Note To Self

My absolute highlight, concerning this smiley face system we've put into place (see June 17th entry), is when we get to put smiley faces back on the fridge because of a kind word, a comforting gesture, a smooth transition, a helpful favour; caught unaware.

That radiating smile on her face makes the whole "system" worth it, a hundred times over.


My ears are currently seduced by: Passenger - Whispers II

Silky Smooth Playdough

  Two cups of cornstarch.
One cup of hair conditioner.
  Optional food dyes.
Nothing better for a rainy Midsummer's Day.

My ears are currently seduced by: The Civil Wars - Civil Wars

Stars Stickers & Sweets

If you know my deeper thoughts, you'll know that I have always had a hard time seeing life through diagrams, charts, systems and ready-made concoctions to be ingested. I like for things to be a little more vibrant, flavoured with space for creativity and imagination.

Well, that was then. Back when my stomach was flat and childbearing hadn't left its imprints. Back when I slept through the night uninterrupted. Back when getting up, mealtimes and bedtimes were not dictated by three little pairs of hands and feet.

Theoretically, my views haven't shifted, but in practice, I have to admit that motherhood has thrown a few (mostly good) surprises my way.
I have had seasons when after a whirlwind of a day, I come to a standstill and google, out of desperation, "how to deal with a strong-willed child". In surrender, I seek for answers from the pixelated black and white print. And surely enough, I find solace from the words and regain strength for the next day, armed with good intentions, tools and strategies. Those very ones I thought I would never touch, use or need. Trust me I have had to climb down from my high horse a good few times, and cup my hands around those droplets of wisdom written on those parenting/psychological/pediatric blogs and drink deep.

My biggest surprise, however, wasn't so much that these things work - they actually make my parenting a whole lot easier (I almost feel like a fraud!).
We are into day 3 of an appreciatively borrowed "smiley face system" (it does make me cringe, but believe me, it's great) for our eldest, and I can tell you that it makes my life simple and my expectations of her clear. When those are unmet, I simply have to remove one of the smiley faces off the fridge (which correspond to an end of the day treat), instead of going into an inner rage, raise my voice and get exhausted by it all. Simple and efficient. For all concerned. Thank you smiley faces.

Oh I get by with a lil' help from my friends. 

I'm learning and living that some ideals must bend to the wind of reality, and kiss the fertile ground that is a blossoming life.

My Grand Comeback

8 years later. Could it be?

A year after moving to Finland, 7 years ago, a friend said I should keep a blog. Perhaps I should have. It would have been interesting to chart down the highs and lows of "making life" in this land of the Finns. But alas, I was unsure about publicizing my thoughts out loud. I still am, mind you, but I think I have come full circle. 
I feel I need an outlet for my creative thoughts. I enjoy writing, and I think this platform allows me to do it with more purpose, rather than occasionally jotting things down on paper. It is also fascinating (to me) to read back through the years and see what was stirring my heart and rocking my ears back then. So here goes; to starting afresh on documenting our lives, just West of Helsinki.

My ears are currently seduced by: Josh Garrels - Home