Frost-kissed leaves in silence lie,
A muted palette beneath a gray sky.
Brown and gold decay, whispers of gray,
Purple hues linger, fading away.
Purple hues linger, fading away.
Tag: nature
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.
Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #376 – Wings
This week it’s Beth’s turn to host the Lens-Artists Challenge. She is asking us to feature anything with wings.
Butterflies are captivating creatures known for their vibrant colors and delicate wings, symbolizing the beauty and fragility of life. Despite living only a short time, they remind us of life’s transient nature and the importance of cherishing moments. They represent transformation, rebirth, and freedom, while also embodying hope, spiritual growth, joy, and endurance across different cultures.
Birds embody a profound sense of freedom as they gracefully soar through the sky, their shimmering feathers reflecting sunlight in a breathtaking array of colors. As they glide on the gentle wind, they evoke feelings of wonder and tranquility, reminding us of the beauty in the world around us. Each bird carries its own symbolic meanings across various cultures, with doves representing peace and love, owls symbolizing wisdom and intuition, and eagles reflecting strength, courage, and boundless freedom. As I am not a good bird photographer, I don’t have the patience for it; my shots are of birds about to fly or landing, and they are none of the mentioned above.
If you believe in angels, it’s beautiful to recognize the myriad of thoughts surrounding them, from deep religious convictions interpreting them as divine messengers to philosophical views that frame them as symbols of protection, compassion, and guidance. Many see angels as gentle messengers of love, hope, and miracles, while others embrace them as reflections of our human potential and the uplifting qualities that define our humanity.
The evil wings I found were on this poster, the idea of devil with wings resonates deeply, often symbolizing the complex nature of a fallen angel—someone who once held a spark of angelic beauty but has now been warped into a representation of evil. This striking contrast between traditional angelic wings and their demonic counterparts, such as the transition from beautiful white wings to unsettling bat-like ones, underlines the tragic transformation and the profound struggle between good and evil.
Beth said she can’t wait to see what we come up with, and I am always surprised about the creative journey we’re on together. Well, Beth, this is what I could muster up after a thoughtful exploration of ideas and inspiration. I’ve done my best, hoping to capture not just the essence of our theme but also the fluttering spirit of this challenge.Be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists and include a link back to Beth’s post. Let’s inspire each other and all those who stumble upon our posts!
Last week you showed us some creative, mysterious images in your responses to Patti’s challenge Mysterious, and your unique interpretations were truly captivating. The way you explored different angles, shadows, and light brought a new depth to the theme of mystery, inviting viewers to ponder the stories behind each image, sparking discussions and inspiring others to delve into their own creative expressions. Your ability to evoke emotion and curiosity through your photography not only enhanced the challenge but also highlighted the diverse ways in which we can perceive and represent the enigmatic elements of our world.
Be sure to check back on Saturday, December 6 at noon eastern time when Ann-Christine will be hosting the challenge.
For information on how to join the Len-Artists challenge please click here.
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.
Nature’s Texture Revealed
Lots of bark, nothing more
Rowen and an apple tree
I read about this tree and found out this.
Within Scottish folklore, it was believed that chopping down a rowan tree would only bring bad luck as they are such a strong symbol of protection. Red is seen as a protective color; this is what attributes protection to the Rowan Tree. The berries were once thought to protect against enchantment and witchcraft.
The apple tree symbolizes a wide range of concepts, including immortality, health, love, and temptation. Its symbolism varies across cultures, appearing in mythology as a source of eternal youth (Norse), a representation of divine gifts (Greek), and a symbol of the cyclical nature of life and death (Celtic).
Posted for Terri’ s Sunday Stills and How to Survive November
How to Survive November 2025 – 19
Today, I want to share something frosty for the How to Survive the November.
It’s super cold out there; right now, it’s -7C / 19F. These hydrangeas outside my window look like they’ve braved a freezing night, their delicate petals all frosty and glimmering. The sun’s shining and lighting up the flowers, which I managed to snap a pic of—the frost really does its thing, turning something basic into something special. I can’t help but admire how nature shows off its beauty even in the dead of winter, reminding me that there’s always something to appreciate, no matter how freezing it gets. I don’t need to look for anything else today; this round it up for me.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
How to Survive November 2025 – 18
Back to gloomy weather again, not much else to say about that. Yesterday’s visit to the hospital, I ended up driving around for 15 minutes, not that bad, but I ended up being there earlier than I wanted, but at least I was not late. Results of these these tests will be released to me in December, still got one more test next week.
Today, again I want to share something not so relevant with you, for the How to Survive the November. I don’t think many, if any, people type with old-fashioned typewriters anymore, but they do have so much more photographic appeal than laptops. There’s a certain charm to the keys. Unlike modern laptop’s, they transport us back to an era when writing was a more deliberate, thoughtful process. The errors were certainly harder to erase, so one put more thought to before typing the first thing to mind.
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
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.
How to Survive November 2025 – 17
Back to gloomy weather again, not much else to say about that. I’m on my way to the hospital for a few tests. Honestly, the parking situation there is such a pain. There are only a few spots available, which makes everything more stressful. I usually end up driving in circles, trying to find a place to park, all while hoping I won’t be late for my tests. The thought of missing my appointment because of parking just makes me more anxious, making this day drag on even longer than it already feels.
Today, I wanted to share something not so relevant with you, for the How to Survive the November theme. But at the moment, time is on my mind. So, check this out: I have this vintage Rostov alarm clock from the USSR that my son discovered years ago in an old, abandoned house. It has such a classic design that really emphasizes both timelessness and functionality. The funny thing is, it hasn’t worked a day since we found it, and I can’t quite remember why we’ve held onto it for so long. I guess it’s just one of those quirky reminders of an era gone by. These days, it seems like no one really uses clocks like these anymore; we all rely on our phones to wake us up. It’s funny how quickly things change over time!
November begins, and we’ll keep this year rolling forward. The theme is ’round’, and you can interpret it any way you like. It can be a photograph, a painting, a drawing, a new or old picture, anything. Hopefully, it has ‘that certain something’.
Inlinkz- link for your entry is at the right column.
Lens-Artists Challenge #373: Looking Back – Landscapes
Egidio is looking back to Amy’s Challenge #31 from February 2, 2019: Landscape. Amy had beautiful landscapes to be inspired by as does Egídio in his post.
Six images are requested by Egídio. Landscape is one of the most frequent topics I photograph. It can be autumn with all its glory, a sea view – nothing beats a beautiful ocean in its vastness. Or mountains. The possibilities are endless. Limiting the number of them to six is a challenge.
The four pillars of landscape photography really play a vital role in helping you capture those breathtaking moments. First, there’s Location, which is about finding that perfect setting that speaks to you; then, Composition, which guides you in how to arrange everything thoughtfully; Light, so essential for creating the right mood and highlighting beautiful textures; and finally, Processing, where you can refine and enhance your image to reflect your vision.
With those guidelines in mind, here are my picks.
Last week’s challenge for Tina was titled Ephemeral. I appreciate everyone who took part; your responses were fantastic and I really enjoyed all the imaginative images of things that exist for just a brief moment.
I hope you will join in for this week’s challenge. Be sure to tag your post with Lens-Artists tag and include a link back to Egidio’s post
Be sure to check back on Saturday, November 15 at noon Eastern time when John will be hosting the challenge.
For information on how to join the Len-Artists challenge please click here.
Silent Sunday
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 .
wordless Wednesday
shrubby cinquefoil
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 😀
Silent Sunday
Silent Sunday
Just the two of us
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
Lens-Artists Challenge #370 – Ancient
Sofia has set a challenge Ancient, she wrote: This week I’m looking for anything that has had an existence of many years. It can be like my examples, ancient buildings or places, unchangeable landscapes. It can also be traditions, whose origins are lost in time, or obsolete objects of everyday life. Your imagination is as much the limit as age…
I was going to show shots from Archaeological sites like of Pompeii and Herculaneum in Italy, maybe few from Tombs of the Kings, Kato Paphos in Cyprus. Then I thought about what is older than that, did a little bit of research and this is what I came up with.
According NOAA the Ocean’s are ancient. Over vast periods of time, our primitive ocean formed. Water remained a gas until the Earth cooled below 212 degrees Fahrenheit. At this time, about 3.8 billion years ago, the water condensed into rain which filled the basins that we now know as our world ocean.
Most scientists believe that the atmosphere and oceans formed slowly over millions of years through the release of gases from the Earth’s interior. This process allowed water vapor and other gases from molten rocks to escape into the atmosphere. Once the Earth’s surface cooled below the boiling point of water, it started to rain continuously for a long time. As the rainwater collected in the low areas, the first oceans formed. Gravity kept the water on the planet.
Finland’s bedrock is 3,000–1,400 million years old and is among the oldest, thickest and most stable in Europe. Granite is our country’s most common rock, and it is Finland’s national rock.
The red Aztec sandstone rocks in the Valley of Fire are about 150 million years old, formed from shifting sand dunes during the Jurassic period. However, the park also contains older, darker gray rocks that are between 550 and 250 million years old, dating back to the Paleozoic Era.
Australia holds the oldest continental crust on Earth, researchers have confirmed, hills some 4.4 billion years old. I don’t think I have any photos of that.
BUT the Great Ocean Road offers The “limestone rocks” they refer to the Twelve Apostles, a series of towering limestone stacks that were formed by millions of years of ocean erosion. Stunning landscapes; the views observed today are the result of a dynamic interplay of geological processes that have unfolded over millions of years. So, the spectacular variety of seascapes in the Port Campbell National Park and Bay of Islands Coastal Park is the sum of 7–15 million years of limestone and clay formation sculpted by the relentless forces of nature. These forces include the variables of climate, rain, wind, and waves, alongside a rising sea level that has reshaped the coast over the last 18,000 years.
And all of that my friends has resulted in something very unique and very beautiful.
Another fact I found out was: In 2008, geologists announced that a swath of exposed bedrock in the Canadian province of Quebec was the oldest place on Earth’s surface. The crust on the Nuvvuagittuq greenstone belt, on the eastern shore of Hudson Bay, is 4.28 billion years old, dating to when Earth was still cooling from its formation! No photo to share on this nugget of information.
I gotta give a shoutout to Sofia for this awesome challenge! I learned so much while looking up info for this post. Last week, Ann-Christine took us on a super dreamy trip with serene landscapes, gorgeous flowers, and calm scenes. It was such a delight of relaxing theme.
Next week is my turn to host, Saturday 25th October. Hope you will join me then Until then, keep smiling and stay positive.
Almost forgot; Remember to tag Lens-Artists and to link back to Sofia’s lovely post so we can all easily find you.
If you’d like to know more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
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:
The Art of Ceramics in Monochrome
First time I saw this, my first thought was I have nothing to share on this topic.
I did try to find a neutral spot to take a shoe shot, considering various backgrounds and environments that might complement the shapes and textures of the shoe. I could have used more time on creativity, as I could have explored different lighting or settings to really make the shoes pop visually. However, with the next two images, I just got lazy and took the shots in the cupboard where I keep jugs and bowls, simply because it was the most convenient option. The ease of just snapping photos in the cupboard won out over my original intentions.
So first thing this morning I took these images, the ceramic shoe by artist Kipa Kirsi (2013) is a gift from a dear friend.
And these Heluna Cow jugs, the bigger one was my grandmother’s, and during our trip, we found the smaller cow jug in Canberra. We thought it was funny that someone had taken the trouble to bring it all this way, and now we are returning it back to Finland. They are Vintage Arabia, a milk pitcher pottery by Kaj Frank from 1950.
The bowl with the sea decoration is also Arabia; my husband rescued it from his father’s barn. I think it is really pretty; the colors are white and blue. It’s called Sampo. Based on the seal at the bottom of the bowl, the manufacturing date is from 1928-1932.
Then I remembered that I had these ceramic shots I took on Vancouver Island from the Craigdarroch Castle Museum, that showcases the grandeur of the Victorian era. It is the quintessential Victoria, BC experience, giving visitors a glimpse of privileged life in the 1890s, complete with exquisite furnishings, beautifully landscaped gardens, and a rich history that reflects the lifestyles of the wealthy elite of that time.
Mood board with Soft Floral Hues
I loved the idea of a mood board, particularly one that features flowers arranged in soft pink tones, which create a serene and inviting atmosphere. I did my previous post about it. This beautiful color palette not only enhances the aesthetic appeal but also evokes feelings of warmth and tranquility, making it an ideal choice for any interior space. A bedroom adorned with such delicate hues can transform it into a personal sanctuary for relaxation and restful sleep, while a living room decorated in these soft shades creates a cozy and welcoming vibe, perfect for moments with loved ones.
Now I am introducing a new flower palette, incorporating soft yellows and gentle browns can enhance the warmth of the space, making it feel more intimate. Soft orange, especially in muted shades, can introduce a subtle pop of color without overwhelming the senses, while various tones of green can serve as a beautiful contrast, giving the room a fresh and vibrant feel. This combination of colors not only adds depth but also allows for a seamless blend of nature-inspired elements, ideal for anyone looking to create a harmonious living environment. What would these tones be suitable for, you might wonder? They could work wonderfully in spaces that seek to promote tranquility and comfort, such as reading nooks or meditation corners, making a profound impact on the overall ambiance.
This color palette inspiration for the mood board began with shrubby cinquefoil, a vibrant plant admired for its stunning yellow flowers and lush green leaves. The warm glow of its golden petals brings forth a sense of life and energy, encouraging an appreciation for the natural beauty it embodies. Earthy shades and soft neutrals blend seamlessly with the striking accent of the cinquefoil, resulting in a lively yet harmonious aesthetic that remains inviting—ideal for any design endeavor aiming to connect on a profound level. The palette can also be reflected in the gently fading hydrangea arborescens, with a snail on it continuing the theme as seen on the header.
Posted for #theflowerhour
Lens-Artists Challenge #369 – Dreamy
This week Ann-Christine leads us with a Dreamy challenge.
She wrote:There are many possibilities hidden in Dreamy – maybe you are given to or indulging in daydreaming? You might even want to illustrate one of your own dreams? Now we are looking forward to Your interpretation of the theme Dreamy!
I do have to include at least one of my artwork, hope you like it! I have used tones suitable for the season and the ones used in this post, incorporating rich hues that reflect the vibrant energy of autumn and the gentle warmth of winter. My goal was to create a piece that resonates with the changing atmosphere, drawing inspiration from nature’s stunning palette. I truly believe that art has the power to connect us to the world around us and to evoke feelings that words often cannot express.
I envision these images encapsulating a tapestry of enchanting autumn scenes, where dew-kissed spider webs glisten in the soft embrace of morning light, serene reflections dance upon a still lake, and misty vistas are adorned with golden hay bales—a true homage to this magical season. It invites us to bask in the tranquil beauty of an autumn landscape, where the vibrant hues of falling leaves gently blanket the earth. As the renowned poet John Keats once said, “Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower.” In this spirit, I felt compelled to share these evocative images of the season, hoping you can lose yourselves in the quiet allure of nature’s transformation into winter, cherishing the ephemeral beauty that graces our surroundings.
I’ve taken pleasure in crafting my response this week and hope you find joy in it as well. Be sure to check out Ann-Christine’s stunning original post here for a deeper insight into her challenge, and don’t forget to link back to it in your reply. Remember to add the Lens-Artists Tag so your contribution shows up in our reader section.
Thanks to John and all who took part in last week’s Autumn reflection, the images were so colorful. Here in the northern region, we are witnessing the tail end of the season, which carries a sense of melancholy as strong winds send leaves tumbling down, painting a beautiful yet somber scene. Many trees stand bare, resembling elegant silhouettes against the dwindling light, reminding us of life’s cycles and the inevitability of change. I encourage you to join us next week as Sofia once again leads us through her breathtaking Photographias blog. In the meantime, let’s appreciate the beauty around us as we move into the coming months, and remember to keep smiling; it might just brighten someone else’s day.
Interested in joining our challenge? click here for more information.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 