Monday, January 7, 2013

Ballard


This weekend in Seattle was a little bittersweet.
I had a chance to see friends and family who I hadn't seen in years,
but the occasion to bring us all together was somber.
We told stories of the good times, and I was even asked to read my post from Friday about Farfar.
It was a beautiful remembrance, and a true celebration of life with the wonderful friends and family who loved him so much.

Before our gathering, I took a moment to capture some of my favorite details of my grandma's house.
It's in Ballard, and it's a home that Farfar built from the ground up.
There are so many memories there.
I love the little Norwegian gnomes, the hand-embroidered doilies, the view going up the stairs into Farfar's room, the vintage glass, and the chest that my Farfar hand-carved for me, which is filled with gifts from my grandma and Farfar for me and my someday family.

The trip was too quick, but I'm so thankful I had the chance to go.
In the words of my sister, I "enjoyly thoroughed" it.

To everyone there this weekend, here's a Norwegian "skål" (sounds like skoll—it's Norwegian for a friendly toast) from me to you. 
And for the rest of you for being here & coming back each day, here's a skål for you, too. 

16 comments:

Elisha said...

So sorry once again.. Keep the memories alive!

Danielle said...

So sorry for your loss. It sounds like he lead a very full life. Prayers with you and your loved ones..

My husband is also Norwegian and from Seattle. This must be where a lot of them immigrated to.

Kirsten said...

Your grandparents home is beautiful. What a talented man your Farfar was to build it.
In 2008 my grandma in England died. It was a very sad time to be brought together, but my family, like yours, had a wonderful time together.

I'm so sorry for the pain you are experiencing. It is tough. (Not trying to sound unfeeling, just wanting to acknowledge the hurt).

-Kirsten
mylifetintedpink.blogspot.com

Katelyn said...

What a beautiful home. I'm so sorry to hear about your loss, Aunie. God's blessings as you mourn, but also remember the good times and what a blessing it was to have him in your life. :]

- Katelyn

Lindsay @ Trial By Sapphire said...

I'm glad it was a beautiful weekend of celebration and remembrance. Love to you, A!

Unknown said...

What a beautiful home. The attention to detail is amazing. I'm sorry for your lost and hope in time your heart will heal.

Savannah said...

I love photographing my grandmothers home. It's a place where I have so many memories with my Poppy Jim.

Prayers for you as you shed tears for your Farfar.
Just keep remembering all those beautiful times with him.

Sidney said...

The grounds of your grandmother's home are gorgeous and have a calming air about them. It's so wonderful that you had the chance to be with your family during this difficult time. I lost my grandfather a year ago this month and I remember that the best medicine was spending time with family and friends that knew him well. My heart goes out to you!

Why Girls Are Weird said...

I think my favorite thing about Christmas was getting to talk with my family about my grandma. Keeping memories alive means they're always going to be alive in our hearts, you know?

Jayme @ Her Late Night Cravings said...

Thinking of you! So sad to hear about your Farfar but so glad that you got to go and be with your family.

Jayme & Mendi @ Her Late Night Cravings

Victoria said...

Sorry it took something so sad to make for a pretty great weekend! How special that you were able to go and be right where you needed to be. :)

Brandi said...

You're in my thoughts, I am so sorry for your loss. I'm glad you got to have a weekend with some remembrance with your loved ones.
The pictures are beautiful! <3

-Kinsi- said...

God bless you guys. Thank you for sharing. This post somehow makes me feel all warm and fuzzy inside- peeking into a home that clearly has so many memories in its walls. I also live in a highly Norwegian-populated area, so many of the motifs are familiar. Praying for y'all.

Rachel said...

what a BEAUTIFUL chest! How wonderful that even though he is gone you have these places and heirlooms to remember him by.

Priya said...

Really beautiful pictures and such a great way to remember him! So sorry for your loss Aunie, thinking and praying for your entire family this week. Hang in there.

perfectly priya

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