VILLA BETULA

the dark hues of maren ingeborg gråblomst

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A DIAMOND IN THE LIVING ROOM

18/06/2018

This post is sponsored by Myldre Interior (Hamar, Norway).

Part II of my sweet and heartwarming collaboration with the local shop, Myldre Interior, which I seem to have fallen in love with! If you missed out on part I, you’ll find it here.

This shelve though – perfect, perfect, perfect… Made my eyes “scream” the first time I saw it, haha 😉 I looked at it so many times, visualizing it primarily in my new kitchen. The plan is to use it for all kinds of daily kitchen things, you know, all the stuff you want to have just one arm length away.

 

While we wait, the shelve and I, we spend a lot of time together in the black room. It’s perfect for books, and last but not least – vinyl records! So when (not if) my vinyl collection expands, I’ll might have to find something else for the kitchen! The shelve is very solid and can carry quite a lot of weight, which I think is great!

 

 

 

About two meters tall, and you can make it look very “smooth” like it does in this room, or you can go all in and make it one of your statement pieces. It will say more “boom!” in my very small new kitchen, both because of the room size, the colours (still a secret!) and it will be rather stuffed with things, you know. And yes – I will show you when it’s all ready, off course I will!

Myldre has a wide range with a mix of interiors, faux plants, gourmet and well-being as well as different accessories like jewelry and handbags. Here you can find unique vintage furniture and other interior treasures of recycled wood and rough metal. There are also the most delicious pillows and rugs in lovely colours and nature materials.

Yesterday I also found out that they’re might able to get hold of the kind of lamp I dream about both night and day – I really love their kindness, and they’re so service minded and chatty 😉

 

Pleased! With so much!

Click your way to Myldre Interior at Facebook here, and Instagram here. The shop is located at CC in Hamar, Norway, and you won’t regret a visit (or several!) 😉

I wish you the very best week! I’ve started mine with a soft and warm heart…

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A GATHERING FOR MOTHERS

13/06/2018

Rais your hand if you would like to sit here with a bunch of great women, eating simple food, talking about pretty much everything! I had a bunch of mothers from my daughters class here on Saturday, and it was not the last time! I could also feel how  my future brunch club might be like…

It was the perfect set up to try the new table, but since there where many of us I had to add my little little octagon beauty…

OK, I did vacuum before they arrived, but that was pretty much it. When did I become so super relaxed?!

 

 

 

Everybody brought something, either simple food, some sweets, chips, champagne… Everything tasted amazing, I can’t imagine a better night, it was soul nutrition for me! We ate and enjoyed all kinds of conversations for 8-9 hours, and it started to be light again when I got to bed. So now I’ve felt rather sleepy for three days, haha 😉

Earlier that day I started to pack away books and magazines, and I know this looks very “blog’ish”, but I seriously pack things like this in my old empty suitcases (#sorrynotsorry). But now I need to get some cardboard boxes…

 

Suddenly this has become my “office”, and guess why?! I’ve started to listen to music again, a lot. Like all the time. And this is the sweet spot for listening. So I listen, and I work. And I buy vinyl.

 

This is how it looks when I plan my new home… This is a sketch of my bedroom, can you tell?! It doesn’t get better than this, and I understand everything I try to tell myself here, but I guess it wouldn’t make sense for anybody else 😉

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THE TABLE OF MY DREAMS…

11/06/2018

This post is sponsored by Myldre Interior (Hamar, Norway). 

…Is in tha house!! 😉 So, for how long haven’t I been looking for a table like this? With no luck though, until I found it at a local shop, Myldre Interior. Sometimes I need to be reminded that there are so many possibilities and treasures just around the corner. From now on I will definitely be much better at saying hello to my local hard working independent shops, which Myldre Interior truly is. It’s not a part of a big chain of shops – this is the one and only, and I love it.

The wood is re-used from Indian trucks, and I love that this table comes with a soul. I feel connected to all of its hidden stories. And super sensitive as I am, he he, this is really the perfect table for me. Truly rough, and truly beautiful.

 

 

Some green marks left here and there – wonder where they comes from… Now they serve as a base for every meal, many coffee cups and as a place to put the poppies which grows in my garden. I even had a party around this table a couple of days ago. It was a success to gather eight fab women around here!

 

“Your heart desires, your heart opens, your heart aches, your heart breaks and your heart heals. It is all part of love”. My morning routine, by the table.

Myldre has a wide range with a mix of interiors, faux plants, gourmet and well-being as well as different accessories like jewelry and handbags. Here you can find unique vintage furniture and other interior treasures of recycled wood and rough metal. There are also the most delicious pillows and rugs in lovely colours and nature materials.

 

 

When I visit the shop I crave so much, and I know I will visit it so many times after I’ve moved to town. Both because there are certain things there I want to treat myself with in my new place, and they will also be just a four minute walk away from my pad! I don’t know if that’s a good thing, ha ha 😉

So this is the table we will gather around when it’s time to start the brunch club! Are you ready!? My heart and mind is ready ,but the apartment is not, so basically I just have to be  p a t i e n t. That’s not my middle name!

Myldre Interior at Facebook here, and Instagram here. The shop is located at CC in Hamar, Norway, and the it’s very intriguing and magical, go visit! Go, go! 😉

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BEHIND THE SCENES

05/06/2018

Ready for me rambling on about all kinds of things, jumping from one thing to another? I’ve done that a lot lately. It’s my general enthusiasm, and I enjoy it.

So, lovely people, what are you up to? Sorry for promising blogposts to come that takes “forever” to get out, but my calendar is too full. And it’s totally my “fault”. I kind of like to be occupied with projects that I love to work on, and I feel blessed with my work situation. My main job is to keep head above water, you know, and when I manage that I have a tendency to work on a lot at once. I crave to get better at singletasking! I bet it’s much healthier than multitasking, what do you think?

 

Photographing and editing for a local shop is what I’ve been up to the last two days, and I loved to do this. Time flies so fast though, and I kind of forget to eat when I work! And it takes forever when I decide to put myself into the scenes as well. Maybe one out of ten that works, you know…

Guess some of you spotted Abigail Ahern’s house in the book in front of me. I also guess some of you didn’t know I’ve been in her pad, both photographing and interviewing her? Have a look here if you missed it!

Apropos many projects at once: I’ve not forgot I am to tell you about the workshop, it’s just that I also tend to forget that people don’t always have on top of their calendar to answer my mails day and night, ha ha. When I have a good idea and think it’s “only one mail left, and then everything’s nailed”…. Well, usually I’m wrong! But keep your eyes peeled, because this workshop will might turn out to be for an even smaller group than first thought…

Coffe, yes please! Just realized I’ve had only one cup today!! How can I forget about those good sweet breaks… Guess it’s called flow, at least that’s the reason the last days. And conversations. Some people have the ability to be so open and honest I almost fall off the chair. Thanks, it means the world!

More feet, ha ha, sorry, but this is behind the scenes and I have not had socks on since April or something. And yes of course I stand on the table if it suits me 😉 My home, my table, my feet, my rules. And isn’t this poppy the most gorgeous? It was the first one blooming in the garden, exact in time for photo shoot. Today it’s four more out the waving in the wind. Orange and pink, perfect combo.

 

Got myself a couple of new books – an adorable one about Frida and one from another adorable one, LisaLove. I also bought a print from her, and have one from earlier. Both saved for the apartment!

 

You know when it’s difficult not to get angry at myself? When I’ve worked hard to make something “unrealistic” happen, and when it actually happens I get so anxious about it actually happening that I’m turning tired, acute sleepy, not capable to continue other things and so on… And start to worry about things that has not happen, and most likely won’t happen, several months ahead. Gosh… Calm down, Gråblomst! 😉 You’ll make it, you are a doer…

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THREE GORGEOUS COLLABORATIONS WAITING FOR ME – PHEW, NO DEADLINE THIS WEEK!

31/05/2018

It’s snow outside and no green leaves! So I can’t fool you and say I’ve been photographing today, haha, but boy I should! By “should” I mean that I have three collaborations going on, and two of them is kind of ready to shoot. Except the photographer is not ready… And who’s that? Moi…

Yes this one… Who miss to make huge paintings with no planning involved. Who miss to show you some work with the paintbrush, and I miss to send them over the sea or deliver on your door locally, and see them stitched to a frame in your house. I will do it again, but I need to move first. I don’t feel at home when I’m home anymore, such a strange feeling, and I’ve packed my paintbrushes already. Knowing I have to save it for my new place and some different kind of energy.

These waves are done though, and not packed away, so if you fancy an original you know where to find me 😉 Fancy see the progress? Head over here!

 

You might remember the sight of these two in Mama Cried An Ocean, and they live in a dark home in Britain now. It softens and warms my heart. I love my followers <3

Except from loving my followers I also love good, honest and fragile conversations. We have so much to learn from each other! Learn to open up, learn to listen, learn that we don’t always have to be understood, or understand others. Acceptance and curiosity walking hand in hand. I have to remember this in my inner conversations with myself as well 😉

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HERE WE GO! BECAUSE WHY NOT?!

28/05/2018

Hi! Finally a little back on track! Right now I’m doing something I have not done in long: listening to both of our albums, gosh, it’s such a weird feeling. But you know what?! I’ve never been prouder, and I dare to say so. And what I learn from that feeling is that I’m kinder to myself now than I’ve ever been. Truth. The music has not suddenly got better, but I have, my mind is so much generous. Search for GRÅBLOMST and you will find our music. On every streaming service. If I got vinyl!?! SURE! My shop is closed now, but send me an email and we’ll find a way.

 

I took these photos just an hour ago, and the reason for today’s photo shot is that I want to show you more of me in all ways. You’ve already got much more of what’s going on inside, and a wise person who inspires me a lot said put yourself in your magical environment! And here I go, because why not?!?

Close ups and no make up will might be in another life, ha ha, but who knows, maybe I’m getting there. Having a buzz cut does feel like wearing no make up sometimes since I can’t use my hair to hide any parts at all. I used to do that. Do you?

My actual plan today was to tell you some more about my next months. I like structure, so let’s make it easy (I also recommend to read about my new concept part I and part II):

June: start my VIP newsletter + start to paint the apartment while the carpenters are doing other things!? + work on two big collaborations + continue the book project (it will happen!!!). Looks like I need June to consist of at least fifty days to pull it all trough!

July: Italy one week with my daughter + pack everything in Villa Betula and be a hundred percent ready to move!

A little digression from the monthly plans: Typical I just have to answer this mail or make a story of this or gosh, can’t he/ she just answer!? Haha, recognizable?

And if that he or she actually has answered or I decide to add a gif or three to a Instagram story, it takes me forever, and I end up like this. Recognizable again?? I bet it is! This is how I feel I look when I’m home alone, no matter what I’m up to. This is the face I see when I pass a mirror.

I have looked like this a lot. A looooot.

More about my plans, here comes August: move in to the apartment + finish an application for money for the book project + prepare my lecture about my mental illness which I am to do for National Competence Service for Personality Psychiatry in Norway in November + start to work on my soloalbum! Did I say that out loud?!? Also start to paint on canvases again <3

September: Do a week of voluntary work in Germany! Can’t wait to tell you where, you will be in awe when I tell you later! + more detail planning on 1, 2 or 3 workshops! + start the brunch club in my apartment, omg, I would love to see you there! Continue all the projects – book, paintings, music. This is the month I’m not to freak out because I’m up to so many things…

 

October: One week in Morocco all by myself + starting to get nervous about hosting my first workshop 😉

November: Most likely my first workshop will happen! In the beginning of June I will reveal it – and you will love it. You will. There’ll be a catfight to get the few spots – I would have fought to be a part of it, haha 😉 And I’m so excited that my stomach almost hurts already, and it’s only May!!! …And I am to do my first lecture as mentioned in August above…

Let me say that I’m truly happy I’ve decided to start a brunch club, be a location for other businesses and to host different things with skilled, inspiring and gorgeous people from all over. This feels so right in my heart, and that’s all that matters.

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VILLA BETULA IS SOLD! TOPPED WITH SOME LOVE

23/05/2018

First day when people could bid on the house, and it just took a few hours and it was sold! For almost 30% over estimated price, wow, I still can’t quite believe it!! It has been such a special day, and I’m happy for the new owners. And I’m happy for the house, because I know it will be very well taken care of! It feels right, and this proves that we managed to show what this place is capable of, and our years here were just a part of this house’ exciting history.

The universe we created here will always stay in my heart, and it has been the most special five years of my life. I don’t think many people experience this kind of love in their life at all. And my five years here together with my (now) ex-husband has been like a 24/7 symbiosis, which was great, and I think we spent at least as many hours together as a couple usually do in 20-30 years, no kidding. It feels like a whole lifetime since we met. I thought we would grow old here, but life happens… And still I’m capable of thinking of this as a magical journey, though it’s difficult. I’ll get back to you, but this was all for today, I really need some rest. Take care lovely readers!

 

 

 

One of my paintings What Love Does With Me…

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IN THE LOCAL NEWSPAPER

18/05/2018

A quick hello from me and welcome to new readers! So sorry for my short post lately, but it’s hard priorities these days. No other choice than to make ready for potential buyers who are to come and have a look at every part of the house.

Photo: Jo. E. Brenden

This is me when the journalist came the other day, and for more photos and an interview, have a look here. It’s so idyllic outside here now, and as I write I see the green fields and evening sun reflecting in the lake. I will definitely miss the view and airy feel to this place! Lucky new owners though… Interested? Here is everything you want to know!

 

 

 

Except from that I dream about doing a week of work for free (!) in another country at a special place, but I have  n o   i d e a how to make it at the time they want, gosh, time flies, you know. And how smart is it to work for free in another house when I need to empty ” the old” Villa Betula and move into “the new” Villa Betula!? Typically me… But if the heart wants it from the bottom, I’m off for a week in June or July! Life is such an interesting journey, ey?

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ABOUT ME

I do and share things by heart. I create personal texts, am a musician, sell original art and prints, make a special home and capture the magic with my camera – everything rather dark hued. Villa Betula is not just skimming the tops.

And by the way - my name is Maren Ingeborg Gråblomst and I’m Norwegian. Gråblomst means grey flower.

Feel free to comment on my posts and get in touch for collaborations or other inquiries at contact@villabetula.com

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