New Tattoo

Amid graduation events and happenings, I wanted to share my new tattoo! 

"Sisu" is a Finnish word that doesn't directly translate to English (I lived in Finland for a year, if you didn't know). It means determination, bravery, resilience. Taking on and conquering against odds. Courage and resoluteness in the face of adversity. Guts. Something inside that drives you. Perseverance. Survival. Getting it done. It is all of these things but none of these things exactly. It is housed within your spirit and character. I believe this is the spirit of world changers, and of so many of the people that I chose to surround myself with. I can't think of a better word to capture what I hope to do and be with this one life of mine.

A Gfit for Baby Aurora

My Finnish sister had a baby girl about a month ago, so I've been putting together ideas for some things to send her! The Finnish government provides her with all the essentials already, so I'm just looking at fun stuff :) ! I've ordered this dress on sale from Ruche; it makes me think of Finland (probably due to the birds and design) and she will be able to grow into it and use it through her first year, and the Perchance the Cat blabla doll, as my sis Eevastiina is a cat lady and this one looks most like hers. She'd probably be grown out of the FEED newborn onesies by the time they would arrive in Finland, but I still love them (and the cause!).

dress/ apple/ cat doll/ headbands/ shoes/ onesies/ print

I've never had to buy baby gifts before...so, yeah. Kind of weird, but mostly fun!

- From the desk of Mrs. M

Finnish Baby

One of my host sisters in Finland had a beautiful baby girl on June 3rd, Aurora Jasmin. How cute is she? I hope I get to meet her before too long! Also, did you know that in Finland, the state gives every new baby a box full of necessities and goodies? You can read the full article here. They really know how to take care of their mothers and children (also, Finland was recently ranked the best place to be a mother).

box contents via BBC

Suomi

Is it ridiculous to be obsessed and in love with a place I haven't been in five years? 

Not when it's so beautiful and awesome, ALL THE TIME, says I!
Your houses are so cool, and your food delicious, your saunas (rightfully) so important, your people so nice, your music kinda weird, your seasons so distinct, your top-of-the-world test scoring children, your language surprisingly sensible, your reindeer plentiful.

Hyvää itsenäisyyspäivää, Suomi!

Happy independence day, Finland!
Love ya. 

- From the desk of Mrs. M

Travel Bug

My most recent wish is to get to live abroad and have a baby. But what are we here doing instead? I'm 1/4 of the way through grad school and husband is in the US Army. Living in Texas. Ah well; we are still young (though sometimes 24 seems really old) and there is still time. In the meantime, photos, memories, and Pinterest (for the baby thing) will have to suffice.

way up in the North of Finland

Venice, Italy

somewhere between Sweden and Denmark, I think

Toronto, Canada

Brussels, Belgium

Paris, France

Finland

Washington, DC

Riga, Latvia

Verona, Italy

Lido, Italy

the Alps

Annapolis, MD

and a Christmas tree on the ferry across the Aura river in Turku, Finland :)

My favorite place of all.

You can see more of my travels here or here!

- From the desk of Mrs. M

Awesome in Finnish

I went on a bit of a Finland-related pinning kick a little while back...

S. 

Summer in Finland

Another seasonal post from my year in Finland! Photos include:

August crayfish party. Turku castle tour. first weeks in Finland. time at the lake. boating around the islands and visiting the sheep. exploring/touring Old Town in Turku. sauna at the summer cottage! visiting more Finnish family.

Also, Happy Memorial Day.

S.