Friday 25 June, 2004
Midsummer
I feel that I should write something about Midsummer. For the past seven years, I think I've spent two or three Midsommers in Finland, which is less than I would have liked. There is something magical about that night, sitting on a lakeshore while the the fires are burning. Mist, stillness, light... there are no words to convay those moments.
It's incredible how far away all that seems right now. I'm at work, of course, and life here goes on without as much as a wince. Maybe I'll try to make an effort and see if I can capture any of that magic tonight (as we have a beach, albeit on a sea) - but while I admire other people's dedication, I'm no longer that dedicated myself... I draw the line in rainy or cold weather.
Later: we went for a walk in the beach. I shouldn't really be surprised that it was completely different - first of all, it's already pitch black after ten. The garden and park have lot of flowers and smell is gorgeous, especially in the night - but couldn't be further from Midsummer smells. I didn't pick any of them, either (but I'm not supposed to either am I, being already married?). Nice walk though - it was quite warm and half moon was out. We talked about books, which is always a good topic of conversation.
Posted by kolibri at 25 June 11:49, 2004We were not favoured by the weather in the north: it rained every day save for yesterday. It was quite warm, though, and lush and so light. There is a unique quality to the northern summer nights, one I had missed more than I had realised.
The sun hardly set, and the colours were amazing: around midnight the sky turned intense gold and red, only to pale back to pink and yellow, and further on to the pale summer blue with white clouds in about an hour.
Despite the weather, a good time was had. The midsummer festivities included getting together with family, sharing a lot of laughter, consuming enormous quantities of food, and staying up far too late. Small, nice things - you know how it goes :).
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