This day was very special to me, on many different levels. This part of Värmland, a county in the west of Sweden, bordering on Norway, is where I have the roots of my mother’s side of the family. She grew up here but moved to Uppsala where she met my father. But thorughout the years I have spent a lot of time here visiting my relatives. The visits have often coincided with this event – Gammelvala. A dialectical word that roughly translates to “the old world”. For a week, usually in the end of July, they show old crafts, old machines like cars and steam engines, make coal miles and such. And this year, I asked if they wanted to also show a real vintage tonewheel Hammond organ, since that can be considered a part of the old world now as well. And they thought it was a good idea. I set up in the middle of the the lodge, surrounded by all kinds of craftsmen doing their thing. An inspiring surrounding! I hope the pictures gives you an idea of what I mean.
Also, this partcular date, July 28th, is special, as it is day my mother passed away 6 years ago. She was also buried in the chruch just next to the area were Gammelvala takes place. So I played a few of her favorite songs as well.
