Valkommen. Welcome. It is my pleasure to introduce you to my farmor, grandmother. Born in 1874 in southern Sweden, Anna was a feisty and hard working peasant woman. As Swedish farm girls were not sent to school, her learning came from the land. The seasons and their patterns and stories were her heritage, and she thrived on the certainty that she was a part of it all. She learned early on to be ever grateful to God for His blessings. Then she rolled up her sleeves, smoothed her apron, and got to work that she might follow in the footsteps of the ancestors who had tamed and conserved the land.

She married late in life, the same year her three older brothers went adventuring off to America. With her husband, Anders, she remained on the land and shouldered the responsibilities of keeping the family farmstead productive, rearing four children, and being caretaker to her elderly parents. Anna's eldest son followed his uncles to America. Although disappointed at his leave taking, she realized that her way of life was difficult. Seeking easier paths for her three remaining children, she encouraged their schooling and helped them prepare to live away from the land.

With advancing years, Anna maintained her independence and continued to live simply and pursue her weaving in the tiny house on her farmstead. Through faith and ceaseless toil, Anna assured the survival of six generations.

Walk the farmstead with Anna through poverty and plenty. Prepare meals with her through famine and feast. Share her tears of sorrow and smiles of triumph. Best of all, sit beside her at the loom as she reminisces and weaves her lovely linens and tales.

The heirloom recipes and menus accompanying the stories are traditional to Sweden. Illustrations are styled after the old Scandinavian crafts of paper cutting and embellishment.