11.2.07

a breath of air



A particular sense of clarity often comes to me after spending time with friends in the bright and icy Canadian North. I have always thrived on constant change and the fast pace of life in international cities. We lived in various countrysides during my childhood, and I decided early on that bustling urban centres were more my cup of tea. Despite still feeling this way, I have to admit that the slower style of rural life can be refreshing (albeit briefly... I couldn't cope with dial up internet access and outhouses in the long term). Everything is simpler- from meals to daily activities. Chopped wood is stacked outside of people's homes, and bear-like dogs stand watch at all times. After dinner events include watching the stars while huddled up around a fire, or rolling around in snow between backyard sauna sessions (yes, naked).

I've traded in my Miu Mius for snowshoes (a painful but practical must) and am enjoying myself, but I look forward to seeing my urban pod again. The one [fabric, and therefore] fashion related thing I will truly miss from here is the abundance of marimekko...




In regard to queries, the picture at top right is of mutti and an exquisite herbal tea (boiling water is poured over a tiny bulb, and it opens up into an elaborate flower)

Special note: Happy Birthday to P! xoxo

15 comments:

mareGa said...

Not familiar with marimekko but I like what I see...

laceybediz said...

It all sounds like bliss to me! I love the fabric and tea!!!

Unknown said...

Hope you're not freezing!

j said...

Living on the edge is the proper habitat for those who are alive. Living on the edge is not where one feels comfortable necessarily, or even at home, but where one feels alive. In terms of physical environment the edge is between human settlement and the wilderness, or on the other extreme, at the potency of the urban core.

“But la Femme, I think I would prefer a life of sloth that cares of nothing but living in comfort.”
“It can’t be, j. We are fated to a spirited life.”

Carissa Duhamel said...

I'm assuming you bought those adorable little marimekko boots for splashing around in the mud in the second picture, boot-a-holic that you are.

Wanderlusting said...

Beautiful pics! it does look so fresh and I must admit my ignorance of the area, I had no idea Ontario had mountains like that!

I heart all things Marimekko. My mum (and grandma) seem to shop there in bulk. Every Xmas we know we are getting some kind of Marimekko tablecloth, placemats, bed spread or oven mitts sent from Finland.

When I was there I so wanted a tote but I could only afford a wee makeup bag ;(

I love that you are letting more people know about Finland. Whenever I tell people about my heritage or why mum talks with such a strange accent, no one ever seems to know or care about the Finns. They should!

Flashy_Shades said...

i got a peaceful feeling just from that post, i am loving your blog

missx said...

I am not familiar with Marimekko... but will be on the lookout from now on. You look cheerful and well rested. Enjoy. I have to admit, I do wish I could be a country recluse once in a while.

paperlily said...

All your photos are so beautiful! Enjoy the rest of your stay.

(Marimekko patterns are always some of my favorites. When I saw their touring exhibit, I liked them even more.)

Anonymous said...

i had a wonderful dress by marimekko. the print is just amazing ;)

Isabel said...

Ahh, winter wonderland.

Julia said...

I have been lemming a Marimenko print for my walls, so this post is inching me even closer.

Gorgeous photos, I think I will make myself a tea and daydream some more...

Anonymous said...

Love your post. The photos are gorgeous. But, why do you always crop your face at it's midline?

Greentea said...

my heart just totally skipped a beat at those boots

Anonymous said...

are you a model?