Q&A with Bendik while organising the cottage! Kids, creative work and future plans

[@Aethuviel]

"As long as I'm with you, in five years, that's a big, beautiful thing" Best answer! 💖

[@Aethuviel]

Here's me as a Swede (living in Norway) who had never heard the name Bendik before, I thought for sure he was from Central Europe somewhere! It seems there are only 19 people in Sweden named Bendik while there are almost 2200 in Norway, so that goes to show again how Swedish and Norwegian names are sooo different a lot of the time, while the languages are almost identical.

[@wishihadanickel]

I admire what you guys do for a living SO much. As a teacher, you will never know the full extent of how you have touched so many people over the years. My father always used to say that teaching is "bread on the water."

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you, it is good to be reminded that it might actually mean something to them ❤. It is sometimes hard to know since our time with them is so short!

[@MarkGalbraithVideos]

Thank you for another lovely video Maria and Bendik. I wish you both well with all your life goals, and thank you for all the beautiful videos you have brought us over the past year. Onwards and upwards for this channel in the coming months and years, to becoming one of the biggest KZbin channels about life in Norway. Merry Christmas and Happy New Year to you both.

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you so much Mark

[@Skandiham]

I er meget sympatiske mennesker. Videoen var meget underholdende. Jeg ønsker dig en glædelig jul og en afslappende tid. Hilsner fra Danmark 🎄

[@vickiebasu1080]

I’m always happy to see that you’ve posted a vlog. Thanks for sharing so much of yourselves. Merry Christmas!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Same to you!

[@hilarywallace9927]

Great to hear your Q and A and see more of Bendik's art , amazing . It is fantastic you are able to making your living as you do with art and workshops, it can be such a struggle . You are such a lovely couple - wishing you a wonderful Christmas 🎄

[@deborahwheeler4668]

That was the sweetest video! You are two such nice and authentic people. Thank you for sharing ❤

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you so much!

[@ROBOTRIX_eu]

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year, to you both, and all subscribers !

[@Woeschhuesli]

What a lovely video! When my husband and I met, very young, I was surprised how knowledgeable he is about orchids - like you and Bendik‘s interest in gemstones, it‘s unexpected! My husband is a tall broad man and for some reason, you just don‘t expect those gentle sides, crazy because it should be normal lol He is also very kind and generous, and here we are, 40 years later…!! Sometimes we shouldn‘t overthink things too much 😉 God Jul 🌲🌲🌲

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Oh, I love that so much! Orchids ❤️❤️❤️ God jul til deg også :-)

[@Gunavati1]

Thank you Maria for this lovely video. ❤ Merry Christmas! ⭐️

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Same to you!

[@Birdy-1]

Hi. I always enjoy your videos. Wishing you a Happy Christmas and New Year.

[@brendavale5464]

Merry Christmas!

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Happy holidays!

[@Emma.Andersson]

Jättemysig video!! 🥰

[@TheDoutorsimpatia]

Good morning, good afternoon or good evening. Bendik is talented in his work, he deserves applause. Congratulations Maria, the video was very well done and I'm already waiting for the Christmas video, See You Later

[@Mariaandtheforest]

Thank you very much

[@carolyncarlon9870]

Lovely!

[@connieschwarz6023]

when your cat is doing the kneading thing, he’s “ making biscuits “!

[@melodyl1380]

Another beautiful video from you both. I just learned about your courses on Teachable and can't wait to take your foraging class when it opens. Tell me, does Bendik sell his art online or might that be in a future plan? His works are stunning. Much love to you both and many good wishes for the new year!

[@connieschwarz6023]

he’s a bouncer that loves things that sparkle! two different people

[@ghg152]

Different of course but matching each other perfectly ❤❤

[@connieschwarz6023]

@@ghg152 yes! But I mean that he is two different people. A warrior and a lover ❤️ I knew you were thinking about children! But that’s something that you don’t ask about. I think you’re going to have two daughters and one son! You’re going to be wonderful parents!

[@linesyverinsen9215]

❤

[@altairtheeagle]

You are so gorgeous, he is a very lucky man 😊

[@Mariaandtheforest]

😊 thank you

[@domnicsantiago]

Hi Maria, I always enjoy the videos you share. I have a question for you, if you can help. In the video at 16:53, what is the plant in the top left corner with the long stem and big leaves? Thanks, and lots of love to both of you! D

[@Mariaandtheforest]

its a Strelitzia! Love that plant ❤

[@Dzunadus]

🤗♥♥

[@objetivista686]

Bendik can sound Bandit and Bandicoot 😅. I thought it was a serbian name.

[@connieschwarz6023]

i would like to know if, as children you were encouraged to be independent artists? was it just naturally assumed that you both would be working artists?

[@Mariaandtheforest]

No it was not assumed that we would work with that, but being creative in any way was always normal and encouraged in both our homes. In my home we were also dancing a lot since my mother teaches Flamenco, and she played all sorts of music 😊

[@connieschwarz6023]

@ I’m just thinking about the difference in American parents and how they stress anything other than art. I’m a formally trained metal smith ( jewelry artist/fabrication) and I entered college as a nursing major. I should have gotten my degree in nursing because it’s more logical. I wasn’t encouraged to progress with an art career. But I did encourage my daughter to do what she loves the most. Have you been to America?

[@Mariaandtheforest]

@@connieschwarz6023 It is similar in Norway that most people do not want their kids to pursue arts, since it is such an unstable job. Our families are maybe more of an exception there 🙂. Yes I have been once! Visited a friend in Boston.