Nina

We arrive outside the cathedral in Helsinki, hot and sweaty from the record heatwave that has characterised our Baltic cruise, and distracted momentarily along the way by the striking colours in the farmer's market. Me, a little giddy with anticipation. Nina has driven from the country to spend the day with us.

Reuben immediately hugs Nina and, not to miss out, Callum does the same. My heart swells as do my eyes with tears of joy. It's a funny thing. I've never met her before but through the miles and photojournalism shared here, Dear Blip, we feel like we know each other just a little better than you can possibly imagine.

There aren't enough seconds in a minute to say as much as we wish to each other and ironically despite that, there are still times for quiet, happy pauses, for me, smiling at the lovely day and looking around at this beautiful city before us.

Together we catch the boat to Suomenlinna, seduced by the sound of the World Heritage fortress so close to the city centre. The boys run excitedly in the play area and Nina with endless patience with them. Then, like giggly schoolgirls, we delight in our shared passion, running off ahead of the boys to see the view from the top of the hill. It's a beautiful one. The Disney Magic I see docked in the distance, scantily clad folk diving into the water, a builder on top of scaffolding looking out over the archipelago without concept of his photogenicity. I lie in the midst of wildflowers and nettles because it looks so inviting and sting my arms whilst Nina honours me with a great capture. And we stop by on the grassy field and talk about life.

Nina is a rare and beautiful soul, exuding such openness and delighting in the beauty of life. Her looks are striking, the brightest blue in her eyes and happy healthy hair. And how can she look as cool as Grace Kelly when I'm but a hot and sweaty mess!

Yet time is creeping up on us, first imperceptibly and then in a great big wave of panic as I feel we're going to miss the boat. I'm not sure why I'm so panicked really: I would gladly spend so many more days here just feeling like a girl again, the innocence, the rolling in the weeds and wildflowers. It's delightful.

"Bye bye Nina", chant Reuben and Callum and I hope we can make this visit to Los Angeles in the Autumn come to fruition. Distance is always a tough one in life.

Scorching back on the deck, the boys want nothing more now than to run through the sprinkler pond.

"Thank you Nina" I think. For such a very beautiful day in so many ways...

Note: My photos from the 6 weeks away are all over the place right now and so I'm blipping them as I find them on USBs, DVDs and CDs. I know there are some fun shots of the two of us hidden within these areas, but I'm happy with the elegance of Nina which shines through here.