Kulning with Heidi

Kulning (pronounced just as it looks) is a Swedish term that describes a unique form of singing used by Scandinavian herding girls who live in the high mountains with the dairy cattle during the spring and summer months. Think Heidi.

“The herding girls who drive the herds to the summer alpine pastures live in relative isolation and use kulning to communicate with each other and with their flocks over great distances,” explains musician and self-proclaimed history geek Sheila Louise Wright. “It is used to send the herds out in the morning, to call them back in in the evening, to entertain oneself while alone in the forests and meadows, as a means of scaring off predators, and as a means of communication with other herders.”

Families would traditionally have their own signature songs that were recognized by their herds. Wouldn’t it feel amazing to be in a beautiful setting with only your cows and belt out the sound of kulning? I’m game. How about you?

Here are a couple more kulning renditions:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RN1_-AB7LO4&index=5&list=RDjHWguX1oVNQ

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5LxsvTfASP8

 

 

 

  1. Reminds me of the sounds of some of the old celtic chants used in the highlands of Britain. Lovely, and I bet the cows really respond to this music as well.

  2. Krista says:

    Very lovely sounding. I really enjoyed listening to the videos. I found them very calming and enjoyable to listen to. They remind me of a perfect nap time music for little ones.

  3. Winnie Nielsen says:

    Since I have never lived on a farm or experienced isolation , I have a hard time imagining such an experience and how the song would bring me a greater sense of peace and belonging. It is quite creative!

  4. Amazing! I would almost be afraid to make my cow dry up!! Such POWER in these voices!!

  5. Amazing! A song/sound I never would have heard without you, MJ

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lessons from Audrey

Speaking of May flowers …

(really, who doesn’t have May flowers on her mind?)

Photo by Soorelis via Pixabay

… here’s a perennial blossom worth celebrating:

Photo by Hans Gerber via Wikimedia Commons

Yup, the lovely Audrey Hepburn was born on May 4, 1929 (in Belgium, by the way, for you trivia buffs).

We remember her as an icon of style and sophistication, a selfless humanitarian, and one of those enviable ladies who seem to maintain a heart full of youth throughout her life.

Photo from Roman Holiday movie via Wikimedia Commons

So, I thought you might find this little tidbit as inspiring as I did:

“Hepburn never skipped breakfast, usually choosing two eggs, whole-wheat toast, and coffee with milk. Once a month, she would have a ‘detox day’ during which she kept herself well hydrated and ate only fresh fruit, vegetables, and yogurt,” recounts blogger Jessica Reidy. “She preferred to eat organic, and the only exercise she liked was to take was walks in the fresh air. Hepburn believed that her care and attention to a healthy diet gave her the energy she needed for her demanding schedule as an actress, activist, and UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador.”

Just a little something to keep in mind as we move into the season of rejuvenation.

In the words of Audrey herself, “Nothing is impossible—the word itself says ‘I’m possible.’”

May flowers, here we come!

  1. Winnie Nielsen says:

    I love this bit of information on Audrey Hepburn’s lifestyle. She is one of my favorite all time actresses when I watch old movies. It is true, I think, that a healthy lifestyle maximizes your possibilities to live an active and happy life.

  2. I adore Audrey, as did just about everyone. Be sure to see her iconic movie ” Roman Holiday” if you have never had the pleasure . One of the most joyful romantic comedy movies ever. She started as a ballet dancer but grew too tall and so got into acting ,but you always saw that ballet grace in the way she moved.
    Not surprised that she was an ” early health nut”. Uh, I have 2 organic eggs, all natural ,usually whole wheat or whole grain bread and tea with milk every morning too. I try to add veggies like making a spinach omelet I sincerely hope that I can live as healthy and happy a life as she did (well until late in life when cancer took her life.)

  3. Krista says:

    This is a nice bit on Audrey. I actually don’t know much about her, so it was fun to discover new things. I really like that she’s all about eating healthy and feeling healthy. Her detox day sounds absolutely divine and her fresh air walks sound like my kind of exercise! I will have to watch some of her movies now.

  4. Amy Cloud Chambers says:

    I grew up utilizing Audrey Hepburn and always wished I could look like her (never going to happen, but dreams are nice). This was wonderful info, and I was excited to see she shares a birthday with my mom, who just celebrated her 94th yesterday! Also a lovely lady who I admire. 🙂

  5. Grace Brown-katmom says:

    She was lovely both inside and out…

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