A useful post

These days I feel I want to give back to society.
A contribution of some sort.
So I decided to share the things which make my life better, easier and keep me safe.

1. Shoe spikes. The only possible way to survive walking on ice unless your skating/ skiing skills are really good.
2. Tran oil. Whatever you have heard of its mood boosting properties is absolutely true. I'm the living example! Increase the dosage gradually until it has an effect within two three days. Ask your doctor if you are afraid, from what I know it is pretty safe up to a ridiculous amount. For me the magic number is two big spoons per day. 
3. Woolen socks. Well this is one of the first advice you get when you arrive in Norway but still I have to include it here.
4. Silk undershirt. Woolen is also good but not if you suffer from acne.
5. Salad spinner. The leafy greens here are too sensitive to wash them long before consumption and let them dry.
6. Wake up lamp. Nothing ever will replace the natural morning light but it is at least something!
7. And in general lots of lamps. I haven't tried the special lamp which is supposed to help you with seasonal blues. But it is in my wish list for this winter. 
8. Genuine leather shoes. Never ever buy leatherette even if the insulation looks super warm. 
9. Backpack for everyday. No, seriously, you really need your hands free to keep your balance walking on ice or extent them when you fall- because you surely will.
10. Exercise. Pause. Yes, I know it is not an item and you might hate it. But keeps your body warm, lifts your mood, do you good. Choose something fun said a very dedicated former coach potato! ;-)

I really take my vows on these items! :)

''Sugar sweet guilty pleasure''

When feelings are too intense to hide...

This week the kammermusikkfestival (chamber music festival) is running in Trondheim. 

Mekatonia II was a very very impressive show. Certainly deserves all the attention it got.  It made people standing in the rain haunted by the beautiful music and the industrial and acrobatic performance. Super cool combination! 

But what I wanted to write about is related to the opening concert at Nidarosdomen.  The concert was chanting. The interior of the church brilliantly illuminated, great musicians on stage, the new organ with its massive structure dominating and beautiful music was comforting our souls.
I couldn't ask for more! 

I very often feel culturally hungry in Trondheim. Maybe it is me, maybe the city indeed has a limited offer on this kind of events, maybe both. Anyway, on Tuesday I returned home and I had a very satisfied look. One of those that it's impossible to hide.

Det norske solistkor, Trondheimsolistene og Daniel Hope. Åpningskonserten 2014 i Nidarosdomen.The photo is taken from the facebook page of Trondheim kammermusikkfestival

This is the deal with pure and genuine feelings. They are there, demanding to experience them to the bone, escaping from the control mechanisms of our serious selves. I find it wonderful, contagious and a pity that we force ourselves so much to be cool and proper. 

One of the things I loved about the concert is a bit unusual. There was this guy of Det norske solistkor so very excited being there and signing that he was making a tremendous effort to stop smiling. Even when he was managing to be serious his eyes were betraying him! He had to be professional, to focus on his signing and certainly he was trying hard for it! But for me it was so refreshing to see someone so excited and present! & It was so moving to see his struggle to collect himself!

It resonated with me. I'm often too enthusiastic and I have to behave. 

So I really thank him for seeing this. 

Every time I think about his hardship, I smile, thinking I'm not alone. ;)