Lens-Artists Challenge #345 – My Go-To Places

Captures from Finland, lens-artists, Photography

This week, John is guiding us through the My Go-To Places challenge, and I believe many of you can easily guess my answer. I’ve mentioned it on numerous occasions before: they are simply my home and my summer house. These serene spots allow me to just be myself.

This path takes me to a serene location surrounded by nature. Just this past Easter, I visited there. The scenery was not yet vibrant with greenery; instead, it appeared more brown and dreary. However, the melody of the birds chirping was beautifully powerful and soothing.

A serene winding road through lush greenery, inviting tranquility and connection to nature.

Summer green, a hue renowned for its calming properties, envelops me in a serene embrace here. As I sit n oone of my favorite places, I observe the gentle wind dancing through the leaves, accompanied by the vast expanse of blue skies overhead. The melodious sounds of nature create a symphony around me, wrapping me in tranquility—there are no problems to solve, only the bliss of the moment to savor.

A tranquil path leading to a lush green field, surrounded by trees and nature’s beauty.

With the arrival of early autumn, the enchanting mist that blankets the mornings and evenings creates a mesmerizing atmosphere, while the skies transform into a stunning palette of colors. It’s an absolute delight to seize the opportunity and take your camera along for an outing, ensuring that these beautiful moments are captured forever.

A serene morning landscape, where mist blankets a lush green field, illuminated by the soft hues of sunrise.

Lakeside, where the gentle sound of water caresses the shore and the vibrant yellows of autumn paint the landscape, offers a serene escape into nature. It’s here that I find my sanctuary, a place to reset and rejuvenate. My summer house is my primary retreat, where I spend most of my time during the pleasant seasons that invite outdoor activities. While winter holds its own beauty, I prefer to stay indoors, as the cold air isn’t my favorite companion. As the saying goes, “Nature does not hurry, yet everything is accomplished,” reminding me to embrace the tranquility that surrounds me.

A tranquil lakeside view showcasing the serene water, autumn foliage, and cloudy skies.

I sat in my living room beside my grandson, having just snapped a few photos of him. With my mobile in hand, I captured the very spot on my sofa where I’ve spent countless calm and peaceful moments, gazing out at the changing seasons through the window. I’ve watched deer, hares, and foxes stroll by, and even glimpsed a moose once, while birds soared and squirrels scampered along the fence. This corner of my home is truly one of my favorite places, reminding me that “home is not a place, but a feeling.”

A cozy interior, a comfortable chair, and a peaceful view of nature through the window, perfect for relaxation and reflection. That is home to me.

Thank you, John, for this challenge. It reminded me once again to be grateful for what I have. Please link them to his original post here and use the Lens-Artists Tag so we can find you. Thanks also to Anne for last week’s “abandoned” challenge and to everyone who responded. I’m not sure why we are drawn to such things, but as long as they are around, we’ll keep capturing them.

I often dedicate countless hours to editing photos from the numerous places we’ve traveled to over the years. While I may not physically venture out, I immerse myself in the editing process, often losing track of time in front of my computer screen as I reminisce about those experiences. Which also is calming.

Finally, we hope you’ll join us next week when Sofia leads us once again on her beautiful Photographias site. Until then keep on smiling☺It might be someone’s highlight of the day.

Interested in joining our challenge? Click here .

48 thoughts on “Lens-Artists Challenge #345 – My Go-To Places”

  2. Beautifully said, RS. A soul clearly in harmony with nature and nostalgia. That living room corner holds more stories than a library. And yes—sometimes, editing old photos feels like time travel with fewer mosquitoes. 😃😃

  6. Ritva–what is that woven ‘ball’ hanging in the window in your last photo? It is so pretty but I have no idea what it could be. Your views are gorgeous!

  8. What a beautiful post and place you live Ritva. Your words and photos transported me to a moment of peace, especially the misty morning and lakeside images.

  9. Beautiful photos, Ritva! I especially like the composition in your last photo. The chair so inviting, the view out the window beckoning.

    I also found that fence at the edge of the field to be a fascinating design. It immediately attracted my attention to the center of the photo and the field.

  11. Whenever you share photos of your home area and your summer house the beauty of your surroundings is very clear to see, as is your love of these places. I love the two autumnal shots in particular 🙂

  12. Ritva, you live in such a beautiful place. All of your images look so calm and serene. It’s easy to see why you love it. The tranquil lakeside view stunning. I would never want to leave your cozy room with the amazing view.

  14. You are indeed blessed by your beautiful surroundings Ritva. There is nothing better than having your home and its environs be your favorite place(s). Beautiful images of peace personified!

  16. Beautiful images and it’s easy to see why these locations are your go-to places.

    Love the mist hanging low over the landscape.

  22. Great photos as always. I love the quiet countryside, and your chair at home looks like a great go-to place.

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