Takaisin Suomeen/Back to Finland!

My term as a Visiting Fulbright Student Researcher came to an end in July 2011. I have great memories of Purdue university and rejoice over the wonderful friendships I established during my stay in the United States.

I am looking at a very busy rest of the year with finishing dissertation, teaching, and performing. The Finnish Cultural Foundation has generously given our poetry reciting company a grant to perform poems about men. The project is inspired by my doctoral dissertation on Finnish men's friendships and the communication of social support. You may want to check out www.siitapitaen.fi! The production premiers 25th October, 2011.

Feliz año nuevo 2011!

Happy New Year everyone! The year 2011 is the last year of my dissertation writing. Needless to say, it is a very exciting year.

When I look back I see a lot of personal growth, trials and errors, --growth as a researcher too, of course! For a big portion of that development I owe gratitude to my friend and mentor, late professor Brant Burleson. He passed away in December 2010 and is missed sorely both as a unique scholar and devoted personality that he was.

After a busy winter break in Finland, I have returned to the US ready to tackle the rest of articles I need to write for The Book to be ready. With many things to look forward to I wish all your goals will be accomplished and fun surprises color your year light and bright!