It’s not every night you get woken up at 2 a.m., and usually, when Janis does it, it’s because something serious is happening. In our 15 years together, it’s only happened twice—and both times it was because I needed to call an ambulance. Kidney stones are never fun. But last night… last night was different. … More Woken Up by Magic
Today is my best friend Džeina’s birthday. She’s not the type to make a big fuss about it. Most years, her birthday quietly slips by—no parties, no loud gatherings, no spotlight. That’s just who she is: modest, thoughtful, grounded. But this year, I didn’t want it to go by unnoticed. So we celebrated in her … More A Quiet Celebration for a Beautiful Soul
Today, my sweet Nelle is turning 13. Thirteen. A teenager. I can barely believe I’m writing this. Not because she’s not ready for it—she absolutely is—but because somehow, the time flew. And that’s something I never thought I’d say. People always told me “Enjoy it while it lasts, they grow up so fast!” And honestly? … More Nelle is 13! 3 Days Until the Party
Does anyone remember La Femme Nikita? The TV series from the late ’90s and early 2000s? I lived for that show when I was in high school. It aired late at night, way past a responsible bedtime for someone who had to be up early for school. But I didn’t care. I was obsessed. I … More Late Nights and La Femme Nikita: A High School Obsession
Today my grandmother, Agāfija — lovingly called Gāfiņš — would have turned 103. She was a remarkable woman. A gifted chef who, even under Soviet rule when private businesses were forbidden, organized a cooking school in 1985 and worked in the local prestigious café. She never owned a restaurant, because she couldn’t — but she … More She Would Have Been 103 Today
On Saturday and Sunday, we finally brought home all my china from storage, along with my grandmother’s buffet. (Or is it a cupboard? Honestly, I never know the right word in English—please, comment below). It’s a beautiful piece with the history, made in 1880, and has been in my family ever since. I grew up … More Monday
a day in the life of a latvian mom 