It’s peony season again. My mother-in-law has so many different peonies growing in her garden. Every year they put on a beautiful display, but this year one flower completely surprised me. My daughter brought me a single yellow peony. I had never seen a yellow peony before. Pink ones in every shade? Yes. White and … More A Yellow Peony
Four years ago, I made dozens of beeswax candles. Most of the beeswax I used was bought from my friend Aija, but until this Līgo, I had never actually seen where it came from. I absolutely loved visiting this place. Surrounded by nature, this is where Aija brings the honey frames after the harvest. Here … More Where My Beeswax Once Came From
Back in 2017, we had a favorite picnic spot. It wasn’t anything grand or famous. Just a place deep in the forest where a huge stone stood among the trees. Someone had built a simple table and benches nearby, and there was even a small shelter for firewood. We always talked about making a fire … More The Stone That Stayed
Some photos are special not because they are perfect, but because they capture a moment that can never happen again. Recently, some relatives spent time going through old slides and photographs. I can only imagine how many boxes, memories, and tiny pieces of family history they sorted through. And among all those slides, they found … More A Photo Found Among Old Slides
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
I finally made a plum torte, and it was inspired by Ruth’s post. Actually, it was her post from a year ago that planted the seed: Original Plum Torte in NYC. Back then, our renovation was in full swing, and I completely forgot about it. But yesterday, I stumbled upon Ruth’s newer post, and it … More Plum Torte – Inspired by Ruth
As expected, we had a lovely time the night before. Jānis had his special moments with Oto, and I enjoyed the conversations around me. The next day was all about getting ready for our 15th wedding anniversary celebration. We started with lunch at our house, followed by cake, and then continued at Jānis’s parents’ place, … More Vacation Day 14 – Anniversary Celebrations
Saturday was one of those perfect winter days. Jānis bundled up the kids and took them to our favorite hill for some snow-sliding fun. It’s a special place for us—it’s where we got married. Now, the kids are creating their own cherished memories, racing down the hill on their sleds and playing in the snow. … More Snow Day Family Fun
I wanted to take a moment to send love and good wishes your way. This time of year reminds us to slow down and cherish the beauty of simple moments—whether it’s the twinkle of lights, the laughter of loved ones, or the comfort of traditions that bring us together. Our Christmas celebration was a special … More Merry Christmas!
This weekend was extra special as we had Linna’s friend over! They’ve been best friends since kindergarten. Things changed a bit when Linna chose German as her third language and her friend opted for Russian. They are not in the same classes anymore. Despite the shift, their bond remains strong, and I hope it continues … More A Weekend with Friends and Golden Autumn in Latvia
As you know I’ve returned to blogging, I quite cause I thouth I didn’t had time, actually I’ve lost a freind. Thinking of my dear blogging friend Roger (Grumpy Tyke) fills me with gratitude and nostalgia. Though we never met in person, our connection through blogging profoundly shaped my life. Roger, known by many as … More Remembering Roger: A Tribute to a Friendship That Inspired Self-Love
I received a handwritten letter from my friend Dimi! I can’t remember the last time I had received a handwritten letter! Maybe in high school! I’m not talking about Christmas cards and Birthday wishes but about REAL HANDWRITTEN LETTER on multiple pages! While I Opened up my letter I remembered when was the last time … More Handwritten letter
This is our comfort food! Childhood memories! Thursday – Friday nights at students dormitories kitchen. Why? Cause no money left for something else, good if you have oil and potatoes from home. So, this dish is the main cause, cause for others than Latvians it might look like a side dish :). So simple, that you … More Fried potatoes – Latvian style