For Debbies Six Word Saturday I offer you a scene from last night: A quiet night, with mist hovering over the field, framed by silhouettes of trees and a fence under a bright moon of September.
A bright Moon of September
Moonlit whispers weave through September’s mist, Soft silver glow where shadows gently twist. Veils of vapor, drifting, dance on the breeze, Nature’s quiet secrets, brought to its knees. Stars peek shyly from their heavens up high, As the moon casts its gaze on the world nearby. A tranquil embrace in the nocturnal hue, Misty echoes of dreams, woven anew.
This is the most exotic sight by the lake Tampaja in Northern Kirkkonummi, the tilted sauna. This weeks post for Dans Thursday Doors, photos are from y archives – we still have green leaves on the trees.
A partially submerged log sauna with a bright yellow and blue door leaning precariously in a lake surrounded by trees.Scenic view of a lakeside sauna 😀A rustic log Sauna partially submerged in a lake, surrounded by trees and cloudy skies.
For no reason other than that I wanted to post these photos taken from my backyard is this post done. Struggling with what to post, why to post and contemplating the reasons behind sharing moments like these, I find myself lost in a sea of hesitation and uncertainty. The beauty of my surroundings often feels too mundane to share, yet there’s a certain charm in the ordinary that I can’t help but appreciate. Each photo captures a fleeting moment amidst the chaos of life, and while I grapple with the idea of their significance, I am reminded that sometimes it’s not about the grand stories or profound insights; it’s about celebrating the little things, embracing the simplicity of life, and allowing these images to resonate with anyone who might pause to look.
A decorative hanging planter filled with lush green vines
I have been kind of uninspired for the longest time; I haven’t really been taking hardly any photos, and that is, of course, compared to how I used to capture every moment with enthusiasm and creativity. I was sitting at home, looking out at the plant that grows and climbs outside my living room windows, watching the evening turn blue, painted softly by the setting sun—a small thing, but it does give me joy.
Cozy interior ? with a warm ambiance with a view of a lush garden.
Each day, I notice how this plant seems to stretch and twist toward the light and anything to cling to, a reminder of life’s quiet persistence. I also watch the season change here; soon, the leaves will be turning yellow, brightening the landscape with their warm hues, and with that change, the atmosphere will be totally different. The crispness in the air will usher in familiar scents of nature, inviting me to step outside and embrace the beauty around me once again. I’ve realized that sometimes, it’s these simple yet profound moments that can spark inspiration anew, urging me to pick up my camera and see the world through a different lens.
Cozy corner with a view of greenery through the window.
We visited Lehmonkärki resort during our vacation, and this charming door led to the sauna and spa area, which looked like a delightful retreat from daily hustle. The door, adorned with intricate woodwork, stood out beautifully against the natural backdrop. I really liked the door, as it had a note on it saying “no phones beyond this door,” a simple yet effective rule to ensure everyone could enjoy peace and solitude while relaxing.
The sauna area includes four unique saunas: USVA (steam sauna),SAVU(traditional smoke sauna warmed by alder wood), TERVA (a cozy, wood-burning sauna infused with the aroma of tar), and AISTI (a picturesque sauna offering views of Lake Päijänne).
A modern door leading to the sauna and spa area , framed by lush greenery and a scenic lakeside view.Scenic view of Lehmonkärki resort featuring a spa area by the lake and the restaurant behind it.
For John’s Cellpic Sunday The photo is self explanatory, yes?
Fordson tractors were inexpensive and lightweight tractors developed by Henry Ford, which began production in 1917. They were designed specifically for the needs of small farmers and quickly became popular.
Rustic vintage tractor found at Vuolenkoski, Finland
Clouds. They always fascinate me, I am drawn to the intense and brooding skies that often envelop the horizon combined with the sea, I really love it. The way they shift and change, forming intricate patterns, creates an ever-evolving canvas that captivates my imagination, sparking a sense of wonder about the natural world. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth to these formations, illuminating the rich colors and textures that define them. The mood that they give to a photograph can transform a simple scene into something dramatic and powerful, evoking emotions that resonate deeply within me .
I can almost feel the breeze, a touch of autumn in these photos. These are from Hailuoto, Oulu.
Hailuoto beach scene A coastal landscape featuring tall grasses against a backdrop of brooding clouds.A coastal landscape featuring sandy paths, lush grass, and a dramatic sky with shifting clouds.A stormy shoreline with dark clouds looming over a choppy sea, interspersed with rocks and patches of grass.Brooding clouds loom over a choppy sea. a dramatic and moody landscape.A walk along a rocky jetty, surrounded by a dramatic sea under an overcast sky.
Joenniemen kartano (the Manor) designed by architect Jarl Eklund, was completed in 1935 as the representative home of Gösta and Ruth Serlachius on the shores of Lake Melasjärvi. The building represents Classicism and is influenced by English manor architecture. The interior features clean-lined functionalism from the 1930s. Sculptor Hannes Autere designed the wooden furniture of the wine house and carved the wooden reliefs that decorate the space, as I wrote in my previous post. Hannes Autere also made the wooden carvings that adorn the main door and window frames of the manor.
This week here is my take on Windows as the light the rooms with sculptures by Emil Wickström
Emil Wikström (1864–1942) is known especially as a sculptor of public monuments cast in bronze and worked in stone, and as the creator of Finnish national imagery, significantly contributing to the artistic identity of Finland during his era. His works often reflect a deep emotional resonance and connection to Finnish culture and history. Among his most notable pieces is the sculpture of Anna-Liisa from 1906, which is prominently displayed by the window at Serlachius Museum, inviting viewers to reflect on the themes of femininity and beauty. Below this evocative sculpture is another striking piece, named Kuoleva tyttö from 1914 (translated as “dying girl”), which poignantly portrays the fragility of life, adding layers of depth and meaning to his oeuvre while illustrating the artist’s ability to convey complex human emotions through his mastery of form and material.
Kalapoika (Poika ja ahven), 1888, is a captivating work that beautifully captures the essence of childhood and the deep connection between young boys and nature. This piece, also by the talented Emil Wikström, showcases a fishing boy who is lost in his simple yet profound task of catching perch.
We took a quick trip home and I snapped some pics of Black chokeberry while soaking in the first signs of autumn. I noticed this awesome red leaf and a berry that had already turned red, looking pretty against the green leaves. I know these berries are edible, and while they look great, it’s pretty much best to just eat aronia straight up to really soak up all those vitamins and antioxidants. Seriously, aronia berries pack a punch with vitamins C, E, and B, plus essential minerals and flavonoids that are super good for you. But honestly, I’ve never felt the urge to eat them—maybe because I think they’re more fun to look at than to actually taste. I’ve thought about throwing them into a recipe, but the motivation to pick them and enjoy their awesome health perks just hasn’t hit me yet.
Close-up of Black chokeberry leaves and berries showcasing early autumn colors.Close-up of ripening Black chokeberry, highlighting vibrant green berries among lush leaves.
Close-up of Black chokeberry showcasing various stages of ripeness with green, red, and black berries among lush green leaves.
This week’s Thursday Doors features a beautifully carved wooden wine cellar door at Serlaclius Museum, showcasing intricate reliefs by Hannes Autere. The interior highlights a decorated room, complete with a musician mural and detailed windows that emphasize the artistic celebration of wine enjoyment. Thursday Doors
A beautifully carved wooden wine cellar door featuring intricate reliefs of Hannes Autere at Serlachius Museum
Details from the wine cellar at the cellar.
A beautifully decorated room with a musician mural and intricate windows, showcasing artistic details about the joys of enjoying wine.
We visited this museum during our vacation, and I for some reason got inspired to do three monochrome / BW versions of a this photo of a man learning about this piece of art.
I will start with also a color version of the photo compared to the monochrome one if a portrait composition.
This small but immeasurably valuable oil painting is a study of the properties of light and shadow. Monet painted a whole series of haystack motifs in the changing weather conditions of the Normandy countryside.
Claude Monet’s ‘Heinäsuova ilta-auringossa’ (Meadow Meadow in the Evening Sun) displayed at the Serlachius Museum.
A significant art discovery has been made at the Serlachius Museum in Mänttä. The painting “Heinäsuova ilta-auringossa” (Meadow Meadow in the Evening Sun), which is part of the museum’s collection, has been revealed to be the work of Claude Monet (1840-1926), a key painter of the Impressionist art movement.
The painting lacks a visible signature, but the University of Jyväskylä’s hyperspectral camera detected Monet’s name and the year 1891 beneath the paint. Analyses of the pigment and fabric confirm it is by Claude Monet. The Serlachius Museum has had it since the 1950s, assuming it could be by Monet. Its authenticity was confirmed in 2015, thanks to advancements in technology. The work was purchased in London through an art dealer from Mänttä and is believed to have been shown at the Impressionist exhibition at the Grafton Gallery in London in 1905.
I put together these different versions for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness project as a fun way to dive into artistic expression. The whole idea was to check out how the mood and meaning of the photo shift with different edits. I found myself thinking about what the image is really about—is it the painting itself, the man who’s learning about it, or maybe even the overall space where both the art and the observer exist? My idea was to show just how complex art can be and how it hits people in different ways based on their own experiences and perspectives.
A visitor contemplates Claude Monet’s ‘Heinäsuova ilta-auringossa’ at the Serlachius Museum, surrounded by informative text about the artist and his works.A visitor reflects on a Claude Monet painting at the Serlachius Museum, highlighting the intersection of art and admiration.A visitor admires Claude Monet’s ‘Heinäsuova ilta-auringossa’ reflecting on the painting’s historical significance.
The captions were created with AI – all slightly different… because of the light and contrast?
Four weeks have gone by since the official summer holiday came to an end, and I find myself still spending this week at the summer house, relishing the warm weather that lingers. The sun hangs high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the landscape, while soft breezes rustle the leaves of the trees surrounding me. Now the temperature has settled at a pleasant +20°C; it is nice enough to enjoy early morning coffee outdoors, Evenings are perfect , the horizon is painted with hues of orange and pink as the sun sets, creating a picturesque backdrop that makes it hard to believe that summer is truly slowly slipping away.
enjoying a sunny day by the waterfront, exploring the pier in a picturesque summer setting.
It has been an odd summer; the first half was so unseasonably cold that it hardly felt like summer at all. However, everything changed dramatically in the middle of July when our holiday commenced. To our surprise, we experienced the longest hot period in Finland’s recorded history—an astonishing 22 consecutive days of weather ranging between +25-30°C. This was a remarkable shift that caught many of us off guard, as such temperatures are not the norm for our region. We spent our days enjoying the sunny days in the shade, laying in the hammock, not really doing much. Lazy hazy summer days. Spending time with family, by the sea and lakes. Enjoying tasty fresh food prepared by others. I didn’t even take that many photos, hardly any. That is if I compare it to what I have done.
The increase in extreme weather has become a point of concern for many, as it is evident that these phenomena are occurring more frequently, likely due to the impacts of climate change. As I reflect on this summer, I cannot help but wonder what changes the future holds for our weather patterns and how we will adapt to them in the coming years.
A boy sitting on a dock by the serene lake, enjoying the warm summer day.
I have made few posts, but I apologize for not commenting on posts, and I have also been slow in replying to comments. I feel bad about it, but the thing is I feel almost guilty when there is a lovely summer day and I choose to stay inside. So I don’t . The summer is so short here, and when you have the opportunity to enjoy the good weather, you have to take it. It’s a time for outdoor life, barbecues with friends, and simply soaking up the sun’s rays. We have a long winter, and during that season, the days can feel endless as we spend more time indoors. Therefore, when summer arrives, I want to embrace every moment of it, squeezing in all the joy that I can before it slips away once again. I will try to do better …
Now I will post few photos, as this is a photography blog. Words have not really been my thing, but I am trying to include more …
A tranquil lakeside with a rowing boat moored at the water’s edge, embodying the essence of a lazy summer day.
Relaxing in a hammock at the summer house, enjoying the warm weather and the tranquility, plus a good book.
A beautifully plated dish featuring fresh ingredients, perfect for enjoying summer flavors .
We kicked back on Monday soaking up the culture at Serlachius Manor, where we checked out some amazing exhibits featuring everything from contemporary to classic art. The calm and elegance of the place really added to the exploration ofthe exhibits letting us dive into the creativity and history packed into those gorgeous galleries. We took our time wandering through the different installations, each one with its own unique story and offering cool insights into the artists’ journeys. It was a day full of inspiration and an awesome chance to connect with the rich cultural vibe that Serlachius Manor has to offer.
So this really is Monday windows – These I took with my IPhone. I haven’t uploaded my photos I took with my camera, If I would wait to do that this post would not happen.
I had various Red Images that are more red for position on this last day of #SimplyRed. Thanks for this challenge Becky, I had fun.
Lahti harbour
But, I am still going to post these most recent photos.
Happy days of summer
We went shopping in Lahti, and decided to have lunch at the harbor.
This reflection Sibelius house on the glass fence at restaurant caught my eye The clouds created great leading lines in the same as the 🌲 Such a tasty lunch
One more image of leading lines
August Nights are getting darker, time to light the candles
This week I have thought about my learning curve, and one of the most interesting aspects is monochrome adjustments. I have come a long way from the first attempts .
At the canal
I posted these in color in a previous post few days ago. This how they look in monochrome.
We have been on 16 day hot spell with temperatures around +30C – not a very usual occurrence here. We spent one of the days having lunch at Lehmonkärki Resort which is located on a stunning headland on the shore of southern Lake Päijänne, right next to the Päijänne National Park. One of the reason to go there is food offering has been centred on good ingredients and great taste. This means food from farmers and producers in the local villages. They order their root vegetables, garden berries and juices from them, among other ingredients. Also berries and mushrooms from the nearby forests and fish from Lake Päijänne. You are guaranteed a tasty fresh meal.
150-year-old Vääksy canal has plenty to offer for an entire day. Watch how the lock of the canal works, and there were lots of people young and old watching this happening. Many enjoying ice cream at the same time or walk to the Vääksynjoki river side of the canal and take a breather beside Wine&Cafe Jokiranta.
I was encouraged to stay in my hammock in the comments of my last post. So I did as recommended 😀 Now I can point out how hard work it is to pick blueberries 🫐… 😂
Hard at work. He picked about 5 liters from our own yard.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 