Just this one image, hope it creates a warm, comfy, and inviting mood to brighten up your day, filling you with positivity and joy. As you take a moment to absorb its mood, allow it to envelop you in a sense of tranquility and bliss, reminding you of the simple pleasures in life that bring warmth to your soul. Too much 😀 ?
Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors
First time I saw this, my first thought was I have nothing to share on this topic.
I did try to find a neutral spot to take a shoe shot, considering various backgrounds and environments that might complement the shapes and textures of the shoe. I could have used more time on creativity, as I could have explored different lighting or settings to really make the shoes pop visually. However, with the next two images, I just got lazy and took the shots in the cupboard where I keep jugs and bowls, simply because it was the most convenient option. The ease of just snapping photos in the cupboard won out over my original intentions.
So first thing this morning I took these images, the ceramic shoe by artist Kipa Kirsi (2013) is a gift from a dear friend.
And these Heluna Cow jugs, the bigger one was my grandmother’s, and during our trip, we found the smaller cow jug in Canberra. We thought it was funny that someone had taken the trouble to bring it all this way, and now we are returning it back to Finland. They are Vintage Arabia, a milk pitcher pottery by Kaj Frank from 1950.
The bowl with the sea decoration is also Arabia; my husband rescued it from his father’s barn. I think it is really pretty; the colors are white and blue. It’s called Sampo. Based on the seal at the bottom of the bowl, the manufacturing date is from 1928-1932.
Then I remembered that I had these ceramic shots I took on Vancouver Island from the Craigdarroch Castle Museum, that showcases the grandeur of the Victorian era. It is the quintessential Victoria, BC experience, giving visitors a glimpse of privileged life in the 1890s, complete with exquisite furnishings, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a rich history that reflects the lifestyles of the wealthy elite of that time.
I loved the idea of a mood board, particularly one that features flowers arranged in soft pink tones, which create a serene and inviting atmosphere. I did my previous post about it. This beautiful color palette not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also evokes feelings of warmth and tranquility, making it an ideal choice for any interior space. A bedroom adorned with such delicate hues can transform it into a personal sanctuary for relaxation and restful sleep, while a living room decorated in these soft shades creates a cozy and welcoming vibe, perfect for moments with loved ones.
Now I am introducing a new flower palette, incorporating soft yellows and gentle browns can enhance the warmth of the space, making it feel more intimate. Soft orange, especially in muted shades, can introduce a subtle pop of color without overwhelming the senses, while various tones of green can serve as a beautiful contrast, giving the room a fresh and vibrant feel. This combination of colors not only adds depth but also allows for a seamless blend of nature-inspired elements, ideal for anyone looking to create a harmonious living environment. What would these tones be suitable for, you might wonder? They could work wonderfully in spaces that seek to promote tranquility and comfort, such as reading nooks or meditation corners, making a profound impact on the overall ambiance.
This color palette inspiration for the mood board began with shrubby cinquefoil, a vibrant plant admired for its stunning yellow flowers and lush green leaves. The warm glow of its golden petals brings forth a sense of life and energy, encouraging an appreciation for the natural beauty it embodies. Earthy shades and soft neutrals blend seamlessly with the striking accent of the cinquefoil, resulting in a lively yet harmonious aesthetic that remains inviting—ideal for any design endeavor aiming to connect on a profound level. The palette can also be reflected in the gently fading hydrangea arborescens, with a snail on it continuing the theme as seen on the header.
Posted for #theflowerhour
Mood Board: Imagine a captivating arrangement that lovingly embraces shades of pink, pristine white, gentle muted tones, soothing beige, soft yellow, and a touch of lush green. This harmonious palette can beautifully serve as the foundation for a mood board centered around a flower bouquet, evoking warmth and comfort. Picture delicate blossoms in varying hues of pink, alongside white flowers that radiate elegance and purity. The muted tones can be tenderly represented through softly colored foliage or gentle accents of beige in the stems and wrapping of the bouquet. To infuse an extra layer of warmth, consider adding buttery pale yellow that brings a sense of joy. Finally, let the accents of green from leaves add a refreshing touch, completing this heartfelt composition.
Terri’s Sunday Stills Monthly Colour Challenge: Into the #Black I started looking for black birds, these I found in my archives. I was happy to find this many.
also linked to Birds of the Week LXXXVII
Looking back at the colorful windows from downtown Vancouver.
This week Ann-Christine leads us with a Dreamy challenge.
She wrote:There are many possibilities hidden in Dreamy – maybe you are given to or indulging in daydreaming? You might even want to illustrate one of your own dreams? Now we are looking forward to Your interpretation of the theme Dreamy!
I do have to include at least one of my artwork, hope you like it! I have used tones suitable for the season and the ones used in this post, incorporating rich hues that reflect the vibrant energy of autumn and the gentle warmth of winter. My goal was to create a piece that resonates with the changing atmosphere, drawing inspiration from nature’s stunning palette. I truly believe that art has the power to connect us to the world around us and to evoke feelings that words often cannot express.
I envision these images encapsulating a tapestry of enchanting autumn scenes, where dew-kissed spider webs glisten in the soft embrace of morning light, serene reflections dance upon a still lake, and misty vistas are adorned with golden hay bales—a true homage to this magical season. It invites us to bask in the tranquil beauty of an autumn landscape, where the vibrant hues of falling leaves gently blanket the earth. As the renowned poet John Keats once said, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” In this spirit, I felt compelled to share these evocative images of the season, hoping you can lose yourselves in the quiet allure of nature’s transformation into winter, cherishing the ephemeral beauty that graces our surroundings.
I’ve taken pleasure in crafting my response this week and hope you find joy in it as well. Be sure to check out Ann-Christine’s stunning original post here for a deeper insight into her challenge, and don’t forget to link back to it in your reply. Remember to add the Lens-Artists Tag so your contribution shows up in our reader section.
Thanks to John and all who took part in last week’s Autumn reflection, the images were so colorful. Here in the northern region, we are witnessing the tail end of the season, which carries a sense of melancholy as strong winds send leaves tumbling down, painting a beautiful yet somber scene. Many trees stand bare, resembling elegant silhouettes against the dwindling light, reminding us of life’s cycles and the inevitability of change. I encourage you to join us next week as Sofia once again leads us through her breathtaking Photographias blog. In the meantime, let’s appreciate the beauty around us as we move into the coming months, and remember to keep smiling; it might just brighten someone else’s day.
Interested in joining our challenge? click here for more information.
Starters or to share: King prawn pan with pilpil parmesan butter, rucola, and bread and Mains: Grilled beef tenderloin with fried king prawns in jalapeno sauce and grilled sweet potato
John’s Cellpic Sunday
The essence of autumn is fallen leaves, no.
Autumn whispers softly by the lake,
Golden yellows merge with vibrant green,
Reeds, like brushstrokes, dance in the breeze,
Against the azure calm, a tranquil scene.
For Dawn’s Festival of leaves
Se Cathedral Church in Goa, India, is an impressive building known for its grand size and rich history, making it one of the largest churches in Asia. It was built to honor the well-respected Portuguese general Afonso de Albuquerque for his key role in taking Goa from Muslim rule in 1510, which was a big moment in the area’s history. The church’s architecture beautifully combines Manueline, Gothic, and Renaissance styles, showcasing intricate details that highlight the craftsmanship of that time. Construction began in 1562 and wrapped up in 1619, showing the significant effort that went into this grand project. Today, it stands not just as an architectural marvel but also as the cathedral for the Archbishop of Goa, making it an important hub for the local Catholic community.
I have an overload of photos here, but believe me not I have another same amount that I am not sharing. Details a different views of the same place. Click the galleries to enlarge the photos if so inclined
For Dan’s Thursday Doors
Fort Aguada is a fortress built by the Portuguese, located south of Candolim Beach in Goa. The fortress was constructed in the 17th century to protect Portuguese ships and defend the area against Dutch and Maratha attacks. The fortress’s lighthouse is one of the oldest in Asia, built in 1864. Today, the fortress is a popular tourist destination, and I visited in 2019
I have had some health issues that has kept me from being very active with my posts and well mostly with comments. I apologize. This was Sarah’s theme last week and I never got to edit my photos for it then, better late…
For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Flowers are just beautiful. Their bright colors and sweet smells bring gardens to life, and they remind me of all those warm, sunny summer days, buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies everywhere. It’s like nature’s own picture show that I wish I could snap and keep forever in my memory!
A view of a kitchen through a window, featuring Tinka sitting on the windowsill and warm yellow light illuminating the interior.
Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday and Monday Window: 6 October 2025
Autumn is this weeks Lens-Artists ‘Looking Back’ Challenge, set by John. John’s original challenge post is here. In July 2020, the team launched a series called “Seasons.” Patti facilitated the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #106: Autumn here.
Autumn, fall, is a warm-colored season with cool temperatures, bringing a beautiful array of reds, oranges, and yellows as the leaves turn. The woods are full with edible mushrooms to pick and the more poisonous to photograph. It’s a time when nature begins to rest, preparing for the winter months ahead, and people also find themselves slowing down.. Slowly but surely, we are cozying inside our homes, wrapped in soft blankets while savoring warm drinks and apple pie. This season encourages us to stay inside, lighting the candles and fireplaces that create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
The crisp air outside calls for strolls among the falling leaves, reminding us to appreciate the beauty of change.
To us, falling leaves and autumn symbolize the closing of the summer season; at our summer house, this transition means not only raking leaves but, in recent times, using a lawnmower to moan them into little bits and leaving them as nutrients for the earth to enrich the soil for the next year. My husband took on the ambitious task this summer of clearing so many trees that one entire corner of the yard , now has an entirely new look, revealing hidden patches of sunlight that we hadn’t seen in years, the wood area of our yard needed cutting and trimming of the trees, which has unfortunately left us with mounds of branches scattered around the property. As the days grow colder and the ground becomes wet, the branches are gathered and prepared for a controlled burn to take care of the debris; it took a whole day to accomplish this, but the effort was worth leaving behind a cleared space that feels refreshing and revitalized for the upcoming seasons. A days work and in the end you are left with area with white ash.
Big thanks to John for giving us a nudge to share our Autumn vibes We’d love for you to share your favorite autumn photos too. Just link to John’s original post here and don’t forget to use the Lens-Artists Tag so we can check out your take on the theme!
Last week, our guest host, Joanna Mason, inspired us with the theme “Everyone Should See This,” resulting in a plethora of unique images in response. Thank you Joanna! Next week, Ann-Christine will be hosting the Lens-Artists Challenge, so make sure to follow her blog here to catch the challenge she will announce on Saturday, October 11, at 12:00 pm. Eastern Time.
For more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.
for Debbie’s six word Saturday
Last on the card for September 2025
Sea buckthorn is this spiny shrub that gives us some seriously vitamin C-packed berries! They’re also loaded with health perks. We had a conversations with a friend of mine about the bright orange berries that are full of antioxidants, vitamins, and good-for-you fatty acids, which can do wonders for your skin, give your immune system a nice boost, and keep your heart happy. Right now is the perfect time to dig into them. My friend eats them directly from the shrub, not me 😀
When I think about the ocean, I can’t help but feel a rush of emotions. It’s this vast expanse that holds so many mysteries and beauty, evoking awe and humility in me. The ocean feels like this incredible force—both calming and powerful at the same time. There’s something magical about standing by the shore, where you can hear the waves crash and feel that deep connection to nature and time itself.
Joanne is this weeks host. Her challenge post is here. Her request is to share some photographs of things/people/places that are inspiring and that you want to share. This is my approach to it. Suggestion: all the images in the galleries can be enlarged by a click.
It’s hard to believe that around 60-70% of people around the world have never seen the ocean in person. That means over 2.5 billion folks haven’t experienced the delight of watching the waves or feeling the sand between their toes! For many, it’s just not possible—living in landlocked areas, dealing with financial constraints, or simply not having the chance to travel can keep them away from those tranquil blue waters. It’s a reminder of how important it is to ensure everyone gets a taste of the ocean’s beauty.
I saw this firsthand in India when local people from the countryside came to see the ocean for the first time for the New Year celebration. They had no idea of the power of the water and did not know how to swim, yet the sheer joy radiating from the women, children, but mostly young men was a sight to behold. They were playing on the beach as you usually see children play, building sandcastles and chasing each other in the waves lapping at their feet. The lifeguards were driving up and down the beach giving warnings not to enter if you don’t know how to swim. Also, the amount of selfies and photos 😀 one can guess how many…
The ocean has inspired so many, including some amazing writers. Robert Wyla captures this perfectly when he says, “The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.” That resonates with me! And Rainer Maria Rilke echoes similar feelings, sharing his experience of going to the sea when life gets heavy: “When anxious, uneasy and bad thoughts come, I go to the sea, and the sea drowns them out with its great wide sounds, cleanses me with its noise, and imposes a rhythm upon everything in me that is bewildered and confused.” Doesn’t that just sound soothing?
I also love Christy Ann Martine’s lines, “Dance with the waves, move with the sea, let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.” It speaks to the joy of immersing ourselves in the ocean’s embrace. It reminds me that there’s this beautiful freedom found in the rhythm of the ocean.
Even if some haven’t been able to experience it firsthand, its essence resonates in our hearts and connects us all. The ocean isn’t just about its waves and shores; it’s about healing, inspiration, and that profound sense of belonging we all seek. So here’s to all the adventures waiting at the ocean!
I cannot end this post without sunset from by the ocean
Last week, you were so creative with your responses to Tina’s challenge! I love how different takes were on that theme. For Joanne’s challenge this week, make sure to link your post to hers and don’t forget to throw in the “lens-artists” hashtag so we can easily spot your post in the Reader.
Next week, John returns with a new challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
The building depicted in the image is the Finnish Clock and Jewelry Museum, Kruunu, located in Espoo. The museum showcases the history and art of clocks and jewelry. Museo Leikki is a museum specializing in the history of toys, play, and childhood. The museum opened in May 2022. Café Lyrica, which is likely situated in the museum.
Monday Window: 29 September 2025
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 