On your day of independence, my beautiful Finland,my heart turns to you with both pride and sorrow. What a tremendous price has been paid for your freedom.Your independence did not arrive wrapped in celebration—it was carved out of hardship, sacrifice, and the courageof those who had so little, yet gave everything. I think of my…
Category: Finland
Nordic Living
I’m sitting here with a mug of tea in hand, simply contemplating life. The steam curls upward, carrying with it a quiet reminder that even the smallest rituals can anchor us. Today was a day off, and though I haven’t done anything particularly noteworthy, I’ve been reminding myself that sometimes the most productive thing we…
Dear Santa
This morning, as I munched on my trusty Vegemite toast and flipped through the newspaper, a headline nearly made me drop my cuppa:“Too hot for Santa as Lapland buckles under record heatwave!” Well crikey, I thought, if that’s not a sign to write you a letter, I don’t know what is. You see, I’m no…
Miss You Most
When the lilacs begin to bloom and the forest floor turns into a sea of white lily of the valley, that’s when I miss you most of all. The air grows heavy with a perfume that drifts through my memories like mist through the birch trees, soft and persistent, calling me back. When your nights…
White Christmas
I have only ever had one white Christmas as an adult, and it was truly magical. My family lived in a small country town in the eastern side of Finland, 60 kilometres from the Russian boarder, called Savitaipale. This is where my paternal grandfather’s side of the family is from. The town is so small,…
Homesickness
I was struck by a feeling of homesickness this afternoon. Most of the time I go about my life without feeling it, yet every now and then it hits me full force. Being Finnish-Australian, I do add a touch of Finnish into my everyday life in any way I know how. I have moomins, Marimekko,…
Light Mind
Being originally from Finland, but living in Australia, I have often been asked what a Finnish sense of humour is like. If you are a Finn, you would understand just how challenging it is to explain it! Customs and beliefs are easy to explain but a sense of humour is not. A lot has been…
A Few Words
If I were to pick one characteristic of Finnish people, I would pick this: “Finns place great value on words”. The keys to Finnish character are peacefulness, calmness, and placidity. They value tranquillity, serenity, and silence. It is reflected in the way Finns choose their words carefully, how literally they take what is said and…
The Magic Word
To an English speaking person, Finnish language can sound a little blunt at times. Finns don’t beat around the bush. They don’t pretty things up. Finns appreciate honesty and straightforwardness. Finns are known for their dislike of small-talk. It’s totally debatable whether Finnish small talk even exists. On the other hand, there is a lot…
Wood-smoke and Cinnamon
The natural beauty of Finland is breathtaking, and autumn is no exception! Summer ends with an explosion of autumn colours. The forests turn to various shades of yellow, orange, red, and brown, or maybe I should describe them as amber, auburn, russet, and crimson. I am a lover of autumn, of earthy colours and golden…
Apples of Gold 