CMMC – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

Open gate to the Whispering Leaves

As I stepped through the open white gates, the gentle rustle of leaves greeted me like a whispered invitation from nature itself. The path ahead, wound invitingly into the embrace of the forest. Sunlight filtered through the canopy, casting dappled shadows that danced beneath my feet. With each breath, I inhaled the earthy scent of damp moss and fresh pine that filled the air, feeling a sense of peace as I ventured further into this verdant sanctuary.

The gates, their paint weathered by seasons, stood as sentinels between the mundane world and the enchantment beyond.

As I walked, the forest enveloped me. Tall trees stretched their limbs toward the sky, their leaves forming a mosaic of green and gold. Birds flitted overhead, their songs weaving a delicate tapestry of sound. I followed the path deeper, each step revealed something new: a gnarled tree with roots that seemed to reach into the very heart of the earth. The forest remained still. I felt changed. The air tasted sweeter, the colors more vivid.

As I retraced my steps, I vowed to return. For this forest held more than beauty; it held magic. And so, with the rustle of leaves as my companion, I walked back through the gates, carrying with me the memory of a place where reality and enchantment intertwined.

Posted for Cee’s Which Way Challenge

Lefkara alleys

Photography, Travel

Some years back we visited the hilly village of Lefkara is divided into Pano Lefkara and Kato Lefkara , and is famous worldwide for its old-school crafts of lace embroidery and intricate silverwork. The village sits at the base of the Troodos Mountains in the southeast, at an altitude of 650 meters above sea level.

Houses built with horizontal layers of limestone interspersed with pebbles.

Wandering the beautiful alleys of the tiny village reveals good examples of the area’s architecture: houses built with horizontal layers of limestone interspersed with pebbles. It is one of the few villages in Cyprus where the houses are built almost entirely of local white stone, which contrasts beautifully with the terra cotta roofs. The picturesque quality of the village’s architectural style is further enhanced by the charming cobblestone streets and colorful flower-filled gardens that adorn the pathways. Walking through these alleys feels like stepping back in time, as each building tells a story of the village’s rich history and unique craftsmanship. The harmonious blend of natural materials and traditional design creates a timeless allure.

The houses here are not those of farmers but the homes of merchants and artisans. The houses are stone-built, some with doorways providing glimpses of flower-filled and vine-covered courtyards, while others are two-storey colour washed residences with balconies and intricately patterned tiled floors.

Posted for Cee’s Which Way Challenge

delicate blooms

Flowers, Nature

We had a few days of spring, so I took advantage of the opportunity to capture the mandatory photos of snowbells. As one of the first flowers of spring, they symbolize new beginnings, hope, rebirth, and the ability to overcome challenges. The sight of these delicate blooms filled me with hope and positivity.

However, nature had a surprise in store for us – a fresh coat of snow arrived just two days ago. Despite the unexpected turn of events, I seized the opportunity to capture the enchanting snow-covered landscape. It’s fascinating how the same scene can take on a different, yet equally captivating, appearance with a layer of snow.

As I’m writing this, a snow blizzard rages outside. While witnessing a snow blizzard at this time of year wasn’t what I had in mind, it’s a poignant reminder of nature’s unpredictability and the beauty it holds, even in the midst of unexpected circumstances.

Posted for Cee’s Midweek Madness Challenge

Purple lights

Interiors, Photography

How hard is it to find purple in your photos that are not flowers, in my case hard. Had to dig deep into memories and archive. I remembered this church concert in Mikael Agricola Church with purple lightning.