Hi everyone! Ryan here…one of the newest members of Team Authentique. I joined the sales department in October, and I am a transplant from the great state of Minnesota. I am actually looking forward to some warmth during the winter here in Utah. Compared to winters in Minnesota, so far it has been like a tropical vacation.
When I look at our Free Bird Series, my thoughts go back to Christmas Eve at my grandparents’ lake house. The rustic colors remind me of the days of ice fishing out on the lake. Each Christmas Eve day we would all trudge out on the lake to try our hand at catching some fish. We would spend the whole day outside; we didn’t even notice the cold.
A little after dark we would head back into the warm house for dinner. Now, you would think that would be a welcome break from the cold of the lake, but alas...it was not. There was tradition in my family to have Lutefisk as our Christmas dinner. Lutefisk is a traditional dish from the Nordic Countries. It is made from aged whitefish, then dried and salted. It is gelatinous in texture, and has an extremely strong, pungent odor. Some of my family would eat this dish each year, but I tried it once and never had it again.
After dinner we would gather in the living room and take turns opening presents. We went from youngest to oldest opening them one at a time. Being the oldest, I had to wait until my sister opened her presents. We would stay up late and hang out by the fire. The cold of the day on the lake and the crazy, traditional Christmas Dinner would fade away as we were able to just spend time as a family.
As I look forward to going back home for Christmas, Melodee helped me make some cards for my family using the Free Bird Series {the 6x6 open stock papers} and I thought I'd share one with you today. Hopefully these will help my family remember those great times at the Lake.
I wish you all a great holiday season and I hope you are able to create some memories - my recommendation? No Lutefisk.
~Ryan
That is so sweet. I loved fishing every year on Woman Lake in MN when I was growing up.
ReplyDeleteLutefisk is gross LOL..but your card is delicious!! As the owner of a bait and tackle store, I think we may be making these next year!! Merry Christmas!
ReplyDeleteTraditions, family memories, the good stuff- Lutefish- not so much!
ReplyDeleteA fellow Norse shares your pain of Lutefisk! CUte cards though!
ReplyDeleteI must be a true Norse since I look forward to making Lutefisk (and lefse) a part of my Christmas.
ReplyDeleteAs a child I could not even stand the stench of Lutefisk. Although I have not had to endure that in many years the memory lingers on. Thank heaven for many other Swedish and Danish foods I love and the great traditions I have embraced and passed on to my grandchildren. Love your fish card!
ReplyDeleteWhat a story! LOL!! We tried fish boil in WI last summer at Door County - the majority was no fish boil so we won't try Lutefisk! We'll trust your words! LOL!!
ReplyDeleteAlthough I must say I LOVE your holiday card more pleasing than say Lutefisk? LOL!! Welcome to Authentique Paper, Ryan! Hope you enjoy it there - I had the pleasure of working with most? of the folks there (mag. article)!
Love the card and getting to know new Authentique members!
ReplyDeleteWhat a great story and memory :)
ReplyDeleteNo Lutefisk for me!
ReplyDeleteGreat memory to share and way to go (with Melodee's help) on the cards!
Melodee must be a great teacher, and you must be the ideal pupil, because you pulled off making a great card. Since imitation is the highest form of compliment, I plan to CASE it. My mother is from MN, but of Irish descent, so lutefisk has never been (and will never be) on our menu. Just give us potatoes and we're happy! It was nice getting to know you and hearing your holiday story.
ReplyDelete:-) Hey! Thanks for sharing! Hope all is well with you. I didn't realize you were in Utah!
ReplyDeleteROTFL! Still laughing about fish! Great card!
ReplyDeleteLoved reading your story, Ryan! Your family members will treasure their Christmas cards...beautifully done! Thanks for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThis card is fantastic Ryan, your family will love it. Lee xx
ReplyDeleteBoth of my grandmothers liked to eat lutefisk for Christmas, but I could never stand it. But your card is cute and very "punny." :)
ReplyDelete