Posted as part of The Weekend in Black and White {9/1/2026}
A black and white River View
Tag: finland
Whispers of a Winter River
A river whispers, half asleep,
Framed by snow, secrets it keeps.
Clouds hang low, a muted gray,
In winter’s grasp, the world at bay.
Nature holds a still embrace.
the Beauty of Snow-Blanketed woods
The January sun hung low in the sky, resembling a soft coin against a lavender backdrop, casting shadows that stretched like gentle, blue fingers over the fresh blanket of snow, guiding your way with beautiful patterns of light and dark. Walking through a snow-blanketed forest is more than just a stroll; it’s a heartfelt escape where the crisp air fills your lungs with revitalizing energy, and the soothing silence of new snow envelops everything in calm.
As you make your way along twisting trails, nature’s tranquility wraps around you, inviting you to set aside the burdens of time and truly appreciate the stunning beauty surrounding you. The slender white trunks of the birch trees twinkle in the sunlight, their delicate bark curling in pieces that catch the warmth of the afternoon. Each graceful, drooping branch is wrapped in a thick layer of pristine white, bending the young saplings into elegant, icy arches above the path. The woods feel suspended in a shimmering stillness; even the air seems transformed into something crystalline and pure. With each footstep, the snow crunches beneath you, the only sound in this peaceful solitude.
As the trail dips into a gentle hollow, the light dances off the ice crystals suspended in the air, turning the birch grove into a magical cathedral filled with “diamond dust.” In that moment, the world feels perfectly still—a silver-etched landscape blanketed by a calming white canopy, reminding you of the quiet beauty of existence.
Benches Make Great Photography Subjects
All through 2025, Jude of Travel Words fame has invited us to give our Sunday posts over to benches. I’ve seen many of the post, participate once or twice. But here is one for the last bench post of the year. Boy, did I take myself on a search, I found lots of images of chairs, but a bench. I have to notice them differently, now I look for a place to sit, but also notice them as photography topics.
This one I found after a couple of hours, and I was pleasantly surprised to discover it buried among many others. During that time, I did edit some photos that I came across, which I found to be quite worthwhile, though they had gone unnoticed before. There is a treasure trove of images in my collection that I should look more carefully at, as many I’ve just ignored in the past because I felt I had nothing relevant to post at the time. As I sift through my archives, I found few that deserves to be shared, and it inspires me to revisit these moments and potentially share them with others. Taking the time to explore these overlooked images might reveal hidden gems that could spark joy of discovery or nostalgia.
The hill
The hill behind our house looks as if it’s October instead of December but it is what it is. Just accept it, be content with it as there is nothing you can do about it. Complaining won’t make a difference.
Darkness is slowly turning into light, slowly is the thing. But come February it will be better . You can see how the day grows longer in March 21st the sunset is 18:36 and it was 15:13 on December 21st . Something to look forward to 😁
At the mall
For John’s Cellpic Sunday without any explanation, the picture says it all 🎄🎄
welcome in we are open – Strindberg
Last night in Helsinki, we enjoyed a vibrant street scenes filled with festive lights, perfect for Debbies Six Word Saturday. The atmosphere was lively, highlighting the city’s charm and energy during the nighttime. It was a delightful experience amidst the festive ambiance of the bustling streets. The sign on the pavement was just great for For Debbies Six Word Saturday
Lens-Artists Challenge #377 – Holiday Fun
The Holiday Season is approaching and Ann-Christine is inviting you to share some Holiday memories with us! Shared joy is double joy – as they say in Sweden, oddly enough we too say it here in Finland. Choose some joyful and memorable experiences from your holidays— They’re likely tucked away in your memories! With this guidance in mind, I went in search for seasonal images.
I won’t elaborate much on these images, except to mention that they’ve all been captured during the festive month of December, a period when a sense of wonder blankets the world, reminding us of the traditions and beauty that enrich our lives. The view of shimmering Christmas trees and sparkling lights is a tradition I cherish. The soft flicker of candles emits a warm glow, a gentle embrace. The chocolates are a must during this time of the year. The carefully arranged decorations, the lively markets with vibrant energy, the unique gifts, and tasty treats. Above all, the time spent with family is what truly matters most.
Last week, it was Beth’s turn to lead, and I truly enjoyed the Wings you presented; there were so many stunning and tranquil images. A wonderful and motivating challenge from Beth, so a huge thank you to her.
Next week, on Saturday, December 13th, we’ll host our annual Last Chance Challenge, inviting you to share any photos you took in 2025 that haven’t been part of our earlier challenges. Until then, keep on smiling and stay positive.
If you want to know more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
Posted for Ann-Christine’s Lens-Artists Challenge
Sunset Views and Forest Silhouettes
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.
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.
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.
Fleeting Winter Moments
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.
Gloomy Yet Vibrant, Autumn Reflections
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.
Lens-Artists Challenge #374—On the Move!
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.
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.
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?
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.
Autumn Reflections on a Mossy Log
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.
Lens-Artists Challenge #372 – Ephemeral
I will start this week’s challenge with same way as Tina did, explaining the the dictionary’s short and simple definition of the word ephemeral – “lasting for a very short time”
I am not going to explain these; as you look at this post, it will only be an ephemeral moment, fleeting and transitory, reminding us that sometimes the essence of experience lies in the briefest of encounters that may pass us by but leave a lasting impression.
This is my take on the theme. I hope you’ll join us with your own interpretations. Be sure to link them to Tina’s post and to use the Lens-Artists Tag to help us find you.
I want offer my heartfelt thanks to all of you who respondent to my last week’s Street Details challenge. It was fun to see what everyone game up with, some were supricing , one I would not have guessed 😀 that is the fun with these challenges. Finally I hope you’ll join us next week when John will lead us once again on his Journeys with Johnbo site. Until then as always keep smiling and stay positive
Interested in learning more about the Lens-Artists challenge? Click here .
walkers on Grey and rainy day
For Weekly Prompts Color Challenge. and For Debbie’s Six Word Saturday.
Fallen Tree and Moss
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 Glimpse of Vibrant Summer Through Old Windows
I have not taken many window shots lately; this one is from the summer days, capturing a moment that feels timeless. Nature’s art, with all its vivid colors and intricate details, is beautifully framed through this old six-pane glass window, providing a glimpse into the vibrant green world outside. The way the sunlight filters through the dusty panes creates a magical interplay of light and shadow, enhancing the serene view beyond. Take a moment to appreciate the simpler things in life, which aligns perfectly with the spirit of Monday Window always keep an eye for a good window 😀
MAcro Monday – Frosted Leaves in Morning Light
Silent Sunday
Silent Sunday
Six hours on the train ahead
Debbies Six Word Saturday
October day
Dawn of ’The Day After’ is once again celebrating the autumn season in the northern hemisphere, we here in southern Finland are at this at the point where most of the leaves have fallen and today is cloudy and rainy. This today at 2PM
Oodi Library and Reflections of Helsinki’s Parliament House
I took these during summer, and I have previously posted several shots of the Oodi Helsinki Central Library, but these are not them. You mainly see the reflection of the Parliament House in Helsinki. It is good to visit the archives; there are so many photos that I’ve not posted for one reason or another. If you are interested in the building the link offers lots of information.
The closer you look the more clear you can see this week’s image for Thursday Doors
The Beauty of Frosted Ferns in Fall
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.
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.
The Dance of Colorful Autumn Leaves
There were two colorful leaves, a vibrant dance,
Then frost whispered in, stealing their chance.
The chill embraced, and one took flight,
Now one lonely leaf lies on the ground, basking in the morning light
Autumn’s small wonders
This week I am sharing close-ups of autumn’s small beautiful details that often go unnoticed. Last night, we experienced a significant drop in temperatures, going below 0°C / 32°F, and the frost was there to greet us like a delicate blanket, sparkling in the early morning light. If I’d I walked outside, I could have heard the crunch of frost beneath my feet and the crisp air filling my lungs, a reminder that we are officially heading towards the colder days and into November. It was cold I didn’t , maybe tomorrow I’ll do it, just to take few photos.
Sharing these with Dawn’s Festival of leaves #4:
Autumn’s Beauty by the Lake
Autumn whispers softly by the lake,
Golden yellows merge with vibrant green,
Reeds, like brushstrokes, dance in the breeze,
Against the azure calm, a tranquil scene.
For Dawn’s Festival of leaves
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 