A Silver Anniversary.

I arrived in Ireland on this very day, 25 years ago, and what was meant to be a ‘gap year’ for a very ambitious art director ended up being so much more than that, and not actually a gap year at all. 

Arriving at the start of the ‘silly season’; it’s safe to say I got a culture shock. Us Norwegians are quite orderly, we’re punctual and we’re efficient. I’m not saying that the Irish aren’t (?!?) but come December and all sense is gone. Especially if you work in an advertising agency with access to all things involving booze for free! 

But it didn’t take me long to fall head over heels in love with this country. The generosity, the warmth, the fun! I couldn’t have picked a better place. So here we are, me and Ireland, celebrating our silver anniversary! With as much gusto as ever, because it’s safe to say that I have adapted the Irish ability to celebrate;-)

I am mature enough now to confess to how I ended up in Ireland.
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It was all because of this drawing made by Terry Pattison, one of the founders of QMP Publics. I had already accepted a job offer from Italy and was just off the phone to Terry explaining as much, when I got this drawing sent to me on a telefax.

It charmed me and chuffed me so much that it made me change my mind. 

I call it my ‘sliding door’ moment, inspired by that film with Gwyneth Paltrow and John Hannah. Do you have a ‘sliding door’ story to share?

The bad news is that time flies. The good news is that you’re the pilot! 
Here’s a few selected photographs of my kids, from tiny tots to teenagers. They’re all taken in my home town Mandal, our little peace of heaven. Okay, so I’ve made Ireland my home but here’s to tons more summers in Norway. And just to say; whenever there’s a game or contest on, there’s no doubt; I want Norway to win;-) 

One of my all time favourite headlines is this one for The Economist. I must be in a nostalgic mood because this ad is in and around 25 years old too. A true classic!

Just a few days now, until silly season starts. Enjoy it!