365 Project – Page 2

Day 217: Puzzling

September 27, 2026September 27, 2026Posted in 365 ProjectTagged 365 Project, Activities, Alanna, Black&White, Everyday objects, KiaraLeave a comment

I am old enough to admit I love puzzles. I always have. According to my mum, I loved them so much as a 2-year-old that my nursery teachers got worried.

The problem is that when I start one, I get totally obsessed. For two days (sometimes three, if it is during the work week), my fingers constantly itch to get back to it.

Until it’s done, and I am left wanting to start a new one (and resisting because… well… I have a life).

The girls see this and want to be involved. Alanna sits next to me and tells me the story of every character, flower and house in the puzzle. Kiara sits across the table and obsesses over her own puzzles.

Day 216: Abandoned Houses

September 26, 2026October 3, 2026Posted in 365 ProjectTagged 365 Project, Architecture, Espoo, History, OutdoorsLeave a comment

Ever since the real estate developers started buying land around the metro station, there have been an unusually high number of empty old wooden houses in the neighborhood. Some cleared out and tidied better than others. Some already falling apart, with a overgrown gardens.

All adorned with graffiti of varying artistic merit.

Day 215: Super-Teddy

September 25, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Everyday objects, Family, HomeTagged 365 Project, Children, family, History, HomeLeave a comment

There are a few fluffy friends that have remained the girls’ favourites throughout the years. Eddie (the teddy) is one of them. He has been Alanna’s favourite since before she learned to walk and is still a main character in whatever adventure is happening. In fact, he has travelled the world more than most adults.

The girls are not even aware that Eddie is special to Stuart and me as well. Eddie joined our household in 2012, accompanied by my engagement ring.

Special in all ways.

Day 214: Pocketful of Sunshine

September 24, 2026September 24, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Flowers, Makro, NatureTagged 365 Project, Finland, Flowers, Makro, NatureLeave a comment

With the possible exception of ecstatic puppies, nothing in the world conveys happiness like a sunflower. Sunflowers are not elegant, exquisite, cute or even particularly beautiful.

But they are happy.

Day 213: Little Gardener

September 23, 2026September 24, 2026Posted in 365 ProjectTagged 365 Project, Activities, Home, Kiara, NatureLeave a comment

Possessing a love for flowers and no green thumb can be… aggravating. Especially in Finland where the season for natural flowers is short.

Occassionally, I give it another go.

Kiara helped me pot some Erikas. A special favourite of mine – for obvious reasons.

Day 212: Soukka Day

September 22, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Activities, Alanna, Espoo, KiaraTagged 365 Project, Activities, Alanna, Children, Espoo, Fall, KiaraLeave a comment

Finns are not very good at building neighborhood communities. In general, Finns are not very good at casual socializing. Having lived in our current house for five years, only now – through Scouts – have I realized there is actually any community activity at all.

So today was a Soukka Neighborhood Day. The girls participated in a Scouts skill trail, which rewarded participants with a free crepe and jam.

Grassroots participation.

Day 211: Office Party

September 21, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Activities, Helsinki, night, People, WorkTagged 365 Project, Activities, Helsinki, SceneryLeave a comment

A good night out is a good night out.

Not much more needs to be said.

Day 210: Surrounded By Water

September 20, 2026Posted in 365 Project, Helsinki, night, Outdoors, WorkTagged 365 Project, Helsinki, Outdoors, SceneryLeave a comment

A city is always better with some element of water, be it the sea, a lake or a river. There are some cities that are nice despite not having any. But not many.

Considering I don’t want a boat, and very rarely even swim in the sea, I really can’t tell you why I find it so important.

It just is.