This contains photographs of my home country, places dear to me. That I proudly share.
Becky’s Squares: Simply Red
Dan’s Thursday Doors
We went to have look at this place that sells old stuff from barns. We left empty handed, except for these photos.
I apologize if this post is not very well worded or organized, I am posting this as l am lazy in the hammock and doing it with my phone.
Sunday morning I went to have coffee in the city and by the sea and what did I see, a lady in red. Just a girl, but lady in red sounded so much better ♥️😀
Linked to Simply Red at Becky’s here
This is for Monday Window hosted by Ludwig. It is a bit of a different window I usually post, but a window, with lots of reflections.
Egídio mentioned this in his post, I had not heard the term, but I was aware of the benefits of woods. The Japanese concept of shinrin-yoku, which translates to “forest bathing” in English, emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a heartfelt response to stress relief. This beautiful practice encourages you to immerse yourself in the natural world, inviting your mind and body to fully cherish the experience through all five senses.
Have you noticed how wandering through a forest can soothe your soul and bring you back to a place of calm? It’s understandable that some may prefer the calming embrace of the woods over the beach when feeling anxious or troubled. Spending time in forests has a remarkable ability to quickly reduce your heart rate and blood pressure, easing muscular tension, too. One of the most profound influences of being surrounded by trees is how it lifts your spirit, promoting serenity and aiding in stress recovery. The uplifting benefits of nature can be felt in as little as fifteen minutes, and these feelings of peace deepen the longer you spend in these tranquil spaces.
I have lived most of my life in places where the woods are just behind our home from childhood to my adult homes. Even now, I have woods just meters away from my backyard, just as I did when I was a child. I spent hours with my friends playing in the woods and also by the sea as a child. One thing that still brings back memories to this day is the enchanting scent of the woods by the sea, a unique mix of pine, damp earth, and a hint of salt from the ocean breeze. The woods area had been sea before, so the soil had a recognizable scent, rich and earthy, that I always associate with childhood adventures and the whispers of nature.
No more memories. In this post I am keeping it simple. We went to the woods with our grandkids and here are some photos from that walk in the woods.
Few words about the place we at least once a year visit. Porkkala truly captivates the heart with its stunning natural landscapes, where the serene blend of coastal beauty and lush forests invites you to experience tranquility. The region’s rocky shorelines and calm waters gift you with breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea, perfect for moments of reflection. As you wander through the woodlands, you’ll find solace among the towering coniferous trees, like pine and spruce, intertwined with broadleaf species that paint the changing seasons with vibrant colors. This rich ecosystem nurtures a variety of wildlife, including lovely bird species that thrive in this peaceful haven. There are many beautiful hiking trails that meander through the woods, offering you endless opportunities to embrace the beauty of nature and reconnect with your inner self.
Hopefully you can see my appreciation for the simple joys of the woods. Thank you Egidio for this trip down memory lane and an opportunity to share a new memory created few days ago. When you post your response, please remember to link back to Egidio’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Next week, look for Tina’s post since she will be leading the challenge.
In the meantime, enjoy the nature and summer joys.
Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.
Here a toast to Becky´s July Squares – #SimplyRed.
I enjoyed a day with a long time friend by the sea.
The geese were polite to towards the drivers as they used the crossing to get to the other side of the road
In the midst of the lush greenery, the vibrant red cap pops out, drawing the eye like a beacon against the backdrop of woods greens. This is a joint post for Six-Word Saturday 7.19.25 and #SimplyRed19 . Hopefully it is just enough red.
Yesterday was a hot and humid day which was slightly cooler after a thunderstorm that hit us in the late afternoon.
The night was cooler only +20 Celsius so I took my camera for a walk to capture the beauty of summer nights.
Then I walk to the north side of my house and the sky was in totally different tones of color
Buildings painted in traditional red ochre paint that is popular in the Nordics effectively embody the warmth and character of a community deeply rooted in its cultural heritage and appreciation for nature. This distinguished color, prominently displayed on structures in picturesque villages and tranquil landscapes, not only enhances the visual appeal but also evokes a profound sense of home for the residents. The historical significance of red ochre paint reflects the pride that Nordic individuals take in their craftsmanship and the narratives intertwined with their dwellings.
Linked to SimplyRed at Becky’s here
I’m at my summer house, in the countryside, inside watching outside as the rain pours down the windows, creating a rhythm with the wind that makes everything feel peaceful. As I try to pass the time, I took a few photos, capturing the raindrops cascading down the glass, and had an ‘aha’ moment when I remembered that our shed, in the corner of the yard, is painted a red, which contrasts with the lush greenery surrounding it, just what I need for simply red today.
For SimplyRed.
I’m not going say this is a easy one, I seem to lean towards green and blue colors. I found some that I can start with, strawberries 🍓 are now in season.
Linked to SimplyRed at Becky’s here
For Cellpic Sunday
Sunday here was a very windy, but sunny day in end. I did wake up to the sound of thunder and lightning and very heavy rain. I should have gotten up to take a photo, but instead I just stayed in bed and listened to it.
That has nothing to do with the photos I am going to post 😀
Instead I am going to share few images from our Sunday lunch. We drove to a restaurant in Espoo we hadn’t been before , Ravintola Cru it’s located in a nice old building which I for some reason didn’t take a picture of 😀 but I did take one from the bakery across the street. Note, we enjoyed the food.
In the hush of a Nordic summer night,
The sky glows soft, a canvas of light,
Whispers of breezes dance through the trees,
While shadows play hide and seek with the leaves.
Stars blink awake, a celestial sight,
Laughter and dreams take gentle flight,
In this tranquil hour where time stands still,
The magic of summer our hearts shall fill.
Traditional japanese costumes on show at a park in Helsinki on a summer’s day for Six word Saturday
This weekend we are celebrating midsummer, it is one of the main celebration of the year here in Nordic countries. The nightless night.
Happy midsummer to you all with this
But I lie upon the meadow to rest my legs awhile
I stop my musings right away to feel the sunlight shine
Let others do the thinking, they’re wiser anyway
on such a warm and friendly, and sleepy summer day
When all is blue and smells of dew
and you are free for troll-like deeds
or what you will – but choose to be
just lying still.
I am a troll like you, who thinks
the world is a home for me,
right now.
Johns Cellpic Sunday
This little guy was enjoying the patio swing and a sleepover with us. A day with a baby and I am so tired now, it will take days to recover 😂 as I hardly slept because I was anticipating if he would wake up.
This week, our host Elke from pictures imperfect blog has presented a fascinating theme focusing on our colour images that are NATURALLY MONOCHROME. This refers, as I understand it, to images that appear devoid of color, resembling black and white photographs without any conversions applied.
It’s almost impossible to find photos that show no color. Winter offers most opportunities to capture natural monochrome images
These I found, hopefully they work for this prompt.
This is the time to get a shot of Rhododendrons, as their vibrant blooms are a spectacular. The particular one I captured was taken with my iPhone from the comfort of my backyard, where the sun gently kissed the petals, 🙂 Their lush foliage and intricate blooms not only provide a stunning backdrop and , reminding me of the beauty that nature has to offer right outside my door.
Later that day, we went to visit the Rhododendron park, and the sight was absolutely awesome; it is truly a wonder how big these magnificent plants can grow and how the different color blooms create a stunning spectacle. As we walked through the park, I couldn’t help but admire not only the vibrant pinks and deep purples but also the delicate whites and fiery reds that seemed to dance in the gentle breeze. I have to say, we were certainly not the only ones there that day; the park was packed with people of all ages, and nationalities each one enjoying the lovely day and taking advantage of this small, fleeting window of time to see the rhododendrons fully bloom in all their glory. Families were well presented, couples strolled hand in hand, and photography enthusiasts eagerly captured the beauty surrounding us, creating a lively atmosphere that enhanced our shared appreciation for nature’s artistry. What a great opportunity to people watching as well… I will post a separate post about those photos as I did not take them with my phone
For Cellpic Sunday
While visiting friends this weekend I was drawn to the scene outside their window—a serpentine road meandering through the countryside, popular among drivers, adorned with vibrant greenery from the surrounding fields and forests. However, this very window has also overlooked the aftermaths of numerous accidents; a harsh reminder of the hidden perils beneath its beauty. Thankfully, such incidents appear to happen less often now, particularly after the speed limit was reduced to 60 km/h, a change that has certainly improved the road’s safety.
That was yesterday, the last day of May; we were at our summer house. I took some photos on my iPhone of one corner of our grounds. My husband is having fun with his chainsaw, clearing the area of small spruce trees to let some light into the corner and make it look nicer, as it was overgrown and not at all pleasing to look at. Well, it doesn’t look that way now either, but hopefully soon.
This I took with my Olympus – lens OLYMPUS M.45mm F1.8 while sitting on my patio at home watching the oak leaves starting to open from the warmth of the sun.
I also took these during the weekend, I was sitting on my sofa and playing with my new camera and decided I would try the ICM zooming again as I was not impressed with my earlier efforts, this time they are slightly better, still need to continue the efforts Sony A7 III, Lens 28-200mm f/2.8-5.6
For Last on the card in May.
For Debbie´s Six Words Saturday.
traditional Scandinavian grain drying and threshing cabinThis is the prime time for dandelions in my neck of the woods. The glorious yellow fields of this pest of a flower look lovely, stretching out like a bright carpet across the landscape, creating a vivid contrast against the greens of the grass and the browns of the earth. This weed is lovely in its brightness, with its unapologetic splendor. I took these yesterday, reveling in the beauty of the fields and the soft, fluffy clouds drifting lazily above, where the sun peeked through to illuminate the landscape. However, towards the end of the day, the clouds turned dark, gathering together ominously and giving us a pour of rain that was both refreshing and needed. The scent of the air after the rain was so fresh and lovely, invigorating my senses.
The seeds, delicate and fluffy, are a great macro photography subject, exploding into the air with just a gentle breath, scattering like tiny parachutes on the wind.
My old neighbor, by old I mean she used to be my neighbor and well she was on the older side; I was in my late forties and she in her late eighties, told me she used to make wine out of dandelions, a unique blend that captivated and surprised many. She said she would give me the recipe, but I never did actually get it, although it came up many times during our conversations, often reminiscing about the joy ipicking the dandelions. She was a lovely lady, always positive, her laughter , and her stories rich with wisdom about foraging, gardening, and the simple pleasures found in nature.
Dandelions can be made into wine, offering a refreshing and unique beverage. This traditional recipe is perfect for beginners looking to try something new for spring or summer meals. While many see dandelions as weeds, wine enthusiasts view them as ingredients. Dandelion wine is gaining popularity among DIY winemakers, featuring a light and citrusy flavor.
I googled this recipe
Dandelion Wine
Yields approx. 4 liters
Ingredients:
• 3 liters of dandelion petals (only the yellow parts)
• 4 liters of water
• 1.5–2 kg of sugar (adjust to taste)
• 2 organic lemons (juice + zest)
• 1 orange (optional – for rounder flavor)
• 1 tsp freshly grated ginger (optional)
• 1 packet wine yeast
• Optional: 1 tsp yeast nutrient
Instructions:
You cannot escape forests here – they are all around us, enveloping every corner of the landscape. Approximately 75 percent of Finland’s land area is covered by forest, creating a lush, green tapestry that supports an array of wildlife and offers countless opportunities for exploration.
I have had a forest right at my doorstep most of my life, from playing in the forest as a kid to taking walks in it as an adult, allowing me to witness the changing seasons, from the vibrant hues of autumn leaves to the serene blanket of snow during winter, each moment reinforcing the connection I feel with nature. The soothing sounds of rustling leaves and chirping birds provide a constant reminder of the peace that these natural havens can bring.
Posted for For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness.
Here is a photo of a window from Iso Kirkkokatu for Monday Window. The building at this point in time could have used some much-needed tlc, as its facade showed signs of wear and aging. Despite this, the window itself stands out beautifully. The light reflection casts enchanting shadows, one more addition to the shot.
Debbie’s Six Words Saturday
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 