I have always thought there are really no “cool” bugs in Finland. After a walk with Alanna in the sunny forest, I have to admit: there are. I am just really bad at spotting them.
Day 197: The Bugs of Finland
Tag: 365 Project
Day 196: Minimalism or Less
I am not a big admirer of minimalism. It looks great in photos, but it just feels impractical – unless you have enormous, hidden closet spaces. But is it then minimalism, or just good cleaning skills?
And while we are talking about this… I never understood the logic behind Marie Kondo. My clutter is exactly those things that bring me joy – little mementos, photos, cool kitchen gadgets, one-too-many scarves, etc. Throwing away my gardening gloves (not a big fan of gardening either) is unlikely to improve my life.
With all this said, with two 8-year-olds in the house, I could do with some less-ism.
Day 195: Acorn a Day
Girls’ hobbies consume the beginning of my week – Monday circus school, Tuesday cheerleading and comic club, Wednesday Scouts…
On most days, it is better to wait nearby than drive back and forth. In decent weather, I try to take a walk. And maybe take a picture of an acorn.
Day 194: Books and Play
I love some of the new libraries in Finland. They are a far cry from the stereotypical dusty, dark rooms with a librarian angrily shushing every sound.
The library in Lippulaiva, the nearby shopping mall, is full of color, sounds and running children. There is a playground with a slide and a real car, a pool table, a few 3D printers, and a loom. There are soft armchairs, cushions on the floor, and several soft nooks tucked away in corners. And there are books that people (kids especially) actually want to read.
I sympathize with people who feel it is too much; that libraries should be quiet and calm, with a focus on education.
But I think reading should be fun.
Day 193: Chai Latte
As said before, I don’t drink coffee. I simply don’t like the taste.
Chai lattes are my guilty pleasure. A really good one is what I imagine great, fancy coffee feels like to a coffee lover. A treat for all the senses.
Unfortunately, a genuinely good chai latte is too rare in Finland.
Day 192: Taking the Bus
Alanna and Kiara started extra lessons in English as a native language this year. The classes are held in another school, so we have been practicing taking the bus.
The have almost mastered it. Now they just need to remember to keep on eye on where they are going.
Day 191: Bicycles and Baquette
Cycling slightly longer distances is easier when you have a fun destination. Even if it is just a picnic in a park.
I nearly craned my neck keeping an eye on the rainclouds. The forecast promised rain only later, but the 6km back home would feel long in the rain.
We made it with at least 4 minutes to spare.
Day 190: Fight for Relevance
Just like everyone else I know, I rarely go to a movie theater nowadays. The last two times I remember going were to see Oppenheimer with Stuart and then Emilia Perez with my sister. But I”m sure I’ve been since then… at least once.
It is hard to justify the cost, unless the movie is one that “should be seen on a big screen”. And even then, not really.
But as I go so rarely, I’m surprised by the experience every time. Theatres come up with all kinds of innovations to justify the cost and effort: big comfy chairs, snack delivery to your seats… All standard nowadays. But not sure it’s working
I went to see Odyssey. With eight other people.
Day 189: Spiders
My SLR has become temperamental, working only when it wants to. Therefore I don’t often carry it with me on random walks.
I regretted it bitterly as I stumbled upon a collection of perfect spider webs and the hunter on the prowl.
Then again, if I had been carrying my camera, it’ unlikely I would’ve have seen it. That’s how it seems to go.
Day 188: Back to School
First day in the second grade.
New backpacks, pencil cases, and sweaters.
I wonder how many years we are still allowed to walk the girls to school on their first day.
