What has brought me back to Gimli, Manitoba every summer since 1961? What has brought me back from Iowa, Missouri, and British Columbia for 51 years?
June 17 Winnipeg, 2012
The skies threatened rain, grey clouds spread from horizon to horizon, but God loves Icelanders and the rain held off until the moment the ceremonies and speeches were finished. Just then, timed precisely, the first few drops could be felt.
Crowds started to gather early. From a block away, it was possible to see the Fjallkona on the Manitoba Legislative steps. Her white headdress and her green robe provided a focal point. By the time I reached the Legislative patio, the Fjallkona (Connie Magnusson Schimnowski) looking regal in her costume) was sitting between her two daughters with Harley Jonasson in attendance. On one side was the Canadian flag, on the other, the Icelandic
Kvennahlaup
The gathering.
In a slight drizzle, slight because for the last few days Gimli has been being drenched by thunderstorms, an enthusiastic group gathered at the Gimli park for the beginning of the annual Kvennahlaup.
1874:Kneeland, the Constitution
Our good friend Samuel, is most interested in the new
Loftur: background notes INLreads
1874: Samuel Kneeland at Thingvellir
Samuel Kneeland has much to say about Iceland and his experiences in and around Reykjavik but he is in Iceland to observe and participate in the action so he and his party head for Thingvalla. He says,
1874: Beginning the millenium celebrations
Today, the church and its ministers are barely tolerated or totally ignored. At one time, they held an important place in society and, particularly, Icelandic society. The ministers were educated, having gone to upper classes in Reykjavik and even Copenhagen. Society, having thrown over God for the newer god of Technology, now has little time for religion in Iceland or North America. The Lutheran church has, I
1874: Kneeland, stormy trip
How easy it is nowadays to travel to Iceland. Hop on a charter and fly over the Pole. Or even take a regularly scheduled flight from Seattle or Minneapolis. The most one can complain about is seats that are a bit tight, or some turbulence. A few years ago a plane was hit by lightning but no one was the worse for it. There
Samuel Kneeland: arrival in Iceland, 1874
When I introduced you to my friend, Samuel, I mentioned that he liked Iceland and Icelanders. He brings an American attitude with him. He is not a member of British nobility but an American medical doctor, a bit of an adventurer. He
Background notes: The Troll Wife
Folk tale collections often include stories of wishes gone wrong.
Many cultures have stories about the danger of making wishes based on greed or pride.
Sometimes, though, they are about wishes gone right. Those are usually about rewards for those whose behaviour is exemplary.
