The Optimistic Musings of a Pessimist -

So, Where In the World Are We?

Friendship, Blogging, Euro Adventure, Travel
Jun 3, 2026
8 Comments

Without a doubt the sweetest thing that happened to me this year on my birthday was reading this delightful post written by Engie in honour of my special day. (And a HUGE thank you to everyone who sent emails, texts and left blog comments wishing me a special day.) Back to Engie’s post—friends, she even…

A Little Bloggy Break

We left Helsinki yesterday, which launches us into a whirlwind of exploring various countries via a wide range of transportation methods: an overnight cruise ship, a long-distance high-speed train, car, public transport (bus, subway,…

Visiting Löyly: An Iconic Helsinki Sauna

Sauna culture is a big deal in Finland. Almost everyone has a sauna in their home (John went to a work off-site last week and had a sauna in his hotel room). There are…

A Special Guest Post by Belle: The Music I Love

She’s back, folks!

Not only do I figure she’s ticking the box for ELA assignments, this has to score points for Music Appreciation class, too.

Belle loves music. It’s in her bones (just like it’s…

Guest Post, Favourite Things, MayBloPoMo
May, 19, 2026
23 Comments

Giveaway + Random Monday Thoughts

First thing’s first: we have a winner for the Big Time: A Simple Path to Time Abundance book giveaway.

Huge congratulations to Emily!!!!

I hope you get those 20 minutes of reading time!

RANDOM THOUGHTS

It’s 1:23 pm…

Visiting The National Library of Finland + Helsinki University Library

I’m a sucker for libraries. Especially old, beautiful ones! Something about being surrounded by all those books just… makes me happy.

It doesn’t necessarily have the same effect on my two kids.

For the most…

Travel, Euro Adventure, Helsinki, MayBloPoMo
May, 17, 2026
27 Comments

Some Interesting Tidbits About Finland

People seem curious about Finland!

I think part of the mystique stems from the fact it’s not a particularly common European tourist destination (it is cold), and also because it features prominently as the Happiest…