When you feel the need for a spiritual renewal, adopt the captivating practice of going to bed early and waking with the sun. Picture the gentle embrace of morning light as it touches your skin, granting you a tranquil moment while the world stirs to life around you. This calm ‘connected’ sensation is akin to enchanting stardust that can brighten your whole day, regardless of how chaotic it may turn.
This week, we’re excited to have SH join us as our Guest Host and are reflecting on the importance of our cherished quiet moments.
I fondly recall summers spent at our summer house when my boys were young; those warm mornings were pure joy! I would sneak out before anyone else, relishing my little slice of paradise on the patio with a steaming cup of coffee. The birds would fill the air with their uplifting melodies, and the leaves would sway gently in the sweet breeze. It truly became a beautiful oasis of tranquility, where I could enjoy my thoughts, free from demands—just me and a blissful silence before my three preteen whirlwinds burst onto the scene, ready for adventure. Those precious quiet hours were my secret strength, and let me tell you, finding joy in the delightful chaos was essential. After all, if you can embrace a morning of refreshing solitude, you can conquer anything those boys decide to throw your way!”

Quiet hours, often represented through serene photographs, capture the essence of stillness and peace in various environments. An image of a tranquil sunset over a quiet neighborhood can evoke feelings of calm,


In libraries, the focused expressions of individuals deeply immersed in their studies highlight the importance of silence for creative and intellectual pursuits.


Churches can be depicted with sunlit rooms and soft shadows, conveying a sense of hope and recovery,

While empty parks at dawn invite viewers to appreciate the beauty of solitude.

illustrating empty street

Each photograph can tell a story of tranquility, inviting onlookers to reflect on the significance of quiet hours in fostering community harmony and personal well-being.
To wrap up this week’s post, I want to extend my gratitude to SH for being our Guest Host and for introducing such a beautiful topic that will surely provide us all with moments of tranquility. Don’t forget to check out his original post here and use the Lens-Artists Tag so we can find your contributions. I appreciate Ann-Christine for her lovely post and everyone who participated in it.. Lastly, I hope you to join us next week as Egidio once again guides us through his Through Brazilian Eyes site. Until then keep on smiling.
By the way, it is vacation time for us! For the next four weeks, I am looking forward to spending my days in the hammock, savoring the warm summer days that have finally arrived in Finland. I can’t wait to soak up every moment of this blissful summer escape!

The bench beside the lake is my favourite, Ritva, and I do know what you mean about those early mornings xx
Thanks Jo, the mornings were the best 😍
That library shot was unexpected. But a worthy addition to your group of quiet refleective shots.
Library is a great place to spend me time 😊
👍
Absolutely glorious post Ritva. I loved every image and thought. Wishing you a marvelous getaway!
Thanks, most of it will be spent with family, so quiet it will not be 😂
I enjoyed every photo, feeling the moment with you as I moved trough the days of peace and tranquillity.
Looking forward to more from the summer house in the next few weeks
What a great topic for the challenge. Your gorgeous photos took me on a peaceful journey Ritva.
Those Quiet Hours are beautifully captured in this series, Ritva.
The first and third images are very special, but so is the figure in the church (?) pews.
Indeed, each of your photos tell a story of tranquility. There is so much beauty in the sunset and sunrise, the fog, everything.
Wonderful library. Great shots for this theme.
beautiful interpretation of quiet. Love the church with its light and shadows.
Some great expressions of quiet, Ritva! Enjoy your holidays!
As a photographer with teen young adults now, I can fully understand this! Beautiful images so serene!
You’re right, all these photos do ‘tell a story of tranquillity’ 🙂 I especially love the hay bales and the church shot.
You have this challenge nailed. Another calming post. I want an early morning coffee on my own now 🙂
Thanks for showing us such beautiful quiet places Ritva. And have a wonderful vacation month.
Beautiful images, the Library is a favourite!
Beautiful, tranquil scenes!
Lovely photographs, Ritva! My favorite is the rain-soaked street, but your black-and-white in the church has so much feeling.
Ritva, all of your beautiful photos bring me peace and serenity. I can relate to how you felt about having morning quiet time before the chaos when the rest of the family was up! My favorites are the hay bales in the fog and the park scene at dawn.
Dear Ritva
We like your selection of pictures to show the different aspect of quietness.
Thanks
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Great selections, great photos. Love the mist.
A lovely set. I’m glad you included a library there
I love the library and the church ones, Ritva. Thought and feeling in wonderful photos.
You’re right, all these lovely photos tell a story of tranquillity and beauty of mind. You have a beautiful summer place and find time to enjoy it. Wonderful. I immediately thought of a friend of mine who got 5 boys in 5 years…She decorated a corner high up in her kitchen, close to the ceiling so she would have at least one place in the house with order and beauty.
Wishing you a lovely vacation, Ritva!