[Woodcarver] Trolls, Tomten, and Other Scandinavian Legends

[Mike Bloomquist]

Point taken Sally... thanks for the caution.  I know traditions are taken
seriously, especially after the story we heard from George at the dinner.
Remember the one about the SAAB auto workers threatening a work stoppage if
the stupid Americans didn't stop their ad campaign about SAABs being made in
Sweden by trolls?  George had already carved a staff with the troll design.
Too bad about the controversy, it was a cute design. 

Tony has suggested the "lucky" part actually came from the fact that I have
a splash of Irish on me Mother's side.  This came up because the one I gave
him was green.  OK, so in the future maybe I'll just drop the Swedish part
and call them "Dumb, Mongrel American Lucky Trolls" ;-).

And don't worry about the post card collecting addiction... between
woodcarving, mountain & road biking, photography, gardening and old pick-up
trucks (sadly, not full scale), Yvonne says I'm way over my quota and won't
allow any more.

Keep on Carvin'
-Mike B.->



-----Original Message-----

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It is most important that we are respectful of the foreign cultures and 
their legends and customs.  Make that a double on the "respect."  Their 
legends and customs have deep meaning and, more often than not, they 
are derived from spiritual roots.  When you understand the basis of the 
legends and customs you soon learn it not simply a superstition.

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It is great to have "fun" with the Trolls but when you start designing 
patterns, with your name attached, to put on the internet, it is all 
too easy to look like the dumb American.  You might consider doing a 
bit of research first.  Most of that can be done on the net.

Just my word of caution for what it's worth.
Sally
http://www.fancarversworld.com