There's This Fellow Called PewDiePie...

...and he's really very funny. I discovered him in late April and am pretty much addicted. I'll just let these videos speak for themselves.

La Lune

Those of you interested in celestial matters will already know that there's been a super moon in our sky the last few days. On the day of the actual full moon — that would be Sunday — we had a fog here in Helsinki that obscured the view and negated pretty much any small chance of seeing the moon. Some people ended up hopping on a vehicle in search of our little companion. Me? I just stood by the sea and contented myself with a few misty shots instead.

Monday was not much more successful in terms of moon-gazing. However, yesterday evening, as I was typing up the Gen Silent post, Dad phoned and told me to come outside; he had found the moon, lurking behind a cloud cover and rising fast. Grabbed my camera and off I went... to be snacked upon by mosquitoes. Funnily enough, I took the best shots after I had already given up and begun to trudge back inside but happened to glance back anyway. Luna had decided to come out of hiding.

 

Gen Silent

This wonderful, beautiful documentary broke my heart and warmed it at the same time. These people have gone through so much hardship, yet are so strong. As they repeatedly say in the film, I cannot possibly comprehend what these elders have experienced — not only because of the age gap, but because of the country I live in and the fact that I'm lucky enough to be surrounded by people who could not give a crap about whom I love. Yes, Finland has not always been and is still not a perfect haven for queer folk, but to me it seems a hair better than USA is even today.

I'm truly grateful that I was given the chance to view this film. There is no DVD for the general public, and the libraries don't have a copy. The viewings are usually rented for events, one such being tomorrow night as part of the Helsinki Pride programme. Problem is, I'm going to other happenings. Last night, I filled out the contact form on the Gen Silent website and hoped for the best — and lo, they responded! I was given a link and a password for a private viewing. So tonight, I sat down to watch it.

At points, I was in tears. At others I smiled. There were even a few chuckles in there, mostly when Lois and Sheri were talking. Those two are brilliant. But, again, so are the rest of them. I want to look up Lawrence Johnson's poetry. The fragments of it recited in the film seemed captivating. I want to hug every one of them still alive, speak with them, go out for the night. March with them.

This is a poignant and most of all important piece of film. If you have the opportunity, go watch it. It's an hour long and worth every minute.

Some Recent Postcards

These aren't all of the postcards I've received recently; rather, they are some of my favourites. Also included are a couple that I sent.

This one's from Malaysia. I believe I squeed out loud upon seeing this.

The Finnish sub-forum has all kinds of fun stuff, one of them being a Mini Round Robin with loads of different groups. I sent the following two in for an "axe to grind" group where you choose a number of postcards that you want for yourself. The organiser sends these postcards to the participants, who then write them and send them off to their respective owners.

Art by Francis Bacon. My taste is a bit odd sometimes.

I'm afraid the Doctor was chewed on by the Finnish Mail Monster. :(

I did a swap on the forum with someone requesting ship-related cards in exchange for any one of the cards they have up for that purpose. Due to an inability to pick one, I gave her a few of my favourites and she chose from those. Quite pleased with what I received. :)

The Swan of Finland

"Young Freya" by Alena Kudryashova

 

Look at this card! It's just... fabulous. I love it.

From Germany! This is the sender's own photograph and poem.

Handmade postcard to someone in the States who likes postcards crafted from recycled materials. There are a couple of clippings from a newspaper, part of a tea bag carton, and some old 10-penny coins.

Give a Word, Get a Card #9. The words were "fluffy" and "colourful", and I believe I delivered.