Apples of Gold

Dandelion Puffballs

Have you ever gone for a walk with a small child, held their hand as they skip along next to you, the budding extrovert happily chattering, jumping from one subject to another like a small grasshopper? It’s like a tap of delight that has been turned on and joy is flowing out. Children look at…

His Eye is on the Sparrow

Early June this year, my husband Peter and I dropped into a corner café in the middle of the city. I took the table inside next to the window, while Peter went to order. I watched the last of the autumn leaves dancing in the wind, while passers by wrapped their scarves around them a…

Outside Finns

There is a word that Finland calls us, the Finns that were born in Finland, yet live overseas. They call us “ulkosuomalaiset”. “Ulko” means outside, “suomalaiset” means Finns. We are the outside-Finns! No matter where in the world we live, we have something in common with one-another. We all miss certain things about our birth…

Afternoon Tea

I recently had my grandson over for a couple of nights during the school holidays. I don’t know what came over me, but I got a bit soppy, hugging him as he left. One moment he is little, with his cheeky smile that always reaches his eyes, his think blonde hair and that never-ending energy…

Something to Smile About

What makes you smile? When you go about your everyday life, of visiting a supermarket, or driving a car, what makes you smile? Do you notice those small little details in your day, or do you rush past them, missing the very essence of the day? Children tend to make me smile. Today I was…

The Anchor Holds

Have you ever had a season in your life when a wave of adversity hits? It sweeps you into its current with full force and removes all sense of normality. It has no mercy. Rough, threatening waters with violent motion surround you. The ship of your life is tossed around like a toy in rough…

Music and Dance

As a thoughtful mothers’ day present, my daughter treated me to an enchanting evening of music and dance by candlelight last night. My weary soul soaked up every moment of the captivating performance. From the instant I stepped inside the classic inner Melbourne Astor theatre, I was overcome with emotion. This wasn’t the first time…

My Son’s Wedding

My grandma taught me the love of proverbs, quotes, and sayings and used them often in her everyday speech. She would come up with all sorts, from funny to the serious, but every one of them was thought provoking. I remember one she had about weddings. She said: “For the couple, weddings are full of…

My Dad, My Hero

When I was born, I’ve been told, my father was so glad, that a little girl had been born to him, he held me in his loving hands. My father took care of me, always so tenderly. He was there to teach, to comfort and to always watch over me. My father’s love for me…

Karelian Weddings

My son is getting married the day after tomorrow. Our family is in the midst of excitement, of joy and of butterflies in the stomach. How delighted I am to see two people who deserve happiness to find it with each other. I am fascinated by different traditions and customs from across the world. Maybe…