Midsummer’s Day at the Farm

After two weeks of work abroad, I was ready for a break. Combining entrepreneurship and teaching can feel overwhelming at times. I find that things get a lot easier when I stop looking at the calendar and just go with the flow. There may be a two-hour vacation on Monday afternoon, or a Friday morning field trip to the nearby woods. There may also be a two-day work stretch for Midsummer's Day.

The day before, the full moon shone, and everything that could go wrong did go wrong. I made do with imperfect conditions, including uncut grass, unmarked trails, and an unfinished shop and signage. It was a real challenge, but I found my peace and even got some rest.

Nothing sets the mood quite like setting up the speakers, turning on the piano, and opening the day with a song. The next morning, everything was beautiful. The sun was bright, and the wind was warm. The Mustikkarinne garden was opened for the first time for music and visitors. This was the realization of a dream and vision. This year's Midsummer's Day was going to be a beautiful day.

I'd like to thank Juha Leviäkangas and Kaius Ruokonen for the music and Jarkko Sainio for the photos. And I'd like to thank all the lovely people who came or were with us in spirit, the neighbors, the villagers and the summer guests. More than fifty people came. My heart beats for all of you.

Mustikkarinne events continue on July 6.