Two days of silence broken only by moments of brief connection with the sounds coming from the truck and the schizophrenic collision of every day thoughts has ceased. Sheryl Crow wrote a song “Three Days in Rome”. Maybe I’ll call mine “Two Days In.” Two days in and I’m glad to know I’m really not — schizophrenic. Kinda catchy.
Moments of clarity have returned, sighs of relief, deep breaths surge to my core, all fear and trepidation are gone. I’m reminded of my own capabilities and of what I’ve got stored down below ready for retrieval if or when I ever had to have it. I can interact with each and every person with whom I come in contact with no interference of expectation or environment, of who they are in the world or who I am. All pretense has faded away, there is no lost effort on how to act or what to say. Mere faith in myself is replaced by power and empowerment. The jumble of thoughts has stopped. I’ve been returned to myself. PEACE.
At different times in my life, it’s taken 5 days to get here. Those days are not fondly recalled.
Now that you know WHY I take these trips and you’ve heard the story about my encounter with the mysterious light source, let’s discuss the trip!
The first day’s goal was Sidney, Nebraska which would put me spending the next couple of days in Badlands National Park, South Dakota. I made Sidney alright, after 15 hours of hard driving. Had it not been for Lindsborg, Kansas, the drive would have been an easy 12.
But it’s a road trip and the day is sunny and warm (65 degrees F.) and I’m free on the open road, and curious. Seemingly innocuous things tempt me. Like a roadside sign about “Little Sweden” that I’d seen numerous times and never felt the urge to pursue.
See? Manjit, I told you it was sunny and breezy and a perfect day for exploration! Lindsborg, Kansas is just South of Salina on Highway 135. It’s known as Little Sweden, U.S.A. because the first settlers of the valley came from Sweden establishing the community in 1869. The shops are filled with hand-made (right in the shops) and imported Scandinavian crafts and art. I’d love to go back for Svensk Hyllningsfest, a celebration to honor the Swedish immigrants who settled the area. It’s only held every other year and is scheduled for October 9, 10, 11 of 2009. I’m just glad all I have to do is write the name of the festival and not pronounce it.
But I did have time to eat.
As you know I’m not a vegetarian, but this sandwich at the Courtyard Bakery & Bistro on Main Street sounded so fantastic on the menu, I couldn’t resist. Besides I’m on this diet and I figured by going with vegetables I could afford to eat both of the Lingonberry cookies. I swear I did not dip the sandwich into the cucumber hollandaise sauce included on the side. I did eat both cookies. This was one of the 2 most memorable meals I had during the 8 days on the road, not including the “meal” of truffles at The Chubby Chipmunk (more about that later). Actually “memorable” is not the most accurate term. I had a few “memorable” meals. More accurately, this meal was one of the 2 BEST.
P.S. A National Geographic Photographer, Jim Richardson lives in and works from Lindsborg, Kansas
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Comment by Blancheqpe — April 9, 2013 @ 10:46 pm
[…] You can see why. The bread is sweet, fragrant, dense, buttery, and pulled from the refrigerator is as refreshing as a glass of lemonade on a hot, humid Oklahoma day. What’s interesting is I didn’t know it existed until my son fell in love with Joie Sherman, a North Dakota girl of Swedish descent (and soon to be guest cast member on AMC’s Mad Men). The love affair happened even before I accidentally discovered Kansas’ Little Sweden (Lindsborg). […]
Pingback by Scandinavian Food Break! — November 17, 2011 @ 5:48 pm
you are an incredible photograher. I really admire the black n white stills. thank you for visiting the bakery . was a pleasure serving you. many blessings on you.
Comment by Chef Dean-The CourtYard Bakery — May 19, 2009 @ 9:49 pm
cool pic of the church above – the sky has a really neat effect to it. but i’m obviously more interested in the shortbread cookies. um,… YUM! you mentioned having time to eat – HELLO priority. if you don’t have time to eat during your travels, well then, you are not traveling right. and a word about that diet of yours… cookies + truffles = diet. a delicious and wholesome, satisfying and happy diet. but only 2 cookies??
Comment by Kerrin - MyKugelhopf — April 30, 2009 @ 11:40 am
I am originally from that area – lived in nearby Smolan and went to school in Lindsborg. Your photos are wonderful. In addition to the Hyllningsfest, you may want to go to the presentation of Handel’s Messiah at Easter time. The Bethany College choir along with people in the community present it at Bethany College. Well known music artists from out of state are guest soloists. Would be worth another trip to Lindsborg.
Comment by Kay Crawford — April 2, 2009 @ 10:15 am
Love it !!!! =)
Comment by MTN BUM — March 28, 2009 @ 2:57 pm
Count me in! You guys can’t go to the Svensk Hyllningsfest without me. The Smorgasbord tickets go fast! Order now!! I bet those cookies melted in your mouth!
Comment by Clay Mama — March 27, 2009 @ 6:48 pm
More, more, more! Great pic of the church. I look forward to hearing more about the ‘meal of truffles.’ Sort of reminds me of a day when I consumed only Scotch and fudge…not recommended.
Comment by JJ — March 27, 2009 @ 11:32 am
A taste of Sweden in the American Midwest! Wow!
Comment by jen laceda — March 26, 2009 @ 10:09 pm
Wow!! I’m definitly not a vegetarian and even I’m hungry.
I get what you mean about the Schizophrenia. I don’t know how long it would take. Maybe a trip to Svensk Hyllningsfest would help? If I see you and Joie there, does that constitute a Solo Road Trip? Still, it would be fun.
Well done. The photos are marvelously inviting.
Comment by Pops — March 26, 2009 @ 5:39 pm
I’ve been to Lindsborg many times, and that lovely old chuch is one of my favorite scenes. You captured it beautifully!
P.S. I’ve always wanted to experience Svensk Hyllningsfest-meet you there? 🙂
Comment by Joie — March 25, 2009 @ 9:14 pm