Margaret from From Pyrenees to Pennines hosts Monochrome Madness this week with a theme Where Words Fail, Music Speaks. I have heard music in many countries and it definitely is an international language – it moves us and gives us joy regard of nationality.
Most of my photos are street photographs – and I approached this challenge by just the photos. which could look good as monochrome. I always enjoy the editing process.
Let’s end this post with a happy smile. Embrace the moments of happiness and take time for yourself as you navigate the days ahead. Have a great week ahead, filled with positivity and light!
This post was a nice reminder of the power of a smile. I just Love Ann-Christine‘s theme this week.
I have been in the dumps nothing serious, November blues, but I am doing my best to crawl out of it, finding the glimmers of hope amidst the dullness I feel. A smile always is uplifting, like a beacon of light in the dark. I’ve had a few smiles and laughs with friends lately, which served as a much-needed reminder of the joy that friends bring. Thank you all for your comments lately, even if I have been very bad, very naughty, at responding and reciprocating. Your kindness has not gone unnoticed, and I still have had smiles seeing your posts and comments. Each interaction, no matter how small, a connection that pulls me in, and it’s this sense of community that inspires me to keep pushing forward and rediscovering the need to crawl out of the inactive mode.
Now for the smiles. This young women made me smile when I saw her 🙂 She sure likes pink.
I know, naughty
The look and the contrast with his clown get-up for some reason made me smile. Not a happy dude in happy gear.
A good bookstore and a book can bring surely bring a smile when you discover it.
Random encounters like a man and his pig, also an old fella with pigeons, add a touch of whimsy to everyday life. The sight brings a smile to my face, while the elderly gentleman carefully holding his feathered friends creates a serene yet delightful scene. Twins, never fail to bring joy wherever I see them 🙂 The duck with fish, is a sight I don’t often see. These are some of the smile-triggering moments that remind me of the simple pleasures life has to offer, creating little pockets of happiness throughout the day. And every time I see cows in the field I need to point them out.
Signs that have some humor in them… I’ll just post this one.
Thank you Ann-Christine for your uplifting post. When you post your response, remember to link to Ann-Christine’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.
Last week, Tina emphasized gratitude and reflection on appreciation beautifully, setting the stage for an this week challenge. Next week, Sofia will take over the challenge, so look out for her post and join us again.
These are not the best shots I’ve taken with my mobile, but I had fun experimenting with light settings. The last set is taken from inside a cozy cafe, looking out through the window— searching for funny reflections that add an interesting twist to the ordinary scene. It’s amusing to notice how, in some of the pictures, there are lots of people appearing without heads. These unusual captures reminding me of the joy that comes from simply observing the world around me while sipping on a warm cup of coffee.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
Well, this is one of the things you can do in November.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
November 13th – M – Maisema / Landscape / scene / view
Meri – Sea
Landscape – this is taking the easy way out of this one.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
November 11 th -L is for – Lasipullo / Lasipullot – Glass bottle / Glass Bottles
This is a lake reed, most common reed in Finland, photo of Lake Syväjärvi in Kirkkonummi. I am also posting this to John’s Cellpic Sunday
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
This is a lake reed, most common reed in Finland, photo of Lake Syväjärvi in Kirkkonummi. I am also posting this to John’s Cellpic Sunday
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
This is from Syväjärvi in Kirkkonummi – taken around after 3PM. It was already dusk. AS you may have seen from my yearly November posts, it is the grayest month of the year – and apparently the grayest city in Europe in November. That is what we are surviving at the moment. Yesterday I was able to catch a bit of blue in the horizon, even if it had been a dull day for the most part. the camera catches so many more hue’s than the eye can see.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
November 9th – I – INDIGO. Tarkoittaa intialaista sinistä väriä.
Indigo deep blue colour / A purplish-blue colour.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
November 8th – H is for Hampurilainen 🍔 – no translation needed here.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
This is often drank during Christmas season, often spiced with alcohol. This bottle is from last year, did not consume it back then
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
Last weekend we ventured outside and drove to have lunch in Helsinki , it’s about half hour drive, not much of an adventure. The restaurant is located in the area of Katajanokka is a neighbourhood of Helsinki, with around 5000 inhabitants. The district is located adjacent to the immediate downtown area, though in the first major town plan for Helsinki from the mid-18th century, the area fell outside the fortifications planned to encircle the city.
This us driving away from Katajannokka on one of the bridges, in the corner is the part of the The Presidential Palace.
Katajanokka was originally a headland of the Helsinki peninsula but is now an island due to the canal dug in the 19th century. Four bridges connect it to mainland Helsinki. Urban settlement expanded to Katajanokka in the 18th century, remaining largely untouched until the canal’s completion in 1844, which linked the South and North Harbours. The south side features a busy passenger harbour for ferries to various destinations, while the area consists mainly of co-operative apartment buildings and small parks. The eastern part was once a military zone with a naval base, which evolved into a commercial shipyard.
These are from the eastern side looking towards the sea, my attention was on the house on the small island as the sun was casting the last light on it. for some reason I did not take photos of the newer buildings.
Here we are leaving the area, driving towards the Helsinki Cathedral
The western part of the residential area, known as the “Old Side” of Katajanokka, is an upscale neighborhood and a well-preserved example of early 20th century Art Nouveau architecture, though up until the mid-19th century – while the centre of Helsinki was being filled with stone buildings – the area was essentially still a wooden shanty town.
The westside has some restoration going on and the area is not built for the amount of cars that we nowadays have, a bit tricky to get a parking spot here,
I am speechless today after seeing the news this morning. Not much to say. Today is a F day , I’ll post a shot of Farkkutakki 🙂
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
My aunt gave me this beautiful angel when I was a teenager about 45 years ago, and I still cherish it dearly. The piece itself may not be worth much , but its sentimental value is immeasurable. It now safely guards my bedroom, serving as a gentle reminder of the love my aunt bestowed upon me. Currently, it finds its home on top of a mirror, which leans gracefully against a silk painting that has also accompanied me for over thirty years.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
November 4th- D is for DVD-levy. D is not an all that often used letter in Finnish language, but there are still more options than C.
Luckily we have rows of DVD’s💿 all in random order, we still have a player but not really used. I am sorry for not using more imagination with this post. So this was not a Dilemma for me as this word is also used in Finnish language.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
November 3rd- C is for CD-levy. C is not an all that often used letter in Finnish language. Luckily we have rows of CD’s💿 all in alphabetical order
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
The wind that blew yesterday in Helsinki was so, so cold, slicing through the streets like a sharp knife, making each passerby pull their coats tighter around themselves. Despite the frigid temperatures, there were still some dedicated souls about, braving the chill to learn about the rescue service boats by the marketplace.
This week, I propose we explore how we see silence in photography. This is a subjective theme, so there is no right or wrong approach. It is your vision and way of perceiving silence in your work, that is what Egídio wrote in his beautiful post. This is in a way a continued theme to last week in some sense – silence can be healing. This was to me also a soul searching request.
On that note, I am posting some photos that I think have captured silence.
Silence is the great teacher, and to learn its lessons you must pay attention to it. There is no substitute for the creative inspiration, knowledge, and stability that come from knowing how to contact your core of inner silence ~Deepak Chopra
This hill is one of my favorite spots to photograph for some reason it makes stop everytime i pass it, the trees create a lovely contrast against the sky. The golden light dances across the field, illuminating the vibrant colors of the grass. It’s a calm and serene place, silent but for the soothing sounds of nature, like the soft wind and the distant chirping of birds,.
Night time surrounded by nature – stillness of the air, the wind has settled and air is crisp – one feels small on top of the mountain looking at the vastness of the sky. The stars twinkle like diamonds scattered across a deep velvet canvas. Hereone can truly appreciate the beauty of nature and the insignificance of human worries as they are dwarfed by the grandeur surrounding them.
Open blue sea – gentle breeze – joy of silence around you, enveloping you in a tranquil embrace that soothes the mind and spirit. The rhythmic sound of waves harmonizes with the soft whisper of the wind. As you gaze into the vast expanse of water, the salty air refreshes your senses, you breathe deeply and appreciate the simplicity of this peaceful escape.
I love the sea and if you are able to be there on your own or a loved one – bliss.
Reading, can silence your thoughts and let you have moment of peaceful escape from the daily hustle and puzzle of life.
I do not go to church to worship, but I do visit them and enjoy the silence and calm atmosphere in churches and temples. I also often visit the graveyards – read the tombstones and wonder about the lives they had and the silence is soothing in these places.
You really have to be at peace with yourself to appreciate the silence, as it presents an amazing opportunity for thinking and reflecting; in those uplifting moments, you can dive deep into your thoughts, discover your true feelings, and uncover a wonderful sense of peace that’s often hidden beneath the chaos of everyday life.
Thank you all for your wonderful photos and thoughts about the quete in my last challenge; your creativity and enthusiasm truly shone through in every submission. I am so happy to see that you all embraced the challenge with openness, allowing your unique perspectives to enrich our collective experience. The photos captured not only the essence of the theme but also reflected the effort and passion you put into your work, and it’s inspiring to witness such a supportive community come together to share their talents and insights.
Next week, Patti (of https://pilotfishblog.com) will be leading her In The Details challenge. Choose a subject (a statue, a person, a place, street art, etc.) and take a series of photos about your subject. Get closer and closer to the subject, focusing on a particular detail(s). Vary your shots by changing your perspective or angle of shooting or even your lens. Post three photos of your subject. Feel free to shoot another series on a second subject.
November 2nd – B is for Bensa-asema – Gas station. I was going to go with the word bisse ( beer) but I might use it later as we have at least two more words for it. Olut and kalja.
Note to the Finns – this was a pick-up stop, not to buy gas.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
I am sitting here and trying to make up my mind if I should use English or Finnish words on this challenge or both, that would make it so much easier. I will most likely take these photos with my mobile – this is taken on the road of a AJONEUVO ( Vehicle ) the company by chance starts with an A.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
Oh well… the first one is from my Sony SLT-A65V – using the macro lens. I was trying to capture details from different distances.
OLYMPUS DIGITAL shot October 5th, – three weeks later most of the leaves have dropped …
This the last one I took with my Olympus – I have not taken this camera for an outing for three weeks, oh no… this I took during our last stay at the summer house before closing it for the winter.
Well as I aim to be honest, my last is a selfie, cringe 🙂 I had my hair shortened and colored, a transformation that I had been contemplating for quite some time. I just came from the hairdresser, feeling happy about my new look – and I took a shot of myself to commemorate the occasion. Notice that I did not edit the photo :-D, I so wish I had edited it, though, now that I see it on the monitor the harsher light of my screen, I see every little flaw and imperfection. (vanity) A small blessing is that I wore make-up, which helped that not every pore was visible. I wasn’t sure about sharing it, I decided to embrace this little glimpse into my day and it was the last photo on the card.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 