Photo Journey
My photo journey begins in Finland—my birthplace and the land of my earliest memories. From there it unfolds across the continents that have shaped my life. These moments in Finland remind me of the simplicity and wonder of those early years: snowy winters, fetching water on a summer’s day, and the quiet presence of history and ancestry all around me.
Winter in Finland
The quiet joy of playing in the snow was both magical and memorable leaving within me an imprint of what I now recognize as the divinity of life.
Fetching Well Water
That’s my mummo’s hand in the corner, "helping me" pump water from her well. The memory contains feelings of being deeply cared for as an integral part of my extended family.
On the Lap of Elias Lönnrot
The man who gathered the stories of the Kalevala, Finland’s national epic. Until recently, I had no idea who the statue was of. Now it feels symbolic—as though storytelling has long been part of my path.
After Finland came Australia. My younger years were full of adventure. Some things I tried just once, such as abseiling (rappelling), white water rafting, diving, and sailing. Others I returned to more often, like camping, fishing, and cycling. I was also involved in many different sports, including gymnastics, netball, squash, swimming, and karate. It was an active time of life.
Summer in Australia
Camping by the lake and fishing with Dad were my favorite family times as a child. I loved the quiet moments we shared together on the lake.
On Top of Uluru
My last year in high school took me to Central Australia on a class trip. We didn't know it then, but we had the privilege of a lifetime—to climb Uluru. It was known as Ayers rock back then and has since been closed to climbers.
Abseiling/Rappelling for Work
During my time working in the computer department of a bank, I had the chance to go on a team-building event. Despite my fear of heights, I volunteered to go first down the sheer cliff face.
Then there was Japan. It became the third continent I would call home. It was a time of tremendous change both in my environment and within myself. As a new mother, there were parts of the culture that supported me in ways I still feel grateful for. At the same time, I navigated new and unfamiliar situations on a daily basis—never quite feeling confident in what I was doing, but somehow I managed to find my way.
Becoming a Mother
Outside our apartment with our newborn baby ready for a walk. Carrying her felt like the most natural way to get around—it made everything so much easier.
Discovering New Flavors
We stayed one night at a Buddhist monastery and were served this meal. I came to love the variety of flavors and the delicate portions of Japanese food.
A Moment in Motherhood
During the cherry blossom season, I share a quiet moment comforting our daughter after a slip in the mud.
The United States became the fourth continent I would call home. The move west was a welcome change from the challenges I faced in Japan because of the language barrier. The culture felt closer to what I knew growing up in Australia. Despite this, for many years I often felt like an outsider and found it challenging to fully fit in. My Finnish background and my time in Japan had a strong influence on the lifestyle I valued, which at times felt at odds with American culture. It marked the beginning of a long and deeply personal journey back to myself.
Another Baby
Just a few months after we arrived in the US, we found out I was expecting again. It was another time of navigating pregnancy and birth in a new culture, except this time it was much easier without the language barrier.
Exploring America
As a young family we travelled often—mainly to Australia to visit family or to Hawaii to spend some time by the warm ocean. But here we are on a rare trip inland, high above the tree line along Trail Ridge Road in Colorado, taking in the expansive landscape of America.
Deepening Roots
After twenty years of living in the US, I felt an inner calling to become an American citizen. It became the catalyst for deepening my sense of belonging—both within myself and out in the world, in ways that are still unfolding.