
For Debbie’s Six Word Saturday.

For Debbie’s Six Word Saturday.
Here a photos from May trip to Rethymno, I took a lot of street photos in the towns we visited. Most are still not posted. The post features a collection of street photographs taken during a May trip to Rethymno, capturing the essence of the town. Among the highlights is a charming old building with a weathered door, ornate gate, and inviting café atmosphere. Other images showcase cozy alleys filled with quaint tables, vibrant storefronts, and charming pastel buildings. Each photo reflects daily life in Rethymno, conveying warmth and nostalgia. The author expresses a fondness for these moments, highlighting the interplay between the town’s beauty and human connection.

This photo captures the charming entrance of an old building, showcasing a weathered wooden door nestled within vibrant yellow stone walls and archways. I couldn’t resist the allure of the ornate metal gate, framed by delicate dry vines, which adds an enchanting touch. Two bicycles leaning against the gate feel like they belong to friends who’ve just popped in for a quick bite. Speaking of which, the blackboard to the left tempted me with its handwritten menu items like Greek salad, tzatziki, and a classic hot dog—perfect for a relaxing afternoon. The cozy wooden bench and cobblestone pavement create an inviting atmosphere, making this spot all the more special to capture.


This delightful image was snapped to capture a moment that feels like stepping into a charming little world. You can just picture yourself wandering down this narrow alleyway, flanked by those lovely beige and yellow buildings. The small outdoor tables with their quaint white chairs beckon you to sit a while and enjoy a coffee, perhaps a pastry, surrounded by little vases g with flowers that add a touch of warmth. And that trellis overhead? It’s like a cozy hug, with its bare branches weaving together to create a rustic canopy. In the background, you can see a few friendly faces enjoying the vibe, which just makes the whole place feel so inviting and relaxed. It’s the kind of spot that wraps you in its charm and makes you want to linger a little longer.

This photo captures a delightful little street in a charming Rethymno town in Crete, where time seems to slow down just for a moment. You can almost feel the inviting atmosphere of the outdoor café on the left, where locals and visitors alike enjoy their coffee under soft cream-colored awnings, the warm glow of lights adding a touch of magic to the scene. Just beyond, the vibrant display at “LINEN & COTTON in ARET” showcases an array of colorful t-shirts that dance in the breeze. I couldn’t help but notice the café staff member, who seems to draw the attention to the whole scene to life as she balances her tray and keeps an eye with the area around her. The cobblestone street, lined with charming buildings adorned with shutters and wrought-iron balconies, sets the perfect backdrop for this slice of everyday life, blending the charm of the picturesque with the warmth of human connection. It’s a moment I wanted to capture, to reminisce about those slow, beautiful afternoons spent soaking in the sights and sounds of street life.

This photo was taken during a late afternoon stroll down a charming urban street that blends the old with the new. I was drawn to the pastel hues of the buildings—beige, peach, and soft pink—that seem to whisper stories of the past. The central building with its shuttered windows and quaint wrought-iron balcony had me imagining the lives of those who once called it home. I couldn’t help but notice a line of scooters parked along the street, hinting at the vibrant life that fills this area. Just then, a woman in a dark coat caught my eye as she walked toward the camera, embodying the everyday hustle of city life. In the background, two men relaxed on a rooftop near the ASIKIKO restaurant sign, perfectly capturing that casual, laid-back vibe that makes urban exploration so enjoyable.
I liked how the group of people was at the top of the building, as I zoomed in it was a moment there was three instead of two friends found themselves on a terrace, just taking a break from work or chatting. It’s one of those light-filled days when the soft natural afternoon sunlight paints everything in a warm glow, making the weathered walls and stone surfaces feel alive with stories.

Dans Thursday Doors

I took this photo because I was hunting for interesting doors for Dans Thursday Doors and I was captivated by the old, weathered double wooden door. It was painted in a pale, muted color, but the significant peeling and chipping really revealed the underlying wood’s character. Each door panel had this interesting latticed section at the top, which added a textured pattern, while the bottom panels were solid and showed extensive paint deterioration. What struck me was how the doors were secured with a metal chain wrapped around two green handles, making it seem like they were locked or out of use. The yellowish wall surrounding the doors had its own story with patches of peeling paint and dark spots, giving off an overall vibe of age and neglect. Plus, the small white plaque above the doors with the number 18 and the letter of notice set under the door piqued my curiosity about what lay behind them.
Few more 😀🫢If using a computer to read my post, for a better view click the gallery to enlarge the photos









As an afterthought, I am adding these photos; it was not really my intention to do so. We also walked to the Rethymnon lighthouse, located on the island of Crete in Greece. This historical landmark, built of stone in the Venetian harbor, was constructed during the Ottoman period and continues to be one of the area’s most famous attractions.










Posted for Terri’s Flower Hour

Just on of the cabins, houses I spotted as we drove in North Norway, I really liked that classic sod roof. My camera was always pointing at them if I noticed them.


On our journey north, we took the timé to make a short stop to the beautiful Aavasaksa, a historical hill nestled in Ylitornio within the beautiful Tornio River Valley. It was a truly lovely place, celebrated for its breathtaking natural scenery and the enchanting midnight sun. I was reminded of the fact that Aavasaksa is the southernmost spot in Finland where you can witness the phenomenon of the nightless nights.
Being a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s part of the Struve Geodetic Arc, which is fascinating as it helps measure the Earth’s size and shape. We did not have time to enjoy exploring the nature trails and hiking routes that reveal spectacular views of the Tornio River leading into Sweden.
Oh, and it is one of Finland’s national landscapes, they reflect the country’s identity and unique characteristics.
Sharing this for John’s CellPic Sunday, I took these with my Iphone 17 Pro and edited them in LRC









To One Word Sunday at Debbie’s here


Let’s create a short story based on this image, as it ignited my creativity with tales of adventure, where each shadow concealed a mystery and every beam of light opened up fresh opportunities. As the narrative evolved, I started to compose a poem about it, encapsulating the journey and the feelings that surged within me as I transformed the image into written words.
As the sole vehicle meandered along the twisting road, its headlights sliced through the mist that blanketed the landscape like a cozy quilt. Inside, a lone driver sat, her fingers clutching the steering wheel as though it were a life raft in a stormy sea of her own making. The heavy clouds above reflected her mood—a confusing cocktail of introspection and a touch of sadness that seemed to cling to her like a second skin. The rhythmic patter of rain against the windshield was like a soft lullaby, soothing yet heavy, reminding her of thoughts that were forever just out of reach. With each bend in the road, as hills dipped and rose like the memories she cherished, she found herself reminiscing about brighter days, now cast in shadow by the dreary weather. The delicate beauty of the rainy day was a stark contrast to the whirlwind in her heart, prompting her to ponder the evanescent nature of joy. Yet amid the sorrow, she felt a profound connection to the world outside; nature, in its damp serenity, seemed to cradle her feelings, and for a brief moment, she let herself drift into the stillness, allowing the calm to wash over her like a gentle tide.

Beads, beach, bike, birds, book, bouquet, bugs, bees, bubbles, baby, birch trees, bottle, boy in some order
B is the theme this Week from Beth, she would pick a letter her name starts with 😂 It us a good thing I write my blog in english as there are not that many words starting with B in Finnish language.



A baby boy with blonde hair wearing a striped long-sleeve shirt with green cuffs, red pants, and white sneakers is squatting down on a wet surface, possibly a shallow beach. The child is intently looking at and reaching towards a small object on the ground. The calm water creates a clear reflection of the child, enhancing the visual symmetry.










That is what I have for you this week; this was easier as I am using photos that I have shared before at some point. I find it quite convenient to revisit these images, This week, I aim to provide you with a deeper understanding of the context behind each image, enhancing your appreciation for the homework I’ve done to get appropriate information of the subject.

Thanks a lot, John, for last week’s great challenge! It really made me think and pushed my creative limits. I saw many cool takes on the theme that sparked my imagination, and I found new perspectives I hadn’t considered before. The range of responses showed how great it is to collaborate and share ideas. Now, Beth has created a fun challenge this week with an exciting B theme that will surely inspire us all. I can’t wait to see how everyone approaches this new challenge and the fresh ideas we’ll contribute! If you would like to join the challenge, please be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to his post Lens-Artists #404: THINGS THAT BEGIN WITH B. We invite everyone to share their creative interpretations and explore the theme together.
I think we are all ready for a small blogging break. So we, the Lens-Artists, are on a short summer break to recharge our creative spirits, reflect on our experiences, and gather inspiration for future challenges. Next challenge will be hosted by Ann-Christine, Saturday 18th July. Until then, enjoy the summer and take care.

You can keep up with all of our challenges by subscribing to the Lens-Artists team members websites: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth. Ritva,
For information on how to join the Lens-Artists challenge please click here.
Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset

I love peonies, and I have a hard time getting my peonies to expand as I would like. Usually, I only have a few blooms, but this year, I am thrilled to have five, and that feels like a significant improvement for me. Despite my efforts, I suspect that I might be using the wrong soil, and I’m unsure about the best placement for them in my garden, which makes it a bit challenging. Nevertheless, I do enjoy watching them bloom and flourish, and each flower brings me immense joy as it displays its vibrant colors and lovely fragrance, reminding me of the beauty and resilience of nature.










The phone is handy and with me most of the time, so I took these with my IPhone 17 PRO for The Flower Hour
The image shows a traditional Norwegian log house with that classic sod roof. These buildings are an important part of Scandinavia’s architectural history. You know, those sod roofs (Torvtak) have been around since the Viking days and throughout the Middle Ages. They’ve got some great practical perks: for one, that thick layer of turf keeps the place cozy in winter and nice and cool in summer. Plus, the weight of the roof tightens up the log structure and helps stabilize the whole building. Usually, the roof is made up of a few layers of birch bark, and then they add two layers of turf on top.

For Debbie’s Six Word Saturday. with few added words.
I have a tendency to overthink these challenges and am stuck with choosing the photos for them. Here I am once again caught in this mental spiral, feeling paralyzed by my own expectations. To be honest, it is suitably annoying every time, as I find myself questioning every little detail. I start to analyze the colors, the composition, and even how well the images resonate with the theme I’m trying to convey. This self-imposed pressure makes the task feel more daunting than it really is, which only adds to my frustration. I know I just need to pick something and move on, but the fear of making the wrong choice keeps pulling me back into this cycle of indecision. And all this over a weekly photo challenge 😂 I am totally aware no one looks at them that closely.







I fell in love with North Norway, especially for its breathtaking mountains. The scale of the mountains is impossible to capture. The images captures Hatteng, located along the E6 road in the municipality of Storfjorden, where the impressive Otertinden mountain, rising to 1356 meters, dominates the background. This photo showcases a scenic highway, with the E6 winding through the verdant landscapes of the Lyngenfjord and Signaldalen valleys, flanked by dense trees. In the foreground, a black car drives away from the viewer, with a few caravans visible further ahead. Towering mountains with rugged, rocky peaks, some adorned with patches of snow, rise majestically under a bright blue sky dappled with clouds.




Standing on the Skibotn pier by the Lyngenfjord, you’ll be captivated by the incredible perspective offered by the vast landscape around you. The majestic Lyngen Alps loom impressively, their jagged peaks soaring over 1,800 meters, giving you a real sense of depth and scale that is simply breathtaking. As you take in the view, you can spot specific formations: Lyngen Alps (Lyngsalpene) dramatically lining the fjord’s western side, Nallagais, a notable local peak, and Imagais, the massif that rises directly above the scenery. Don’t forget Balggesvarr, which frames the area beautifully, along with Storfjellet, the “Great Mountain” that stands proud in Storfjord municipality, and the peaks around Steindalsbreen, bordering the nearby glacier valley, all enhancing the impressive scale of this stunning region.

A wide landscape photo showcases a serene coastal scene with shallow water and patches of exposed ground in the foreground, emphasizing the vastness of the beach. In the distance, a calm body of water stretches towards a majestic range of misty Lyngenfjord mountains partially covered in snow, which loom high above and are shrouded by low clouds, enhancing the sense of scale. Small boats dot the water, illustrating the scale of the landscape and providing perspective against the imposing mountains. Soft rays of sunlight pierce through the clouds, casting gentle illumination on the rugged terrain and creating a peaceful, ethereal atmosphere. The sky above is mostly clear with scattered clouds, adding to the tranquil and expansive feeling of the scene.
Last week, your replies to Sofia’s challenge showcased some awesome wonders from all over the globe, highlighting the incredible variety of natural and man-made marvels that our planet has to offer. Big thanks to everyone who jumped in on the challenge and shared their unique perspectives! I am still continuing the theme here, as the views were so wondrous that I felt compelled to explore even more aspects of these remarkable sights. The majestic mountains, the beauty of our world.
Thanks to John for this week’s great challenge. I have to say I struggled with this one. I have worked on it for days, mostly trying to find new photos for it, and that meant editing my raw files. If you would like to join the challenge, please be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to his post Lens-Artists #403: Perspective, Depth, and Scale.
Be sure to check back on Saturday, June 27 at noon eastern time when Beth will be hosting the challenge.
You can keep up with all of our challenges by subscribing to the Lens-Artists team members websites: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth. Ritva,
For information on how to join the Lens-Artists challenge please click here.

For Dan’s Thursday Doors



I am sharing some food pictures for John’s, Cellpic Sunday enjoying a beautifully set meal is a always a pleasure and good opportunity to practice food photography





I just got back from north Norway, and I was in awe all of the time there. I have not had time to edit my photos from my camera, and I took most of them with it. I am now making a quick post from some of the wonderful wonders that I have just seen. Most are unedited taken with my iPhone.

These are from our first stop in Yykeänperä translates to Skibotn in English (Norwegian). It is a village located in the Storfjord Municipality in Troms county, Northern Norway, situated on the southeastern shore of the Lyngenfjord.
It is also known as Ivgobahta in Northern Sami and occasionally Markkina in Kven. The village sits roughly 50 kilometers (31 miles) away from Kilpisjärvi, Finland, making it a popular destination for cross-border day trips and that is why we are there.

I am sorry Sofia I did not have the time to do more well thought out post, but I did want to participate







Liked to Lens Artists at Sofia’s here

When you reply, could you link back to her original post? Let’s also use the Lens-Artists tag; it’s such a great chance to connect with other photographers. Today At midsummer Saturday John will post a new challenge be sure to check it out.
Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge . If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites.
We are the Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and I, Ritva.
Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset
Still in Oulu, late afternoon 17:30, not that you would know that this time of the year it is so light. Our son is showing us places in in his hometown. Just a little fact about summer nights; last night the sunset was at 00:15 and sunrise at 2:21, creating almost a continuous twilight that casts a magical glow over the landscape.
Back to the topic of this post, I am sharing a few window shots from Pikisaari, located right next to the center of Oulu, which is a real gem! This charming area boasts lots of fascinating architecture, ranging from historical buildings to modern designs that harmonize beautifully with the surroundings. The beautiful nature surrounding Pikisaari, with its lush greenery and serene waters, creates a perfect backdrop for leisurely strolls. Additionally, the vibrant arts and culture scene here is truly inspiring, with local artists often showcasing their talents through various exhibitions and events, making it an ideal spot for both residents and visitors to experience the rich cultural fabric of the city.

The area around the Old Wool Factory is turning into such a cool cultural hub, and honestly, this little island is just so pretty! Pikisaari has such beautiful nature; almost half of the island is untouched, so there’s plenty of space to kick back and soak in the scenery and art you find along the trails. The running paths here in Oulu are honestly the best and they weave through this stunning island! We didn’t feel like running, i never do though, so we just strolled slowly along the river path instead, but I’ll save those picture for another post!













I hope this post has enough windows for Monday Window.
So, it wasn’t exactly sunny at first, but then the sun peeked out from behind the clouds, casting this gorgeous warm glow over the sand. We swung by Nallikari beach in Oulu— it’s such a picturesque spot with stunning scenery and a super lively vibe! The beach has this Blue Flag certification, which basically means it’s well taken care off.. The gentle slope and fine sand make it perfect for swimming and sunbathing, especially for little kids and brave adults. In summer, it’s packed with beach lovers and sports junkies, while winter? That’s when the ice fishers, skiers, and Northern Lights fans show up! As we strolled along the shore, we caught sight of groups playing beach volleyball—talk about a blast, every group had different music and in my mind the ssome of the lyrics were too much for me.! Their laughter and cheers filled the air, making it so lively. Families gathered on the lush green lawn, chatting away and enjoying picnic lunches. Someone even hung up a hammock between two trees—it looked so inviting, and you could just kick back and soak in the sunshine! Not far away, couples and friends were happily savoring ice cream, while everyone seemed glued to their phones. It was such a lively scene!






I am in Oulu, visiting my son, and we had lunch at this lovely Yacht club, which offered a delightful atmosphere that made our lunch experience so relaxing. The location was stunning, providing us with picturesque views of the water and the surrounding landscape. The deck we ate at was beautifully adorned in shades of pink and red, as the vibrant geraniums blossomed all around, adding a cheerful splash of color to our table setting. We took our time savoring the meal, enjoying heartfelt conversations while being caressed by the gentle breeze. It was a perfect way to spend quality time together, surrounded by such natural beauty and tranquility.
For John’s CellPic Sunday All images shot with IPhone 17 Pro and edited in LrC













Debbies Six Word Saturday
If you’re not in the mood for self pity, skip the text and enjoy the photo 😌
I had one of the worst nights in a long time. My sleep was in shambles, I couldn’t get a comfortable position in my bed, my feet were cold… from within, I was in and out of sleep. Yes I am whining about it… sorry for that. But on a a positive note, I am doing my best so I don’t fall asleep by sitting in my garden/ backyard enjoying the sunshine and beauty of the rhododendrons.
Continue reading “Tired”This sight just screamed at me to take a shot. An old man and a cane caught my eye. The moment is best presented in sepia, as it evokes a sense of nostalgia and timelessness that truly complements the scene. This is my entry this week to Monochrome Madness – I like the mood this photo has captured, as it resonates with emotions that are often left unspoken. I felt lucky to capture this fleeting moment, where light and shadow together in perfect harmony, creating a visual symphony that tells a story all on its own. Every detail, from the textures to the contrasts, draws the viewer in, inviting them to experience the atmosphere that engulfed me while I was there.


Have you ever looked at a photograph or piece of art and wondered what its focal point is? This week, Patti invites us to focus on what draws our attention in an image. She shares five effective techniques to help direct your viewer’s gaze to the focal point, highlighting the artistic decisions that influenced your capture of that moment. By grasping these methods, you can enrich the storytelling of your visuals and provide a more captivating experience for your audience.
Deep Depth of Field (High f-stops like f/11): When you set your camera to a high f-stop like f/11, you can keep everything in focus—from the blades of grass right in front of you to the mountains way off in the distance. It creates this beautiful, detailed scene that’s perfect for landscapes! With this technique, you can capture the fine textures of what’s close while also showing off the stunning views far away. It’s a great way to get that amazing clarity across everything in your shot, making it just right for those scenic moments where both near and far elements tell a complete story. Plus, it helps to highlight how different layers in your image interact, guiding the viewer’s eye through the gorgeous landscape and giving that feeling of depth and immersion.

Here are images captured at the German War Cemetery in Maleme, showcasing the effective use of leading lines and negative space. The photographs emphasize the importance of varying perspectives by getting closer to the subjects and exploring different angles. This approach not only enhances the visual storytelling but also invites us to reflect on the solemnity and significance of the memorial site. It’s a journey of discovering diverse methods to portray the emotions and narratives contained within the landscape.

In this photo, I’ve placed the horizon roughly along the bottom third of the frame and the biggest and closest trees along the line to the right. The photo wouldn’t have the same impact if the larger trees had been placed in the center of the frame.





Selective Focus is one of the reasons I love macro photography. It let’s me concentrate on one place and find miracles close to home from the nature around me. and it is a great opportunity to Simplify Your Background with the Shallow Depth of Field (Low f-stops like f/1.8): The subject is crystal clear, but the background is beautifully blurred. Perfect for portraits and close-ups. Also the when you use the lines on your camera you can easily use one of the most used composition rules. The Rule of Thirds in your Subject Placement. The idea is to place the important element(s) of the scene along one or more of the lines or where the lines intersect. We have a natural tendency to want to place the main subject in the middle. Placing it off-center using the rule of thirds will more often than not lead to a more attractive composition.

Where you decide to focus in a photo can really change the whole vibe and atmosphere. Just the other weekend, I snapped some shots of these beautiful lupins blooming by the roadside. It’s pretty neat because even though I used an aperture of f5.6 for all of them, the way I shifted the focus altered the composition and how the flowers looked. It’s so interesting to see how switching up focal points can completely transform the feel of a shot, right? When you’re out there taking pictures, experimenting with focus can add a whole new layer of depth and emotion to your images.






Simplify Your Background, think about where you focus and gradually move closer, that is something I have been doing for years. These daisies are taken few years ago.




Returning to the basics of composition has me thinking! The next time I take my camera out, I’m excited to play around with some selective focus techniques—I really believe they can elevate the storytelling in photography in some intriguing ways. Huge thanks to you, Patti, for igniting this spark! I’m definitely going to keep this inspiration in mind as we head North to Finland and Norway next week. When you reply, could you link back to her original post? Let’s also use the Lens-Artists tag; it’s such a great chance to connect with other photographers. Just last week, Tina encouraged us to explore the Rule of Three, and it was awesome to see how much everyone enjoyed crafting their posts, really showing off your strong grasp of composition in photography!
Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge . If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites.
We are the Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and I, Ritva.
Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset

Monday macro and Monday portrait

Name also Clammy campion (usa), Red german catchfly

Sticky catchfly is a plant that originally grew on rocky areas, dry hills, and sandy meadows. It has adapted to human environments, spreading to pastures and sunny roadsides. The plant can survive long droughts thanks to its deep taproot. Its distinctive reddish-brown sticky substance, which covers the upper stem, helps deter predators like ants. You can often see insects stuck to the stem. When picked, the sticky tar gets on your hands. Sometimes, a pink-flowered version can be found that doesn’t secrete any liquid. Its smaller relative, alpine catchfly (V. alpina), secretes very little or no tar at all.

At the start of summer, the red flowers of sticky catchfly attract queen bees, which are busy creating new colonies and pollinating. When the queen is in the hive caring for her young, the smaller worker bees are less effective at pollination. The flowers also draw in various insects, like butterflies, flower flies, and small beetles. Additionally, pollinators can spread diseases, such as spores from parasitic ustilaginales fungi, and even the sticky substance on the stem doesn’t protect catchfly from these harmful pests.
Shared with John’s Cellpic Sunday
