FJELL-LJOM.. (MOUNTAIN ECHOES).. BLÅFJELL LODGE 3-646 June 2017

Co-President: Joann Barfield 540-380-2926 Co- President/Secretary: Kathy Clark 540-977-2349 Treasurer: Cheri Johnson 540-989-6330 Editor: Robin Lambert 540-904-1817 Lodge Counselor: Sharon Rohrback 540-774-0006

=======================================================================================================

Blåfjell's website: sonsofnorwayblafjell.org Facebook group: http://www.facebook.com/SonsOfNorwayBlaFjell

=======================================================================================================

Mission Statement:

The mission of the Sons of Norway is to preserve and cherish a lasting appreciation of the heritage and

culture of Norway and the other Nordic countries. =======================================================================================================

Regularly scheduled meetings:

Fourth Saturday of each month, 1:00 PM,

College Lutheran Church, 210 South College Avenue, Salem

(Except for special events) =======================================================================================================

Next Meeting

June 24, 1-3pm

Location: College Lutheran Church

Program: Flowers, Essential oils, Scents & Perfumes from Norway by Cheri Johnson

Monthly Heritage Minute: TBA ======================================================================================================

CO-PRESIDENT MESSAGE:

Although we were, unfortunately, not in attendance, it sounds as if it was

another successful Local Colors event; many thanks to Event Chair Sharon

and all who participated to make it so, especially our new members! Sharon

has contacted the eight persons who signed up for information; hopefully, we

will see them at future meetings/events. Cheri also has a good report on our

May Yard Sale.

Our June meeting will be led by Co-President Kathy Clark, with a program

on a different and unique subject to test our sense of smell! And we look forward to reports of Good News from

Zone 7. We will count on seeing YOU there!

Thought for the Month

Tried and True: "If at first you don't succeed, try, try again!"

Submitted by Joann Barfield /Kathy Clark, Blåfjell Lodge Co-President ======================================================================================================= MINUTES OF MAY MEETING:

Because the Blåfjell Lodge participated in the Local Colors event, there were no minutes for the month of May.

======================================================================================================

MEMBER NEWS: Gratuleer Med Dagen

June birthdays: Arne Olsen 6/9

Congratulations to Vernon Ferguson graduated from Virginia Tech May 12, 2017 with a Masters in Political

Science.

Pray for Kathy Clark as she continues to recover from a car accident. She was very sore and cannot move well. But

nothing was broken. Her car was destroyed, so she was using a rental car until getting a new one. ======================================================================================================

KLUBB GAME BECOMING INCREASING

POPULAR IN AMERICA

The rules of the game are explained in the May 2017

issue of "The Viking" magazine sent to all Sons of

Norway members. Lodge friend, Elaine Fischer,

mentioned this game to me several months ago.

Submitted by Sharon Rohrback, Blåfjell Lodge Counselor ======================================================================================================

What Did You Miss?

May 24, 1-3pm

Local Colors

Location: Elmwood Park

BLÅFJELL LODGE PARTICIPATED IN ROANOKE LOCAL

COLORS EVENT

We had a successful day at May 20, 2017 Local Colors, meeting our

fundraising goal for this event.

A BIG thank you to all helped by providing baked goods and/or time at the Blåfjell site. Some

were members and some friends of the Lodge. The theme for Blåfjell this year was Christmas

in May. Cheri Johnson's three grandchildren joined us in the parade dressed as a Viking, St.

Lucia and Anna (from movie Frozen) respectively. Cheri herself wore a Sami outfit. We sold all

15 hand stitched ornaments designed by Kathy Clark and sewn by various members (Puffin,

Snowflake, Dala Horse, Moose, Polar Bear and Jule tree. We sold a few items left from the

April yard sale (children's books, plush deer and moose, a crocheted Christmas doily and a

sweater with Nordic-type design and buttons.). And we sold out of our baked goods. We had to

close at 3:45 because a rain storm moved in and another was on its way.

Want to get literature for Norway or Sweden?

Larry Norman suggested the following websites:

NORWAY: https://www.visitnorway.com/

SWEDEN: https://visitsweden.com/

For the past couple years, Norway and Sweden have no longer provided free promotional

packets we would hand out at Local Colors. This year, Larry asked us to provide slips of

paper with the above website info.

We also handed out free "The Viking" magazines from years 2013-2015. He did have

packets from the other Nordic countries. Thank you, Larry.

Submitted by Sharon Rohrback, Blåfjell Lodge Counselor and Local Colors event chair

=======================================================================================================

BOOK CORNER: The Prose Edda: Norse Mythology (Penguin Classics) by Snorri Sturluson The Prose Edda, also known as the Younger Edda, Snorri's Edda (Icelandic:

Snorra Edda) or, historically, simply as Edda, is an Old Norse work of literature

written in Iceland in the early 13th century. The work is often assumed to have been

written, or at least compiled, by the Icelandic scholar and historian Snorri Sturluson

around the year 1220.

Written in Iceland a century after the close of the Viking Age, The Prose Edda is the

source of most of what we know of Norse mythology. Its tales are peopled by giants,

dwarves, and elves, superhuman heroes and indomitable warrior queens. Its gods live

with the tragic knowledge of their own impending destruction in the cataclysmic

battle of Ragnarok. Its time scale spans the eons from the world’s creation to its

violent end. This robust new translation captures the magisterial sweep and startling

psychological complexity of the Old Icelandic original.

The Prose Edda contains a wide variety of lore which a Skald (poet) of the time would need to know. The text is of

interest to modern readers because it contains consistent narratives of many of the plot lines of Norse mythology.

Although Snorri was a Christian, he treated the ancient Pagan mythology with great respect. To this end, Snorri

created a quasi-historical backstory for the Norse Gods. Hence the Prose Edda is of interest because it contains one

of the first attempts to devise a rational explanation for mythological and legendary events. It is also notable because

it contains fragments of a number of manuscripts which Snorri had access to, but which are now lost. =======================================================================================================

Snorri Sturluson, (born 1179, Hvammur, Iceland—died Sept. 22, 1241,

Reykjaholt), Icelandic poet, historian, and chieftain, author of the Prose Edda and

the Heimskringla.

Snorri, a descendant of the great poet and hero of the Egils saga, Egill

Skallagrímsson, was brought up at Oddi from the age of three in the home of Jón

Loptsson, the most influential chieftain in Iceland. From him Snorri acquired both a

deep knowledge of Icelandic tradition and a European breadth of outlook.

In 1199 Snorri married an heiress and began to acquire lands and power. In 1206 he

settled at Reykjaholt, where most of his works were written between 1223 and 1235.

During 1215–18 and 1222–32 he was “lawspeaker,” or president, of the Icelandic

high court. In 1218 he was invited to Norway by King Haakon IV.

Snorri became involved in politics while visiting the Norwegians. He convinced

Haakon that he could become king of Iceland, and he became Haakon’s vassal. Snorri returned to Iceland in 1220, but in the

ensuing years his relations with Haakon deteriorated, and, in 1241, by Haakon’s order, Snorri was assassinated.

Snorri’s writings are remarkable both for their scope and for their formal assurance. The Prose Edda is a handbook on poetics. In

this work Snorri arranges and recounts the legends of Norse mythology in an entertaining way. He then

explains the ornate diction of the ancient skaldic poets and explains the great variety of poetic metres used in

skaldic and Eddic verse. Snorri also wrote a biography of St. Oláf of Norway, which he included in his

Heimskringla, a history of the Norwegian kings from their legendary descent from the warrior-wizard god

Odin down to Magnus Erlingsson (1184). A three-volume English translation by Samuel Laing (1844) has

been frequently reprinted. Snorri based the Heimskringla on earlier histories, but he gathered much fresh

material of his own. He particularly valued poems transmitted orally from the time of the original historical

events they described, and he selected those poetic traditions that seemed to be both authoritative and

reflective of contemporary politics and human nature. His genius lay in his power to present all that he

perceived critically as a historian with the immediacy of drama.

The qualities of intelligence, warmth, and scholarly industry in Snorri’s writings contrast sharply with the

weak, shifty character that emerges in the account of his life by his nephew in the Sturlunga saga.

https://www.britannica.com/biography/Snorri-Sturluson

====================================================================================================

Norse Mythology and the Beginning of Humanity

The second example refers to the appearance of humans. It is said that Odin and his two

brothers, Vile and Ve were taking a walk around the sea shore when they looked at two

logs that had captured their attention. Odin looked at the shadows of his brothers moving

over the logs and decided to breathe life into the logs. The elm log became a woman, while

the ash log became a man. Then Ve offered them the gift of speech, while Vile endowed

them with judgment and senses.

According to Norse mythology, it is said that in the beginning there was the Ginnunga Gap

, the primordial abyss that contained all the existing worlds. At first there was

Muspellheim, the world of fire and the “house of the destroyers of the world” which was

inhabited by the giants of fire, the ones with bodies made of lava and with fire as their hair. Opposed to Muspellheim

there was Nifelheim, the land of ice and fog, where black poisoned ice existed. Between these two, a sort of border

land was formed, a world where life appeared.

Read more: http://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/discover-hidden-roots-runes-005229#ixzz3yM4GfzPS

Follow us: @ancientorigins on Twitter | ancientoriginsweb on Facebook

Graphic depicting the Nine Worlds of Norse Religion. ( Cush/CC BY SA 3.0 )

The Three Gods

There were more types of genesis from this point on. First, from the mixture of fire and black poisoned ice, the giant

of chaos Ymer was born. Second, from the mixture of fire and clear ice, the old giant cow Audhulma was born.

Audhulma licked some blocks of ice until the strong god Bure was born. Bur, the son of Bure, married Bestla and

they had together the three guardian gods of the world: Odin, Vile, and Ve.

Read more: http://www.ancient-origins.net/myths-legends/discover-hidden-roots-runes-005229#ixzz3yM4RasPE

Follow us: @ancientorigins on Twitter | ancientoriginsweb on Facebook =======================================================================================================

Interesting collection & explanation of Norse Gods.

https://delanceyplace.com/search-results.php

Submitted by Elaine Fischer (friend of Blåfjell lodge)

======================================================================================================= NORDIC RECIPES:

KROKAN RECIPE

4 egg yolks

150 grams sugar

1 cup milk

1 cup heavy cream

1 vanilla bean, split in half

For Caramelized Nuts:

1 1/4 cup sugar

2 tbsp. butter

1 /2 cup almonds or hazelnuts (or a combination of both), roughly

chopped

Process

Scrape the seeds out of the vanilla bean pod, and place in sauce pot with the milk and bring to a near simmer. Take off heat and

let cool off for a few minutes.

In a stand mixer, whisk the egg yolks and sugar until light and well combined, add in the heavy cream and the milk mixture

and mix well.

Melt the sugar and butter in a sauté pan over medium heat until it starts darkening and turning into liquid, making sure it does

not burn (do not move away from stove).

Add the nuts and let it turn into a caramel color.

Pour the nut mixture onto a large sheet of parchment paper and let it seize up and harden.

Chop the mixture into small pieces

Added Note from Sharon Rohrback: “Krokan” is a word we use in Norwegian that I haven’t been able to find a direct translation

for in English – but describes caramelized sugar combined with butter and chopped nuts and comes from the French word

“croquant”, which means crunchy. There are a variety of other desserts that contains krokan, including mousse dishes, the

Norwegian cream cake “bløtkake” and a delicious milk chocolate called “krokan rull” (krokan roll), popular among many

Norwegians and non-Norwegians who have tried it:

https://arcticgrub.wordpress.com/2013/07/23/norwegian-krokan-is-the-worlds-best/ ======================================================================================================= NORDIC HUMOR:

In Iceland, you can hand-draw a map on a piece of mail without an address, and it will still make it to its destination.

=======================================================================================================

Language Lessons 13: Sports Activities (Part 2)

Phrase Pronunciation English

Jeg vil gjerne leie utstyr. jai veell jaer-neh lai-eh oot-steer I would like to rent equipment.

hoppbakke hohpp-bahk-keh ski jump

lysløype lees-loy-peh lit ski trail

skibakke shee-bahk-keh ski hill

skiheis shee-hais ski lift

skiløype shee-loy-peh ski trail

utfor ooth-fohr downhill

slalåm slah-lohm slalom

langrennski lahng-rehnn-shee cross country skis

hoppski hohpp-shee ski jumping skis

slalåmski slah-lohm-shee downhill skis

seilbrett sail-brehtt surf board

skistaver shee-stah-vehr ski poles

fotball foot-bahll soccer ball

fiskestang fees-keh-stahng fishing rod

joggesko yohg-geh-skoo sneakers

tennis racket ten-nis-rah-keht tennis racket

tennisball ten-nis-bahll tennis ball

golfkøller gohlf-kuhl-lehr golf clubs

golfballer gohlf-bahl-lehr golf balls

sykkel seekk-ehll bicycle

kano kah-noo canoe

lag lahg team

ski shee skis

Excerpts from Sons of Norway member Kari Diesen-Dahl Norwegian lessons.

======================================================================================================= History Link from Marlin: Norway in WWII

http://www.nuav.net/ndWW2.html =======================================================================================================

On August 12, 2017, the 99th Infantry Battalion (Separate) will be holding it 75th Anniversary of its creation

at Camp Ripley, MN. We are looking for any member of your lodge who may have served in this battalion, or if

any Sons of Norway members have any information about the battalion, it would be

greatly appreciated.

This 99th Battalion was made up of Norwegian Americans who could speak fluent

Norwegian and could ski, well as Norwegian seaman who were left without a place to go when

Germany invaded Norway.

If you have any names of people who served and were Sons of Norway members, or any memorabilia

they would consider contributing to the 99th Infantry

Battalion (separate) museum at Camp Ripley please let

me know.

You can reach me at dennisrusinko@aol.com or call me at 612-789-2272 or my

mailing address at Dennis Rusinko 617 24th

Ave NE. Minneapolis, MN 55418

Dennis Rusinko President

District 1 Sons of Norway ====================================================================================================== 3rd District Fra Presidenten

Mange bekker små gjør en stor å.

Many small streams make a large river

Streams ebb and flow as do our lodges. If you look closely there is a rhythm to our lodges and each is

unique. Some lodges hunker down and “go dark” for the winter coming to life again when Spring

arrives. Other lodges suspend formal meetings in the summer and turn to more casual activities like

picnics.

There are times when melting snow or heavy rain causes the stream to flow swiftly; its power is amazing. In times of drought, a

small trickle of water may reveal the stream.

Let’s harness the power of the stream by engaging our lodge members. Let the stream of new ideas flow. If the water gets too

rough, try to redirect it. Better yet, before you try to redirect, go for the ride, it could be wild and exhilarating. Try not to dismiss

new ideas, but rather adapt them to the uniqueness of your lodge. A little tweak here or there could make all the difference.

When the stream begins to dry up, look for any logjams that prevent the water from flowing (“we never done it that way before”)

and offer encouragement to those leery of change. Look for bends in the stream that may be diverting the water (“don’t like

driving at night”; “too many after school activities on the night of our meeting”) and see if you can remove obstacles (e.g., ride

sharing, meet at a different time every now and then).

Don’t be afraid to put your toe in the stream and take the pulse of your lodge, its activities, and its members. Is it time to restock

the stream with new ideas? Is it time to give your long serving lodge leaders a break? or just offer help navigating the ebbs and

flows of the stream?

Think about your lodge as small stream which together with other lodges in the Third District create a larger stream. Likewise,

think about each District in the Sons of Norway as a stream, and we have a mighty river! Always remember that you are not

alone, you are part of a larger vibrant organization. Maybe it is time to explore new waters, see what other lodges do and gain

new ideas?

Have a safe, happy and healthy summer!

All the best,

Mary

======================================================================================================

MARK YOUR CALENDARS FOR

UPCOMING MEETINGS AND EVENTS

June 24, 1-3pm SON Meeting

Location: College Lutheran Church

Program: Flowers, Essential oils, Scents & Perfumes from Norway by Cheri Johnson

Monthly Heritage Minute: TBA

July 22, 3-6pm Annual Summertime Picnic

Location: At the home of Georgia Carr

August No meeting - Summer Vacation

September, 1-3pm SON Meeting

Location: College Lutheran Church

Annual Nordic Auction/Cake Walk

Program: Culture of Sweden by Cheri Johnson

Monthly Heritage Minute: Kathy Clark

October 9 Adopt-a-School

Presentation: Leif Erikson Day by Cheri Johnson

Location: Faith Christian School by Cheri Johnson

October 28 21st Anniversary Dinner

Location: TBA

Monthly Heritage Minute: Joann Barfield

November 3 Adopt-a-School

Presentation: Viking Day by Cheri Johnson

Location: Faith Christian School

November 18, 1-3 pm SON Meeting

Location: College Lutheran Church

Program: Comparison of Christmas Traditions in the Five Nordic Countries by Cheri

Johnson

Norwegian Language Practice/Table Prayer. Christmas Carols

Monthly Heritage Minute: Larry Norman

December 9, 1-3 pm Yulefest Annual Dinner and St. Lucia procession

Location: College Lutheran Church

December 13 St. Lucia Festival at St. Andrews Catholic Church

Contact person: Joann Barfield

MARK YOUR 2016 CALENDARS NOW =======================================================================================================

THIRD DISTRICT UPCOMING EVENTS

Zone 4 Lodges Scholarship Luncheon

June 3 @ 1:00 pm - 6:00 pm EDT

Venue

Land of the Vikings

461 Big Valley Road

Susquehanna, Pennsylvania 18847

Phone: 570-461-3500

Washington Lodge #3-428, Washington DC

The Reading Circle will discuss Kirk Kjeldsen’s Land of Hidden Fires and Cary Fowler’s seeds on Ice:Svalbard and the

Global Seed Vault.

June 20 @ 7:30 pm - 9:00 pm EDT 3846 Meredith Drive

Fairfax, VA United States

Washington Lodge #3-428, Washington DC

Author and filmmaker Kirk Kjeldsen

June 24 @ 5:00 pm - 9:00 pm EDT

June lodge meeting will be a potluck starting at 5 pm followed by a presentation by author and filmmaker Kirk Kjeldsen. He will

discuss his novel Land of Hidden Fires (a book about a member of the tNorwegian Resistance during WWII) and how it led to his

next project, the feature film Gavagai, which was shot in Norway in 2015. Professor Kjeldsen teaches at Virginia

Commonwealth University. Nonmembers are welcome to attend. =======================================================================================================

THIRD DISTRICT/INTERNATIONAL NEWS:

For President’s letter, see the Third District Events Calendar: www.3dsofn.org/newsletter/index.html

District 3 events: www.3dsofn.org/eventscalendar Land of Viking (LOV) camp and conference center in Pennsylvania: www.3dsofn.org/lov or www.Landofthevikings.org New Sons of Norway E-Post: sonsofnorway@sofn.com Royal Norwegian Embassy in Washington: emb.washington@mfa.no

Nordic News from the Icelandic Embassy: http://www.iceland.is/us NEWEST NEWS: New newspaper ... Welcome to Norway Today: www.norwaytoday.info

FULL LISTING OF EVENTS around the U.S: wwwnorway.org/calendar

SONS OF NORWAY MEET ON THE FOURTH SATURDAY OF EACH MONTH!

PLAN TO ATTEND EACH AND EVERY LODGE MEETING AND ACTIVITY!

==================================================================

For the Love of Norway!!