest of the world where, due to climate issues, hunger is a constant concern. I loved being immersed in the setting of Svalbard and it was interesting to see how subject matter and characters from the earlier books come together in this one.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️


What have you been reading lately?

Disclaimer: AVikingInLA is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

What I’ve Been Reading Lately (June 2024)

Welcome to another round of “What I’ve Been Reading Lately”. My summer reading is off to a very satisfying start. A highlight of summers at home is returning home from work in time to sit outside reading in the afternoon sun.

I am primarily focused on our summer reading challenge at work. My plan is to complete all 25 prompts, but I’ll be double- (and maybe even triple-) dipping in order to do so. I’m trying to find books that check off prompts for my other reading challenges as well but not with as much success as I was hoping. I am, however, reading many unread Book of the Month selections that have accumulated over time which is very gratifying.

On the horizon is a trip to Norway to spend time with family. I look forward to long plane rides and long days with lots of downtime (rainy days inside or sunny days outside, it doesn’t matter) to get in long stretches of reading. I also eagerly await the opportunity to browse Norwegian bookstores and add to my collection of Norwegian language books.

How’s your summer reading going? 


Take What You Can Carry by Gian Sardar (2021) 🎧
Narrated by Vaneh Assadourian

This book takes place in 1979 and is about a Los Angeles woman who joins her boyfriend on a trip to his hometown in the Kurdistan region of Iraq for a family wedding. She’s an aspiring photographer and thinks this trip will provide the perfect opportunity to take the shot that will take her from lowly secretary to respected photojournalist. Also, she wishes to learn about her boyfriend’s childhood to understand him better. However, going to this war torn area of the world is not what she expected. There are certainly beautiful sights and touching experiences, but also frightening and tragic moments. The story is gripping and emotional. I loved learning more about the Kurdish culture and their struggles. The glimpse of Los Angeles in 1979 was also interesting.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️


The Rabbit Factor (Rabbit Factor Trilogy #1) by Antti Tuomainen (2020)
Translated from the Finnish by David Hackston (2021) 📖

This is the first in a trilogy about insurance mathematician, Henri, who lives life based on careful calculations. However, his life is thrown off balance when he suddenly has no job and, at the same time after the death of his brother, finds himself the owner of an adventure park in dire financial troubles and with a great debt to criminals. It was a quirky and somewhat absurd crime fiction. The staff at the park were a motley crew, and Henri found himself in some odd situations. This Finnish author has been on my radar for a while, and learning that Steve Carell has signed to play the main character in an adaptation was intriguing (though no new news in the last couple of years). I can certainly see him playing it! I enjoyed it enough but won’t be reading book #2 anytime soon. Maybe another one by this author instead. ⭐️⭐️⭐️


Hello Beautiful by Ann Napolitano (2023) 🎧📖
Narrated by Maura Tierney

This was a good one. I got totally wrapped up in this family saga about four inseparable sisters — the ambitious Julia, Sylvie the reader and dreamer, the free spirited artist Cecilia, and Emeline caring for them all — and William, the broken man who became a part of their close knit family. There was joy and trauma, love and heartache, a very moving story. And the structure was interesting. Chapters alternated between perspectives of them all (in the third person) but time would overlap a bit so the reader experienced the same event from more than one perspective. Highly recommend. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: A book from a celebrity book club (Oprah)
  • Read My Own Shelf: Unread BOTM selection

Just for the Summer (Part of Your World, #3) by Abby Jimenez (2024)
Narrated by Christine Lakin and Zachary Webber

I listened to Yours Truly not long ago and loved it (Reading Lately, April 2024) so I knew I wanted to read this one. However, I was concerned it might not live up to expectations. I need not have worried (though I was a little thrown off at first by the same male narrator for a different character but I got over it). I loved the world of these characters and now want to go back to #1. This is the story of Emma and Justin, both with major parental issues which complicated their plan for a summer fling to break a curse of their exes always ending up with their soulmates. It had humor, heart, and substance.  ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

  • Summer Reading Challenge: Takes place during the summer
  • Read My Own Shelf: Unread BOTM selection

What have you been reading lately?

Disclaimer: AVikingInLA is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com.

Taking Advantage of What Los Angeles Has to Offer During Summertime

I hope you are enjoying summer wherever you may be! This post was inspired by a colleague at work eager to have a list of possible activities for the summertime. If you’re in the Los Angeles area during the summer months, either as a local or a tourist, here are some ideas to get you out and about taking advantage of what Los Angeles has to offer this time of year. If you are elsewhere, use this as inspiration to find similar summer events, special exhibitions, and unique experiences in your area.

🇳🇴 🇸🇪 🇩🇰 Scandinavian enthusiasts, don’t miss the last section. How many of those Scandinavian inspired places have you been to?

What’s on your summer to-do list?


Special Summer Events in LA


Special Exhibitions – See them before they’re gone!

 


Seize the Moment – Have you been yet?

 


For the Scandinavian Enthusiasts! 🇳🇴 🇸🇪 🇩🇰

  • Solvang — Visit the Danish Capital of America! (13 delightful things to do in Solvang, the Danish fairy tale town with plenty of ‘hygge’ | LA Times)
  • Shoops European Deli & Cafe in Santa Monica — “SHOOP’S specializes in innovative breakfasts, sandwiches, salads, & soups in the European tradition of quality & freshness.” They have a European imports market with licorice, chocolate, deli, and grocery items.
  • Copenhagen Pastry in Culver City — An authentic Danish pastry shop offering light and flaky pastries baked fresh throughout the day, a variety of layer cakes, rye bread, kransekake bites, rumkugle, and more. Don’t miss the Princess Cake available by the slice.
  • Clark Street Bakery in Brentwood, Larchmont, and Echo Park — After spending the summer at his Swedish wife’s family’s town working in a wood-fired bakery in the Swedish countryside and falling in love with the craft, Zack Hall returned home to become a full-time bread baker. Try cinnamon buns, cardamom buns, vanilla buns, Danish rye bread plus more.
  • Open Face Food Shop in Los Angeles (West Adams) — “From traditional Danish flavors to elevated American fare, you will find something for everyone at Open Face Food Shop.”
  • Sockerbit in Los Angeles (Beverly Grove) — “Inspired by nostalgia and Swedish traditions, Sockerbit offers hundreds of candy options to choose from! Everything from gummies, licorice, marshmallows and chocolates, in different shapes, textures and flavors.”
  • Berolina Bakery in Glendale — Artisan European breads and pastries. Try cardamom and cinnamon buns (strips and braids also available), Swedish limpa, Danish rye, and much more.

So far this summer we have checked off a few special summer experiences — a Dodger game, dinner at historic Yamashiro Hollywood with its unique architecture and stunning views of LA, a CicLAvia event in South LA, and hiking (with geocaching) at dusk.

Is this the summer when I finally seize the opportunity to check off some long standing wishes such as visiting the Sawdust Summer Art Festival in Laguna Beach (June 28-September 1, free for LA County residents July 7 and August 11) or the Norton Simon Museum in Pasadena? I’m also intrigued by the idea of an adults only sunset swim with friends at the Annenberg Beach House where floaties and s’mores are provided. LAist’s new summer series, City Treks: Let’s explore LA and SoCal on foot! (And then grab a bite to eat), has also caught my attention. So far there are itineraries for Culver City/Park to Playa Bridge, Atwater Village/LA River, Anaheim, Magnolia Park in Burbank, Monrovia, Encino, and Oxnard. The next CicLAvia event is August 18 and connects West Hollywood, Hollywood, and East Hollywood (Meet the Hollywoods). I think it’s going to be a good one!

What do you have on your summer wish list to do?

What I’ve Been Reading Lately (May 2024) & Summer Reading Plans

Welcome to another edition of “What I’ve Been Reading Lately” where I join other readers through Modern Mrs Darcy’s monthly QuickLit posts in sharing what we’ve been reading lately.

Summer is here and with that, an additional reading challenge for me. At the elementary school where I work, we once again have a summer book bingo reading challenge with 25 prompts. My plan is to complete the whole board, but I’ll be double- (and occasionally triple-) dipping in order to do so. I’ll be reading books that check off prompts for other reading challenges as well. It will be a wonderful summerlong puzzle as I find books to meet prompts across all my ongoing reading challenges! Continue reading

Summer 2024: Virtual Nordic Events for June, July, and August

Welcome to the summer edition of the monthly events posts which includes a sneak peak at in-person fall events in Southern California. Once again, I’m combining virtual events for June, July, and August into one post and will update as new events come on my radar. Make sure to check back occasionally during the summer.

Are you a reader? Consider joining other readers to discuss Nordic books this summer. Visit Nordic Book Club Meetings: Summer 2024 to see details about book selections and meeting dates. Or you can join me and my 2024 Nordic Literature Reading Challenge.

And finally, since I won’t be returning with a monthly events post until September, Southern California readers should take notice of three special in-person events happening in the fall.

Vista Viking Festival — September 21 & 22 at Antique Gas & Steam Engine Museum in Vista, Northern San Diego County (As of date of publication, Super Early Bird Tickets available through June 15 or until they sell out).

Newport Beach Film Fest’s Swedish Spotlight — October 22 in Newport Beach, Orange County (Follow NBFFSwedish on Instagram for details!)

Aurora Live in Concert — November 21 in Los Angeles (Shrine Auditorium) and November 23 in San Francisco (Bill Graham Civic Auditorium)

What will you add to your summer calendar?

(Vesterheim’s online folk art courses sell out quickly. To see what’s coming up in later months and sign up before it’s too late, visit Vesterheim: Online Folk Art Courses.)


JUNE

Sweden and Swedish for Travelers (Tuesdays & Thursdays, June 4-13)

Traveling to Sweden soon or just thinking about it? Want to know the essential phrases to use with your friends and relatives? Have some questions about what to see and where to go once you get there? This language and travel course taught by Gregg White will get the traveler to Sweden off on the right foot. This course is helpful for those not ready to commit to a full language course but want a brief introduction to Swedish and the lovely country where it is spoken. This class meets twice a week for two weeks.

History of the Swedish Language (Wednesdays, June 5-19)

This three-part lecture, held in English by instructor Ingela Haaland, takes participants on a journey of how Swedish developed from the first century to modern day Swedish. Which languages were the strongest influences upon Swedish, and why? How did the complex grammar structure that once dominated the language settle into a two-article language of “den” and “det” words? Where do we still see remnants of older Swedish in today’s language, and where is the language headed today in a globalized world? Materials provided by the instructor. Välkommen.

Swedish Literature in Translation: 1880s – 1940s (Thursdays, June 6-July 18)

Immense social, economic, and political change occurred in Sweden as the country evolved from an impoverished agrarian backwater to a social democratic industrial powerhouse. Who were the leading writers of this significant era of Swedish authorship and how did they reflect Swedish society? In this class, taught by instructor Gregg White, students will read excerpts from the writings of a dozen Swedish authors, each representing one of the major movements in Swedish literature in these six important and creative decades. All readings are in English and course materials will be emailed prior to class.

Vesterheim Filmprat: Stolen (Wednesday, June 12, Free)

Dr. Maren Johnson, Luther College’s Associate Professor of Nordic Studies and Torgerson Center for Nordic Studies Director, facilitates a regular bokprat (book group), discussing Scandinavian authors and Scandinavian life. June’s discussion is a twist on the usual format and features a discussion of Netflix’s new film adaptation of Ann-Helén Laestadius’s novel Stolen. This spellbinding Swedish story follows a young indigenous woman as she struggles to defend her family’s reindeer herd and culture amidst xenophobia, climate change, and a devious hunter whose targeted kills are considered mere theft in the eyes of the law. Based on real events, Ann-Helén Laestadius’s award-winning novel Stolen has been adapted into a film by Netflix that is part coming-of-age story, part love song to a disappearing natural world, and part electrifying countdown to a dramatic resolution—a searing depiction of a forgotten part of Sweden.

Back From the Ashes: Restoring and Rejuvenating Norwegian Sølje (Saturday, June 15, Free)

Join Goldsmith Liz Bucheit for a story of an almost lost sølje that was restored through tireless work and artistry. From a house fire to the workshop, learn about the process that a master goldsmith had to go through to help bring the beloved family heirloom of Norwegian silver jewelry back from the ashes to its rejuvenated beauty. Liz will tell a story of trials and tribulations, as well as elbow grease. She’ll show photos of the piece and process as it was restored from charred remnants to the cherished family heirloom that it once was.

Knowing Karin Larsson (Tuesday, June 18)

Welcome to a lecture on Karin Larsson – an artist and interior designer who was married to the artist Carl Larsson. This lecture, hosted by Liz Stopka, will cover Karin Larsson’s accomplished life, with a focus on her contributions to interior design and clothing fashion. The virtual slide presentation will be conducted in English and is intended to complement the ongoing exhibit at ASI, Karin Larsson: Let the Hand be Seen (on display June 8 – October 27, 2024).

ASI Nordic Table: Scandinavian Strawberry Cream Cake (Thursday, June 20)

Ready to tackle a showstopper of a summer dessert that is secretly easier than it looks? Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen is here to walk you through each element of the classic strawberry cream cake, a must-have for early summer celebrations across Scandinavia. Kristi will demonstrate every step, from baking a vanilla cake to mixing a pastry cream, from mashing up a fresh strawberry filling to finally assembling and decorating, taking questions, and sharing her tips along the way. Students will leave with a full recipe to try on their own just in time for Midsommar.

Small-Group Cook-Along: Ode to the Midnight Sun: A Midsummer Cocktail Celebration (Friday, June 21)

Let there be light! Revel in the enchanting Nordic Midsummer with two handcrafted cocktails and a refreshing alcohol-free option. This class will discuss the history and traditions of Sankthans, the Norwegian celebration of the summer solstice, and incorporate ingredients that will bring the magic of the season to your homes and palates. This Vesterheim cooking class is designed as a small-group cook-along, and we invite exchange between the instructor and students in order to build community around food traditions.


JULY

The Danish Secret to Happy Kids: Virtual Book Talk with Helen Russell (Tuesday, July 9, Free)

Join Scandinavia House for a virtual book talk with author Helen Russell to celebrate the launch of The Danish Secret to Happy Kids. This book shares what Russell has learned first-hand and through talking to Nordic psychologists, sociologists and teachers about rearing well-balanced children. In doing so, she dives into the parenting culture of Denmark and other Nordic nations, from parental leave to school structure to screen time. Combining intellectual curiosity and research with observation, this is a positive, thought-provoking parenting book for readers curious about cultural differences.

Small-Group Cook-Along: New Recipes for Nordic Pizza (Thursday, July 11)

How does immigration influence the pizzas served in Norway and Sweden? Join Vesterheim and Patrice Johnson for an evening of surprising tastes and fun twists on Nordic pizza. We’ll make our own dough, and then top it with the modern flavors of sweet corn and shrimp, white sauce with caviar, and Flygande Jakob (Flying Jacob). We’ll also toss a traditional pizza salad and shake up a couple of New Nordic-inspired beverages.

Using Arts and Culture to Imagine the Future (Saturday, July 13, Free)

Join Vesterheim and Anne Beate Hovind, Chairwoman of The Future Library Trust, for this webinar in which Hovind will share her learnings from a project whose outcome will unfold far beyond our lives. Learn about emotional design, linear vs. explorative design, long-term thinking vs. short-termism, and much more.

Introduction to Loom Beading: Red Bookmark (Saturdays, July 13-August 3)

Explore the beauty and fun of beading on a loom in the Scandinavian tradition! Inspired by designs from Nordic bandweaving, this class will take you from start to finish for making your own sparkly beaded bookmark. Learn about the historic use of loom beading and how a remarkably simple process can transform seed beads into delightful designs.

The Basics of Rosemaling (Mondays, July 15-August 12)

Have you heard the saying: You have to learn to walk before you can run? That thought is the same for rosemaling. Before you paint, you can learn a few things to help you on your rosemaling journey. Join others for five evenings of learning some basic, yet helpful concepts. This class is a mixture of discussion and hands-on experiences to reinforce the learning. Topic will include styles of rosemaling, woodenware, oils vs acrylics, brushes, and basic paint palettes. This class is intended for first-time rosemalers; no previous experience is needed.

Family Handcraft at Home: Rosemaling Rocks (Registration Deadline: July 16)

In August, join beloved rosemaling instructor Lise Lorentzen to explore basic rosemaling techniques and paint rocks that you can use in your garden or give to friends! Inspired both by a painted rock in Vesterheim’s collection and by the groups that paint rocks to hide in nature, this class is the perfect way to explore the traditional handcraft of rosemaling as a family. This program has been designed for families to experience on their own schedules. The $30-per-family price covers the cost of a special folk art class kit designed for two participants to explore rosemaling.

ASI Nordic Table Event: Dill in the Nordic Kitchen (Thursday, July 18)

Let the garden lead the way in this virtual cooking demo that celebrates all things dill! Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen will zip through a handful of easy recipes that highlight this essential Scandinavian herb. Classically paired with seafood, dill also brightens many dishes in Scandinavian cuisine and is a core flavor in the Nordic kitchen, going far beyond the simple garnish. From super salads to make-ahead sauces, and of course Kristi’s take on the quick pickle, this class will give anyone with a bursting garden or love of farmers’ markets a good reason to highlight the freshness that dill brings to any dish. Kristi will also share lots of great ideas for making use of these recipes for easy, low or no-cook lunches and dinners at the height of summer.


AUGUST

Swedish Folklore and Superstition (Wednesdays, August 7-28)

This four-part class, held in English, describes common creatures belonging to Swedish folklore and the historical context in which they were formed. Students will read about superstitions that went hand-in-hand with folklore and remnants of both folklore and superstitions still seen in Swedish culture today. This class will also take a look at how folklore has left its mark on today’s Swedish language. Students will have a chance to read short folklore stories (in translation) to see the typical folklore characteristics. Materials provided by instructor Ingela Haaland. Välkommen.

ASI Nordic Table Event: Tomatoes in the Nordic Kitchen (Thursday, August 15)

Tomatoes might not be the most typical Nordic ingredient you think of, but they are treasured by northern gardeners with long summer days. Allow Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen to take the tomato on a little Nordic spin, including a rustic rye tart perfect for late summer dinners, some fantastic smørrebrød (open-faced sandwiches), and a hearty salad. Participants will leave this virtual class bursting with ideas for taking advantage of this iconic summer produce.

Aquavit Garden Party (Friday, August 23)

Join instructor Hannah Garry (owner and manager of Blazing Star Cafe in Decorah, Iowa) at a virtual garden party celebrating seasonal produce, Nordic flavors, and aquavit. In the class, you’ll make three refreshing craft cocktails featuring the traditional Scandinavian spirit, aquavit, with fresh herbs that highlight aquavit’s unique flavor profile. You’ll also make a creamy dill dip, perfect for serving alongside cut vegetables or for creating a smørrebrød platter for the whole party to enjoy.


Which events or experiences will you add to your summer calendar?

What I’ve Been Reading Lately (April 2024)

Welcome to another round of “What I’ve Been Reading Lately” when I join other readers through Modern Mrs Darcy’s monthly QuickLit posts in sharing what we’ve been reading lately.

I love when an unanticipated common thread appears between reads. Sometimes it’s obvious very quickly; other times the common thread is more obscure. This month it was between two very different crime fiction reads, one I read for my Nordic Literature Reading Challenge and the other in anticipation of an author event at the LA Times Festival of Books last month. Continue reading

May 2024: In-Person & Virtual Nordic Events

It’s a big month for Scandinavian enthusiasts in Southern California and Norwegians worldwide.

Norway’s national day, known as 17. mai or Syttende mai, is Friday, May 17. Norwegians celebrate the 1814 signing of their constitution with flags, children’s parades, traditional costumes, ice cream, and more. Read more here about the history of Norway’s constitution and Norway’s unique traditions for the day. Once again, Norway’s national TV station NRK will broadcast live on the big day starting 7:50 a.m. Central European Time (Monday, May 16, 10:50 p.m. PT).


IN-PERSON SOCAL EVENTS

For SoCal Norwegians and their friends, the Norwegian Church in San Pedro will host its annual “17. mai-feiring på kirka” on Friday, May 17. All the usual food and festivities will be there — the national song, speeches, music, entertainment, and last but not least, a parade around the block with music and flags. Doors open at 4:00 p.m. for food sales and the program begins at 5:00 p.m.

This celebration is followed closely by the 50th anniversary of the Scandinavian Festival on Saturday, May 18, and Sunday, May 19, in Thousand Oaks. There will be musical and dance entertainment, children’s craft stations and entertainment, food and craft demonstrations, a Speaker’s Corner, and of course food sales and vendors. Have you purchased your tickets?

Consider volunteering at the festival! There are a variety of volunteer opportunities for adults, college students, and high school students. They need assistance with children’s crafts, family activities, ticket sales, and gate entrances. I have previously volunteered at gate entrances and the head wreath booth. This year you’ll find me at the Norway Craft Booth with a friend. Have questions? Reach out to scanfestvolunteers@gmail.com.


VIRTUAL EVENTS in MAY

Online book clubs continue to meet. Visit Nordic Book Club Meetings: May 2024 to see details about book selections and meeting dates.

Vesterheim’s online folk art courses sell out quickly. To see what’s coming up in later months and sign up before it’s too late, visit Vesterheim: Online Folk Art Courses. August 20 is the upcoming opening date for registration of classes that will take place October 2024 through March 2025 (details).

The Norwegian American Spring Auction: 17 for 17 for 17 (May 1-17)

The Norwegian American announces its spring auction “17 for 17 for 17,” filled with exciting items to celebrate your Norwegian heritage. The auction will run for 17 days starting May 1 to raise $17,000 by Norwegian Constitution Day on May 17!

Films from the Faroe Islands (Virtual Screening Package) (Available until May 5)

Presented in Faroe Islands Culture Days, see virtual screenings of some of the best contemporary films from the Faroe Islands in “Fog-Swept Cinema”. From April 19 through May 5, a virtual screening package will be available with three feature films — the coming-of-age drama Dreams by the Sea, the surrealist feature 111 Good Days, and the documentary Skál — as well as four short films, showcasing today’s leading filmmakers from the North Atlantic archipelago. Virtual screening packages are available throughout the U.S.

Intro to Finnish (Sunday, May 5)

Curious about the Finnish language, but not ready yet to commit to a multi-date class? Looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to Finland? This two-hour introductory workshop taught by instructor Joona Sundström is the perfect way to get a feel for Finnish, pick up a bit of grammar, and learn how to pronounce some words as part of basic conversation.

ASI Nordic Table Event: Swedish Cardamom Buns with Kristi Bissell (Thursday, May 9)

Turn out kardemummabullar (cardamom buns) worthy of a bakery display case with a little help from Kristi Bissell of the Scandinavian cooking blog True North Kitchen! Cardamom buns are a popular option in Swedish bakeries which go all in cardamom’s deep floral flavor by incorporating the spice into the dough, filling, and glittery sugar topping. Luckily these decadent buns can also be tackled at home with some basic baking techniques. In this hour-long demo, Kristi will demonstrate how to mix and knead the yeasted dough, prepare the filling, and bake a batch of buns at home. Students will leave with the recipe and lots of tips, inspired to bake their own batch of buns at home!

Vesterheim’s FamilieTid: Nordic Songs Through the Years (Saturday, May 11, Free)

Have the whole family come together and learn some Norwegian songs. Singer, Norwegian language instructor, and youth educator, Eddy Galstad will lead the family in learning songs from “way back when,” as well as share some songs that the kids might have heard already. This free event will be a learning and sharing opportunity for multiple generations of the family.

Introduction to the Basic Strokes of Rosemaling: Hallingdal Style (Saturday, May 11 & Sunday, May 12)

If you’ve ever thought about trying rosemaling, here’s a great opportunity to take the brush in hand! Rosemaling is the wonderful folk art of Norway that is based on the flowing scrolls and flowers that are made up of “C” and “S” strokes. This class introduces students to these basic strokes that are the foundation of rosemaling, as well as the detailed line work that completes a rosemaling project. The class will include demonstrations and plenty of hands-on practice. Students will practice strokes and complete a project on board. The class will be taught using acrylic paint. If you’ve painted with oil, this would be a good opportunity to explore acrylics. A complete kit of supplies (a $40 value) is included in the cost of enrollment.

Vesterheim Family Language Adventure: Life North of the Arctic Circle (Registration deadline: May 17)

In June, join Vesterheim for some family fun and learn some Norwegian language and culture along the way. The vocabulary and phrases will focus on life north of the Arctic Circle! Through hands-on activities, fun crafts, light-hearted games, and short videos, you and your family will learn and practice your new Norwegian skills. A kit will be delivered right to your home containing supplies for these language activities, a helpful reference sheet for all the new words and expressions you will be learning, a fun craft, and a yummy treat.

Design and Weave a Repp Band (Saturday, May 18 & Sunday, May 19)

Join Swedish textile artist and educator Kerstin Neumüller for two online sessions to design and start weaving a repp band on a small rigid heddle-style band weaving loom. This virtual class is an excellent option for students who need a refresher on band weaving, or for anyone who owns Kerstin’s book Simple Weave but wants to work alongside her live.

Intro to Swedish (Sunday, May 19)

Curious about the Swedish language, but not ready yet to commit to a multi-date class? Looking for a quick and low-pressure way to get excited and prepare for an upcoming visit to Sweden? This two-hour introductory workshop taught by instructor Jean Hanslin is the perfect way to get a feel for Swedish — pick up a bit of grammar and learn how to pronounce some words as part of basic conversation.

Experimental Archaeology: Recreating Goods Found in Grave #619 in Birka, Sweden (Wednesday, May 22, Free)

In this webinar, Steph Anderson will talk through what went into the study and recreation of Birka grave Bj 619. The goal of this project was to look at the archaeological notes from 1877 when it was first discovered and textile analysis from 1974, and then to create an interpretation of the grave. This grave dates back to the late 700s to early 800s. Steph will walk through the process of research, talking to archaeologists and working with the Museum of Natural History in Stockholm, textile producers, blacksmiths, and others to get as historically accurate information as possible. Let her introduce you to the woman of Bj 619 and give you a brief glimpse into her life.

Genealogy Session with Swedish American Museum (Saturday, May 25)

Delve into ancestry and history with the Swedish American Museum at one of their educational Genealogy sessions. In May, Kathy Meade will be discussing ArkivDigital. What is new in ArkivDigital? ArkivDigital provides online access to newly photographed color images of Swedish historical records. We have added many searchable indexes, so you can now search by name for more church books, estate inventory, census, and military records. We have also added some more Swedish-American church books. You will learn how these updates make researching your Swedish heritage simpler and faster.


LOOKING AHEAD

Crash Course in Nordic Myths (Wednesdays, 6/5-6/26)

The literature containing Norse mythology remains one of the most fascinating bodies of medieval storytelling anywhere. Norse myths include a great wealth of digressive anecdotes and an equally large cast of characters. This class will attempt to make sense of Norse myths by examining the structures of the tales and investigating the background in which they were written down in manuscripts. Come explore what is known (and unknown) about Norse mythology with Old Norse expert Dr. Paul Peterson. The course will be held virtually and take place over four weeks with one meeting per week.

Vesterheim Filmprat: Stolen (Wednesday, 6/12)

Register now to join Vesterheim’s Filmprat to discuss Stolen, the new Netflix original film based on Ann-Helén Læstadius’ novel of the same name which premiered April 12. This spellbinding Swedish story follows a young indigenous woman as she struggles to defend her family’s reindeer herd and culture amidst xenophobia, climate change, and a devious hunter whose targeted kills are considered mere theft in the eyes of the law. Based on real events, Ann-Helén Læstadius’ award-winning novel Stolen has been adapted into a film by Netflix that is part coming-of-age story, part love song to a disappearing natural world, and part electrifying countdown to a dramatic resolution—a searing depiction of a forgotten part of Sweden.

Scandinavian Strawberry Cream Cake (Thursday, 6/20)

Ready to tackle a showstopper of a summer dessert that is secretly easier than it looks? Kristi Bissell of True North Kitchen is here to walk you through each element of the classic strawberry cream cake, a must-have for early summer celebrations across Scandinavia. Kristi will demonstrate every step, from baking a vanilla cake to mixing a pastry cream, from mashing up a fresh strawberry filling to finally assembling and decorating, taking questions, and sharing her tips along the way. Students will leave with a full recipe to try on their own just in time for Midsommar. You may register for the class even if you don’t plan to attend live, as the class will be recorded, and the recording made available for all registrants for one month after class for viewing.

Ode to the Midnight Sun: A Midsummer Cocktail Celebration (Friday, 6/21)

Let there be light! Revel in the enchanting Nordic Midsummer with two handcrafted cocktails and a refreshing alcohol-free option. This class will discuss the history and traditions of Sankthans, the Norwegian celebration of the summer solstice, and incorporate ingredients that will bring the magic of the season to your homes and palates. This Vesterheim cooking class is designed as a small-group cook-along, and we invite exchange between the instructor and students in order to build community around food traditions.

Family Handcraft at Home: Rosemaling Rocks (Registration deadline: 7/16)

In August, join beloved rosemaling instructor Lise Lorentzen to explore basic rosemaling techniques and paint rocks that you can use in your garden or give to friends! Inspired both by a painted rock in Vesterheim’s collection and by the groups that paint rocks to hide in nature, this class is the perfect way to explore the traditional handcraft of rosemaling as a family. This program has been designed for families to experience on their own schedules. The $30-per-family price covers the cost of a special folk art class kit designed for two participants to explore rosemaling.


Which events or experiences look interesting to you?