Wednesday, December 6

Happy Finland Day!

(Independence Day in Porvoo, Finland!)

 Update: My piece is finally done! Thanks for checking back to see it. 

This week in Porvoo, they have beyond frigid temps and lots of snow but, never mind,
there's plenty of coffee, baked goodies and holiday cheer to go round!


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Guess what? I haven't Finnished my piece yet! At least I already have a rough idea in my head and have gathered various photos from which to create my own rendition. Sorry to have to ask you to once again pop by and see my piece later...as with last week's that still needs completion (although it's about halfway coloured now).

The reality is that Alex and I drove up into the mountains away for the weekend at a little Airbnb studio condo up in the town of Breckenridge, CO, to celebrate our (4 year) anniversary. Since returning though, it's been quite busy. We both have a lot of work on our plates. In fact, I really don't see it dying down until the official 12 days of Christmas kicks off on Christmas Day itself!

In the meantime, whenever ready today, please show us how you've artistically honoured Finland or Scandinavia. Happy Independence Day to any Finns out there btw! Before this week, I had no idea they invented ice skates, have more saunas than cars, let alone drink 4x the coffee Brits enjoy. Not only that, their forests cover a larger area than the whole of the UK or Italy and yet there are actually more people in Colorado than Finland, with the population just under 5.5 million! Makes me wonder, who among you has ever been? Mary, perhaps? Let's Finnd out... :)

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37 comments

  1. I have not been to Finland, but my high school exchange student was from Halsinki. We did a lot of special Scandinavian projects that year in her honor, but that was too many years ago to admit to so trying to do Scandinavian was a bit tricky for me. Glad you and Alex took time for yourselves and congratulations on 4 years and many more to come. I have been to Breckenridge ... a beautiful spot which, I am sure, has changed greatly since I was there in the 80's :) I look forward to your Scandinavian art, but in the mean time, relax and enjoy what we have done for you ...

    Andrea @ From the Sol

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    1. I don't think it's changed as much as you might imagine although probably more xmas lights than they used to put up. Thank you.

      I love that you had an exchange student from Halsinki, no less! Thank you for your lovely, thoughtful comment, as always, Andrea!

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  2. Grrrrr! It's the only Scandinavian country I've not visited, sorry!!!!! We were on the Queen Vic's Baltic cruise and she didn't stop there sadly. Bob's been though - years ago and found it a very interesting country and most hospitable.
    So instead you get Sweden - when you added 'Scandinavian' to the challenge I hoped this would suffice!

    Happy day/week everyone!
    Looking forward to seeing your art piece - andlovethat you

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    1. Yes, of course it sufficed-- thus why I put that in in the first place. :)

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  3. . . . . .should read, "and love that you and Alexandra celebrated 4 years in such a special way."
    (Laptop is going haywire today and I'm hoping it's not giving up after 6 years great years of service!)
    Mary -

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    1. thanks. hope your laptop is either fixed of Santa brings Mary a new one! :D

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  4. Oops....sometimes this time of year gets in the way of other things! I had time on my hands but was not really sure which way I needed to go with this but you will see my choice. I enjoy playing along with your site. Thanks.

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  5. First and foremost....Happy Anniversary...you found the love of your life and your soulmate. As I see the two of you supporting your love of art with each other blesses my soul. I married a preacher, not an artist, and although we have shared so many spiritual soulmate items, he supports me in my art...but not being an artist at heart...can't appreciate it like you and Alex do. But I wouldn't change anything...I made a choice years ago that my art, would serve me better as a expression, and not a vocation. Love you and Alexandra and adore your romantic relationship. What marriage should be!!! Merry Christmas

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    1. Awww...you say the kindest things. Thank you. Yes, it is great being married to another artist. She wasn't really that when I met her though at all, mind you, but the car accident sort of forced her into it as she was limited in what she coudl do from the couch. As it is, she;s grown so much that I can't picture her doing something else, even if it paid great. We share the wonder together then. :)

      Yes, my father is the same way. Aside from being colour blind, while he tries to be supportive, his comments make it clear he has no clue. hahaha...one time, he said, "nice burger" --it was scone with clotted cream and jam but he though the latter was a burger! Seriously! And the raisins were onion bits in the bun then! Lol. You can't make this stuff up. The result? I don't bother sharing much with him in terms art. Now, my mother longed for me to be an artist (or poet) growing up, so knew lots about art, but she always wanted my art to be paintings more so. lol.

      Thank you for all your support, Wanda. It really means the world to me.... to us. :D

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  6. Scandinavia is on my bucket list! Looking forward to seeing what you come up with Michael!

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    1. Your Finnished piece is beautifully done Michael, love the colours.

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  7. I couldn't think of anything, it's very strange, nothing came to mind. honestly, I don't think I even thought about finland much. oh well...

    have a lovely day.

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    1. That was the whole point, Lissa! ha. Most of us know little about that neck of the woods, sad to say. :)

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  8. I understand. It can be hard to make the deadline. I almost missed this one. So glad that you two got away to celebrate.

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  9. Happy Anniversary to you both! Glad that you are taking time to celebrate.

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    1. Thank you. Alex has taught me the need to do that as I would be quite happy home with a cup of tea and some toast! lol. I's such a cozy homebird.

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  10. Wonderfully done Michael. I like all the colors in the bricks. You truly present a cold snowy feeling.

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  11. Burrr, Oh Michael, I loving your illustration, but it's so real, I need to get a sweater. You can just feel the snow. This is lovely.

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  12. I like the red houses and the christmas decor and the snow. perfect for the theme.

    have a lovely day.

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    1. Glad you noticed the xmas additions, Lissa. Thank you!

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  13. I must comment on your completed Finland picture ... oh so cold and I can feel the wind blowing. We are in the teens today and I am struggling to deal with it, but the Fins know how to stay warm. This is a lovely picture, Micheal ...

    Andrea @ From the Sol

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    1. I always love your thoughtful comments, Andrea. Thank you.

      Well, in terms of the weather, I think you need a sauna too! :)

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  14. I LOVE your finished illustration, Michael! Great colours and you captured the frigid climate perfectly! Brrrrrrr!!!

    I'm glad you and Alexandria had a fabulous time away for your anniversary...I think I commented on some Instagram pics. Looked like you had a lot of fun. :)

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  15. Absolutely gorgeous Michael. . . . . . .worth waiting for!
    Love the little trees you added, also the banner of flags.
    Finland has such a long, snowy winter. . . .red houses are warm looking as well as charming.

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    1. Thx for the revisit . Now we just need you to go. :-)

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  16. I love it Michael. The red of the buildings against the white and blue just pop.

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    1. I wonder when they see those red buildings if it makes them feel at least somewhat warmer? :-)

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  17. Your piece is wonderful! I love the colours and the flags! Great blog post Michael! :)

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  18. What a beautiful blue you used in your painting–love it!

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    1. Thank you. Cold is consistently be beautiful. 😉

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  19. Wow, What a Excellent post. I really found this to much informatics. It is what i was searching for.I would like to suggest you that please keep sharing such type of info.
    Wonderfull Illustration

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