Summer wind

After coming home from the farm, I feel indescribably free, as if I suddenly had my life back for a rare second chance. I tried to figure out why I might feel like this. The work is hard but not impossible. It is true that I feel leaden in my bones and muscles after the second day of doing the same task. My mind becomes very relaxed and I will often think myself in circles. I'm not sure but maybe I've already thought through solutions for all the worlds problems but I've come to forget. Anyway, after working in the field, under admittedly relaxed strictures, I've come to respect migrant workers and Hispanics who do it for a living. It's a HARD way to live. I can take a break whenever I want but what about when it's your job and your presence is illegal?

Is there really anything that can be said for those who find living difficult?

I took the bike to and from the farm this time - twenty kilometers both ways. Somehow it took me an hour and forty five minutes. My bike wasn't really made for long distances but she gets the job done. The one speed and solid frame features made me feel like the manual power in a submarine or representative of the Flintstones. I made it though, both ways. Talk about muscle development. ;)

There is ONE Oscar Wilde quote that haunts me. It goes something like "those who live more than one life, die more than one death." Fresh in my mind, I can't seem to wander far from it without the tethers of memory bringing it close. It's the fate of a reader, writer, and dreamer. Beginning, ending. I think of my fun here but I also think of the fun I had in America just before leaving and I know it's to end as well. The life of the wanderer is one of short stops and long drops.

But enough of my lallygagging! I can actually bring you interesting information about Sweden today! Did you know that purchased land is not taxed by the government but that cars are in Sweden? Did you know that there are open land laws? Meaning, you can go into any woods - to camp or party (as long as you aren't being a disturbance). Did you know that Sweden once was a great empire that encompassed parts of Germany and England as well as Scandinavia? Did you know that the government has free reign here to monitor all emails and text messages?

I was really surprised to learn all of this. One of Sweden's presidents was also assassinated. I never expected Sweden to be so influenced by world politics because of it's relatively quiet nature. But hypocrisy is everywhere. Sweden frowns upon war and maintain a minimalists army and yet they sell weapons and technology to other nations.

If you look at the history of Sweden after the dissolution of its empire, you might be disheartened by how this country has treated former allies.

All for all, it's a fascinating place and one can't but help to love it.