My Father In-Law

I am compelled to mention how aware I am of the difficulty in writing about loved ones past, especially when it's your father in-law. With that same honesty I have to share what little I know, though I do see him a little every day.

Early on in the apartment renovation, Søren had shown me black and white photos of his family, grandparents, and his father through many decades. I recall wavy hair and manicured moustache, broad shoulders and a benevolent smirk. WHAT a movie star he is. The stories and photos shared describe him with a twinkle in the eyes, primarily because the lights are on.

Niels Christian Johansen 1926 - 1991
Born 5 of August (The day Søren proposed to me)

N.C. worked for ØK, or East Asiatic Company as Chief Engineer on many ships, the largest being Malacca and Morelia, 20,400 horsepower, 213 meters long. He has been to, um... every port on the map apparently, so let's not waste space and span (attention!) on geography lessons (see: Denmark, A bit About).

Because of his fathers work, Søren has many nostalgic memories of the sounds of pistons and smell of engine oil. As a small child growing up on these enormous vessels, Søren was penned in on a deck or area, though more often it was to keep him from falling overboard as opposed to down a flight of stairs, and as a result, much like his predecessors, he loves sailing, being near water and has a great love of nature.

Those with an curiosity for history will be interested to know that Charles Johansen (born 1898) sailed a cargo ship during WWII and partook in smuggling Jews out of Denmark into Sweden. In his late teens, Niels Christian worked for the resistance during the German occupation of Denmark. Both he (in his adult years) and his Father were Chief Engineers by profession.

How cool is that? The men in this family are real gentlemen and have a strong sense of right. I see how Søren is with me and I know the lessons he learned from his parents stem from those principals. Gentle, patient, forgiving, diplomatic in vocabulary, broad viewed, open minded, protection of the weak and the list goes on... The sort of fellas you would invite to your round table.

When the time comes for children, Søren and I both wish that our first boy will bear his fathers name. In spirit he remains a part of our past, our present and with luck, our future.

Hugs and Love

xoxoxoxoxox

The Groom

It's about time! Right? Don't think I can't hear y'all ;-)Søren's Godmother, Paula, was over last night for dinner and pointed out that there were some very obvious topics missing on this little blog; i.e.

The Groom, Mom-in-law, immediate family on both sides and with a knowing glance, perhaps an entry on godmothers wouldn't go astray either. Darling charming woman you will all get to meet in upcoming entries, but first is first! (I will be careful with the sugar)

My Fiancé:

Søren Dalgaard Johansen

Born March 9th 1969

6 foot 4 inches (195cm)

Light blue eyes

Hobbies include: Watercolor painting, photography, sailing, Danish naval history, nature

Disposition: Observative, Intelligent, Soft spoken, Strong principals, Man of his word, Kind, Thinks deeply before acting, Strong, Compassionate, Honest, and Sincere. Drinks PepsiMax like water.

We have known OF each other for about 8 years.

It's only in this last year that we made a real connection. He and I have worked for the same company, Araneum, later bought by T.E. and even later bought by Sirius IT where he works now. At Araneum and T.E. we had mutual respect and delight in working together until my departure from the company 2 years ago. In the beginning years at Araneum he sported a well trimmed upper lip caterpillar and suit, of which I have no recollection at all, so I snooped for some photos to see what I had missed. See for yourself. Now both have been discarded for a more comfortable daily routine, so seeing him in that tuxedo with tails is gonna be quite an experience for me. I'm not missing the lip fuzz ;-)

One day in August he and I made plans to go sailing on his boat. I had just started at Nordisk

Film 3 months previous. He picked me up at the gates. In my mind the world was in slow motion. Life for me at the time was difficult. My remaining in Denmark was precarious both emotionally and legally. My reason for coming to the country twisted in my heart everyday with the increasing anxiety that my lease would not be renewed, giving me 1 month to find a new place to stay for the 3rd time in as many years. Heart-broken and homesick, I walked across the drive and up to his car where he sat smiling, watching patiently.

Needless to say it went well. It was my first time out on a sailboat and I loved it. Trust and

openness were immediate and ever present with us. Throughout the next month he helped me look over papers and contracts to secure a new apartment, and throughout the year he helped everyday in making it a home. Never dipping even a toe into the waters of romance with me. Solid supporting friend- unconditional. He has been with me everyday since I moved in, October 1st 2006. He let me take my time and never pushed, never asked for more, always listening, always up for a project or a photo shoot, encouraging, supportive. It feels natural and wonderful to be together. I'm so grateful to have his love and affection, along with all his other shining facets, in my life.

I'm slow but I get there. It took me a long time before I saw what was right in front of me. It

took a short time to trust my eyes and heart once they opened.

Partners for life.

Tick Tock Big Clock

Time is flying by so fast but there doesn't seem to be much progress on the wedding project lately. I have been wanting to write about an accomplishment, a great decision taken or reservation made... but no, nothing to cross off the list. All talk and questions still.

I think I turned a couple of shades of pink when I heard from Søren and my Mom that I have an attentive audience. *gulp* And I can't even see y'all there staring- I'm just talking to myself out loud. Thank Gawd I don't have to make a speech (Sorry Søren). I know the Bride CAN if she wishes, but with sweaty palms and knees shaking, I'll pass thanks- I'm crossing my fingers I can get down the aisle without tripping or staring zombie-eyed, stiff and straight ahead in concentration. I've been warned about crying unexpectedly and being stared at. I think if I take the zombie approach I won't be in too much danger there. Who knows, maybe by the time the date rolls around I will have a more calm and carefree view of the whole thing. HAHAHAHAHA!

Manic laughter is never a good sign. Get warmed up on the nervous highlights to come:

Best man speech
It takes some thought and preparation but a few notes, jokes, and jabs seem to please the crowd.

First Dance-Danish
Yes, it is a nervous affair here in Denmark. Song and dance are set by tradition. The Bride and Groom do the waltz while the guests clap and close in on the couple until they cant move- released from the crowds grip only after the newlyweds kiss. Luckily there won't be hundreds of guests attending as shown in the video of the Royal wedding.

First Dance- U.S.
It's a little different in the U.S. We just pick out a song that means something to us or that we have fun with. I guess if people are gonna be watching it's worth giving them something good to witness.

Cutting the cake
In my mind I want a food fight. I will behave, but now you know what I'm thinking in that moment ;-)

Bouquet toss
Now most bouquet tosses are enthusiastic and there might even be a little "fighting" for the catch which is a good laugh for all. The single women are suppose to want to be next in line for the big ceremony and if deep down they really don't, well, they have a lovely souvenir from the evening. I think the worst that can happen is.. well, nothing.

The Garter Toss
is more of a north American tradition but we are considering bringing it to Denmark this May.