Veikka was a lovely and loved cat, a cherished cat whose striking white fur glistened in the sunlight, making her the center of attention wherever she went; you could not miss her, as she was the size of a small dog. Her gentle purring provided a soothing soundtrack to quiet evenings, and her warm presence filled the hearts of her human companions with an unexplainable happiness. Veikka passed away years ago, but the photos pop up so often when I search my archives; her memory lives on through photographs; she was an inspiring model for me.
A cat sitting on a wooden step by the window, surrounded in soft natural light.
Here I am once again showing two of my aquarelle paintings. I have spent several hours trying to find my way of using the medium; still lots to learn, but I am improving, or I like to think I am. If interested to see the rest, they are behind the links.
A watercolor depicting a tranquil winter landscape, featuring snowflakes and dark trees against a misty background originally posted here with other paintings alsoA serene watercolor landscape depicting a snowy scene with soft hues and silhouettes of trees, created in 2025 my Post can be seen hereA mesmerizing 😂 aquarelle painting depicting a winter scene with snow-laden trees under a moonlit sky. a bit more artzy take
I read about this tree and found out this. Within Scottish folklore, it was believed that chopping down a rowan tree would only bring bad luck as they are such a strong symbol of protection. Red is seen as a protective color; this is what attributes protection to the Rowan Tree. The berries were once thought to protect against enchantment and witchcraft.
A vibrant rowan tree adorned with bright red berries against a contrasting background.
The apple tree symbolizes a wide range of concepts, including immortality, health, love, and temptation. Its symbolism varies across cultures, appearing in mythology as a source of eternal youth (Norse), a representation of divine gifts (Greek), and a symbol of the cyclical nature of life and death (Celtic).
A close-up of a single red apple hanging from a tree branch, symbolizing the protective attributes of the apple
A picturesque autumn scene visible from a window, showcasing tall pine trees standing majestically in the low late Autumn light, their trunks painted in warm hues of golden-brown and fading green. Below, are men by the water’s edge, as they enjoy the beauty of the season. The sun casts a soft, golden glow across the scene, illuminating the crisp air infused with the earthy scent of fallen leaves.
A view from a window showcasing pine trees in low late Autumn light and a people by the water’s edge.
Patti’s back after a bit of a break, and she’s got an exciting challenge for us! Honestly, when I saw the title, I am going to enjoy the editing process of this, as it is something I really enjoy doing. Maybe create stories around the images. She’s given us some great ideas on where to find the mysterious: think low light, shadows, and all those moody vibes. Make sure to check out her post for awesome photography and all the tips!
Our story begins as we enter the road to mysterious places, A foggy road meanders through a dark, mysterious forest, enveloped in shadows and ethereal light. The trees stand tall and ancient, their gnarled branches reaching out like skeletal fingers, while the air is heavy with the scent of damp earth and moss. Wisps of fog curl around the trunks, creating an otherworldly ambiance that seems to whisper secrets of forgotten tales. As the path winds deeper into the wilderness, the occasional rustle of leaves and distant hoots of owls add to the enchanting eeriness, inviting intrepid wanderers to uncover the hidden wonders that lie within this enchanting, twilight realm.
A foggy road meanders through a dark, mysterious forest, enveloped in shadows and ethereal light.
We continue to A moody, dimly lit street in, showcasing warm streetlights that cast a golden glow along the cobblestone path, invites evening strollers to explore its hidden corners. The air is filled with a gentle breeze, carrying the faint scent of jasmine from nearby gardens, while shadows dance playfully along the walls of quaint cafés. As the soft murmur of voices blends with the distant sound of laughter, an unmistakable sense of mystery wraps around the scene, hinting at untold stories waiting to be discovered in this enchanting part of the city.
A moody, dimly lit street in Nice, showcasing warm streetlights and a hint of mystery.A dimly lit street scene at night, featuring a café with tables and chairs outside, illuminated by warm street lights, creating a cozy yet mysterious atmosphere.
We leave the city. A partially fragmented window, it’s dark frame cradling a view of a tree dressed in fiery red leaves, casts a striking contrast against the swirling backdrop of a moody sky where fleeting glimpses of blue shift like memories. Shards of glass, scattered like forgotten dreams, catch the faint light, creating a mosaic of reflections that whisper of stories shared outside while invoking a chilling sense of solitude. This broken portal frames an autumn scene both haunting and breathtaking, infusing the air with a sense of wonder and nostalgia, as though the very walls of this aged structure hold echoes of lives once lived. In the dim, shadowy interior, shadows stretch along shattered walls, and an ajar door beckons with the allure of a vibrant autumn world, deepening the air of mystery. In this forsaken space, remnants of bygone splendor emerge, where peeling paint and cracked plaster weave an unsettling tale that captivates the heart. Beyond the door, an enchanting vista unfolds, filled with amber trees whose leaves shimmer like precious gems kissed by fragile sunlight, concealing untold secrets. The room, engulfed in shadows that sway like memories, carries an eerie stillness—punctuated only by the distant rustling of leaves, urging one to traverse the threshold into the comforting embrace of the season outside, or perhaps to delve into the alluring depths of the unknown.
An atmospheric view of a dimly lit, abandoned space with beams of light filtering through arched windows creates a haunting yet beautifully eerie ambiance, where shadows dance across the cracked walls and the dust motes float lazily in the soft illumination. The remnants of debris, scattered across the floor like forgotten memories, interweave with the storied echoes of the past, while large, fractured windows allow faint light to filter in, casting unique patterns that play tricks on the eye. Each ray of sunlight highlights the intricate textures of peeling paint and rusted iron, hinting at a time long gone, as nature begins to reclaim its territory within these forsaken walls.
In the end, we have to enter into the fog once again, feeling the chill envelop us as we navigate through the dense mist that obscures our path and twists our surroundings. Each step takes us deeper into the unknown, where the air is thick and heavy, and our sense of direction seems to falter. With every heartbeat, we remind ourselves that this journey is essential to find our way back home, pushing through the uncertainty and fear that the fog brings. It wraps around us like a thick blanket, muffling sounds and blurring the world, yet we carry on, driven by the hope of discovering familiar landmarks that will guide us back to safety.
A mysterious path shrouded in thick fog, inviting exploration and a sense of the unknown.
I’ll leave you with a mystery to solve; add this to the story somehow. Let me know in the comments.
A vintage military helicopter, shrouded in mystery and dark shadows, hovers precariously over a war scene fraught with uncertainty, where other helicopters loom ominously and ground troops navigate through an atmosphere thick with doubt.
I just want to wrap up by expressing my heartfelt thanks to Patti for inviting us to dive into the mysterious together. I can’t wait to see how each of you interprets this theme! Don’t forget to check out Patti’s lovely post here, and remember to tag your posts with Lens-Artists so we can easily find them.
A thank you to everyone who participated in last week’s On The Move challenge—there was lots of travels in various vehicles. to I really hope you’ll join us again next week when Beth will be posting her challenge on Saturday, November 29th at noon ET on her site Wandering Dawgs. Be sure to stop by her site and join in, if you can.
This is where I was at 4 PM, and it looked like this in Espoo, Finland. The sun was beginning to set, casting a warm glow over the landscape, just a moment after some rain had fallen. The clouds hung low, creating a dramatic backdrop against the richly colored sky. It was a moment quickly passed, capturing the beauty of nature as the day transitioned to night. Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday.
A sunset over Espoo, Finland, with raindrops on a window reflecting the warm glow of the sky.
Today, I just gotta share some pics of the amazing food we had yesterday—it was a total feast for the eyes! Seriously, everything looked gorgeous and tasted so good. The flavors were delicious and there was so much variety that we couldn’t help but go for seconds (and maybe even thirds!). We really had an unforgettable evening. How to Survive the November
A cozy living room scene featuring a yellow sofa adorned with decorative pillows and a round wooden coffee table with a small floral arrangement.
A beautifully plated dish with hors d’oeuvre and a sparkling drink, perfect for a delightful dining experience.
So feel free to express yourself in photography, painting, or drawing it’ not too late to join us. Don’t forget, there’s an entry link for your submissions!
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
Last night we got some wet snow; it is still on the ground, but I don’t know for how long. The naturally monochrome images from in front of the house, nor the last one from the back, are not edited, something I usually don’t publish, the difference between the shots is pretty noticeable, and they were taken just minutes apart while it was still snowing.
Today I need to do my nails because it’s time to party! We’re headed to this awesome tradition that’s been going on for ages, where the same group of friends gets together to enjoy good vibes and great times. The smell of food whipped up by the host couple fills the air, and trust me, each dish is so tasty, showcasing their cooking skills. Plus, the complimentary wine is flowing, making everything even better and leading to some fun conversations. We make new memories and celebrate all the amazing bonds we’ve built over the years.
A bottle of shimmering nail polish perfect for a festive party look.
I am creative with the theme ’round’ in today. Picture this: a flower frozen in ice, right at the center of it all! It really highlights how light plays off the ice and the bubbles.
An artistic representation capturing the intricate details of a flower submerged in ice showcasing the play of light and bubbles.A close-up shot of a flower submerged in ice
So feel free to express yourself in photography, painting, or drawing it’ not too late to join us. Don’t forget, there’s an entry link for your submissions!
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
Looking for shadows for Becky’s November Shadow #21 in all the places I go has become an intriguing quest, also always keeping a keen eye on anything round. However, this place proved to be difficult, especially here in the long, sterile halls of the hospital, where shadows play hide and seek in the corners and round objects are few and far between. Each step I take in these long corridors, all I find are the shadows. Despite the challenge to find round objects for How to Survive November, I remain hopeful and in the end, as I look out of the window – the search is over, something round is outside.
A solitary figure stands at the end of a long hospital corridor, in the search for shadows amidst sterile surroundings.
Construction crew working on landscaping the hospital entrance courtyard. Found round area for How to survive November.
A salt shaker sits on an artist’s workspace, with art supplies as a background giving a, context to whu its on the desk
Notice the different use of light in the images?
Art supplies including a salt shaker and watercolor paints, ready for creative projects.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
I wanted to share something rustic with shadows for Becky’s November Shadows and Dan’s Doors. I chose this beautiful scene of an open brown door that leads into a rustic building. It’s surrounded by lush greenery and a winding pathway that really invites you in. The door, with its weathered wooden frame, feels so warm as color brown suggests.
An inviting doorway with the rustic charm of traditional architecture, with a glimpse of a well-maintained outdoor space. Please be kind and wipe your feet on the rag rugs before entering 😀
The trees and branches around it, when the sunlight filters through the leaves, cast lovely shadows on the ground, giving it a nice atmosphere. It really beckons you to step through the threshold into the building.
An inviting open door leading into a rustic building. Would you like to step in?
A pathway leading to a rustic wooden door framed by lush greenery.
An inviting entrance to a rustic cabin, framed by lush greenery.
It’s super cold out there; right now, it’s -7C / 19F. These hydrangeas outside my window look like they’ve braved a freezing night, their delicate petals all frosty and glimmering. The sun’s shining and lighting up the flowers, which I managed to snap a pic of—the frost really does its thing, turning something basic into something special. I can’t help but admire how nature shows off its beauty even in the dead of winter, reminding me that there’s always something to appreciate, no matter how freezing it gets. I don’t need to look for anything else today; this round it up for me.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
This is one of my favorite challenges as I love black and white photography; it captures the essence of the topic in many cases, allowing viewers to focus on shape, texture, and emotion without the distraction of color. The interplay of light and shadow transforms ordinary scenes into dramatic compositions that tell a story. I am still returning to the burned down barn for this week’s Monochrome Madness and NovemberShadows, as it evokes images in my mind that nurtures my creative vision. Each revisit to the photos reveals new angles and perspectives as how to edit and capture its haunting presence, inviting me to experiment and refine my technique while deeply connecting with the subject matter.
An abandoned interior showcasing a stark contrast between light and shadow, emphasizing the textures of decaying walls and debris.
Here in these two sets of images and different frames, I’m checking out how the crop’s aspect ratio changes these images. It’s pretty interesting to think about whether cropping a photo to a square actually adds something to the mood compared to keeping it in its original rectangular shape weather it is landscape or portrait. This change can really shift the focus, often guiding the viewer’s eye to specific details more easily. But you’ve also got to wonder if this tighter framing means losing some important context or details, which could totally alter the story the photo tells. Cropping can either amp up the emotional punch or totally take it down a notch, so it’s definitely a key choice in the editing process that we need to think about.
I have to admit these are more black and white photographs than monochrome, but the rules are not too tight in these challenges.
An abandoned room filled with debris, showcasing the contrasts of light and shadow in black and white photography.
An abandoned corridor with stark black and white contrasts, showcasing the interplay of light and shadow in decay.
A haunting black and white photograph of an abandoned interior space, showcasing dramatic contrasts and urban decay.
Back to gloomy weather again, not much else to say about that. Yesterday’s visit to the hospital, I ended up driving around for 15 minutes, not that bad, but I ended up being there earlier than I wanted, but at least I was not late. Results of these these tests will be released to me in December, still got one more test next week.
Today, again I want to share something not so relevant with you, for the How to Survive the November. I don’t think many, if any, people type with old-fashioned typewriters anymore, but they do have so much more photographic appeal than laptops. There’s a certain charm to the keys. Unlike modern laptop’s, they transport us back to an era when writing was a more deliberate, thoughtful process. The errors were certainly harder to erase, so one put more thought to before typing the first thing to mind.
Close-up of typewriter keys with vintage design and classic typography.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
A Sotage/workspace filled with colorful paper materials and a large window revealing a outdoor view, just right for inspiration and creativity.
I initially had this photo in mind for NovemberShadows, but let’s be real—there was no way it could work as a square. Doing that would totally lose the key aspect that sticks with me—the story behind the space. The scene has so much depth that it pulls you in, making you want to dive deeper into the tale that plays out through the light and shadows. On the flip side, this image fits perfectly for the Monday Window project, which is all about windows acting as cool portals into different times and places. I genuinely think the way this photo is framed matches the vibe of the Monday Window initiative, giving a sneak peek into another world and encouraging you to really think about and appreciate the story of that space. Which do you prefer color or black and white version?
An artist’s workspace filled with shelves of paper and a window revealing the quiet outdoors.
How do you travel? Where do you go? Share photos of your favorite ways to be “On the Move!” You can find his very thorough introduction to the challenge here Johnbo .
Travel first thought was airplanes, automobiles, and trains, all symbols of movement across vast distances and gateways to new experiences. I’ll post photos of them to capture their majestic presence and the adventures they facilitate. Not this time, however! Instead, I wanted to take simple approach to this – one drive home.
A vibrant sunset reflected in the window of a restaurant, showcasing a neon burger sign.
This perspective struck me while we were driving home from Lahti, a city located about 100km north of our home. The journey was beautiful due to the sunset, adorned with forest, fields and gas stations. What truly captivated my attention was the fact that the sunset we witnessed was a full 10 minutes earlier than the one occurring in Kirkkonummi. This little detail made me reflect on how small variations in geography can significantly change sunset time. Well, anyway, I took a shot from the spot where we paused for a late lunch; the sky was painted in vibrant hues just as the sun was setting at 15:39, marking the time when we started our ride home
Sidenote: I was also looking for shadows 😅 in this square crop. I found a strong contrast shadows in the shot below for NovemberShadows.
A silhouette of a building and chimney against a vibrant sunset sky, capturing a moment from the journey home.
As we started to drive home, we were amazed at how much traffic there was; but compared to some other roads traveled, not that much; everything is relative. Back to this drive: then again, we don’t usually make this drive at this time of the year, so what do we know? One thing I do know is that I love watching the sky and clouds while in the car; today, the sky was colorful and beautiful for most of the drive. The hues of orange, pink, and purple blended seamlessly, painting a breathtaking canvas that caught our attention at every turn. At one point, it was cloudier with a bit of a drizzle, but that phase lasted just a while.
I like being in the car, on the move, going somewhere; it gives a sense of freedom and adventure. I enjoy that, without distraction, we talk more and share stories that we often overlook in the hustle and bustle of daily life. We listen to music; this time it was a Classic Rock mix. We would sing or mumble along to our favorite songs, letting the rhythm of the melodies fill the air, creating a traveling atmosphere. Doing nothing as the world outside passes by, we are lucky enough to observe it together. Stepping out of the topic for a bit, I’ve realized that I hardly listen to music anymore, and when I do it’s mostly in the car. It’s interesting how our lifestyles change and how certain habits fade away over time. Music used to be such a significant part of my routine, from playing my favorite albums at home to discovering new artists while hanging out with friends. Have you noticed that in your life?
A monochromatic view of a busy highway( same shot as below), captured during a road trip home, illustrating the journey and movement amidst nature.
A stunning sunset observed during a drive home, the vibrant colors and cloud formations. The shadows of the trees against the clouds behind them. In this shot I also like how the curve is wet and how the light brings it out
A nighttime view of a busy highway, showcasing the flow of traffic and illuminated road signs.
We appreciate Egidio for leading us back to Lens-Artists Challenge #31. His theme of “Looking Back” opened the door to a wide array of stunning landscapes. Next week, Patti will take over as the host of the challenge, set to launch on Saturday, November 22, at noon Eastern time. Don’t forget to follow her Pilotfish Blog to ensure you catch her challenge announcement.
To wrap this up, the theme is: How do you travel? Where do you go? Share photos of your favorite ways to be “On the Move!” Be sure to link your response to Johns post or leave your link in a comments Also, use the “lens-artists” tag to help people find your post in the Reader. To find out more about responding to Lens-Artists Challenges, check here.
Back to gloomy weather again, not much else to say about that. I’m on my way to the hospital for a few tests. Honestly, the parking situation there is such a pain. There are only a few spots available, which makes everything more stressful. I usually end up driving in circles, trying to find a place to park, all while hoping I won’t be late for my tests. The thought of missing my appointment because of parking just makes me more anxious, making this day drag on even longer than it already feels.
Today, I wanted to share something not so relevant with you, for the How to Survive the November theme. But at the moment, time is on my mind. So, check this out: I have this vintage Rostov alarm clock from the USSR that my son discovered years ago in an old, abandoned house. It has such a classic design that really emphasizes both timelessness and functionality. The funny thing is, it hasn’t worked a day since we found it, and I can’t quite remember why we’ve held onto it for so long. I guess it’s just one of those quirky reminders of an era gone by. These days, it seems like no one really uses clocks like these anymore; we all rely on our phones to wake us up. It’s funny how quickly things change over time!
A vintage Rostov alarm clock from the USSR, highlighting its timeless design.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
I took a bunch of pics of the same thing at different times, and of course, the way I framed them is a bit different. You can really see that. All the photos have shadows, but since I hit the same spot around the same time every time, the shadows look pretty much the same. The topic, the log, partially submerged in the lake and covered in moss and small plants is taken at Lake Humaljärvi in Kirkkonummi; for some reason, it appeals to me, so here I am sharing it with you for NovemberShadows.
A submerged log adorned with moss and small plants, reflecting the serene autumn landscape.A view of a calm water body reflecting autumn foliage, featuring a moss-covered log emerging from the water.A lake scene framed by autumn leaves and a weathered log.
So far so good, and today we have a surprisingly beautiful morning; the sky is blue, a lovely hue with few clouds, now three days in a row, However, despite the vibrant appearance of the day, unfortunately, the air is cold due to the wind factor, which feels like -2C / 28F, making it a bit too nippy for my taste. As I step outside, the crispness bites at my skin, urging me to bundle up more tightly in layers of clothing, savoring the clear skies while grappling with the chill that nips at my fingers and cheeks.
Today my post is going to include, obviously,How to Survive the Novembertheme Round, which is crucial as we navigate the often dreary days of this month. In addition to that, I will be sharing to Becky’s NovemberShadows, where we can explore the interplay between light and darkness through photography. Furthermore, I will touch upon John’s Cellpic Sunday, an opportunity to showcase our mobile photography, which is one my challenges weekly. To conclude, I will delve into Debbie’s OneWordSunday, focusing on the theme Monochrome, where we can capture the beauty and depth that black and white images bring to our stories.
A beautifully presented bowl of rice garnished with seaweed, set against the backdrop of a dining table, showcasing round and the monochrome theme.
Now that is multitasking 😀 I have more than one posted food shot from Johns Cellpic, as we often dine out on Saturday. I am not going to change that delightful routine. The plates are round, elegantly showcasing the delicious dishes, the interior has shadows that play beautifully. With the variety of colors and textures, I can always convert shots to Monochrome, which adds a timeless quality to the images, enhancing the details and making the food pop even more against the understated background.
A monochrome close-up of elegantly shaped bowls filled with various side dishes, showcasing a captivating interplay between textures and shapes including round.
A cozy restaurant scene showcasing a woman serving food at a table, highlighting the interplay of shadows and light.
A delicious spread featuring grilled meat and various side dishes, perfect for showcasing culinary delights.
A beautifully arranged plate featuring a variety of sushi, sashimi, and side dishes, perfect for showcasing the theme of ’round’ in a culinary setting.
A delightful dessert featuring whipped cream topped with mango, mint, and a hint of coffee in a round serving bowl.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
So far so good, and today we have a surprisingly beautiful morning; the sky is blue, and the trees are bare, except for a few leaves hanging on the apple tree branches. There is still a dusting of snow on the grass from the first snow that came last night, and a few red berries still glow in the sunlight. That is what I see from my window at this moment—a perfect snapshot of another November day.
And my photo for today has nothing to do with the weather; I love all kinds of jewelry, mostly gold and silver. I occasionally make the mistake of buying other things, like these vintage-style earrings, which happen to be round. My sister at least once called me Hely täti, which translates as bauble aunt, trinket aunt, gewgaw aunt. I don’t know which is the most appropriate translation; maybe the trinket aunt. Someone can correct me 😀
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
I’ve been painting, so I haven’t been on the computer much – honestly, I spend way too much time here anyway. I’m trying to learn a new art medium, though! Check out my latest attempts if you wanna swing by my other blog ArtByRitva and take a look.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 