Sixteen years of marriage. ❤️ We had a plan for our anniversary: dress up a little, go out, sit in a restaurant, have a nice dinner, and properly celebrate 16 years together. But it doesn’t feel like me… or Jānis. So why do it? Instead, we ended up in the forest, hunting for chanterelles. There … More 16 Years of Marriage… and a Forest Full of Chanterelles
Lately, I’ve been eating peas every time I walk outside. It’s become my little summer ritual. I’ll step away from my computer for a few minutes, wander into the garden, and pick a handful of fresh peas straight from the vines. They’re sweet, crisp, and somehow taste even better because they come with a short … More Stealing a Few Minutes
It’s so hot here in Latvia today — +29°C (84°F for my USA friends). I don’t think I’m built for this kind of heat! 🥵 On the bright side, it’s the perfect weather for everyone who needs to cut the grass and make hay. ☀️ This evening, the temperature finally dropped to +20°C (68°F), and … More Heat, Hay, Sweet Peas & a Friendly Stork
Today I pushed myself a little bit outside my comfort zone. I went for a walk. That doesn’t sound like a big deal, does it? And honestly, it wasn’t. But at the same time, it was. Sometimes the smallest steps are the hardest ones to take. A day ago, I probably wouldn’t have done it. … More A Small Step Outside My Comfort Zone
The first dandelion always catch me by surprise. One day the grass still feels tired and colorless… and then suddenly—there it is. A small, bright sun, glowing quietly close to the ground. They are survivors. Healers. Dandelion is one of those plants that looks simple—but nutritionally, it’s surprisingly rich. Almost like a wild multivitamin growing … More Dandelion (Taraxacum officinale)
Lately, walking hasn’t been simple. My legs start to hurt, and I can’t just go . It seems that around 5000 steps a day might be my sweet spot. Not painless, but manageable. I need to get up to 10000 steps a day… But not sure when and how I would do that. This walk, … More Finding My Distance, Nature Inspired
Girls are feeling much better. We went out together, and it felt so good to mark the day with a little outing. Helmī was glowing, of course—birthdays always bring that special sparkle. And what did she order to drink? Not juice, not soda, not even a milkshake… but water. With an umbrella. Yes, with an … More Girls Are Feeling Much Better, and Helmī’s Birthday Celebration
This morning started with collecting the delicate flowers of the common evening-primrose. Their soft yellow petals feel like little pieces of sunshine—wild, gentle, and fleeting. Then came a lovely breakfast straight from the garden, followed (of course) by my favorite ritual: coffee with ice cream. ☕🍦 All the sofa cushions are finally dry and clean! … More Vacation Day 3: Primrose Flowers, Sofa Dreams & A Bath
A new month begins—and this one feels different already. August means vacation time for me, and I plan to embrace slow living in its fullest form. I want to rest deeply, create gently, and give time to the things I love the most: watercolor, journaling, being outdoors, and enjoying the simple rhythms of home. There’s … More August Goals & Intentions
Our cat Marley is a sun worshipper, no doubt about it. On any sunny day, you’ll find him stretched out like royalty in the warmest patch of light—on the windowsill, on the floor, on top of laundry, outside, you name it. He doesn’t move much. Just snoozes, purrs, and soaks in the golden rays like … More Marley the Cat and the Stolen Sunday
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
I just realized I forgot to share a little glimpse into our Mother’s Day this year—and it was too lovely to skip. I want to remember it forever. Kids grow fast! Sunday started with a surprise: breakfast in bed, lovingly made by my girls. It was the sweetest gesture, and a quiet moment just for … More A Quiet, Lovely Mother’s Day 💛
My mom and brother & his family are here, and it’s just so nice to be together. These kinds of moments—when the house is full of chatter, kids running around, and laughter in every corner—remind me how important it is to slow down and soak it all in. We’ve been enjoying the little things: good … More Easter together
The next day, winter still lingered, wrapping the world in its cold embrace — but the sun had its own plans. As Helmi’s little ice rink shimmered on the frozen pond, the trees stood tall, basking in the sunlight. Perched on the white branches, birds sat quietly, facing the sun. They looked like tiny guardians … More Winter Whispers and Sunlit Birds
Winter’s farewell gifted us a truly magical day at the end of February. The sun shone brightly, making the snow sparkle, and the air felt crisp but not too cold — just the perfect weather to enjoy the season’s last snowy moments. Helmi, with her endless energy, decided that the frozen pond (don’t worry, we … More A Wonderful Winter Day in February
Yesterday was my birthday, and instead of making a big fuss, we kept it simple—a quiet evening at the local pub, good food, and a few virgin cocktails. And honestly, it was just what I needed. The pub had that familiar, warm atmosphere—dim lighting, soft chatter, the clinking of glasses. We settled into a cozy … More A Cozy Birthday Celebration at the Local Pub
Last night, we stepped outside for a walk. I couldn’t sleep. The reason? I felt full after eating a croissant. Why did I eat it at 9 PM?! But at least the night made up for it. The sky was cloudy, and the tree silhouettes stood tall and still, making the world feel peaceful and … More Good Morning on Sunday!
As we welcome the New Year, I like to take a moment to reflect on the things that bring me joy, the areas of my life that could use a little more attention, and the skills I’d love to learn. I believe it’s not just about changing everything at once, but about celebrating the little … More New Year’s Resolutions: Loving What I Do, Improving What Counts, and Finding Better Ways to Grow.
As autumn arrives, the cool air and muted colors invite us to enjoy nature, even when it feels a bit gray. One day, while walking through a foggy field, I saw a fox sleeping on a hay roll, its reddish fur blending into the dull backdrop. Of course, I scared the fox away and ended … More Autumn Walks: A Fox’s Nap