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
When you feel the need for a spiritual renewal, adopt the captivating practice of going to bed early and waking with the sun. Picture the gentle embrace of morning light as it touches your skin, granting you a tranquil moment while the world stirs to life around you. This calm ‘connected’ sensation is akin to enchanting stardust that can brighten your whole day, regardless of how chaotic it may turn.
This week, we’re excited to have SH join us as our Guest Host and are reflecting on the importance of our cherished quiet moments.
I fondly recall summers spent at our summer house when my boys were young; those warm mornings were pure joy! I would sneak out before anyone else, relishing my little slice of paradise on the patio with a steaming cup of coffee. The birds would fill the air with their uplifting melodies, and the leaves would sway gently in the sweet breeze. It truly became a beautiful oasis of tranquility, where I could enjoy my thoughts, free from demands—just me and a blissful silence before my three preteen whirlwinds burst onto the scene, ready for adventure. Those precious quiet hours were my secret strength, and let me tell you, finding joy in the delightful chaos was essential. After all, if you can embrace a morning of refreshing solitude, you can conquer anything those boys decide to throw your way!”
Quiet hours, often represented through serene photographs, capture the essence of stillness and peace in various environments. An image of a tranquil sunset over a quiet neighborhood can evoke feelings of calm,
In libraries, the focused expressions of individuals deeply immersed in their studies highlight the importance of silence for creative and intellectual pursuits.
Churches can be depicted with sunlit rooms and soft shadows, conveying a sense of hope and recovery,
While empty parks at dawn invite viewers to appreciate the beauty of solitude.
illustrating empty street
Each photograph can tell a story of tranquility, inviting onlookers to reflect on the significance of quiet hours in fostering community harmony and personal well-being.
To wrap up this week’s post, I want to extend my gratitude to SH for being our Guest Host and for introducing such a beautiful topic that will surely provide us all with moments of tranquility. Don’t forget to check out his original post here and use the Lens-Artists Tag so we can find your contributions. I appreciate Ann-Christine for her lovely post and everyone who participated in it.. Lastly, I hope you to join us next week as Egidio once again guides us through his Through Brazilian Eyes site. Until then keep on smiling.
By the way, it is vacation time for us! For the next four weeks, I am looking forward to spending my days in the hammock, savoring the warm summer days that have finally arrived in Finland. I can’t wait to soak up every moment of this blissful summer escape!
Debbies Six Word Saturday
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
Leannes Monochrome Madness #38
Guest host Sarah’s Monochrome Madness: Starting with an H
Posted as part of Becky’s SimplyRed
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.
Red apples are like the overachievers of the fruit world, flaunting their bright red jackets and screaming, “Look at me! I’m healthy!” They don’t just catch your eye; they practically do a little dance on the grocery shelf, coaxing you to munch on their juicy, crispy goodness. Legends say that these red beauties are the tempting fruit of choice, luring us in with their sweet charm—just try not to bite into one and imagine it’s forbidden! as A last thought, I for some reason associated red apples with Christmas.
Granny Smith apples, those sassy little green gems, are like the zesty grandma who sneaks you cookies while insisting on a kale salad for health! With their vibrant skin glowing like an emerald on a sunny day, they practically shout, “Stop right there and savor this tangy delight!” Taking a bite is almost like receiving a playful pinch that jolts your taste buds awake; it’s so refreshingly sharp, you might just second-guess if a lemon moonlighted as your snack! I had to add something about my favorite apple 🍏
Linked to Simply Red at Becky’s here
Lovely sunsets have been rare this summer, as has warm weather. I can honestly say this summer so far has had no summer vibes. The warm sunny days have been few and far between, does not feel like summer has even begun. I know it’s green and it is light, still…
Well these are from the evening/ night at 11PM before we had a summer storm. This is the sky looking at the sunset as it set to the west.
It is amazing how different the sky colors are when facing south, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light plays beautifully with the atmosphere. The warm hues of orange, pink, and gold can create a breathtaking canvas when facing the lens to west, contrasting with the cooler shades of blue and purple that often dominate the nighttime south sky.
Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday
this art cacti is for One-Word Sunday: red
and Simply Red #6
For SimplyRed.
O my Luve’s like a red, red rose,
That’s newly sprung in June:
O my Luve’s like the melodie,
That’s sweetly play’d in tune.
That is a verse from a a song by Robert Burns. It was written in 1794.
Posted as part of Becky’s SimplyRed
Thursday Doors July 3, 2025 Visiting the Tuhannen Tuskan Cafe , translates to “a thousand pains” or “a thousand sorrows” The cafe in Loviisa is often referred to in a more casual way, such as the Cafe of a Thousand Pains.
I was softly observing Tinka grooming itself, a tender and instinctual behavior that truly resonates with the essence of what it means to be a cat. It fills my heart with warmth to realize that they invest so much of their day in maintaining their cleanliness and fur; this ritual is much more than a matter of hygiene—it offers them comfort and a profound connection to their environment. Cats are wonderfully clean animals, and in that quiet moment of watching Tinka, I felt a deep wave of appreciation for these simple acts that beautifully reflect the innate grace and tranquility these cherished companions bring into our lives. For Leanne’s Monochrome Madness.
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
I emptied my card on my Sony yesterday, which has been my go-to camera for taking images for my photography projects lately. Plus, I’ve got my phone on me all the time, making it easy to grab quick shots whenever I want ; it adds a spontaneity to my photos and helps me catch sudden little moments.
This is a Wolly Buttercup – I took the photo in my backyard. I am rather happy with this one, I find yellow and red colors sometimes hard to capture.
This is from my IPhone – I am still looking for nice / different reflections 🙂
Unexpectedly, the two vibrant orange poppy blooms brightened my garden, their cheerful colors radiating joy against the lush greenery surrounding them. I was thrilled to see them, as they infused the flowerbed with a sense of happiness and vitality. It felt like nature had presented me with a wonderfully delightful surprise.
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.
As Ann-Christine wrote; This week we are starting to look back… each month or maybe every 6 weeks, one of us in the LAPC – team will repeat a PREVIOUSLY USED subject for the week. We will share a link to the old post, and then create a new post on the same subject. This will also give us all a chance to address challenges we may not have done before.
The creativity that has flowed through this group is nothing short of amazing! Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to see the innovative ideas and the contagious enthusiasm of so many talented photographers. Even though I haven’t participated in these challenges from the beginning, I’ve truly felt the heartbeat of this incredible community, where support and inspiration beautifully spark joy. After observing for a while, I finally decided to join in, inspired by the wonderful posts created within this community. Thank you, Ann-Christine, for inviting us to reflect on the earlier days of this challenge with your lovely theme and for sharing your beautiful post from back then Creativity in the first post, #42, as well as the one you created for us this week.
This week, my heart is full of excitement as I decide to raise my own tail and share the delightful creative pursuits that ignite my passion! While I may have strayed a bit lately, I’m determined to rediscover the joy of creating. Whether it’s painting, sculpting, or aquarelle painting, time spent creating with my own hands fills me with happiness.
I am happy to share my little “masterpieces” 😂 with you all! Most of my art I am not happy with, and whenever I come across old paintings I’ve done, I see SO much need for improvement. They may have seemed okay at the time, but now, in hindsight, I realize there are countless aspects that could be enhanced. The colors, the technique, the composition—there’s always something I wish I could change. Despite this, I can genuinely say I enjoyed the creative process of making them at the time. Then there are certain pieces that stand out, ones that I can proudly say are truly mine. These artworks still look good to me and I achieved what I aimed for.
First thing was drawing – I don’t remember when I haven’t done that. Here is one sample done with pastel colors. I have always loved to draw faces as well as photograph them 🙂 As I have moved a lot from early age, I am sad to say my earlier drawing were lost in the process. It would be lovely at this age my work from my teenage years. I have only few left…
In 2011, I dedicated myself to mastering oil painting, achieving mixed results—some pieces I was happy of, while others fell short of my expectations. I shared a handful of these works on my original blog, which I still maintain, though I haven’t kept it updated regularly. If you’re interested, feel free to check out some of my attempts in my art blog as I did a repost of one of my earlier post from 2011. The one below I still like in all of its simplicity.
I was super into mixed media art for a long time, diving headfirst into this colorful world of creativity and expression. I mixed my art with old and new photos to create cool images that touched on different themes like nature, feelings, and my own experiences. My passion for color, which is a big part of these fun and layered pieces, really brought each artwork to life, letting people connect with it emotionally. The mix of textures and materials gave depth to everything, making each piece a one-of-a-kind reflection of my artistic journey and a shoutout to the beauty around us. While I was combining all these elements, I realized each creation had its own story, encouraging others to explore the layers of meaning and inspiration I was excited to share through my creative vision.
Then I also dabbled a bit in sculpture; it’s a wonderfully relaxing and almost meditative form of creativity that offers an escape from the hustle and bustle of daily life. You can feel the clay beneath your fingers, its texture smooth yet malleable, inviting your imagination to take flight. Before you know it, you lose track of time, allowing your hands to work deftly while clearing your mind of distractions. As you mold and shape, the scent of the clay becomes a part of the experience, grounding you in the moment. The only thought is about where to add more clay to bring your envisioned result to life, each decision guided by an intuitive understanding of balance and form. This process not only enhances your creative expression but also fosters a deep sense of satisfaction and connection with the material. The joy of watching something take shape under your hands is simply unparalleled, leaving you rejuvenated and inspired.
As an artist, I find watercolor painting to be both exhilarating and frustrating. I have just recently ventured this with some confidence. The fluidity of the medium is a double-edged sword; mastering the right water-to-pigment ratio takes time and practice. Too much water can wash out the vibrancy I strive for, while too little leads to harsh lines that just don’t feel right. Watercolors have a mind of their own—they blend and react in ways I might not anticipate, which can either be a delightful surprise or a source of frustration, depending on how it goes. But despite these challenges, there’s something magical about watercolor. It captures light in a way that few mediums can.
Graphic monotype is a captivating printmaking technique that allows for spontaneous creativity, combining the fluidity of painting with the tactile experience of print. Although I’ve pursued it for several years, achieving the precise results I envision remains a challenge. Each print is unique, offering a beautiful surprise in texture and form, which makes the process both frustrating and exhilarating. The unpredictability and chance elements inherent in monotyping stimulate my artistic expression and keep me returning to this vibrant medium.
Thanks for last week’s challenge Anne,and everyone who participated in the challenge; reflections are a topic so many of us love and I saw lots of beautiful, creative reflections. Lens-Artists are on a short break for a week, but we invite you to join us Saturday July 12 at noon Eastern Time, when our guest host SH will be your guide. Until then, keep on smiling.
For information on how to join the Lens-Artists challenge please click here.
Traditional japanese costumes on show at a park in Helsinki on a summer’s day for Six word Saturday
Modes of Transport is an exciting topic that presents endless possibilities! I must commend our host Dawn from The Day After. for an idea with lots of possibilities. The world is filled with remarkable ways to travel, the ones I chose are some of the obvious ones! To keep things clear and focused, here are a few that stood out to me.
I have taken few shots of trams 😀
Few that travel by waters
Transport with two wheels
Lens-Artists Challenge this week is hosted by Anne, and the theme is reflections, please visit her lovely post for inspiration and guidance. I for one often find myself searching for a beautiful reflection. I believe many of us photographers are. “Don’t shoot what it looks like. Shoot what it feels like.”
“Water’s mirror., “Reflection perfection., “Stillness captured., “Nature’s looking glass., and “Water’s silent poetry.
Shots below I took at Porkkalanniemi in Kirkkonummi, a stunning location known for its breathtaking natural beauty and serene landscapes. The area is surrounded by the tranquil waters of the Gulf of Finland, which reflect the vibrant colors of the sky during sunrise and sunset. As I wandered along the rocky coastline, I was captivated by in this environment, this picturesque region.
Wakodahatchee Wetlands is a stunning nature preserve located in Delray Beach, Florida, celebrated for its rich diversity of wildlife and picturesque walking trails. Spanning over 50 acres, it boasts a charming boardwalk that invites visitors to explore the wetlands and delight in observing a variety of species, including playful alligators, curious turtles, and a vibrant array of birds, such as graceful herons and elegant egrets. The preserve not only serves as a vital habitat for wildlife but also offers excellent educational resources about the local ecosystem, making it a beloved destination for nature enthusiasts and birdwatchers eager to connect with the beauty of the natural world. That is were the shots below have been taken, while searching for birds and reflections.
Reflections in photography frequently introduce an element of depth, curiosity, and artistic nuance to an image. They can signify duality, uncover concealed angles, or merely elevate the visual allure of a scene. Numerous photographers and viewers have noted the potency of reflections, employing expressions that convey their capacity to turn the mundane into something enchanting or intellectually stimulating.
Below you can see reflections from from different locations.
Thanks for last week’s challenge Beth and everyone who participated in last week’s challenge; it was a tumultuous end to the week with the stormy moments you all contributed. Lastly, we invite you to join us next week as Ann-Christine leads us with something new next Saturday, June 28 at noon Eastern Time . Until then, keep on smiling.
For information on how to join the Lens-Artists challenge please click here.
Linked to Six word Saturday at Debbie’s here
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 