Showing all posts tagged Finland

In Blogging and the Web, Cambodia life, Expat Life, Geek Talk, hobby, Sreisaatv2

Sunday Stamps: Flower Power

Author sreisaatPosted on 5 Comments

I’m late for this week’s Sunday Stamps as I am traveling (work) and forgot to autopost.

This week’s theme, “patterns,” is beautifully exemplified by the Finnish Post Office’s 2011 series of glow-in-the-dark stamps featuring the (illustrated) dahlia flowers. Known for their annual tradition of crafting unique stamp designs, the Finnish Post Office’s choice of the dahlia flower is a nod to the intricate patterns found in nature and inviting us to take a closer look at the everyday wonders around us.

The dahlia, native to North America and Mexico, was introduced to Europe in the 16th century and has since captivated flower enthusiasts with its geometric beauty. The stamp design showcases two radiant dahlias set against a dark background.

Dahlias symmetrical patterns are a testament to the mathematical precision in nature’s creations. The petals of a dahlia follow a fascinating sequence that aligns with Fibonacci numbers, a series where each number is the sum of the two preceding ones. This sequence creates a spiral pattern that can be seen in the arrangement of seeds, fruits, and flowers, including dahlias. This natural occurrence of patterns is not only aesthetically pleasing but also serves as an inspiration for artists and designers in various fields.

In Expat Life, Geek Talk, Sreisaatv2

Sunday Stamps: The universe in black and white

Author sreisaatPosted on 7 Comments

This week, we’re diving into the “black and white” theme with a fascinating set from Finland’s contribution to the 2009 Europa stamp series: Astronomy. While the stamps may not be pure black and white in the strictest sense, they utilise different shades of grey.

The stamp I have features the majestic ringed planet Saturn dominating the scene, accompanied by a streaking comet to its left, and a lunar eclipse above. These celestial events are all rendered in a beautiful greyscale palette, creating mystery and depth.

This Europa stamp came in a postcard in 2010.


Here is the complete set, taken from Google image search.

The companion stamp in the set showcases the moon and the soft glow of the Milky Way on its right. Both stamps are set in a fantasy lake surrounded by these heavenly bodies. The beauty of these stamps lie in their ability to evoke awe-inspiring universe without relying on vibrant colours, and allows (and excites) collectors and enthusiasts to focus on the subject matter – that is the wonders of the universe and the intrigue of space exploration.

Check out Sunday Stamps for more black and white offerings this week.

In Geek Talk, Sreisaatv2, Uncategorized

A Taste of Blueberry Season

Author sreisaatPosted on 7 Comments

I received this delightful postcard from Sipi in 2011, and I think it captures the essence of summers in Finland in a single image. It arrived early in July – just as the blueberry season was hitting its peak, according to Sipi.

The postcard is a charming illustration showcasing what makes Finnish blueberry picking special: the green woods, plump blueberries filling a traditional birch bark basket. It’s easy to imagine the nostalgia this might evoke for Finns living abroad.

Finland’s love affair with berries, especially with blueberries, runs deep. Sipi told me berry-picking is a national pastime for all ages, bordering on obsession for some! Their devotion is so strong that they’ve even featured blueberries on a postage stamp.

Posti Finland issued this stamp as a definitive with value equal to the first class postage. The design shows their beloved blueberries – on a cup and others till attached to the stems – and the traditional summer dish of blueberry pie.

Sipi had just enjoyed her first berries of the season when she sent the postcard, adding them to her morning muesli. She also reminisced about childhood days savouring them with milk and sugar – a simple pleasure we can all relate to. These personal touches make the postcard all the more heartwarming.

More postcards here on Thursday Photo Hunt.