Dream Journey #1 

"Dreams are seeds of possibility planted in your soul, calling you to pursue a unique path to the realization of your purpose." -John Maxwell

A couple of years ago while I was studying in California, one of our assignments was to write down at least 50 dreams. I thought the assignment was completely crazy then. Nobody had challenged or encouraged me to dream before that. I remember I had some dreams in the back of my mind since I was a young kid, but I never dared to dream big. Why I am telling you the following story, is because I believe we all have had dreams inside of us already when we were small. What were you dreaming of when you were little? What were the things you enjoyed doing in your childhood? Maybe they point out to your dreams.

When I was a little girl, my mom took me to a Conservatory to play instruments. For some weird reason I ended up playing drums and I didn´t really like it, but I wanted to please my mom(fear of man..! Read my last post and you´ll know what I mean by that). It seemed so important for her, so I continued. I didn´t want to let her down. One time I hand´t practiced at all and wouldn´t it be, my teacher smelled like he had been drinking vodka for many days in a row... you can only imagine how a little girl felt by his stinking breath and drunken behavior. After that lesson I wanted to quit, but didn´t have the guts to tell my mom about it. I don´t remember what happened to the teacher not long after the incidence. But I got a new teacher, who was really cool. I got inspired by him and because of his enthusiasm I kept going there. Sadly, that teacher died in cancer. After that, I got offered to change my instrument to piano, which I actually had always wanted to play. So I started to take piano lessons. During those years of classical training, I also started to play the piano spontaneously and compose my own songs. That was what I loved to do. I loved to flow and I still do. And even with the negative experiences, without them, I wouldn´t be the same. They also shaped me to be who I am today.

Later on growing up I started to write my own songs and my dream was to make music one day. I actually applied to pop&jazz conservatory to study music, but didn´t get in. They only took one there and I knew the person that got in, she was a better fit. I didn´t have pop&jazz theory down at all and I wouldn´t have been ready either. Even though I didn´t get in, the evaluators at the school told me to apply again and continue singing, they told me I had a gift. I never applied there again. Nowadays I don´t even believe you necessarily have to go to a school to learn the things you want to(and don´t get me wrong, for some professions you of course have to get a degree in order to do what you want to). Finland is a very degree-oriented country, but to be excellent in the field of arts, you don´t necessarily need a diploma. It all depends on you, what you want to achieve. Schools can give you opportunities and connections, but if you really want to achieve something especially in the field of arts, a lot does depend on what you are going to do about it yourself. It requires effort. I haven´t recently been actively pursuing this dream of mine, making music, but I´m getting there little by little again. A couple of years ago I released an album and that was one of my dreams coming true! But man...it took a lot of energy, planning, time, money etc. What I´m trying to say, is that everything costs you something and most of the times when pursuing our dreams, there will also be obstacles on the way. Many people turn their backs on their dreams because it may seem too hard to get there. But they don´t realize that every obstacle can also be a wonderful opportunity and I believe we can learn from everything. I guess the better we understand the journey to our dreams and what God is doing in our lives in the midst of it, more unlikely we give up on our dreams.

The people you surround yourself with is a major key to getting where you want to be too. It is vital to find like-minded people/community that you can run with. I want to be an inspiration to the people around me. I believe that every person we encounter, can have a radical impact on our lives(as well as we can radically impact others) and I hope you find those people that inspire you and challenge you to be the best version you can be. Remember, this world needs what you carry inside of you - your dreams to become reality! In the next post I will continue with the Dream Journey and share some practical steps. So stay tuned!

About my outfit! I found this dreamy fur hat from a thrift store and I love it! The dress is from the Other Stories and don´t you agree it goes so well with the hat?! My coat is not real fur, just so you know. ;)

Wishing you a dreamy week!

Intricately yours,

Marjo

Photos by Tim Kiukas

Overcoming fears

In this post I really want to share my heart and dig a little deeper.

We all have been there - different fears whispering to our ears; fear of failure, fear of man, fear of rejection.. just a few to mention and the list goes on and on. But why are we afraid of what people even think of us? What does it matter if I fail? What then if everybody doesn´t like what I do? Many times we don´t start or do things, because we are afraid and let fears dictate our lives. But when you imagine a kid trusting her loving Daddy, she isn´t hesitant of trying out new things or afraid of failure. She knows she is Loved and accepted even if she would fail. That should be our way of thinking as well. There´s nothing we should be afraid of, if we trust we are being cared and loved for.

I´m still in the process of getting rid of even the last bit of fears in my own life and this is also one of the reasons why I started blogging again. Not only that I want to inspire you through fashion and all things beautiful, my desire is to bring hope and freedom to you as well. Most of you, my dear readers, hear this from me here for the very first time. I´ve been battling with different fears for many years and just recently got freedom from a lot of them. I haven´t been talking about this to too many people and I guess there has been a fear of what people think of me considering this subject as well.

Since my inner processes started, a lot has shifted and I really don´t want to let any fears dictate my life anymore. Many times we are not aware and even realize what we are been led by. Most people don´t realize they´ve been "bound" by a fear until they are free from it and that happened to me. I wasn´t aware I listened to f.ex fear of man(always wanting to please people, everyone to like me etc.) since I was so used to it. It robbed me from living to the fullest and others around me as well. If something becomes "familiar" to you, it´s easy to listen to it. But that isn´s how it should go. All of us should be completely free to be who we are and enjoy life, without fears limiting our lives, right? If there are any fears that affect your thinking, it´s not worth listening to them, since they only rob you. And I´m talking about the kind of irrational fears I mentioned. Fears are thoughts that try to affect our thinking and if we let them dictate our mind, our life can become only a small portion of that potential we could be. I bet you agree with me on this; It is so important to take every thought captive and only let life-giving thoughts to your mind. Have you ever heard of a battlefield of mind? Most battles happen in our mind but let´s not give in to the fears!

I´m a firm believer of great Love that came to bring freedom to us all and His name is Jesus. He has brought freedom to me and I can´t be silent! He has just been so so good to me. Even if we can attain a certain level of freedom in our minds with positive thinking etc, at least I need a greater power to empower me. He is the only one that can give a peace that passes all understanding and He is willing to give it to anyone who desires it. Connect with me, if you want to know more about my beliefs. I hope you got some nuggets from this and are inspired to live your life to the fullest without fears! Let´s find the ways so we can get back to the track of life together. We need a family - people that stand by us, support, believe in us and love us - even if we fail. I´m so grateful for my extended family all over the world that have believed in me and prayed for me. I wouldn´t be the same today without them! You know who you are. :)

After all this deep digging, It´s time to talk about my outfit! I love love love this very puffy H&M blue winter jacket. It´s something different than wearing black, which is the most convenient color everywhere. And these photos don´t really do justice to these pants. I really like the graphics on them. Other Stories woolly beanie is my favorite hat right now. Bring on the colors!

Wishing you all a lovely week!


Intricately yours,

Marjo













Photos by Tim Kiukas / Sonja Suonikko

 

It`s a New Season full of Wonders! 

Lovely ones, I´m back! It´s been a while since the last post, but it´s never too late to get back in the game, right? My life got wayyy too busy to keep up with the blog when I was living in California. There´s plenty of other reasons too why I didn´t continue. But it´s A New Season now and I´m really excited about this year and what it unfolds! I´m inspired like never before. Dreaming big, but starting small this time. :)

I´ve been processing pretty much everything that has taken place in my life and especially my transition back to Finland. It was really important to stop and do introspection in order to gain a new clear vision. During that time, I realized I had let some things in my heart, that were draining me and even affecting my hope for the future. Yet in the middle of the process, I got new insights with new hope - I started dreaming with God again. Since then, so much inside of me has changed. I feel like a new person, like a little childlike kiddo! I bet all of us struggle with something and if You have given up your dreams or hope even a bit, let´s fight together for a life worth living. Let´s find that childlike spirit again. Kids know how to play, they don´t care what other people think about themselves and they know how to laugh. They are full of life. Obviously finding your points of interests&what inspires you, are also one of the keys to a meaningful life. 

Your life matters. We need these reminders every now and then; there´s nobody else like you in this planet and nobody else can release what only you can. I believe there are treasures inside all of us, that need to be found. So whatever your talents/gifts/dreams are, they are valuable and this world needs them and your contribution. Just yesterday I was listening to some old cd:s and contemplating how these artists had a positive, life-changing effect on my life over the years. If they would have given up and decided they don´t have the time/energy/money/whatsoever, my life wouldn´t be the same. We never know how what we do now, can affect people´s lives even in the generations to come. I´m forever grateful for the pioneers, for the people that have paved the way for us to become who we are called to be. We can only play our part so that this world can be a better place. Nobody said it would be easy, but it´s definitely worth it! I believe this is a year of new beginnings, it´s like we have stepped into a whole new time with wonders. Let´s get rid of small thinking and start dreaming big!

What are some dreams you have? I highly recommend to get yourself a dream journal and start writing your dreams down, if you haven´t been doing it already. :)

The photos were taken while I lived in California. Me and Annette ventured out in this beautiful forest and the feeling in these photos is exactly how I feel right now, even if it´s been a while. A sense of Wonder. Not the most wintery ones haha, but I´ll guarantee there will be new more wintery style photos coming up soon!

I hope everything is well with ya´ll?!

Wishing you all a Year full of Wonders and Lots of Love! 

Intricately yours,

Marjo

Photos by Annette Biggers

Update!

 

Dearest friends, I have been extremely busy this spring but wanted to give you a little update about my life recently! First of all, I went to Brazil for almost a month! It was an amazing opportunity to go love on the poorest of poor and do ministry in different places. Of course we had a mini-vacation as well. Belo Horizonte, Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo were some of the places to mention. All in all it was a life-changing trip! I fell in love with Brazil, brazilian people and I definitely want to go back. I could do a couple of posts just from that trip and I will be posting pictures soon!

After I got back to California from Brazil, I've been busy with my internships and studies. I am at the moment actually doing 3 different schools... So I've been working on a lot of things and even though it has been bit overwhelming at times, it has been worth it! I've learned so much! Obviously, it is a challenge to try to master everything but this experience has really given me perspective on being a producer. I am a creative visionary and hoping to work with a team in the future. We need people that have expertise in different fields and there comes the beauty of collaboration. Also, I don't know anybody who would have become successful on their own.

I have two months left here and I am happy to announce, I am moving back to Finland after this! I will be based in Finland and work, travel, coach and do ministry from there. I miss my home country, friends and family and I believe it is time for Finland to Arise and Shine!

I hope everything is well with ya'll!

Intricately yours,

Marjo

Sparkles

"It's the most, wonderful time, of the year.." Americans sure know how to celebrate and decorate during Christmas season. We have a lot to learn from them. I love all the sparkling lights and funny ugly christmas sweater days. This post is about celebration - celebrating life and the independence of my beloved home country, Finland! I am so thankful for the veterans who fought in the war for our independence. Because of their sacrifices I get to benefit from the opportunities my country offers. I love my country and I´m proud to be a finn! 

These pics were taken way back before I came to the States. I just felt this is the right time for posting them. I found this sparkly dress from a vintage store years ago. It really didn´t make any sense to get the dress, since where would I wear it.. But does everything have to make sense? And you never know when you might need the perfect dress, right ladies?! I think we should celebrate more enthusiastically and have fun dressing up. I don´t do it often enough, even though I would love to. So I need to have a silly photoshoot to dress up, obviously?! But really, it´s too true! Most of us tend to take our lives too seriously and forget to live in the moment and have fun. I had a great time doing this photoshoot and this blog is really a fun outlet for me to express myself. 

I want to keep this blog light-hearted and not to get into too deep thoughts, which I have a tendency to do. But I would love to get feedback on how I could improve it. Please feel free to message me!

Wishing my country a Happy Independence Day and all of you, my dear readers, a wonderful time of the year with gifts and surprises!

Intricately yours,

Marjo

Photos by Tim Kiukas

Happy Thanksgiving Everybody! 

It's thanksgiving in a couple of days already! I'm glad I get to take a mini vacation soon since life has been pretty hectic. For the past week I had the chance to be apart of a short movie and see behind the scenes. So many people have such romantic views about filmmaking but when you get to see how much work it requires, it ain´t that glamorous anymore. Of course, I still want to continue on this journey and learn everything about producing films! I am still working on the project that we shot by the coast too. After these projects are done, I will have more time and energy to focus on other things as well.

I haven't forgotten one of my passions either. Fashion! I can't help but love all things beautiful and aesthetically intriguing. Dressing up for me is like art and I like to do experiments with different styles. This hat is one of my favs and it goes so well with fall colors. The dress is from Ivana Helsinki and I just think it is absolutely lovely. My Chie Miharas fit well and give a spark of edginess to the outfit. We photographed these pics already in august and I actually forgot I had these, so here you go! 

Just a quick thought on thankfulness. As most of us know, studies show that we can deliberately cultivate gratitude and can increase our well-being and happiness by doing so. Gratefulness and especially the expression of it to others, is associated with increased energy, optimism and empathy. Research also suggest that one of the reasons why being grateful feels so good, is it helps to kick-start a cycle of positive vibes. Isn't it interesting that when we start being grateful, we're more likely to feel positive in the minutes or months ahead. And the people around us can feel it too. I don´t think we can ever talk too much about the importance of being grateful! This life is too short for not being grateful for every moment aye?

Intricately yours,

Marjo

Photos by Tim Kiukas

Greetings from the coast!

Life has been very busy for the past two weeks. But all is well and I am living in such a deep gratitude! Here is a quick update. Two weeks ago we went to the coast to shoot a video and do stills for our new project. Me and Annette drove there through Redwood forest(I love those trees, they are so magnificent!) a day before the rest of the crew arrived. First we went to Patrick's Point and we actually ended up shooting the project there eventually. It was a blast! I'm not allowed to release anything to do with it yet, but you will see it for sure when it is ready. We are really excited about the project! There will be a video, story book and instructional video, all coming soon.

Another place we visited is called Fern Canyon. To get there, you have to drive through a dark and mystical forest with puddles of water on the road... it was a fun adventure! Though I would recommend anybody that wants to drive there, to have a 4-wheel drive. Annette's car didn't get stuck on the road but we did wish we had a proper Jeep under us. I also wish we had had more time to hike and seek hidden places. There's just so many places by the coast that are full of wonders! Annette captured some beautiful moments during our trip and I wanted to share them with you. I also have bunch of photos that I will probably post later on. The coast is one of my favorite places in the world; my mind, soul and spirit always gets refreshed in places like that.

The beige sweater is from Zara and it is one of my favs especially when it gets colder. It was perfect for this weather. I was also surprised, how good my new Dr. Martens were in my feet, considering it was a long day and a lot of hiking and climbing..

I hope all of you are doing well and thank you for being you! The world needs you. I believe we must find the time to stop and thank the people who make a difference in our lives. Thank you friends and family for loving me and believing in me. A special thank you for my dad, I wouldn't be who I am without you! Lots of love to you all!

Intricately yours,

Marjo

Photos by Annette Biggers