Show and tell: photos from the past 6 months

As compensation for not writing much in English, I'll do it for this show and tell, which will be a recap of the past six months. It's becoming increasingly difficult for me to write in English, I don't find words and don't notice mistakes I make. Beside the fact that my brain is a shadow of what it used to be (and it wasn't the brightest before either) I don't use English very often anymore.

Anyway, here are the six photos I chose, not the best and most representative, but as you've noticed, I post a lot of photos all the time and had a hard time finding photos I hadn't used already. Anyway, here goes...

When I think back I get a sense of exhaustion. The beginning of this year was a lot about illnesses and it has been difficult, it's a time I'd rather not think back on. My mother was in hospital for three months, me and my son had two big stomach flus and many colds. In Febuary everyone expected my mother to die, but according to the doctors and nurses, it's a miracle that she recovered. In the photo you see the miracle next to her bed - she has said herself she really wanted to see her only grandchild grow up. That strong will can conquer pneumonia, heart disease and all kinds of infections even in a 85-year old! On the first of April she came back home and has gained back a lot of strength, even if she still isn't quite what she was before the illnesses.


Next one is not a good photo, I know, but couldn't find any other to illustrate my two visits to Helsinki (third will be next week :) :), work and courses I've attended - all in one. Even if so much is centered around taking care of my son, house and mother, I also work parttime. Well, I basically take more or less all the jobs that come my way, but don't think I could manage any more right now anyhow...I work on a freelance basis, write articles, work for local tv and also step in as a substitute teacher when needed.

I have also regularly attended a course about integrating immigrants (lectures about every second month). The photo is from the course I attended in Helsinki for people who are ...oh, no, how shall I explain this...I guess "guardians" would be a good word...for underaged asylumseekers. Since October I'm one. This is something I really enjoy, I get to know people from other cultures, offer support and also get paid according to the hours I put in (not allowed many outside the policeinterrogations etc). Since I lived in Helsinki from 1997 - 2003, I still have many friends there. After the years at home, it feels good to be able to travel a bit again and be in a city as a contrast to the countrylife I now lead.

Then the renovation of the floor in the livingroom (which until 2006 was also the kitchen). There was no insulation, which was the main reason for the renovation (and of course, it was really old fashioned and not in good shape). I don't like to think of all the mess and work this included, I was really tired towards the end, but I guess it took about five-six weeks.

April can be illustrated by the melting of the ice in the river, a lot of things changed for the better then. My mother came home among other things, and of course, winter was giving way to spring, which is one of my favorite seasons.

May was D's birthday (thank you Victoria for the photo), the second visit to Helsinki, hmmm, can't remember anymore what I did, I guess I spent more time with D as work was diminishing.

The last photo illustrates what June and the summer is for me - the possibility to finally sit outside and enjoy the garden, sun and warmth, relax. Hasn't been that much of the warmth-part yet, but I'm sure there will be at least a few of those still...


Last Sunday I had a bit of a meltdown, now I think I know why that particular day. I now checked my calendar and saw that was the fullmoon day, which always affects me in one way or another. This time it built up a pressure that simply had to get out. I have still slept badly this week, but since there is hardly any work now, I haven't stressed out anymore.

Next week will be a holiday for us, me and D will take off south with the car, my mother will go to an old people's home. It'll be so nice to see be more sociable and not cook, cook, cook all the time :). Next Friday's Show and tell won't be posted until Monday the 29th (probably). I won't be posting anything here while I'm away. I hope you'll be back with me after midsummer again!

I hope y'all will have a midsummerweekend filled with positive and relaxing experiences
- I hope I will :).