There's just something very good about mornings.

What a pleasant start for vacation I had at my friend's country house last week! I enjoyed the big old house and the silent stories it held. I listened to the sea wind and Sakari playing the guitar. I slept well and had yummy blueberry jam sandwiches for breakfast. I loved sharing with friends I hadn't spent time with in ages. I left home happy, rested and revived. Thank you!

I'm a little behind in posting. Here's the Garden Party I threw for the start of my vacation:

Annan tuntien ma luistaa,
päivien ja öiden tulla,
mitään toivomust' ei mulla,
mitään en ma tahdo muistaa
kukkivien puiden alla.
Päivä hehkuu taivahalla,
poutapilvet kulkeissansa
levittävät purjeitansa.

(from the poem Sydänkesällä by V.A.Koskenniemi)

I'm going to my friend's country house for some days. I am packing Erica Bauermeister's novel Elämän lempeät maut (The school of essential ingredients) with me; I got it from my sister as a summer present. She knows I love presents.

Rhubarb porridge in the garden the other night



and celebrating the start of my summer vacation with Jessika by trying out the new coffee shop Good Life Coffee on Kolmas linja 17 (ah, the best coffee I've had in a very long time! We're regular customers and our days craving for good coffee are saved!)

Bliss. Utter bliss of slowly realizing I'm on vacation till August. Long mornings, countryside, cottages, docks, family and friends, good times, here I come!

Never let it be said that to dream is a waste of one's time, for dreams are our realities in waiting. In dreams we plant the seeds of our future. (Unknown)

A restless day at work with Jessika and a cozy night with Henni and rhubarb pie and a long conversation on (among other things) how "love is patient and kind. Love is not jealous or boastful or proud or rude. It does not demand its own way. It is not irritable, and it keeps no record of being wronged. It does not rejoice about injustice but rejoices whenever the truth wins out. Love never gives up, never loses faith, is always hopeful, and endures through every circumstance. (1Cor.13:4-7)

And an amazing pink sunset. Thank you.

(Helsinki is charming in the summertime. Oh the smell of blooming trees and cows out in the fields!)

I've got a feeling that I have a very beautiful summer ahead of me.

A slow morning (for the first time all week I don't have to do anything or be anywhere) with Mondo Ruoka&Matka, my favorite magazine that for some silly reason only comes out once year. Go get your copy; it's packed with inspiration, beautiful pictures and good tips!