Lens-Artists Challenge #325 – Gratitude

I am grateful to Tina from Travels and Trifles for presenting this challenge today, as a reminder that I am quite a happy woman 🙂 Life is basically good, even thought I just last week became once again a woman of leisure, as my job ended after a short period of time. Now I find myself faced with the hassle, again, of trying to find a new job at my age, and the reality is that it feels like a daunting challenge that will not lead to success. However, I am grateful and acknowledge that I have a roof over my head and loving friends and family who support me. I have husband, three boys, four grandsons…what girl wouldn’t be happy surrounded by so many boys 😀

I live in a beautiful country that is a haven for both children and adults, allowing us to walk around freely and safely, whether in cities or nature. That reminds me to appreciate the little things. Hanging on to my positive attitude is a must, and although there are moments of doubt, I strive to remain almost happy, finding joy in the present

I live in the happiest country in the world, as recognized in the UN World Happiness Report for the 7th time. Why? Apparently, the answer is rooted in the fundamental trust present throughout Finnish society, which enables individuals to feel safe and relaxed in their daily lives. Another reason contributing to our happiness is the proximity of nature; the four seasons , the stunning landscapes, abundant forests, and serene lakes all provide a beautiful escape from the hustle and bustle of urban life, offering a tranquil environment that encourages mindfulness and appreciation of the simple joys of life.

However, in my opinion, our current Government is doing a huge amount of things to destroy this happy dynamic, pushing for policies that undermine social cohesion and environmental protection. It’s disheartening to witness changes that might jeopardize our well-being. Yet, despite these challenges, I still find moments of joy and connection in the everyday, almost happy… that is something to be grateful for.

And like many others in our lovely blogging community, which I am grateful for, I in a position where I can travel, meet new people, see wonderful places. Joy.

I want to thank Patti for last week’s In The Details challenge. I got bit carried away with it, but I did only link one to her beautiful original post that inspired me to go out and shoot 😀 I don’t know about you but I discovered some things that were a really nice surprise!

Finally I hope you’ll join us next week when Ann-Christine once again leads our challenge. In the meanwhile, be happy for the things you are grateful for 🙂

PS. and who is not grateful for chocolate ❤

the joys of summer

we have had beautiful summer days, and that is something I have tries to capture these photos. The water was so cold as the rapid flows into the lake at Vuolenkoski, Finland.How the kids were able to be in it is beyond me… 🙂 This first set of photos are from there, the other one below are from Ruuhijärvi were the water was a whole lot warmer 🙂 as you can see from the expressions and body language.

Roses in bloom

Over a week a go I got these roses and still they bring beauty a joy to me.

Seasons Greetings

I wish every one of you who have shared this blogging year with me a very peaceful and joyful  Christmas time. I get so much from this, I learn by visiting your posts and by your comments. Thank you so much!

seasons greetings

MakroTex – SUMMERMEMORIES

Here are some memories saved from this summer,  In the collage all photos can be enlarged by a click.

 

Pieni Lintu - MakroTex challenge

A Word A Week Photograph Challenge – Orange

as an explanation, orange light – and orange stripes. No sunset photos available on my laptop 🙂

A Word A Week Photograph Challenge – Orange

Sunday Stills, the next challenge: One Subject, just one

If you could pick just “one” subject to photograph for the rest of your life, what would it be? ‘It’s a tough challenge to pick just one but hey, it’s a challenge. So pick just the one subject….

Mine would be people( family and friends)

A Photo a Week Challenge: Joy

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The joy of fatherhood

More joy at: A Photo a Week Challenge: Joy

Sunday Stills, the next Challenge: Happiness is….a good surf

Click the photo to enlarge it

More happiness  at: Sunday Stills, the next Challenge: Happiness is…. a good surf In Sri Lanka

Weekly Photo Challenge: Joy

Memory lane_0081_NEW Memory lane_0085_NEW

As I am having trouble falling a sleep – joy is a good night sleep or a refreshing nap during the day. Also it is a joy to watch a child fast a sleep

Weekly Photo Challenge: Joy

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Happy

It is  a joy to be around this HAPPY Dude!

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Happy

Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Sand and Dirt

Oregon coastline - beaches-41 Oregon coastline - beaches-103 Oregon coastline - beaches-137

Beach – footprints – joy.  Also below Dunes – all from Oregon

Oregon coastline - beaches-306 Oregon coastline - beaches-307

More sand at: Cee’s Fun Foto Challenge: Sand and Dirt

picstory # 87 – happiness

picstory # 87 – happiness

relax happiness -play

Tones on Tuesday #57 12.11.12 – Oliver

The basic idea is to share photo where you have altered the tones. Such as a black and white, sepia toned, selective coloring or colored photo. Feel free to share the original and edit, or just the edit.

Oliver

Scattered Horizons
Oliver
Continue reading “Tones on Tuesday #57 12.11.12 – Oliver”