Tears, Laughter and Cameron's birthday

Enjoying the sun on Nummijärvi lake

Cameron is twelve today

It was a weekend full of emotion. Sadness at the funeral of a very close and much-loved friend who left this world two weeks ago. 

Hope, laughter and friendship with visitors to our new home on Saturday and then some peaceful moments with a kindred spirit in the sunshine by the Nummijärvi lake yesterday.

And today Cameron turns twelve. Less than two weeks until the schools break up for the summer holidays. Where has the time gone?

I guess it's all a reminder that when one thing ends, something else begins, and that we should all try to create as many happy memories as we can while we still have the chance to do so.   Wishing you all a week full of good things!

My Street

When I was a little girl I used to sit and wonder when I would find a place that felt like home. At that time my parents and I lived in a small flat in the middle of London. I remember there being a lot of cars, a lot of people and many tall blocks of flats. All the front doors were the same.  There was a lot of concrete, only the occasional tree and most of the time there were piles of rubbish in the street. I didn't feel as though I belonged there.

The street where we now live

I left London at the age of seventeen and have never really missed it. To many people London is a town full of excitement and opportunity. But it was never home to me.

For years and years I travelled all over the place, first as a disc jockey, then as a student and then a lawyer. In between I also taught English, lived in many places, married more than once and had seven children. I met many interesting people and saw many beautiful places. I have spent time with people who have more money than I could ever imagine having myself and have also shared experiences with people who in material terms have almost nothing, but were rich in other ways. I am lucky. I have seen a lot and I have learned a lot. Every experience has been an enriching one.

Despite all of those experiences though, it took many, many years before I found a place where I felt I belonged. I kept hoping that one day I would arrive somewhere and just know that this place was home. Finally that day has arrived. Ten years ago I would never have believed that I would come back to settle in Finland, but right now it feels like the most natural thing in the world.

I stumbled across Somero almost by accident a few years ago and came to live here in 2011. Now, finally, after last year's changes to our family, the children and I have our own house. For the first time in my life, I know where I belong. It is here.

There are still lots of questions I hope to have answered one day, but at least this is one which I no longer have to worry about. I have found my home, and for that I will always be grateful. Whatever challenges you face during the day, it is always a comfort to know that when evening comes you can escape to the security of a place you feel you belong. In our case, it was a long time coming, but it was definitely worth the wait.

It's May at Last...

After torrential rain yesterday, the sun decided to make an appearance today to mark the arrival of May. I can hardly believe that with the snow only just having melted, the schools will be finishing for the summer holidays in only four weeks time.  Not that I'm complaining though.

The May Day bank holiday (vappu in Finnish) is one of the biggest celebrations of the year in Finland. There is a lot of partying on the last day of April and today there were picnics and barbeques all over the country as people welcomed what they consider to be the start of the summer season. 

It is also a chance for those who have graduated from the equivalent of sixth form (lukio) to wear the white hats they are presented with at the graduation ceremony.

In Somero, as well as the traditional parties, the day is also marked by the male choir singing in Kiiruu Park at ten in the morning. The choir was conducted by Olli Salomäenpää who was also celebrating his birthday and had the pleasure of being sung to by everyone in the park to mark the occasion. 

One thing is for certain in Somero. We may have long winters here (especially this year) - but Somero people know how to make the most of the spring and summer. The town is coming to life again and people are outdoors as much as possible.  

Happy May Day, wherever in the world you may be. The summer is almost here!