Jones Beach

The best thing about living on Long Island is the beaches. I never get tired of saying it, and I never get tired of the beaches. Watching the waves on Jones Beach is so relaxing, it restores me and renews my spirit. This summer I was so busy I only got to go to Jones Beach once, a couple of weeks ago, on the last days before the kids' schools started. There's been a heat wave in New York though, so maybe I'll still get to go later in September...

Nauvo

Let's go back to Finland for a post. A little over a week ago my daughter and I had lunch at Nauvo, which is an island in the Turku area archipelago in Finland. The archipelago is beautiful, and Nauvo represents the best of the area, with its marina, little shops and restaurants. Very cute! We had a great time having lunch on a boat restaurant, enjoying the beautiful sunny day, the clean air and the very laid back, relaxed atmosphere.

Summer Fridays

Yesterday was the perfect summer Friday. I wish I will remember this day and the happiness of it for a long time. Went for an early morning walk with my daughter and the princess (i.e., the poodle). Then I got my hair done (I love my new highlights), and in the process socialized with a dear old friend. I did some easy cooking, and packed a healthy picnic (with a bottle of yummy bubbles), and finally took my crew and two of my bestest friends for a sunset picnic in one of the prettiest settings on Long Island not far from my house. We had 6 kids with us, 3 ladies and 2 gents, and everyone had an amazing time! The evening ended with a gorgeous sunset, and then conversation under the stars, looking up to spot shooting stars... 

The Forest

Finland is full of beautiful forests. And the forests are full of beautiful natural bounty. I love picking mushrooms, but since it was not quite mushroom season yet, we went blueberry picking instead. We picked enough berries for a yummy blueberry pie that mom baked that evening. Being in a forest is a form of meditation. I feel like my soul is cleansed out there. I love the quietness, the sounds of the forest and the sweet fresh air. Your life and whatever problems you may have, feel small in the forest. What a contrast to a busy work day in New York City, where everyone is so full of ego.

Tourists in Turku

This week I visited Turku with my daughter for a quick touristy stroll and a delicious coffee stop.

Finland

I've been here in Finland for over a week, and today I noticed that I'm finally calming down. I've been in an overdrive for such a long time that just learning to let go and relax has taken this long. It's almost scary. I really feel like I've stepped off of the race.

Thank God for Finland, and thank God for the Finnish nature. It really has the most amazing calming effect on you. Scientific fact, by the way :-)

Almost There

I'm almost there... only four more days to go... and then...

VACATION!!!!!

Finland, the motherland, is waiting and I am so ready for it. Can't wait to relax and clear my mind of the constant demands and noise.

Usually I manage to calm things down once school is out, but this summer has been super busy. There hasn't been any summer lull at work, and it has also been crazy busy on the personal front. Many things are happening that I've put in motion myself. They are good things and things that may propel life forward, but the constant busyness takes its emotional toll. I'm very lucky that this break comes at the exact right time.

My plan for this weekend was to hang out with friends on Friday and Saturday, and then pack for the kids and myself on Sunday. But you know the saying about best laid plans... our sewer system had other things in mind, and I ended up spending Friday cleaning up after a toilet backed up in our basement. Not as much fun as hanging out with friends would have been.

Luckily there was still Saturday, and dear friends visiting. We had lunch, we took them to the beach on Sands Point, and to the Roslyn village to eat FroYo. We ended up at our house, sitting around the fire pit, having a lovely conversation. There's nothing better than to see old friends, and to realize that after some struggles they are in a good place in their lives, happy, healthy, and content, enjoying the here and now, and with dreams for the future. Very much like myself, in fact, although living in very different circumstances.

Hershey Park

This was our first time to Hershey Park, and it was a very pleasant surprise how nice it was. There were a lot of different level rides and lots of them for the kids. I would definitely go back there again when the little one is a bit bigger to try out the bigger roller coasters.