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.

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 :-)