Rural Route Bookstore

Calendars and Maps

Calendars

Waiting for new calendars with Scandinavian photography to arrive each year brings on the same degree of anticipation people in the frozen tundra of the northern states experience in early January when they put on snowmobile suits, two pair of mittens, Kickerinos, and tie scarves over their faces to waddle half a mile to the mailbox to see if the new seed catalogues from Burpees or Guerneys have arrived. But, while the suspense might be the similar, the design and quality of the artwork and paper can be seen even through fogged-up bifocals. Besides, who ever framed a page out of the seed catalog and hung it in the living room?

All 2012 calendars remaining are $3.00 off.

Paulstad Classic Calendars

As we have come to expect, Paulstad's Annual Collector's Calendars are again works of art. Ansel Adams once said, "Twelve significant photographs in any one year is a good crop." Recognizing and appreciating true art, Paulstad has again produced a bumper crop. (The Paulstad Classic Calendars are sized to fit the frame some of you purchased some years ago. Paulstad's 12-month calendar, before opened fully, is 9 1/4" X 13".)

Norway: Visions & Verse of Vikingland

Twelve beautiful pictures, the work of six photographers, capture the natural grandeur of Norway's scenery as well as the inner beauty of its people. The 2012 calendar highlights Norway's seasons and holidays, geography and architecture, and magnificent scenery. All photos are beautiful, but this year my favorites are those for January, November and December. Again this year, the Collector's Calendar of Norway is enhanced by the additional original "rosemaling" by world-renown painter Karen Jenson, a Minnesotan, who has studied with many of Norway's master artists and is now an award-winning master artist herself.

In addition to learning more about folk customs and geography, Visions and Verse of Vikingland contains mini-lessons (in both Norwegian and English) about Norway's holidays and "name days," and the back pages list important days in Norway and official flag days and explain the concept of "name-days" and flag protocol. This is more than just a beautiful calendar; it is also mini-textbook of Norway's culture.

CAL - PNor 2012 $12.95 Now $9.95

Sweden: Visions & Verse of a Land & Its People

Paulstad's 2012 Collector's Calendar of Sweden is indeed a collector's item. Eight photographers artistically portray the people of Sweden, their occupations, architecture, and landscapes. Seasonal photos feature Sweden's changing, yet constantly beautiful, scenery.

As in previous years, this calendar has delightful "Dala" paintings by award-winning Minnesota artist, Bobbie Peterson. The calendar also contains an explanation by Peterson of "Dala" painting in general and of the style and colors she used for the various months. Bobbie Peterson's Swedish traditional painting is also featured in Our Beloved Sweden.

Similar to the Norwegian calendar above, Paulstad has designed this calendar to include short verses or proverbs in both Swedish and English for each month, and lists special days from Nyårsdagen (New Year's Day) to Annandag Jul (the second day of Christmas). It also highlights holidays and special church calendar days along with important dates in Swedish history, birth and/or death anniversaries of famous Swedes, the Scandinavian tradition of "name days," and when and how to fly the Swedish flag.

Although this is a work of art, the calendar is also practical — especially if you find yourself forgetting more and more things as the years fly by. There is enough room on this well-designed calendar to mark down when John Deere Day, the annual Lutefisk Supper at church, and Midsommarsdagen will be held in the coming year.

CAL - PSwe 2012 $12.95 Now $9.95

Skandisk's "Splendor" Calendars

Splendor of Norway 2012
All sold out.

Splendor of Sweden 2012

Chad Ehlers, who has spent almost 30 years discovering and capturing the beauty of Sweden, is again the photographer for this year's edition of Splendor of Sweden. A Californian by birth, Ehlers splits his time between the U.S. and Sweden. Along with still photography, he produces educational programs in a variety of media.

The 13 stunning photos selected for 2012's calendar include landscapes, seascapes, colorful structures and seasonal beauty. In other words, a lovely overview of a whole country's scenery is captured very well in 13 scenes. Ones that stand out for me are rich red buildings found on the May and September pages. The dynamic photo for November, of a sunset over a lake in Flen, could have been taken in my part of the world, northern Minnesota. It is understandable why so many Scandinavian immigrants homesteaded here.

Artistic border designs used to complement Ehlers' photography this year include special stitching from Småland, traditional dalmåling, metal and architectural designs, woven birch-bark heart-shaped baskets, Swedish lace, and Sami art reindeer hides. Similar to Splendor of Norway, this calendar also contains daily name days and phases of the moon, and has daily boxes large enough to write down those important things you better not forget — like your brother-in-law's birthday!

CAL - KSwe 2012 $12.95     Now $9.95

Carl Larsson's Art Calendar, "Pomegranate"

The 2012 Carl Larsson calendar again features 12 reproductions of paintings by the great Swedish artist, Carl Larsson (1853 — 1919). While these 12 paintings still maintain the focus of Larsson's love for home and family, these 12 are different from those published past years in calendar form. These works of art were painted by Larsson between 1894 and 1912, seven years before his death.

Some of the paintings included in the 2012 calendar are Schoolwork, The Bridge, Lisbeth with Peonies, Late Summer, and Christmas Morning. The calendar's size is 12" by 13".

Fans of Larsson's work — and there are many — will also be interested in the book, Carl Larsson Watercolors and Drawings.   While the calendar or book alone would make a great gift, the combination would truly delight the Larsson fan on your gift list.

CAL Lars 2012    $13.99    Now $10.99      Only two left.

Order by using the 'Place an Order' form or you may order by phone (800 494-9124). For payment and shipping charges, see 'Place an Order.'