The story begins: from the country of white lillies

Finland: The Country of White Lilies by Grigory Petrov is a small book that has historically played a big role in nation building in places like Turkey, Serbia, and Bulgaria. In Ataturk's days it was required reading in all Turkish schools. Still, however, none of its 180 pages have ever been translated into English. Leftist inclinations, idealism, lack luster appeal? Who knows why it hasn't. Additionally, while it has been translated into Finnish it has never been a really made waves in Finland, many Finns viewing its observations as over idealistic of rural life.

Here in this log I will attempt to offer up the puzzle--piece by piece--that embodies the international, interpersonal, transnational, translational experience from me and my family's life among the US, Turkey, Finland, and beyond.

Join me as I attempt to keep track of this whirlwind and illicit the substance that  keeps it all together.

xx Anna