For no reason other than that I wanted to post these photos taken from my backyard is this post done. Struggling with what to post, why to post and contemplating the reasons behind sharing moments like these, I find myself lost in a sea of hesitation and uncertainty. The beauty of my surroundings often feels too mundane to share, yet there’s a certain charm in the ordinary that I can’t help but appreciate. Each photo captures a fleeting moment amidst the chaos of life, and while I grapple with the idea of their significance, I am reminded that sometimes it’s not about the grand stories or profound insights; it’s about celebrating the little things, embracing the simplicity of life, and allowing these images to resonate with anyone who might pause to look.
A decorative hanging planter filled with lush green vines
We visited Lehmonkärki resort during our vacation, and this charming door led to the sauna and spa area, which looked like a delightful retreat from daily hustle. The door, adorned with intricate woodwork, stood out beautifully against the natural backdrop. I really liked the door, as it had a note on it saying “no phones beyond this door,” a simple yet effective rule to ensure everyone could enjoy peace and solitude while relaxing.
The sauna area includes four unique saunas: USVA (steam sauna),SAVU(traditional smoke sauna warmed by alder wood), TERVA (a cozy, wood-burning sauna infused with the aroma of tar), and AISTI (a picturesque sauna offering views of Lake Päijänne).
A modern door leading to the sauna and spa area , framed by lush greenery and a scenic lakeside view.Scenic view of Lehmonkärki resort featuring a spa area by the lake and the restaurant behind it.
Clouds. They always fascinate me, I am drawn to the intense and brooding skies that often envelop the horizon combined with the sea, I really love it. The way they shift and change, forming intricate patterns, creates an ever-evolving canvas that captivates my imagination, sparking a sense of wonder about the natural world. The interplay of light and shadow adds depth to these formations, illuminating the rich colors and textures that define them. The mood that they give to a photograph can transform a simple scene into something dramatic and powerful, evoking emotions that resonate deeply within me .
I can almost feel the breeze, a touch of autumn in these photos. These are from Hailuoto, Oulu.
Hailuoto beach scene A coastal landscape featuring tall grasses against a backdrop of brooding clouds.A coastal landscape featuring sandy paths, lush grass, and a dramatic sky with shifting clouds.A stormy shoreline with dark clouds looming over a choppy sea, interspersed with rocks and patches of grass.Brooding clouds loom over a choppy sea. a dramatic and moody landscape.A walk along a rocky jetty, surrounded by a dramatic sea under an overcast sky.
This week here is my take on Windows as the light the rooms with sculptures by Emil Wickström
Emil Wikström (1864–1942) is known especially as a sculptor of public monuments cast in bronze and worked in stone, and as the creator of Finnish national imagery, significantly contributing to the artistic identity of Finland during his era. His works often reflect a deep emotional resonance and connection to Finnish culture and history. Among his most notable pieces is the sculpture of Anna-Liisa from 1906, which is prominently displayed by the window at Serlachius Museum, inviting viewers to reflect on the themes of femininity and beauty. Below this evocative sculpture is another striking piece, named Kuoleva tyttö from 1914 (translated as “dying girl”), which poignantly portrays the fragility of life, adding layers of depth and meaning to his oeuvre while illustrating the artist’s ability to convey complex human emotions through his mastery of form and material.
Kalapoika (Poika ja ahven), 1888, is a captivating work that beautifully captures the essence of childhood and the deep connection between young boys and nature. This piece, also by the talented Emil Wikström, showcases a fishing boy who is lost in his simple yet profound task of catching perch.
Four weeks have gone by since the official summer holiday came to an end, and I find myself still spending this week at the summer house, relishing the warm weather that lingers. The sun hangs high in the sky, casting a golden glow over the landscape, while soft breezes rustle the leaves of the trees surrounding me. Now the temperature has settled at a pleasant +20°C; it is nice enough to enjoy early morning coffee outdoors, Evenings are perfect , the horizon is painted with hues of orange and pink as the sun sets, creating a picturesque backdrop that makes it hard to believe that summer is truly slowly slipping away.
enjoying a sunny day by the waterfront, exploring the pier in a picturesque summer setting.
It has been an odd summer; the first half was so unseasonably cold that it hardly felt like summer at all. However, everything changed dramatically in the middle of July when our holiday commenced. To our surprise, we experienced the longest hot period in Finland’s recorded history—an astonishing 22 consecutive days of weather ranging between +25-30°C. This was a remarkable shift that caught many of us off guard, as such temperatures are not the norm for our region. We spent our days enjoying the sunny days in the shade, laying in the hammock, not really doing much. Lazy hazy summer days. Spending time with family, by the sea and lakes. Enjoying tasty fresh food prepared by others. I didn’t even take that many photos, hardly any. That is if I compare it to what I have done.
The increase in extreme weather has become a point of concern for many, as it is evident that these phenomena are occurring more frequently, likely due to the impacts of climate change. As I reflect on this summer, I cannot help but wonder what changes the future holds for our weather patterns and how we will adapt to them in the coming years.
A boy sitting on a dock by the serene lake, enjoying the warm summer day.
I have made few posts, but I apologize for not commenting on posts, and I have also been slow in replying to comments. I feel bad about it, but the thing is I feel almost guilty when there is a lovely summer day and I choose to stay inside. So I don’t . The summer is so short here, and when you have the opportunity to enjoy the good weather, you have to take it. It’s a time for outdoor life, barbecues with friends, and simply soaking up the sun’s rays. We have a long winter, and during that season, the days can feel endless as we spend more time indoors. Therefore, when summer arrives, I want to embrace every moment of it, squeezing in all the joy that I can before it slips away once again. I will try to do better …
Now I will post few photos, as this is a photography blog. Words have not really been my thing, but I am trying to include more …
A tranquil lakeside with a rowing boat moored at the water’s edge, embodying the essence of a lazy summer day.
Relaxing in a hammock at the summer house, enjoying the warm weather and the tranquility, plus a good book.
A beautifully plated dish featuring fresh ingredients, perfect for enjoying summer flavors .
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.
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
I had various Red Images that are more red for position on this last day of #SimplyRed. Thanks for this challenge Becky, I had fun.
Lahti harbour
But, I am still going to post these most recent photos.
Happy days of summer
We went shopping in Lahti, and decided to have lunch at the harbor.
This reflection Sibelius house on the glass fence at restaurant caught my eye The clouds created great leading lines in the same as the 🌲 Such a tasty lunch
One more image of leading lines
August Nights are getting darker, time to light the candles
This week I have thought about my learning curve, and one of the most interesting aspects is monochrome adjustments. I have come a long way from the first attempts .
At the canal
I posted these in color in a previous post few days ago. This how they look in monochrome.
We have been on 16 day hot spell with temperatures around +30C – not a very usual occurrence here. We spent one of the days having lunch at Lehmonkärki Resort which is located on a stunning headland on the shore of southern Lake Päijänne, right next to the Päijänne National Park. One of the reason to go there is food offering has been centred on good ingredients and great taste. This means food from farmers and producers in the local villages. They order their root vegetables, garden berries and juices from them, among other ingredients. Also berries and mushrooms from the nearby forests and fish from Lake Päijänne. You are guaranteed a tasty fresh meal.
150-year-old Vääksy canal has plenty to offer for an entire day. Watch how the lock of the canal works, and there were lots of people young and old watching this happening. Many enjoying ice cream at the same time or walk to the Vääksynjoki river side of the canal and take a breather beside Wine&Cafe Jokiranta.
I was encouraged to stay in my hammock in the comments of my last post. So I did as recommended 😀 Now I can point out how hard work it is to pick blueberries 🫐… 😂
Hard at work. He picked about 5 liters from our own yard.
Sunday morning I went to have coffee in the city and by the sea and what did I see, a lady in red. Just a girl, but lady in red sounded so much better ♥️😀
In the midst of the lush greenery, the vibrant red cap pops out, drawing the eye like a beacon against the backdrop of woods greens. This is a joint post for Six-Word Saturday 7.19.25 and #SimplyRed19 . Hopefully it is just enough red.
My grandson with a red cap enjoying blueberries in lush greenery and trees at Porkkala
Buildings painted in traditional red ochre paint that is popular in the Nordics effectively embody the warmth and character of a community deeply rooted in its cultural heritage and appreciation for nature. This distinguished color, prominently displayed on structures in picturesque villages and tranquil landscapes, not only enhances the visual appeal but also evokes a profound sense of home for the residents. The historical significance of red ochre paint reflects the pride that Nordic individuals take in their craftsmanship and the narratives intertwined with their dwellings.
A scenic view of traditional red ochre houses lining a gravel path under a cloudy sky.Traditional red ochre buildings reflected in calm water.A child exploring a red wooden playhouse.
Charming row of houses painted in traditional red ochre, framed by lush greenery and a serene pathway.
A close-up of a sign on a traditional red ochre building.
A picturesque view of a red shed in a lush garden, seen through a rain-soaked window.
a red shed through a rain-soaked window.
I’m at my summer house, in the countryside, inside watching outside as the rain pours down the windows, creating a rhythm with the wind that makes everything feel peaceful. As I try to pass the time, I took a few photos, capturing the raindrops cascading down the glass, and had an ‘aha’ moment when I remembered that our shed, in the corner of the yard, is painted a red, which contrasts with the lush greenery surrounding it, just what I need for simply red today.
A cozy view from inside a summer house, looking through a rain-covered window to the lush greenery ..
Sunday here was a very windy, but sunny day in end. I did wake up to the sound of thunder and lightning and very heavy rain. I should have gotten up to take a photo, but instead I just stayed in bed and listened to it.
That has nothing to do with the photos I am going to post 😀
Instead I am going to share few images from our Sunday lunch. We drove to a restaurant in Espoo we hadn’t been before , Ravintola Cru it’s located in a nice old building which I for some reason didn’t take a picture of 😀 but I did take one from the bakery across the street. Note, we enjoyed the food.
A Nordic summer night view of a full moon rising over a misty landscape is something to treasurea full moon rising over a misty landscape, framed by a rustic wooden fence.
In the hush of a Nordic summer night, The sky glows soft, a canvas of light, Whispers of breezes dance through the trees, While shadows play hide and seek with the leaves. Stars blink awake, a celestial sight, Laughter and dreams take gentle flight, In this tranquil hour where time stands still, The magic of summer our hearts shall fill.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 