
For Debbie’s Six Words Saturday.

For Debbie’s Six Words Saturday.
“Whispers of Yesteryears: A Stroll Down Memory Lane”
In the heart of the old town in Chania, where time weaves its tapestry, lies a hidden gem – an enchanting alleyway that beckons the curious traveler. As the sun dips low, casting a warm golden hue upon stones worn smooth by centuries of footsteps, the air becomes charged with nostalgia.

Step into this timeless scene, where modernity dances with antiquity. The narrow alleyway, flanked by centuries-old walls, exudes a quiet magic. Each stone, each weathered brick, holds secrets – tales of love, loss, and resilience.
The sun-kissed walls wear a coat of faded ochre, their surfaces adorned with vibrant bougainvillea and cascading ivy. Quaint shops line the way, their wooden shutters half-open, revealing glimpses of treasures within. An artisan’s workshop spills out onto the path – woven baskets, hand-stitched leather bags, and delicate pottery. The craftsmanship speaks of generations past, a testament to the enduring spirit of creativity.
For CWWC
Lately on Thursdays I have been posting photos of doors, since I started doing this I have discovered that I loads of them in my archives. Dan’s Thursday doors has given me a great reason to post them.
What is the fascination to take photos of doors, and I know I am not the only one. So I gave myself a t moment to think about it.

Taking photos of doors has become a delightful pastime for many , myself included, and it’s fascinating how something as seemingly mundane as a door can capture our attention. I took so many door photos when we visited Savannah.
Is it the architectural beauty, as doors come in an array of styles, from grand wooden entrances to charming little garden gates, each door tells a unique story. Or is it capturing these details allows us to appreciate the beauty in everyday structures.

Is it because doors symbolize transitions, opportunities, and boundaries. Do they evoke feelings of curiosity, wonder, and anticipation. We wonder what lies beyond that closed door, and our imaginations take flight.
I have noticed as I focus on framing the shot, adjusting angles, and noticing small details, I become fully present in the moment. It’s a form of meditation—a way to escape the noise of daily life and immerse ourselves in the visual world. The act of observing and capturing doors and it’s surroundings becomes a calming moment.

The surroundings around the doors change with the seasons. Flowers bloom around them in spring, leaves fall in autumn, and snow blankets their thresholds in winter. Always something new to discover. Additionally, the play of light and shadow on doors varies throughout the day. A door that looks ordinary in the morning might appear enchanting during golden hour.
So, the next time you encounter a captivating door, take a moment to appreciate its uniqueness. Capture it with your camera, and perhaps you’ll discover a hidden world waiting to be explored—one door at a time!
The Veil of Morning Fog
As the sun timidly rises, it casts a soft glow upon the rolling hills, shrouded in a delicate veil of morning fog. The mist clings to the rugged peaks, blurring their edges and lending an ethereal quality to the scene. It’s as if the hills themselves are reluctant to reveal their secrets.

A narrow trail winds through the landscape, disappearing into the mist. Perhaps it was once a well-trodden route, but now it lies almost forgotten.
Here, silence reigns supreme. The only sounds are the occasional cry of a bird. Even the wind seems to hold its breath, respecting the stillness of this beautiful place.
I delved into my collection of photographs and found some of my all-time favorites monochrome images. The captivating essence of the sea is a recurring theme in most of these photos. However, amidst the sea-themed photos, there are two exceptional ones that stand out – “The wheels” and “The monk.” These images hold a different kind of allure, offering a unique perspective and adding depth to the collection.


There’s something about the sea and its surroundings that resonates deeply within me. The tranquil yet dynamic atmosphere, the soothing sound of the waves, and the rugged beauty of lighthouses never fail to captivate my heart. These elements have a way of inspiring a sense of adventure, peaceful introspection, and a profound connection with nature. It’s moments like these that remind me of the sheer beauty and wonder that surrounds us, urging me to capture them and hold onto their essence forever.






Monochrome Madness – Some of my all time favourites was what Leanne had on her blog, I thought I’d follow her lead.
I was happy to able be to capture a cozy corner of a room during the golden hour. The warm hues of sunlight filter through a window, casting intricate shadows of tree branches on the across the street wall. This natural artwork becomes the focal point, drawing viewers into a dance between light and shadow. It’s interesting due to its serene ambiance and beautiful interplay between light and shadow.

And the same image in the monochromatic palette adds to the tranquil ambiance, inviting to pause and appreciate the beauty of stillness and simplicity.

Ludwig’s Monday Windows
The process of selecting a subject for a weekly post can be somewhat unpredictable, and this particular week presented a unique challenge with fewer photo opportunities. However, in situations like these, it’s always helpful to have a reliable and beloved subject to feature, such as our charming and endearing little cat Tinka. Despite the limited number of photos taken, the warmth and affection that Tinka brings to our lives is always a worthy focus for CellPic Sunday.


I edited the images in Lightroom

So this week, our challenge is to share images of the people we’ve captured along the way. That’s what Tina from requested for this weeks challenge. Simple request.

Like many, when I started taking photos, they were mainly of friends and family. When I got my kids… you know how the story continues. I still love taking photos of people here, there, and everywhere. No explanations, simply just some people shots I’ve taken. Street photography is interesting and at events, you can find lots of interesting people.




















Last week Patti‘s challenge gave us tour around the world with beautiful cities to discover. I truly enjoyed discovering the new cities. Next week Sofia from PHOTOGRAPHIAS will come up with something new for us to tackle with, looking forward to seeing it. Until then, keep smiling ☺
To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.
And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
Signs pointing in different directions for destinations, conveying a self-explanatory message for the word Direction.

One Word Sunday Direction‘s for destinations.
The arrival of a new season brings with it the promise of fresh beginnings and sun-filled days. As I eagerly anticipate the arrival of spring, it’s the perfect time to share this photo taken a few years ago. The minimalist aesthetic of the image and how the bokeh in the background adds an ethereal quality. It serves as a timeless reminder of the beauty found in simplicity, and the art of capturing fleeting moments in time.

Here is my song for today from Jack Savoretti . Have a great weekend!
For those who don’t know, “You Don’t Have To Say You Love Me” is an English cover of the Italian song ‘”Io Che Non Vivo (Senza Te)” written by Pino Donaggio and Vito Pallavicini.Giuseppe “Pino” Donaggio is an Italian musician, singer, and composer of film and television scores. A classically-trained violinist. He sang this song at the 1965 Sanremo Festival. Most of you will know the Dusty Springfield English version a year later. It was her biggest hit and became her signature tune.
Lepis is hosting Saturday Classics, you can add your own link here Saturday Classics
On Her page she writes: This blog is back with hosting the Classics after few years break. This time we’ll be playing on Saturdays and you can link straight here on this own page. Rules: There are no rules, as long as the song you play is a classic in your mind. Linking open 8 am and closes 12 pm.

Possible topics for this weeks CMMC: reservoir, lake, landscape, brown, blue, teal, green, water, green, layers, etc. I think I got most of these covered in this post from Lake Mead, Nevada.
Lake Mead is a reservoir formed by the Hoover Dam on the Colorado River in the Southwestern United States. . It is the largest reservoir in the US in terms of water capacity.










This week for CMMC .
This week Leanne has given us a topic – travel. I visited her beloved Melbourne some years back.
I hope these monochrome images give you a glimpse of Melbourne, allowing me also to reminisce about my own visit to this enchanting city. The evocative play of light and shadow in the evening and night captures Melbourne’s charm. The subtle details in the photographs subtly hint at the time of the year, eliciting fond memories of our December visit. No wonder, that I also harbor a desire to revisit this wonderful destination.










Today is the vernal equinox, when night and day are roughly the same length all over the globe. I greet this information with joy.
Days grow longer and nights become shorter in the Northern Hemisphere as we approach the summer solstice, which falls on June 20th this year. This transition marks a period of increasing daylight, here (Finland) the daylight hours are expected to extend by approximately 5 to 10 minutes each day until the end of June. This gradual shift brings about a delightful change, the extended sunlight and the promise of warmer days brightens my mood as days grow longer and warmer.




I’ll take the easy, most obvious way out of this week’s One Word Sunday challenge .
Here is an Orchid for your eyes to rest upon.

As I gazed out of the window on that serene Sunday morning, the wintry scene before me seemed to encapsulate the essence of the season, and it has been too long if you ask me. The freshly fallen snow delicately blanketed the landscape, creating a picturesque view.

Yet, as I contemplated the enduring presence of snow over the past five months, I couldn’t help but yearn for the imminent arrival of spring. Though the winter wonderland had its own undeniable allure, the prospect of bidding farewell to the snow-laden landscape and welcoming a new season brimming with vibrancy and warmth filled me with anticipation.

As I embarked on my graphic art course, the view from the window served as a gentle reminder of the symbiotic relationship between my surroundings and the artistic journey unfolding within. I was eager to channel the essence of the serene landscape outside into my creative pursuits within the course.
For Ludwig’s Monday Windows

These are samples of the inspiration from the window view. Most of my artistic attempts can be labeled as color therapy than art 🙂


Patti from P.A. Moed – CREATIVE EXPLORATION IN WORDS AND PICTURES wrote: Show us buildings, skylines, the streets, the people, and life in public spaces. Or, if you want, focus on two cities, and compare their features. This is an interesting challenge, I am sure to come across to many places I have never visited and have an urge to visit – add them to my bucket list of unseen destinations.
I don’t have that huge amount of city shots from many cities, when we travel we mostly visit nature locations. When we visited Australia, my cousin was the best host and travel guide to Brisbane. He drove us around and showed us places we wouldn’t have thought about or, to be truthful, known about. It was a truly eye-opening experience, discovering hidden gems and local secrets that only a native would be privy to. It’s amazing how much richer a travel experience can be when guided by someone with a deep connection to the place. Our trip to Australia remains a cherished memory, and it’s all thanks to the unique perspectives and insider knowledge provided by my wonderful cousin.

All photos can be enlarged by clicking on the image.
Brisbane, port, capital of Queensland, Australia, and the country’s third largest city. It lies astride the Brisbane River on the southern slopes of the Taylor Range, 12 miles (19 km) above the river’s mouth at Moreton Bay. You can see my photos of Brisbane CBD , Wheel of Brisbane, and Story Bridge just naming few.
















We also visited Streets Beach at South Bank Australia’s only inner-city, man-made beach boasts a sparkling blue lagoon surrounded by white, sandy beaches and sub-tropical plants. It is an oasis in the middle of Brisbane City.






I enjoyed Ann-Christine’s circular challenge last week, who would have thought of how many circular things there are around us. Next week Tina from TRAVELS AND TRIFLES will once again bring us a new topic to challenge ourselves with. Until then, keep on smiling ☺.
To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.
And if you want even more information on the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
I spent the day studying – doing graphic art – monotype. The day outside the window was foggy- a white or actually a grey blanket covering the view. I took these photos of foggy roads while on my way home.
Actually these images are very suitable for an inspiration for monotype technique. It is funny how much energy goes into this creative process of doing and learning. Mostly being disappointed in the outcome.


For John’s Cellpic Sunday

Here is my song for today. Have a great weekend! Hopefully not alone, if so, hopefully not lonely.
Alone Again (Naturally)” is a song by Irish singer-songwriter Gilbert O’Sullivan. Recorded in 1971, it became a worldwide hit. The song did not originally appear on his 1972 studio album Back to Front but has been included in reissues (often replacing “Clair”). The single spent six non-consecutive weeks at number one on Billboard’s Hot 100 between late July and early September 1972 in America. It ranked number two in the year-end chart and sold over two million copies. Diana Krall released a duet version with Michael Bublé on her 2015 album Wallflower.
Lepis is hosting Saturday Classics, you can add your own link here Saturday Classics
On Her page she writes: This blog is back with hosting the Classics after few years break. This time we’ll be playing on Saturdays and you can link straight here on this own page. Rules: There are no rules, as long as the song you play is a classic in your mind. Linking open 8 am and closes 12 pm.


Debbies Six Word Saturday
The charming scene unfolds as we follow gravel lane, a picturesque path flanked by majestic old linden trees, creating a sense of timeless beauty and tranquility. Each step brings us closer to the historic Pyhäniemi manor in Hollola, a destination steeped in rich history and surrounded by natural splendor.

The cold icy signs of spring greeted me with a serene beauty that took my breath away. As I gazed at the tranquil blue sky and observed the icy waters glistening in the sunlight, I couldn’t help but feel happy by the enchanting sights that surrounded me. It was as if the ice itself had a story to tell, weaving a tale of nature’s artistry and resilience, resulting in a series of beautiful blue photos that serve as a testament to the ephemeral yet captivating essence of the season.

The bubbles trapped within the frozen expanse of ice are truly a wondrous sight to behold. It’s as if nature itself has meticulously crafted a breathtaking work of art, with each delicate bubble suspended in time, waiting to be admired. It serves as a poignant reminder of the remarkable beauty that can be found in the most unexpected of places, just waiting to be discovered and appreciated.





This time I am showing you three of the wonderful doors from Hollola’s medieval stone church, constructed between 1495-1510. The doors have so many details. I’ll be also doing a separate post about the church, not just doors.
For doors for Thursday Doors





This one is a one more moofy shot


Here are some spring shots from my walk in Helsinki. There were many people about due to the sunny day, one even went for a swim.
On our walk you could see Suomenlinna. the winter setting in this scene evokes a sense of tranquility and historical charm. The tower is a part of a church Given the winter setting and architectural elements, this scene evokes a sense of tranquility and historical charm. The tower appears to be a significant landmark, perhaps part of a church or another notable building.. All photos can be enlarged by clicking on the them.









I loved this moody and atmospheric scene with silhouetted trees against a cloudy sky, I took it while in a moving car when traveling in Australia. I loved edited it to a minimalist style. The stark contrast between the dark silhouettes of the trees and the cloudy sky creates a sense of depth and mystery. In the end the edit came out serene and slightly ominous mood.

Posted for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness