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.
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 ♥️😀
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.
A family enjoying a peaceful walk through a lush forest
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.
A forest scene pine and spruce trees
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.
the woods in Porkkala
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.
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.
My grandson with a red cap enjoying blueberries in lush greenery and trees at Porkkala
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.
A scenic view of traditional red ochre houses lining a gravel path under a cloudy sky.Traditional red ochre buildings reflected in calm water.A child exploring a red wooden playhouse.
Charming row of houses painted in traditional red ochre, framed by lush greenery and a serene pathway.
A close-up of a sign on a traditional red ochre building.
A picturesque view of a red shed in a lush garden, seen through a rain-soaked window.
a red shed through a rain-soaked window.
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.
A cozy view from inside a summer house, looking through a rain-covered window to the lush greenery ..
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.
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.
A Nordic summer night view of a full moon rising over a misty landscape is something to treasurea full moon rising over a misty landscape, framed by a rustic wooden fence.
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.
This weekend we are celebrating midsummer, it is one of the main celebration of the year here in Nordic countries. The nightless night.
Midsummer rose
Happy midsummer to you all with this
Moomintroll’s Midsummer Poem
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.
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.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 