Tag: beauty

Lens Artists Photo Challenge #386 – What Astonishes You?

lens-artists, Nature, Photography

What have you seen or experienced that has astonished you? Beth from Wandering Dawgs asked.

Beth was inspired by these words by Mary Oliver from her poem “Sometimes” for this weeks challenge.

Pay attention

Be astonished

Tell about it”

I have been astonished many times in my lifetime by children, people, young and old, revealing layers of beauty and complexity in humanity. So often by nature, I find myself in awe of the vibrant colors of a sunset, the intricate patterns of leaves, and the soothing sound of waves crashing against the shore. Each moment is a reminder of the wonder that surrounds us, and I cherish these experiences, life’s fleeting magic. The older I get more I appreciate the small wonders that surround me.

A snuggling, newborn, embodying the astonishment of new life. I have experienced this miracle three times, this is me with my first born nearly 36 years ago. Photo Martti Sillanmäki which I edited.

I lived in Las Vegas many years ago, and I was astonished by the nature of the desert, with its stunning, expansive views that stretched endlessly beneath a brilliant blue sky. The rock formations in the Valley of Fire, with their vibrant hues of red and orange, seemed almost otherworldly, as if a painter had splashed the landscape with bold colors. I was especially fascinated by how much life there is in the desert, from resilient cacti standing tall against the harsh conditions to small creatures that thrive despite the intense heat and dryness. Each visit revealed new wonders, as the desert’s beauty and complexity continued to surprise and captivate me, showcasing the remarkable adaptability of nature.

Enlarge the images in the collage by clicking them for a better view.

Mojave desert, Valley of Fire

THose who follow me know; I am always impressed and taken by the power of water is truly astonishing; it manifests in various forms such as the vastness of the sea, the depth of the ocean, the swift flow of rivers, and the majestic splendor of waterfalls. Each of these elements have the relentless force and beauty of water, which can provide life and nourishment while also possessing the ability to create destruction. The gentle pitter-patter of rain, for instance, can refresh the earth and bring forth new growth, yet in larger quantities, it can lead to floods that reshape landscapes and communities. From the tranquil lakes reflecting the sky to the raging torrents of rivers carving through mountains, water is indeed a vital and powerful element of our world.

Mountains captivated me at every glance, their grandeur towering sharply against the skyline, with their immense presence enveloping them in a nurturing hug. The sunlit, snow-draped summits shimmer in the warmth, while the rugged ground narrates stories of age-old geological events. Surrounding forests flourish with vitality, their lush green shades strikingly set off by the stark whites and grays of the summits. The air is invigorating and clear, rich with the aroma of pine, the numerous pathways and hollows that weave through this stunning terrain.

I am going to stop here. I have added way too many photos, but that is due to the fact that nature always, constantly amazes me with its incredible beauty and diversity. From lush green forests to serene mountain ranges, deserts, there is an endless variety of landscapes to explore and appreciate. When we travel, we mostly look for natural sights to see that inspire awe and a sense of wonder. I love capturing nature, be it landscapes or close-ups, as each photograph tells a story and preserves a moment in time that can be cherished forever. Look and see – pay attention, and you will be astonished by the intricate details and the vibrant colors that surround us every day, reminding us of the magic that exists in the world.

Last week, Tina welcomed us with a theme centered around Shapes and Designs. The world is teeming with inspirational creations, many of which are derived from nature. Our designs, whether in architecture, fashion, or the everyday items we utilize, reflect this connection. This was clearly visible in the photos we all contributed.

I hope you will join in for this week’s challenge. Share us what astonishes you. Be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to Beth’s post.

Be sure to check back on Saturday, February 14, at noon Eastern Time, when I will once again host; I know it’s Valentine’s Day, still, I hope you will join me then. Until then, let’s continue to explore, expand our knowledge and stay positive ❤️

We are Lens-Artists: Tina , Patti , Ann-Christine, John, Sofia , Anne , Egidio, Beth , and me Ritva,

To learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.

Winter Photography: Enchanting Icy Landscapes

Captures from Finland, Photography

I enjoy capturing the details of winter; these were not taken recently, but they have been recently edited. I love how I was able to find new, interesting, and beautiful aspects while doing this, and I am happy to continue sharing my winter finds.

Icicles formed on rocks and branches by a flowing stream.

Icicles, resembling the sharp teeth of the season, elegantly hang from branches and rugged rocks, forming a scene that is both picturesque and enchanting, ideal for photography. A blanket of sparkling white snow covers the ground, beneath the soft winter sunlight, while a partially frozen stream winds gently through the landscape. It was quite chilly. The icy stones along the banks provide an artistic element to the surroundings, reflecting the glimmering light as the water flows softly over them. The fragile beauty of frozen grass, embellished with countless shimmering icicles, amplifies the wintry allure, instilling a sense of peace and awe. This breathtaking landscape captures the essence of winter’s beauty; it’s wonderful to take a moment to appreciate the serene, cold elegance crafted by nature.

Winter water scene featuring a partially frozen stream with icy rocks and flowing water.
Icicles form on snow-covered branches, winters teeth.
Icicles forming on a rocky surface.
Close-up of icicles and freezing water droplets on a rocky surface.
Frozen grass adorned with icicles, captured in a partially frozen stream
A serene winter scene featuring a partially frozen stream with snow-covered rocks and frosty branches.

I added a gallery of the same images if you wish to look at them enlarged.

the Stillness of a Winter Night

Captures from Finland, Photography

Cold and bright night,
moon shines high,
trees shimmer with frost,
whispering secrets in the winter sky.
Each breath a cloud,
every shadow a ghost,
the world wrapped in silence,
a beauty, a host,
like a scene on a postcard.
Smoke rises gently from the chimney,
stars blink down in their velvet attire,
as whispers of dreams float higher and higher.
February’s breath, crisp and clear.

That is what it was like when we came home Sunday evening.

A winter night illuminated by a bright moon, highlighting frosted trees and a peaceful snowy landscape.

A winter night, frosted trees and a sparkling blanket of snow under the glowing streetlamp.
A winter night showcasing frost-covered trees under a bright full moon.

Lens-Artists Challenge #383 – Looking Back to #174 – Shapes and Designs

Photography

Tina from  Travels and Trifles is hosting this week, and the theme is Shapes and designs. It’s such a cool topic that opens up a world of creativity and imagination! A lot of awesome designs actually come from nature, where we see the fun of stripes, the charm of round shapes, and the unique patterns on leaves. These natural vibes not only give us great ideas for art but also show how closely design is linked to the environment around us. Think about how creative the spirals of seashells and the designs of frost on a window can be—nature is like a big treasure chest of inspiration waiting for us to dive in! By creating designs that draw from these organic shapes, we can really deepen our appreciation for both art and the natural world, reminding us to notice and enjoy the beauty that’s all around us every single day.

Intricate frost patterns resembling organic shapes, showcasing the beauty of nature’s design.

They are everywhere in our lives, making a mark on everything from buildings and clothes to art and gadgets. These visuals do more than just look good; they also play a big role in how things work and how we feel about them. You can mix geometric shapes with more fluid, organic ones to spark emotions, create vibes, and set a mood in different spaces. Plus, when you get the hang of design basics like balance and contrast, you can really get creative and make shapes work for you—ensuring your designs hit home with whoever’s checking them out. All this creativity and structure is what keeps design fresh and pushes the boundaries of how we communicate visually in so many fields.

A cozy interior space featuring an inviting alcove with plush cushions, illuminated by natural light filtering through arched windows. Design and shapes together in perfect harmony
Interior view of a cozy wooden terrace showing its unique design and overlooking a serene lake and trees.
The round window in the Chinese garden located at The Society of the Four Arts cultural center in Palm Beach, Florida.
Close-up of natural shells showcasing intricate textures and shapes.
A still life featuring a green apple, a cluster of grapes, and an orange on a wooden surface against a dark background. Fruits serve as a great sample of shapes
A close-up of a weathered stone cross, a design known through centuries
Iittala’s Aalto napkin rings reflect the organic shape of Aalto products. The beautiful napkin rings complete the table setting

Last week, Thanks to Egidio who encouraged us to showcase some of our rejected alongside our edited images to highlight the contrasts. It provided with different and new perspective to our not so good images. It made for an interesting week of photos. Thank you all for sharing them with us,

Lastly, we invite you to join us next week for a challenge Beth will be hosting on Wandering Dawgs. In the meantime, smile and try to stay positive 😉

We are Lens-Artists: Tina , Patti , Ann-Christine, John, Sofia , Anne , Egidio, Beth , and me Ritva,

To learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.

The Beauty of a Rose

Flowers, Photography

Let’s kick of the year 2026 for The Flower Hour with a beautiful rose from my archives, showcasing its lively petals. Flowers, they offer us beauty and joy. Particularly during this season when they are so often found only in bouquets, so expect posts of past summer photos,

A vibrant purple rose in full bloom, accompanied by budding roses – nature’s beauty.

the Beauty of White Orchids

Flowers, Photography

The delicate beauty of white orchids captivates all who encounter them, showcasing their ethereal elegance with every blossom. From their slender stems to the gentle curves of their petals, white orchids embody a tranquil essence. Furthermore, their significance in various cultures, often associated with love, fertility, and strength, enhances their allure, making them not just a visual delight but also a meaningful floral gift.

For Terri’s Flower Hour. See more responses here.

Elegant white orchids in soft focus
Elegant white orchids showcasing their delicate beauty.
Close-up of a beautiful white orchid, highlighting its delicate petals and vibrant center.

Sunset Views and Forest Silhouettes

Captures from Finland

I hope with these images to paint a moment of a serene forest scene at sunset, where you can really appreciate the beauty of nature. Pine trees and spruce trees, the evergreens that give us color during the winter, and I want to share them this Friday. Tomorrow is our 108th Independence Day, so I am sharing some quintessential Finnish nature images.

A tree stands tall with its unique structure amidst a forest backdrop and evening sky.

Image of a tall old pine tree with a unique structure standing proudly against the evening sky. Beneath those towering trees, there’s a moss-covered rock, softly illuminated by the warm glow of the setting sun. The imagery brings forth a tranquil atmosphere, with silhouetted trees contrasting beautifully against the vibrant colors of the sky, crafting a picturesque and peaceful moment in the nature.

The mood of the image captures the golden hours of late afternoon, just before sunset, in a natural environment where sunlight streams through the trees, lighting up the forested area behind a rugged hill. Resilient conifers, such as pine trees, flourish under the intense sun and withstand frost with ease. This scenery features a rocky foreground adorned with lichen, set against a verdant wooded backdrop.

A lmoss-covered rock beneath tall trees, bathed in the warm glow of the setting sun.

This wooded panorama is observable at sunset by the lakeside. The outlines of the trees contrast vividly with the horizon. The clouds in the sky are tinted by the low-glowing sun. The vista represents a quintessential Finnish natural landscape.

A serene forest scene at sunset with silhouetted pine and spruce trees against a colorful sky, highlighting the beauty of winter nature.
A typical forest scene in the winter at sunset with silhouetted pine and spruce trees against a colorful sky

Fleeting Winter Moments

Photography, Captures from Finland

We had some big snowflakes flying around one day, swirling through the air like tiny dancers; it covered the ground for a few days, creating a picturesque winter scene before it once again melted away as rain took over. The transformation of our backyard into a serene white landscape was lovely, and I took advantage of this fleeting moment to capture these shots. So this week, as I show you one of nature’s cycles, this is my contribution to Cellpic Sunday.

Snowfall gently covers a scenic outdoor space, highlighting lanterns and a red pergola.
A snowy forest scene with scattered branches and trees in the background.

Gloomy Yet Vibrant, Autumn Reflections

Captures from Finland, Photography

This reflects the mood I’m in, gloomy, but with several bright moments in between. A tranquil lake, its surface smooth like glass, is surrounded by trees adorned in autumnal hues of amber, crimson, and gold. A very slight breeze casts delicate patterns on the water’s surface. This interplay of light birch trees and evergreens creates a mesmerizing mix of gloomy and vibrant colors. I sit quietly, absorbing the beauty of nature’s transition.

A tranquil lake surrounded by autumnal trees reflecting on the water's surface, creating a mix of gloomy and vibrant colors.
A lake reflecting autumn colors and moody scenery.

NovemberShadows

A tranquil lake reflecting. moody landscape. 16/9 crop

Rowen and an apple tree

Captures from Finland, how to survive November

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

Posted for Terri’ s Sunday Stills and How to Survive November

Golden Light Through the Pines

Captures from Finland, Photography

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.

Posted for NovemberShadows and Monday Window

Lens-Artists Challenge #373: Looking Back – Landscapes

lens-artists

Egidio is looking back to Amy’s Challenge #31 from February 2, 2019: Landscape. Amy had beautiful landscapes to be inspired by as does Egídio in his post.

Six images are requested by Egídio. Landscape is one of the most frequent topics I photograph. It can be autumn with all its glory, a sea view – nothing beats a beautiful ocean in its vastness. Or mountains. The possibilities are endless. Limiting the number of them to six is a challenge.

The four pillars of landscape photography really play a vital role in helping you capture those breathtaking moments. First, there’s Location, which is about finding that perfect setting that speaks to you; then, Composition, which guides you in how to arrange everything thoughtfully; Light, so essential for creating the right mood and highlighting beautiful textures; and finally, Processing, where you can refine and enhance your image to reflect your vision.

With those guidelines in mind, here are my picks.

A breathtaking landscape view from Blue Mountains in Australia, the lush green mountains under a dramatic sky, with wildflowers in the foreground.
A autumn landscape featuring vibrant orange and yellow trees reflecting in a tranquil lake Kukkanen in Lahti, Finland.
A scenic landscape featuring grazing goats amidst rocky terrain in Crete, with lush greenery and distant hills.
A landscape rolling green hills and scattered trees under a cloudy sky, exemplifying the beauty of nature photography. This is at Korkee, Finland, a place I photograph every year.
A winter landscape, frosted trees and a snow-covered field, embodying the beauty of nature in cold seasons in Finland.
A striking desert landscape from Las Vegas, Nevada, a cholla cactus against a backdrop of distant mountains.

Last week’s challenge for Tina was titled Ephemeral. I appreciate everyone who took part; your responses were fantastic and I really enjoyed all the imaginative images of things that exist for just a brief moment.

I hope you will join in for this week’s challenge. Be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists tag and include a link back to Egidio’s post 

Be sure to check back on Saturday, November 15 at noon Eastern time when John will be hosting the challenge.

For information on how to join the Len-Artists challenge please click here.

Fallen Tree and Moss

Captures from Finland, Landscapes, Nature, Photography

This forest scene in Porkkalaniemi, Finland with a fallen tree nestled in a lush, moss-covered ground evokes tranquility and connection to nature, highlighting the beauty and serenity found in such untouched natural environments, where time seems to slow down, allowing one to fully immerse in the sights and sounds around. The fallen tree, with its weathered bark and vibrant moss, serves as a poignant reminder of nature’s cycles, illustrating how life and decay coexist harmoniously, each playing an essential role in the ecosystem’s intricate tapestry.

A forest scene with a fallen tree and moss-covered ground

The Beauty of Frosted Ferns in Fall

Flowers, Photography

Still showing the beauty of frosty mornings, where nature unveils its delicate artistry. This time, the details of frost on ferns create a mesmerizing sight, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary with intricate patterns that glisten under the soft light. I even did a small poem to enhance the post. The crystalline frost, like nature’s jewelry, adorns each leaf, reminding us of the beauty that often goes unnoticed in the chilly embrace of dawn.

Close-up of frosty leaves glistening in sunlight.

Ferns donning deep brown tones,
Glistening under the gentle morning glow,
An intricate display of fall colors,
Their fragile fronds, a transient charm,
Echoing the waning heat of the season,
Frost veiled, sparkling in the sun,
Nature’s shift, a serene moment of elegance.

Fern covered with frost
Frosty fern adorned with glistening ice crystals in sunlight.
Golden fern leaves glistening in the sunlight
Frosts artwork illuminated by sunlight

The Beauty of Flowers A memory of summer

Flowers, Photography

Flowers are just beautiful. Their bright colors and sweet smells bring gardens to life, and they remind me of all those warm, sunny summer days, buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies everywhere. It’s like nature’s own picture show that I wish I could snap and keep forever in my memory!

The #Flower Hour Weekly Photo Challenge Debut

Floral Photography- One-to-Three Challenge

Flowers, Photography

One-to-Three Photo Processing Challenge: September 2025

What can I say, I am not good at following orders and tend to over share photos quite often, which reflects my creative side and love for editing. So, instead of limiting myself to just three, I chose to do five, as I was having so much fun while processing them. Each photo has different colors or at least tones. I wanted to express my artistic vision through a greater number of images. The beauty of flower bouquet that can give everyday life a bit of joy. All adjustments were done in Lightroom

Close-up of delicate purple flowers against a softly blurred background – original , no edits

Click on the images to check them out up close and really soak in the details. I had some fun playing with colors and cropping the pics to make them look more appealing, making certain elements pop while keeping everything looking good together. Each tweak is all about grabbing your attention and getting you to take a closer look at the photo’s little details, making sure every shade and curve stands out just right. Did I succeed?

Foggy field – Nature’s morning Calm

Captures from Finland, Photography
A field with a foggy backdrop framed by trees and a rustic fence.

In the field where whispers weave, fog blankets the morn,
Trees stand guard, their silhouettes adorned,
A rustic fence, weathered and worn,
Holds secrets of nature, in silence reborn.

A misty landscape from this morning

Capturing Black Chokeberry Beauty

Captures from Finland, Nature, Photography

We took a quick trip home and I snapped some pics of Black chokeberry while soaking in the first signs of autumn. I noticed this awesome red leaf and a berry that had already turned red, looking pretty against the green leaves. I know these berries are edible, and while they look great, it’s pretty much best to just eat aronia straight up to really soak up all those vitamins and antioxidants. Seriously, aronia berries pack a punch with vitamins C, E, and B, plus essential minerals and flavonoids that are super good for you. But honestly, I’ve never felt the urge to eat them—maybe because I think they’re more fun to look at than to actually taste. I’ve thought about throwing them into a recipe, but the motivation to pick them and enjoy their awesome health perks just hasn’t hit me yet.

Close-up of Black chokeberry leaves and berries showcasing early autumn colors.
Close-up of ripening Black chokeberry, highlighting vibrant green berries among lush leaves.
Close-up of Black chokeberry showcasing various stages of ripeness with green, red, and black berries among lush green leaves.

Monday windows from Serlachius Manor

Captures from Finland

We kicked back on Monday soaking up the culture at Serlachius Manor, where we checked out some amazing exhibits featuring everything from contemporary to classic art. The calm and elegance of the place really added to the exploration ofthe exhibits letting us dive into the creativity and history packed into those gorgeous galleries. We took our time wandering through the different installations, each one with its own unique story and offering cool insights into the artists’ journeys. It was a day full of inspiration and an awesome chance to connect with the rich cultural vibe that Serlachius Manor has to offer.

So this really is Monday windows – These I took with my IPhone. I haven’t uploaded my photos I took with my camera, If I would wait to do that this post would not happen.

Monday Window: 4 August 2025

A visitor captures the beauty of Serlachius Manor’s outdoor sculptures amidst vibrant gardens. This is Keith Tyson’s art,
A stunning reflection of nature and architecture at Serlachius Manor, showcasing the serene lakeside view through modern glass panels.

I took most of the images from the the restaurant we had lunch.

Visitors relax outside Serlachius Manor, enjoying the serene surroundings and beautiful architecture.

By the way the lunch was delicious, but that is another post

Green

Flowers, Nature, Photography

I had this , and well it is green, so I think I will just use it now For Debbie’s One Word Sunday. Nearly identical shots but still not. I do love watching how light plays.. and brings out depth and detail

the Thrill of Capilano Suspension Bridge

Landscapes, Nature, Traveling British Columbia, CA, Uncategorized

I posted this originally 2013 and as I was looking for photos to show of what I have learned in photography and blogging I found out tons. This was post was so bad that had to redo it altogether. I have not edited the photos. But the post had only one view… that says all what can be said about learning curve.

Capilano Suspension Bridge takes you to the serenity of a West Coast rainforest, where lush greenery envelops you and the sounds of nature can be heard all around.
As you walk across this iconic bridge, suspended high above the emerald waters below, you’ll be mesmerized by the breathtaking views of towering trees and the rich biodiversity of the area.
The bridge stretches 137 meters (450 feet) across the Capilano River and is one of the longest and highest suspension bridges in the world, offering an exhilarating experience for visitors.The experience is not only about the bridge itself; the surrounding park is home to various walking trails, treetop adventures, and informative exhibits that celebrate the local ecology and history, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

The experience is not only about the bridge itself; the surrounding park is home to various walking trails, treetop adventures, and informative exhibits that celebrate the local ecology and history, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike.

Lens-Artists Challenge #357: Into the Woods

Captures from Finland, lens-artists, Nature

Egídio mentioned this in his post, I had not heard the term, but I was aware of the benefits of woods. The Japanese concept of shinrin-yoku, which translates to “forest bathing” in English, emerged in Japan in the 1980s as a heartfelt response to stress relief. This beautiful practice encourages you to immerse yourself in the natural world, inviting your mind and body to fully cherish the experience through all five senses.

A family enjoying a peaceful walk through a lush forest

Have you noticed how wandering through a forest can soothe your soul and bring you back to a place of calm? It’s understandable that some may prefer the calming embrace of the woods over the beach when feeling anxious or troubled. Spending time in forests has a remarkable ability to quickly reduce your heart rate and blood pressure, easing muscular tension, too. One of the most profound influences of being surrounded by trees is how it lifts your spirit, promoting serenity and aiding in stress recovery. The uplifting benefits of nature can be felt in as little as fifteen minutes, and these feelings of peace deepen the longer you spend in these tranquil spaces.

A forest scene pine and spruce trees

I have lived most of my life in places where the woods are just behind our home from childhood to my adult homes. Even now, I have woods just meters away from my backyard, just as I did when I was a child. I spent hours with my friends playing in the woods and also by the sea as a child. One thing that still brings back memories to this day is the enchanting scent of the woods by the sea, a unique mix of pine, damp earth, and a hint of salt from the ocean breeze. The woods area had been sea before, so the soil had a recognizable scent, rich and earthy, that I always associate with childhood adventures and the whispers of nature.

No more memories. In this post I am keeping it simple. We went to the woods with our grandkids and here are some photos from that walk in the woods.

Few words about the place we at least once a year visit. Porkkala truly captivates the heart with its stunning natural landscapes, where the serene blend of coastal beauty and lush forests invites you to experience tranquility. The region’s rocky shorelines and calm waters gift you with breathtaking views of the Baltic Sea, perfect for moments of reflection. As you wander through the woodlands, you’ll find solace among the towering coniferous trees, like pine and spruce, intertwined with broadleaf species that paint the changing seasons with vibrant colors. This rich ecosystem nurtures a variety of wildlife, including lovely bird species that thrive in this peaceful haven. There are many beautiful hiking trails that meander through the woods, offering you endless opportunities to embrace the beauty of nature and reconnect with your inner self.

the woods in Porkkala

Hopefully you can see my appreciation for the simple joys of the woods. Thank you Egidio for this trip down memory lane and an opportunity to share a new memory created few days ago. When you post your response, please remember to link back to Egidio’s original post and use the Lens-Artists tag. Next week, look for Tina’s post since she will be leading the challenge.

In the meantime, enjoy the nature and summer joys.

Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.

Simply red #4

Flowers
A vibrant red rose in full bloom
A red rose, symbolizing love and beauty.

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

Midsummer

Captures from Finland, Flowers, Photography

This weekend we are celebrating midsummer, it is one of the main celebration of the year here in Nordic countries. The nightless night.

Midsummer rose

Happy midsummer to you all with this

Moomintroll’s Midsummer Poem

But I lie upon the meadow to rest my legs awhile
I stop my musings right away to feel the sunlight shine
Let others do the thinking, they’re wiser anyway
on such a warm and friendly, and sleepy summer day
When all is blue and smells of dew
and you are free for troll-like deeds
or what you will – but choose to be
just lying still.

I am a troll like you, who thinks
the world is a home for me,
right now.

These bloomed in time for midsummer