On This Day 2020

June 18, 2026

On This Day 2020. Ilze

A Rainy Day in Salacgrīva and a Field of Lupins

June 17, 2026

Sometimes the weather has a way of testing our patience. This weekend we were in Salacgrīva, my hometown, for a birthday celebration of a lovely boy! Unfortunately, the weather decided not to cooperate. It was cold, rainy, and windy, and since the celebration was outdoors, we spent most of the day trying to stay warm. … More A Rainy Day in Salacgrīva and a Field of Lupins

My Go-To Breakfast

June 16, 2026

This is one of those breakfasts I make when I open the fridge and nothing really catches my eye. Luckily, we always have eggs from free-range hens, and that’s usually enough to get me started. If I find some cheese, I grate it and mix it with the eggs. Then I spread the mixture onto … More My Go-To Breakfast

I Couldn’t Resist

June 14, 2026

Some evenings are simply too beautiful to let slip away unnoticed. This sunset was one of those moments. The sky was painted with soft colours, the clouds catching the last light of the day, and everything seemed to slow down for a little while. I stood there looking at it, knowing that a single photo … More I Couldn’t Resist

A Visit to Litene

June 10, 2026

Today we visited the former Latvian Army camp site in Litene. The forest was peaceful, birds were singing, and it was hard to imagine how much history this quiet place has witnessed. Before World War II, Litene was one of Latvia’s largest military training camps. Thousands of soldiers spent their summers here learning military skills, … More A Visit to Litene

How to Build Self-Confidence (According to Someone Still Looking for It)

June 8, 2026

The internet is full of advice about self-confidence. Stand tall.Think positive thoughts.Look in the mirror and tell yourself you’re amazing. I don’t know about you, but if I stood in front of the mirror every morning declaring myself amazing, my family would probably schedule an intervention. So I started wondering what self-confidence actually is. At … More How to Build Self-Confidence (According to Someone Still Looking for It)

A Rainy Day Gift

June 6, 2026

Yesterday I had plans. I wanted to go for a walk after lunch, stretch my legs, and get some fresh air. But then the rain arrived. And honestly? Thank goodness for that. Instead of heading out, I sat inside with the door open and watched the rain. No mosquitoes buzzing around my ears. No pressure … More A Rainy Day Gift

Pool Season Has Begun

June 5, 2026

It was finally time to clean up and set up the pool for another summer. Unlike many sensible people, we didn’t clean it properly in autumn. We emptied the water and left it outside all winter. With temperatures regularly dropping to -20°C here, I was too nervous about leaving water inside and hoping for the … More Pool Season Has Begun

June Has Arrived

June 1, 2026

Today is the 1st of June, and just like that, school is over. The kids are home! I’m happy for them. Summer holidays always felt magical when I was a child — long days, freedom, adventures, and not having to think about school for a while. Now, as a parent, I see it a little … More June Has Arrived

She’s 14! Already?

May 29, 2026

Yesterday, Nelle turned 14. Fourteen feels strange to say out loud. Somewhere between a child and a young woman. Old enough to roll her eyes at me sometimes, but still young enough to laugh at silly things and disappear into her own little world. Time really does move in the strangest way. The days often … More She’s 14! Already?

Sushi Night

May 26, 2026

There are times when we make sushi at home… and then there are times when I simply say: “Let’s order sushi.” Living in the countryside means food delivery is almost nonexistent here. No delivery apps, no endless restaurant choices, no late-night cravings magically appearing at our door. So whenever our local bistro announces sushi offers, … More Sushi Night

This Year’s Melon Experiment Begins in the Greenhouse

May 20, 2026

This year’s experiment is about melons and watermelons. Usually, people here start them indoors early, carefully growing tiny seedlings on windowsills and protecting them from every cold night. This year… I did not do that. I simply dropped the melon and watermelon seeds straight into the greenhouse soil and hoped for the best. I started … More This Year’s Melon Experiment Begins in the Greenhouse

A Fox, a Dandelion Field, and an Unexpected Surprise

May 17, 2026

Yesterday looked out the window and saw a fox crossing the dandelion field! Just like that — quietly walking through all the yellow flowers. Of course, I rushed outside with my camera and waited for the fox to come closer. I sat there for probably 20 minutes, simply enjoying the view and the evening silence. … More A Fox, a Dandelion Field, and an Unexpected Surprise

Rhubarb From Seed

May 11, 2026

The journey with my rhubarb started on February 25th, when I decided to sow rhubarb seeds that I got as a birthday gift. 🙂 Someone probably thought it would be a funny joke… but clearly they forgot who they were giving them to. I absolutely love growing things from seed, so of course I took … More Rhubarb From Seed

A Bird I Almost Mistook for an Injured Sparrow: Common Linnet (Linaria Cannabina)

May 8, 2026

Yesterday I saw a strange little bird in the garden.At first glance, I honestly thought it was a sparrow that was bleeding 😅 I quickly grabbed my phone and took a photo and a short video to send to the local birding group. And decided to grab my camera. I was lucky to get two … More A Bird I Almost Mistook for an Injured Sparrow: Common Linnet (Linaria Cannabina)

Back to the Office

May 5, 2026

I can’t believe I’m back at the office. The last four days were just so good—warm, calm, and exactly what I needed. A little pause in the middle of everything. With Labor Day on May 1 and Independence Restoration Day on May 4, and a weekend in between, it felt like the perfect stretch of … More Back to the Office

A Rare Photograph

May 4, 2026

I don’t have many photographs from my childhood. Somehow, those moments were lived but not captured, or maybe just lost along the way. That’s why this one feels like a small treasure. It’s the only picture I have with my grandmother. I wish there were more pictures like this. But maybe… this one is enough. … More A Rare Photograph

Finally, a Warm Day

May 1, 2026

After what felt like an endless stretch of cold, ice, and even snow, today finally brought a little bit of relief — a warm 17°C (62°F). It almost feels unreal to step outside without that biting chill in the air. Check the pic of Marley 🙂 This change means more than just comfort. At last, … More Finally, a Warm Day

Between Spring and Summer: My Quiet Walpurgis Night

April 30, 2026

Walpurgis Night celebrated on April 30, is an old European tradition rooted in pagan spring rituals and later connected to Saint Walpurga. Last year, I wrote about this night as something magical and in-between seasons. This year, I feel it’s simpler than that. I celebrated it in my own quiet way. I walk through our … More Between Spring and Summer: My Quiet Walpurgis Night

Happy Anniversary

April 25, 2026

Thirteen years since I first pressed “publish” with WordPress. I blogged before. Back then, I didn’t know this space would grow with me. It has seen everything — my early creativity, the busy years with little kids, the experiments, the pauses, the returns. It has quietly held my thoughts through different seasons of life. Somewhere … More Happy Anniversary

Storks has returned!

April 20, 2026

The storks are back. I noticed them a week ago. They always return quietly, and at the beginning it looks lonely. For me it’s a small shift. A sign. In Latvia, their arrival means something deeper than just birds coming home. It feels like the land is waking up again. Spring is here for sure! … More Storks has returned!

Waiting for Warmth

April 15, 2026

The raised beds are ready. Weeded, mulched, and quietly waiting — just like me. Now it’s that in-between time where everything looks prepared, but not much is happening yet. The sun teases a little, but I know better. The last frost here usually lingers until late May, and anything not frost-tolerant still has to wait. … More Waiting for Warmth

Coachella – Justin Bieber

April 12, 2026

UPDATED: Here is the estimated average age of attendees Coachella ~26–28 young, trendyPinkpop ~30–40 mixed, relaxedGlastonbury ~35–40 all ages, communityBurning Man ~35–45 oldest, most intentional I’m sorry, I peeked into the wrong festival! That is why I felt old and didn’t get it! _______________________________________ I had heard of Coachella before, of course — one of … More Coachella – Justin Bieber

Coltsfoot hasn’t changed. I have.

April 8, 2026

I’ve written about coltsfoot so many springs now. About waiting for them, about picking them, about drying them carefully for tea. It has become something like a rhythm — not a strict ritual, but a familiar return. 2017: https://latvianmom.com/2017/04/21/coltsfoot-is-blooming/2018: https://latvianmom.com/2018/04/25/coltsfoot-finally/2025: https://latvianmom.com/2025/04/02/coltsfoot-the-hidden-guardian-of-spring/ But this year feels… different. I have changed. And somehow, I feel like I … More Coltsfoot hasn’t changed. I have.

Happy Easter

April 5, 2026

Today doesn’t feel like spring at all.It’s cold, gray, no sun… brrr. But maybe Easter isn’t always about bright light and warmth.Sometimes it’s just about holding on quietly, waiting for things to shift. As a Latvian, I couldn’t give up dyeing eggs the traditional way, using natural materials. But the kids had their own ideas … More Happy Easter

When Old Posts Suddenly Come Back to Life (and Maybe Bots?)

March 28, 2026

For a moment, I thought something exciting had happened to my blog. A spike in views — nice.Mostly from the USA — normal.But then… China. A lot of China. China!? That’s when I started to feel a bit suspicious. I’m used to occasional traffic from different countries, but this felt different. The numbers didn’t quite … More When Old Posts Suddenly Come Back to Life (and Maybe Bots?)

<>A Heavy Week<>

March 27, 2026

It’s been a strange week. Coming back to work after being away for a month sounds simple in theory — you just open your laptop and continue where you left off. But that’s not how it feels. It’s more like stepping into a moving train, trying to find your balance while everything is already in … More <>A Heavy Week<>

Cleaning the Greenhouse and Starting the First Seeds Outdoors

March 16, 2026

Last week was full of outdoor work. It felt like the garden was slowly waking up after winter. At the beginning of the week there was still plenty of snow around. It’s always funny how quickly things change at this time of year — one day everything is white, and a few days later you’re … More Cleaning the Greenhouse and Starting the First Seeds Outdoors

The Big Red Sun

March 15, 2026

Friday’s sunset caught my attention. The sun looked unusually big and deep red. It felt like I was in another country – like from movies. The color was so unusual — that heavy, dark red that you don’t see very often. The sky around it was much softer, almost pale, which made the sun stand … More The Big Red Sun

February Seeds: Some Sprouted, Some Didn’t

March 11, 2026

In February, the author looks forward to spring gardening and begins sowing various seeds indoors and outdoors using methods like winter sowing. While some seeds thrive, others take longer to germinate or struggle. The post lists various seeds being grown, emphasizing experimentation and the joy of nurturing plants for future growth. … More February Seeds: Some Sprouted, Some Didn’t

Spring is here!

March 6, 2026

Spring is slowly returning, and the garden is starting to wake up! In this video, I take a walk around my garden to see what’s happening: my raised beds are beginning to take shape, snowdrops are starting to appear, and I check on the plants I sowed over the winter in my mini greenhouses. I … More Spring is here!

Is Spring on Its Way?

February 26, 2026

Late February always feels like a strange in-between season. The sky stays grey, snow lies heavy on the ground, and it often feels as if winter might never end. The days move slowly, and everything becomes a little dull and tiring. This year felt exactly like that. Snow kept falling, trees were covered in ice, … More Is Spring on Its Way?

Third time is a charm!

January 20, 2026

I was lucky enough to see the aurora — the Northern Lights — for the third time this year: First time: Second time: This time, Aurora was pretty pink 🙂 I think I’m living in the most beautiful and peaceful place. Right after saying that, I remembered our aggressor neighbour is only 90 km away…But … More Third time is a charm!

A pause till Monday

January 7, 2026

I’m not feeling well, as I wrote yesterday: Today I took sick leave till Monday. It feels a little strange to press the pause button after three weeks of vacation… I know this is what my body has been asking for. For now the plan is simple – rest, warm cups of tea, and quiet … More A pause till Monday

First of January

January 1, 2026

Everyone seems to be making New Year’s resolutions today. Lists, goals, promises to become someone faster, better, more disciplined. That has never really been for me. If anything, I feel ready to do the opposite — to slip deeper into winter. To rest. To unwind. To let life move slowly for a while. Outside, the … More First of January

Year 2025

December 31, 2025

I’m not sure I want to dive into how this year went… and you know what? It doesn’t matter. Some years are meant to be understood; others simply survived. What matters is this: we’re looking forward. Lessons taken, weight put down, hearts a little tougher, a little wiser. Onwards we go — heads held high, … More Year 2025