Luode is something entirely different from a magazine.

A magazine is a mere word compared to what Luode is. I would say that Luode is a visual and verbal experience of nature, rooted in the cold village of Kilpisjärvi and carried on the shoulders of one woman. It’s admirable. The writers are often among the country’s best nature article and nature photography creators. It is a great honor to be part of that same group.

I wrote an article about silence. One of the biggest reasons why I originally moved north and why I continue to live here is my deep longing for silence. It can be found in abundance here, and I love it more and more each day.

The photographs in my article are winter scenes from across Finnish Lapland. From the heart of the Pallastunturi to the high altitudes of Kilpisjärvi. At each moment of capturing these images, there has been not only piercing cold but also profound silence—something that is essential for my creative work.

In my writing, I explore what silence means to me and reflect on where its appreciation is heading in our modern world. I also consider what silence truly is. Perhaps it is not complete soundlessness after all.

You can purchase Luode magazines at nearly every grocery store across the country. I say "nearly" because if they are sold in our tiny local store, I assume they are available in most other stores in Finland.

If that's not the case, you can also order the magazine through their online shop here. Let me assure you, don't be deterred by the price; Luode is worth every penny. It’s more of an artistic, meticulously crafted nature book than a quickly assembled, disposable magazine. I keep my Luode magazines neatly lined up on a shelf with my other books. I take one down for a moment of quiet enjoyment, savor an article or two, and then return it to its place. This magazine is not something to rush through; it's to be enjoyed slowly. Perhaps in silence, if that’s what you choose.

I want to clarify that this is not a paid or even requested advertisement. If anything, it’s not an advertisement at all. I just want to share about this uniquely beautiful Northern Finnish nature magazine and celebrate the fact that my work has been featured in such a distinguished publication.

Among the other writers and photographers in Luode are the magazine's founder, the versatile Marika Varpenius from Kilpisjärvi, nature photography super-professional Eeva Mäkinen, one of my nature writing idols Kimmo Ohtonen, Muonio-based photographer-writer Terhi Tuovinen, and the highly popular hiking and food blogger Saara Atula with her spouse.

Wow, what an impressive company to be in.

After taking the photographs for this article, I think I'll spend the rest of the day by the fireplace. Outside, the harsh mid-winter wind is whipping away, making even the edges of the snow as sharp as knives. Last night, the temperature dropped to a staggering -38°C, and even after several days of heating, it's only 15 degrees inside. Winter is at its coldest and most intense right now.

So, more coffee and good reading for the rest of the week, then.