This contains photographs of my home country, places dear to me. That I proudly share.
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
Details from the wine cellar at the cellar.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 …
Debbies Six Word Saturday
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.
Monday Window: 4 August 2025
I took most of the images from the the restaurant we had lunch.
By the way the lunch was delicious, but that is another post
Debbies Six Word Saturday
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.
But, I am still going to post these most recent photos.
We went shopping in Lahti, and decided to have lunch at the harbor.
One more image of leading lines
For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
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 .
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.
Linked to SimplyRed at Beckie’s here
The first version with many crossings is for Debbies One Word Sunday: Crossing
For Becky’s SimplyRed is the second one with more red light 🚦
John’s Cellpic we’ll all are taken with my mobile behind the wheel, edited with Lightroom on the phone.
Additional photo is a bus crossing the crossing in front of the red bus edited into a square.
It is so nice to pick these from the bush and enjoy them with ice cream and caramel- sweet and sour 😋 and they are ripe now.
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 🫐… 😂
For Simply Red
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.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 