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.
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.
This week, our host Elke from pictures imperfect blog has presented a fascinating theme focusing on our colour images that are NATURALLY MONOCHROME. This refers, as I understand it, to images that appear devoid of color, resembling black and white photographs without any conversions applied.
Cloudy day
It’s almost impossible to find photos that show no color. Winter offers most opportunities to capture natural monochrome images
Winter shots Total mistStill life
These I found, hopefully they work for this prompt.
This is the time to get a shot of Rhododendrons, as their vibrant blooms are a spectacular. The particular one I captured was taken with my iPhone from the comfort of my backyard, where the sun gently kissed the petals, 🙂 Their lush foliage and intricate blooms not only provide a stunning backdrop and , reminding me of the beauty that nature has to offer right outside my door.
Later that day, we went to visit the Rhododendron park, and the sight was absolutely awesome; it is truly a wonder how big these magnificent plants can grow and how the different color blooms create a stunning spectacle. As we walked through the park, I couldn’t help but admire not only the vibrant pinks and deep purples but also the delicate whites and fiery reds that seemed to dance in the gentle breeze. I have to say, we were certainly not the only ones there that day; the park was packed with people of all ages, and nationalities each one enjoying the lovely day and taking advantage of this small, fleeting window of time to see the rhododendrons fully bloom in all their glory. Families were well presented, couples strolled hand in hand, and photography enthusiasts eagerly captured the beauty surrounding us, creating a lively atmosphere that enhanced our shared appreciation for nature’s artistry. What a great opportunity to people watching as well… I will post a separate post about those photos as I did not take them with my phone
Close-up of vibrant pink Rhododendron flowers with a bee pollinating, captured in my backyard
Sofia’s challenge this week is mellowness: a sense of softness, in tones or shapes, the slowness of a summer holiday, where time seems to drift gently by, allowing for moments of stillness and reflection. This kind of relaxation invites everyone to pause and appreciate the beauty of simplicity in our surroundings. The challenge is to convey the sense of relaxation through various artistic expressions, utilizing subdued warm tones that remind one of the golden hour, soft shapes reminiscent of gently swaying trees, and a deliberate focus on creating an inviting atmosphere. This overall aesthetic should evoke a mellow mood of calmness and cosiness, encouraging an experience that soothes the mind and spirit, leaving one feeling at peace and deeply connected to the essence of tranquility that life has to offer. That is my take from her post and these are my photos to show it.
The first set evokes a sense of mellow, relaxed serenity. Lazy and mellow summer days when you can just relax. Finnish summer unfolds with fresh, bright greens that lovingly embrace the landscape, weaving a beautiful tapestry of nature. As the season draws to a close, especially towards the end of summer, a soothing mellowness envelops us, gently contrasting the vibrant days that have passed. This tender ambiance is felt not only in the softening light of the season but also on those peaceful days when the sun paints gentle hues across the sky, easing the brilliance of colors. In these precious moments, we can truly savor the transition as nature subtly shifts into softer shades, wrapping us in a comforting sense of tranquility and calmness that beautifully defines the essence of late summer in Finland.
A serene landscape with grazing animals in a tranquil setting, embodying the essence of mellow summer days.
Second set are flowers, the lovely beauties of summer, that brighten our days and gently coax us into taking our cameras out to capture their stunning beauty and intricate details. These vibrant blooms sway softly in the warm breeze, bringing a sense of joy and vitality to gardens, parks, and meadows. As each petal glistens in the sunlight, they create an enchanting atmosphere that draws us near, inviting us to pause and reflect on nature’s artistry. Their delightful fragrances fill the air, that truly encapsulate the essence of summertime.
Hazy, warm light nights – summer nights are a wonder every year, as the brightness of Nordic summers paints the sky in hues of soft pastels and vibrant colors that enchant all who experience them. For those who know this magic from past summers, there’s a sense of nostalgia as familiar scents of blooming flowers and fresh-cut grass fill the air, evoking cherished memories. And for those who witness this beauty for the first time, the spectacle is awe-inspiring, as they find themselves wrapped in the warmth of endless twilight. Each year, you always submerge yourself in its wonder, surrendering to the charm of late-night strolls, and the soothing sound of waves lapping against the shore. Magical. All Photos 👇 are taken between 10PM to midnight.
Thank you to all who enthusiastically participated in my Books challenge; it was an absolute joy to witness the profound appreciation we collectively have for the written word and the essential role it plays in shaping our lives. Books are not just mere collections of pages; they are gateways that transport us to distant realms, enriching our minds with unparalleled knowledge and stirring our souls with unforgettable stories. Seeing the stunning libraries from every corner of the globe was nothing short of breathtaking—each one a sanctum for avid readers, beautifully crafted and steeped in history, where the echoes of the past resonate through the ages. The creativity and enthusiasm you all poured into this challenge illuminated our shared passion for literature, reminding us how stories—both timeless classics and contemporary gems—continue to ignite our imaginations and inspire our hearts.
This week was a lovely dip into summer, not yet there weather wise, but the light nights are…Thanks Sofiafor this lovely topic. Please link your post to hersand use the lens-artists tag in the reader so your post can be found. Next week June 14th, Beth from Wandering Dawgs will host her first challenge so be sure to check her post next Saturday. I sure am looking forward to seeing what it’s like 🙂
You can find out more about the Lens-Artists Challenge here.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 