I looked again today at the sand castle photographs Melina sent me. The scene was so beautiful, Kasinonranta at sunset. The water looked so still, the kids as calm, proud of their work. It touched me deeply, sparking scenes from the past three years. Finnish beauty is so wispy; it shines from a sudden freshness of clean lines and disappears like a startled rabbit.

Earlier today, driving into town, the crisp Fall sky over Annapolis perfectly complemented the still-vibrant trees and red brick skyline. Dockside, boatshow pennants fluttered in the sun; the harbor was a forest of masts. It, too, was beautiful. The Cornhill Street houses blazed in a multitude of colors, like festive old ladies out for a day on the town.

Peace is everywhere; distraction, too. May I always seek peace.