Tag: 365 Project

Day 50: Catkins

Posted in 365 Project, Makro, Nature, OutdoorsTagged , , , , , , Leave a comment

Appearance of willow catkins (pajunkissa) is a sure sign of spring – although the whole reason the catkins have “fur” is to protect the flowers from the cold.

In Finland, there is a tradition of collecting willow branches before Palm Sunday, decorating them and having kids go around the neighborhood to exchange the branches for candiy. It’s a Finnish version of  “trick-or-treating”.

Or, actually, you should say that trick-or-treat is American-style virpominen. After all, the Finnish tradition has been around for hundreds of years.

Day 49: Forts

Posted in 365 Project, Alanna, HomeTagged , , , Leave a comment

There is something wonderfully whimsical about building a fort. I have rarely found anyone, child or adult, who does not get swept up in the excitement of putting one tohether. The more elaborate the better. And you always need a string of fairy lights.

Some people prefer forts with open space, but I adore ones with nooks, crawl-thru-doors and piles of pillows. I have always dreamed of having a secret room in my house – one you can only reach through a closet, low tunnel or a trapdoor under your bed. Maybe building a cramped fort is the closest I’ll get.

My chances of secret room would likely improve significantly, if I preferred a less modern-style house.

Day 48: Early Signs of Spring

Posted in 365 Project, Espoo, Finland, Nature, OutdoorsTagged , , , , , Leave a comment

It’s been several weeks of above 0°C temperatures, and the snow is gone – except for the random piles covered in sand and pebbles that typically only melt at around midsummer (or at least it feels that way) and the sea ice. Plenty of ice left.

The sun was shining brightly and the neighborhood forest felt like spring. It is still early in the year and the nature seems unsure whether it can trust the warmth. There are no early flowers or green shoots in the trees yet. The first shoots of grass are rising from the forest moss.

Day 46: Long Way Up

Posted in 365 Project, Architecture, EspooTagged , , Leave a comment

Most often, when I go to the office, I take the metro. I live almost at the end of the line, so even on the busiest of mornings, I can get a window seat, close my eyes, and listen to my audiobook.

Almost without exception, I come home after rush hour has passed. Rarely more than a handfull of people get off at my stop. I get the long escalator all to myself.

One of these days I will get off one station before, as that apparently has the longest escalator in Finland. So far, I have never prioritized the experience over getting home faster.

Day 45: Stars are Born

Posted in 365 Project, Activities, Alanna, Kiara, WorkTagged , , , Leave a comment

I work in consumer product business and we needed to shoot a simple product video for a new launch. When our intended model got sick, Alanna and Kiara stepped in at short notice.

I was very proud of the girls. They handled the whole thing as little pros. They listened to instructions, patiently went through all the repetitions, and kept a positive attitude. After all, I had promised them a salary.

I don’t think the experience made either of them dream of acting as a career.

Day 44: Bad Mood Weather

Posted in 365 Project, Finland, OutdoorsTagged , , , Leave a comment

In Southern Finland, there is no weather worse than +2°C and rain. My foreign friends think I’m nuts when I say I’d take -25°C any day over +2°C.

You can enjoy the beautiful crispness of -25°C if you wear the right gear. But nothing improves +2°C and rain. It is miserable, depressing, gloomy, and, because it is Finland, most often dark.

I think my opinion has only gained credibility now that my South African-born-and-bred husband has started to agree with me.

Day 42: Roughhousing

Posted in 365 Project, Alanna, Family, StuartTagged , , , , Leave a comment

Stuart relaxes by lounging on the couch, reading a book or browsing his tablet. Often, one of the girls ends up curled next to him.

Occassionally – probably too often in Stuart’s mind – the girls start a game of “daddy playground”. The rules seem varied and complex, but involve a lot of climbing, swinging, tickling and shrieking.

Highly relaxing!