Make a Wish

Sometimes we let the fact that we have become adults destroy our belief in magical things. I spent the afternoon in Savipuisto park today having fun with my friend Maikku, her son Eelis and my children. 

As I was looking through some photos of them this evening I found this one of Minttu, and it reminded me that however bad things get in life, no-one can take away our freedom to shut our eyes and think of better things.

So why don't we all try following Minttu's example this evening? Wherever you are, and whatever you are doing, take a moment to shut your eyes tight and wish for some magic to happen. You never know what magic the fairies might bring...   

Be Proud of Where You Are

I have been lucky in that I have had the chance to travel to many countries during my lifetime.  I have seen many beautiful places and a few ugly ones.

But no matter how many beautiful places there are left to see, I have learnt that the real trick is to learn to see the beauty in the place where you are at any particular moment in time.

It might be a landscape, or your own garden, a pile of leaves blowing in the street, or it might be the way your little girl smiles.

I once heard a foreigner in Finland say that he found the scenery in Finland "boring." I wasn't sure whether to laugh or cry, but in any event I felt sad for him. If he can't see the beauty here then I guess he doesn't see much anywhere.  And last week I heard an American complain that Finland is too dark. That was during the same week when in the north of the country the sun doesn't set at all and we had more light than anywhere else in europe.

It's not just about where you are....it's also about what you choose to see. And right now, just after midsummer, Finland is stunning. Hopefully these few shots will give you a taste of how it looks right now. Happy summer everyone!

Midsummer Hug from Somero

Evening everyone. Here in Finland people are looking forward to Midsummer's eve tomorrow, which is one of the biggest celebrations of the year. In a country which has to endure long and dark winters, the long sunny days (and nights) of the summer are something to be celebrated.

Most people will be spending time with friends and family tomorrow, swimming in lakes, going to the sauna, barbequeing and watching bonfires all over the country.

Just as all Finns remember to appreciate the long summer days, I try to remind myself frequently not to forget all the other important things in life, but to be grateful for all the good things we have.

For me, true and enduring friendship has to be near the top of my list, and today was one of those when I truly needed mine.

Somehow the angels picked up on this, because this afternoon I had four surprise visitors in a row. I had not been expecting anyone, but all of a sudden I had one visitor after another, at exactly the right time. In addition when I checked in on Facebook there were several messages waiting for me

If you have been through a divorce you will know how it can make you feel. Like you've become invisible, that you never mattered anyway and that no-one will ever notice you again. That may sound dramatic to those who haven't been there, but those who have will know that what I am saying is the truth.

So as I go to bed this evening, I am saying thank you for the light of summer but also thank you to my friends for being who they are.

Do one thing this Midsummer. Get in touch with someone you care about who might not be expecting it. Take the hug I am sending via this post and deliver it to them personally. It might well be the best Midsummer surprise they could wish for.