Ella Fitzgerald Sings “What Are You Doing New Year’s Eve?”
Happy new year !
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.
In the quiet solitude of a room aglow,
Where shadows dance and breezes blow,
A window peers into the soul,
Of nature’s grace, serene and whole.
Trees stand tall with branches bare,
Whispering secrets in the air,
A lake reflects the sky so blue,
Capturing every vibrant hue.
Inside, a chair awaits a guest,
To sit, to ponder, to rest,
The fusion of two worlds collide,
In this space where silence abides.
Debbies Six Word Saturday
Blue house in the snow covered woods awaits spring. My neighbor sent me a picture of our summer house as Christmas greeting 😊🎄
Sure, I love doors! They’re like guides, letting you in or out. Some doors make you feel welcome, others not so much. They come in all shapes and sizes, old and new. I always look forward to what’s on the other side.
My entry for, simple and not according to instructions. But I did have fun doing it.
It’s that time of the year when many of us are taking a break from blogging. I didn’t plan on starting my break so early, but the flu caught up with me, and I haven’t been able to post or respond to any comments for a week due to a high fever. Now, I’m just exhausted. I’ll do my best to get back to all of you soon.
I am filled with joy and appreciation for all of you wonderful bloggers who continue to uplift and inspire me. Your comments bring sheer delight and fill my heart with hope and positivity. I am truly grateful for the time and effort you generously share in leaving such uplifting messages. Let’s keep this optimistic energy flowing and embrace the beautiful journey ahead!
On that note, I sincerely wish you an abundance of joy, happiness, and laughter this Christmas season. May this festive time be filled with warmth and love. Merry Christmas to you!
This week Tina asks us to look at Last Chance photos.
The “rule” is that your chosen photographs must have been taken in 2023, and must not have been included in response to any of our 2023 challenges.
I could view this as a wonderful opportunity to embrace the cozy ambiance of the winter season. Although the days may be shorter, I choose to focus on the beauty that awaits as they gradually begin to lengthen once more in few days time. Instead of dwelling on a recent illness just before Christmas, I find joy in the fact that my fever has subsided. Life presents us with countless choices, and I firmly believe that our attitude holds the power to shape our experiences. Let us embrace the positivity that surrounds us.
Photography can be pretty overwhelming with all the choices to make. Huge issue :-) What should I post? What should I skip? I feel like I suck at this because I always end up posting too many photos.
Well sometimes one needs to look through the magnifying glass to see :-) This was taken on as idle moment in my living room. Odd one for sure, not category to place this photo.
Tinka my pretty little cat is well documented in loads of photos.
Toward the calmer place, where everything seems to slow down, it is essential to focus on the smallest details and allow yourself to relax. In today’s fast-paced world, it can be challenging to find moments of tranquility.
When we pay attention to the details, we open ourselves up to a whole new world of experiences. Whether it’s the delicate petals of a flower, the intricate patterns of a pussy willow, or the subtle flavors in a warm bread, a tacky selfie, or a delicate bottle fill of craftmanship these elements invite us to immerse ourselves fully in the present moment. By slowing down and observing the nuances around us, we can cultivate a heightened sense of awareness and find solace in the ordinary.
I find photography helps me in this, see the world through the lens of my camera
As the sun gently dips below the horizon, casting its warm golden glow across the tranquil landscape, I find myself drawn to this serene moment at my happy place. The vibrant hues of orange and pink dance across the sky, creating a breathtaking symphony of colors that captivate my soul.
There’s a certain enchantment in witnessing a sunset, a magical interplay between light and darkness that holds a deeper meaning. It serves as a reminder that every ending carries the promise of a new beginning, a chance to reflect on the day’s experiences and embrace the beauty of what lies ahead.
In this fleeting moment of tranquility, I find solace and renewed inspiration. It’s a time for introspection, for letting go of the worries and stresses that might have consumed the day. As the sun bids farewell to the world, it invites me to let go of the past and embrace the present, to appreciate the simple joys that surround me in my happy place.
But as the sun’s rays slowly fade, I know that this moment is ephemeral. It serves as a reminder to seize each opportunity, to cherish the people and places that bring us joy, and to make the most of this precious gift of life.
At this point I wish to thank Amy for many inspiring posts and hope you enjoy your travels and seize each opportunity on the journey
The journey to the salt mines of Pedra de Lume on Sal Island, Cape Verde, was made even more enchanting by the turquoise doors of the old church doors that adorned the road. These Old Church doors of Pedra de Lume captivated every traveler passing through the route leading to the beautiful east coast of Sal.
Posted for Dan’s Thursday Doors
Posted for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness
Welcome to the marketplace, a happy place where time slows down and people smile. It’s a warm place where handmade things are made with love and care. Each stitch and thread tells a story, and the people who make them are filled with joy as they share their craft. Let the marketplace bring happiness to your heart and enjoy all the wonderful things it has to offer!
The header is the same flower,( I don’t know what it is, but it is pretty) but the lighting was different in the shots. Do you prefer warm or cool tones?
Posted for Cee’s Flower of the Day
Hibiscus rosa-sinensis, commonly referred to as Chinese hibiscus or China rose, is the name by which I have always known this beautiful flower. When I was a child, China rose, my father’s favorite flower would bloom in our living room.
For Cee´s Flower of the Day.
These bigger and smaller tools are from Verla’s Groundwood and Board Mill, Finland’s first factory museum.
Verla was named a World Heritage site due to its status as a unique and culturally and historically significant example of an industrial settlement from the turn of the 20th century.
Cee’s Fun Foto Prompt – Any Kind of Tool.
Lens-Artists Challenge #279: Magical Ann-Christine hosts the challenge this week. It brought focus to what really matters in life – magic moments. Rare – mostly. But they leave a lasting impression. I could post many of the previous challenge photos here too – unique and magical are so closely intertwined together .
Magical scent of spices at the market place in India
Magic has always captivated the human imagination. Whether portrayed as the ability to manipulate the elements, cast spells, or perform extraordinary feats, magic is often associated with the mysterious and the unknown. Magical traditions can be found in cultures around the world, each with their own unique beliefs and practices.
However, magic is not confined to the realm of fiction. In the real world, magic can also be seen as a metaphor for the wondrous and inexplicable. It represents the beauty of the natural world and the awe-inspiring phenomena that we sometimes struggle to comprehend. Whether it is a radiant sunset, a shimmering waterfall, or the birth of new life, these moments can often feel magical in their own right.
Magic is a fascinating concept that holds different meanings and interpretations for each individual. It is shaped by our unique histories and life experiences, making it a subjective and personal phenomenon. What may seem like magic to one person might be commonplace for another.
The largest animal ever to exist on Earth, the magnificent and iconic blue whale, was previously hunted almost to the brink of extinction by commercial whaling activities and remains an endangered species today. The blue whales found in Sri Lankan waters, in the Northern Indian Ocean, are non-migratory and believed to be resident in these waters year-round
We were so lucky to see this magical sight at the coast of Sri Lanka. One rarely gets to see a blue whale so close. We were told to be quiet and having listened to the captains orders; the whale came to check out our boat. It swam around us and under our boat, so we were able to see it so close – It was impressive!
Our personal experiences contribute to our understanding of what is wondrous, extraordinary, or even inexplicable. For some, magic may be found in the intricate beauty of nature, while for others it might lie in the bonds of love and human connections.
The magic of Christmas for children
Ultimately, the notion of magic transcends any singular definition or explanation. It is a realm where imagination, wonder, and awe converge, offering a glimpse into the mysterious and extraordinary aspects of life that go beyond rational understanding.
I find magic mainly in nature, first flowers of spring, the new green, bird nests, summer colors, autumns tones and winters small details
Reading can open to the world to magical…. yes.
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Yesterday we visited the Tuomaan markkinat – Helsinki Chrismas Market little bit too early if we had waited for the sunset the lights would have been more brighter, but even thought we were a bit early it was crowded hard to get to the the vendor booths. It was rather windy and cold, but it is winter 🙂
Providing a more responsible alternative to mass-produced gifts and decorations, Helsinki Christmas Market brings to Senate Square a significant number of artisans and small producers from all over Finland. The market’s atmospheric core consists of the Deliyard and Restaurant Yard, which also serves alcoholic beverages, where one can enjoy seasonal treats and festive holiday spirit.
Posted for John’s Cellpic Sunday
I have shared this image before, but now edited the tone of the shot and also made a monochrome copy of it. What I like about this is the father’s traditional shoes – his whole style of dressing compared the the children walking with him.
I took this shot several years ago in Paris, but something in it appeals to me. I think the leading lines, depth of field and composition works. Too much analyzing 🙂 ?
Looking down to the entrance of The Ateneum art museum.
The Ateneum is Finland’s most renowned art museum. Our collection spans from the 18th century to Modernism. In total, our collection includes nearly 30,000 national treasures.
Dans Thursday Doors
Finland celebrates 106 years of independence today in chilling weather, with blue skies and powder white snow on the ground. Blue and white the colors of our flag. A beautiful day to celebrate independence.
I am celebrating with blue and white scenes from my my home lane.
This photo cavalcade shows a collection of jewelry and accessories that I have collected over the years. I like the natural materials and colors, such as wood, metal, leather, and stone. I also like that there added some colorful beads and tassels to make them more fun and unique. I hang them on a lamp in my room, so I can easily see them and choose what to wear. I took this photo , using a low angle and a dark background to create some contrast and focus on the jewelry.
I was bored, and this is the continued efforts to fill time in-house – yesterday I posted more “artistic” versions of the these necklaces. Here I did several variations of editing on a singular photo. The change need not be big to change the atmosphere of still life photo.
It is cold and did not feel like going out, so what did I do instead, I took photos of my dress jewelry that is hanging conveniently on my lamp next to my desk.
This image was the only more abstract version, as the focus is on a lamp detail. I am sharing with you the original and three processing versions of it. Is this abstract photo art or not and what do you feel is the best version ?
Las but not least the original one. The header is an added plus 🙂
XingfuMamas One-to-Three Photo Processing Challenge: December 2023
A lonely wheel in winter’s grip
No longer spins or rolls or flips
It rests against a snowy tree
That stands beside a flowing water
Linked to Six Word Saturday at Debbie’s here
This week Any wants us to showcase unique. What is unique.
My husband, my children and grandkids are unique to me. That is what first came to my mind. Life changing. One of a kind. I am not going to post photos of them, even thought that was the first thought.
The word unique has different meanings depending on the context.
For example, a unique signature is the only one of its kind and cannot be copied by anyone else, see my header 😀 . A unique achievement is unparalleled and incomparable to any other. Things that are very remarkable or unusual. Sometimes, people use the word unique to describe themselves or their qualities. They may want to emphasize what makes them different from others, or what makes them stand out in a positive way.
Nothing what have I photographed is that unique, that is something I really think, i an sure someone else has capture them also, some better than me some less so, but in a a way they are unique none of them are totally the same. Here are my attempts of capturing something unique – to me.
Watching the waves , Each wave is unique every time, the movement, colors…so on. So yes here is a photo of waves.
Beauty is in everyone’s eyes, also, so is what we think is unique
California hosts the most unique trees , the redwoods. Redwood trees are some of the tallest and largest trees in the world. While there are three types of the trees in the world, sequoia and sequoiadendron are the type found in the U.S. Pacific Northwest. Huge mountains, rugged foothills, deep canyons, vast caverns, and the world’s largest trees exemplify the diversity of landscapes, life, I was at awed by the nature in Sequoia
The art nature does… so unique. Beautiful details, every stone is different, frost on the glass, flowers pedals..
Why are we in a lookout for sunsets, because they are all unique. Glorious colors
I would like to think that my art is unique 🙂 Mixed media, statues, oil paintings and aquarelle are few mediums I have dappled with
If you’re new to Lens-Artists and would like to join, follow this link for more information.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 
