Tag: nature

Lens-Artists Challenge #374—On the Move!

Captures from Finland, lens-artists, Photography

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.

A vibrant sunset reflected in the window of a restaurant, showcasing a neon burger sign.

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.

A silhouette of a building and chimney against a vibrant sunset sky, capturing a moment from the journey home.

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?

A monochromatic view of a busy highway( same shot as below), captured during a road trip home, illustrating the journey and movement amidst nature.
A stunning sunset observed during a drive home, the vibrant colors and cloud formations. The shadows of the trees against the clouds behind them. In this shot I also like how the curve is wet and how the light brings it out
A nighttime view of a busy highway, showcasing the flow of traffic and illuminated road signs.

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

Black and White photos, how to survive November, Still life

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!

A vintage Rostov alarm clock from the USSR, highlighting its timeless design.

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

lens-artists

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.

A breathtaking landscape view from Blue Mountains in Australia, the lush green mountains under a dramatic sky, with wildflowers in the foreground.
A autumn landscape featuring vibrant orange and yellow trees reflecting in a tranquil lake Kukkanen in Lahti, Finland.
A scenic landscape featuring grazing goats amidst rocky terrain in Crete, with lush greenery and distant hills.
A landscape rolling green hills and scattered trees under a cloudy sky, exemplifying the beauty of nature photography. This is at Korkee, Finland, a place I photograph every year.
A winter landscape, frosted trees and a snow-covered field, embodying the beauty of nature in cold seasons in Finland.
A striking desert landscape from Las Vegas, Nevada, a cholla cactus against a backdrop of distant mountains.

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.

Lens-Artists Challenge #372 – Ephemeral

lens-artists

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.

The first green of spring – it is a fleeting moment.
A close-up of delicate dandelion seeds, embodying the theme of ephemerality
A picturesque autumn pathway lined with vibrant yellow and orange foliage that delights us for a short time.
A close-up of snow-covered branches glistening in sunlight, capturing the essence of ephemeral winter beauty.
A stunning sunset reflecting off the ocean, if anything sunset is a great example of ephemerality.

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 .

Fallen Tree and Moss

Captures from Finland, Landscapes, Nature, Photography

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 forest scene with a fallen tree and moss-covered ground

A Glimpse of Vibrant Summer Through Old Windows

Captures from Finland

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 😀

A view through an old six-pane glass window, capturing the vibrant greens and dappled sunlight of summer.

Just the two of us

Captures from Finland, Nature
Two Delicate mushrooms growing amidst lush green moss.

One Word Sunday: double

Two ladybugs resting on a green leaf in a serene natural setting.

October day

Captures from Finland, Nature, Photography

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

October 23rd
Gray and muggy

Lens-Artists Challenge #370 – Ancient

Landscapes, lens-artists

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.

The vast and ancient ocean, a reminder of the Earth’s formation over billions of years.

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.

A surfer riding the waves in a vast ocean, showcasing the beauty and power of ancient waters.

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.

A view of the ocean reflecting the soft golden hues of the sky, embodying the ancient and timeless nature of our planet’s waters.

The Dance of Colorful Autumn Leaves

Flowers, Nature

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

A frosty leaves clinging to a branch amidst vibrant fall colors.
A single colorful leaf rests on a textured wooden surface, illuminated by morning light.

Six-Word Saturday 18.10.25

Autumn’s small wonders

Captures from Finland, Nature, Photography

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.

Close-up of dew-covered leaves glistening in sunlight, highlighting the intricate web of nature.

Sharing these with Dawn’s Festival of leaves #4:

Close-up of autumn ferns showcasing vibrant orange hues against a backdrop of green foliage.

The Art of Ceramics in Monochrome

Black and White photos, Photography, Still life

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.

Vintage Arabia Heluna Cow jugs, one a cherished heirloom and the other a recent find in Canberra.

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.

A beautifully crafted bowl featuring intricate blue and white designs, showcasing vintage Arabia craftsmanship.

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.

For Leanne and Brian’s Monochrome Madness challenge.

Mood board with Soft Floral Hues

Flowers, Photography

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.

Beautiful flowers of  shrubby cinquefoil (Dasiphora fruticosa)in soft yellow tones, enhancing warmth and tranquility in any living space.

Posted for #theflowerhour

Lens-Artists Challenge #369 – Dreamy

Captures from Finland, lens-artists, Photography

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!

An abstract artwork capturing the vibrant hues of autumn and winter, reflecting nature’s stunning palette in a dreamy composition.

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.

An autumn moment for dog walker in a misty landscape and vibrant fall foliage.

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.

A dreamy spider web adorned with morning dew, capturing the essence of nature’s delicate beauty.
A reflection of lush greenery on calm waters, embodying the dreamy essence of nature.
Misty landscape with hay bales in a green field, creating a dreamy atmosphere.
A close-up view of a moss-covered stump in a softly blurred forest setting, portraying the essence of nature’s tranquility.
A dreamy landscape featuring blurred reflections of trees and water, evoking a serene and mystical atmosphere.
An autumn landscape featuring golden foliage, a still lake, and a small boat, a view to nature’s beauty during the fall season.

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.

Fallen

Captures from Finland, Nature

The essence of autumn is fallen leaves, no.

A patio blanketed with fallen leaves, that is the essence of autumn.

OneWord Sunday – Fallen

Autumn’s Beauty by the Lake

Captures from Finland, Photography

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.

A serene autumn lake scene with vibrant foliage reflecting on the calm water.
Tranquil autumn day by the lake, with golden reeds and vibrant foliage reflecting on the calm water.
An autumn lakeside with vibrant yellows and greens contrasting against the blue sky.

For Dawn’s Festival of leaves

The Beauty of Flowers A memory of summer

Flowers, Photography

Flowers are just beautiful. Their bright colors and sweet smells bring gardens to life, and they remind me of all those warm, sunny summer days, buzzing bees and fluttering butterflies everywhere. It’s like nature’s own picture show that I wish I could snap and keep forever in my memory!

The #Flower Hour Weekly Photo Challenge Debut

Lens-Artists Challenge #368—Looking Back to# 106: Autumn

Captures from Finland, lens-artists, Photography

Autumn is this weeks Lens-Artists ‘Looking Back’ Challenge, set by John. John’s original challenge post is here. In July 2020, the team launched a series called “Seasons.” Patti facilitated the Lens-Artists Photo Challenge #106: Autumn here.

Autumn, fall, is a warm-colored season with cool temperatures, bringing a beautiful array of reds, oranges, and yellows as the leaves turn. The woods are full with edible mushrooms to pick and the more poisonous to photograph. It’s a time when nature begins to rest, preparing for the winter months ahead, and people also find themselves slowing down.. Slowly but surely, we are cozying inside our homes, wrapped in soft blankets while savoring warm drinks and apple pie. This season encourages us to stay inside, lighting the candles and fireplaces that create a warm, inviting atmosphere.

The crisp air outside calls for strolls among the falling leaves, reminding us to appreciate the beauty of change.

To us, falling leaves and autumn symbolize the closing of the summer season; at our summer house, this transition means not only raking leaves but, in recent times, using a lawnmower to moan them into little bits and leaving them as nutrients for the earth to enrich the soil for the next year. My husband took on the ambitious task this summer of clearing so many trees that one entire corner of the yard , now has an entirely new look, revealing hidden patches of sunlight that we hadn’t seen in years, the wood area of our yard needed cutting and trimming of the trees, which has unfortunately left us with mounds of branches scattered around the property. As the days grow colder and the ground becomes wet, the branches are gathered and prepared for a controlled burn to take care of the debris; it took a whole day to accomplish this, but the effort was worth leaving behind a cleared space that feels refreshing and revitalized for the upcoming seasons. A days work and in the end you are left with area with white ash.

Big thanks to John for giving us a nudge to share our Autumn vibes We’d love for you to share your favorite autumn photos too. Just link to John’s original post here and don’t forget to use the Lens-Artists Tag so we can check out your take on the theme!

Last week, our guest host, Joanna Mason, inspired us with the theme “Everyone Should See This,” resulting in a plethora of unique images in response. Thank you Joanna! Next week, Ann-Christine will be hosting the Lens-Artists Challenge, so make sure to follow her blog here to catch the challenge she will announce on Saturday, October 11, at 12:00 pm. Eastern Time.

For more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.

last of September

Captures from Finland, Nature
Autumn foliage illuminating a forest path with my Iphone

Last on the card for September 2025

A vibrant fly agaric adorned nestled among green grass and fallen leaves. SONY ILCE-7M3 – f5,6 – 1/80 seconds – ISO 100

the Decay of Sunflowers

Flowers, Photography
The sunflower whispers softly about the inevitable decay of its vibrant petals, a reminder that beauty is fleeting and even the brightest blooms must fade.

Lens Artists #367 – Everyone Should See This

lens-artists, Photography

When I think about the ocean, I can’t help but feel a rush of emotions. It’s this vast expanse that holds so many mysteries and beauty, evoking awe and humility in me. The ocean feels like this incredible force—both calming and powerful at the same time. There’s something magical about standing by the shore, where you can hear the waves crash and feel that deep connection to nature and time itself.

Waves crashing against rocky shores, showcasing the beauty and power of the ocean.

Joanne is this weeks host. Her challenge post is here. Her request is to share some photographs of things/people/places that are inspiring and that you want to share. This is my approach to it. Suggestion: all the images in the galleries can be enlarged by a click.

It’s hard to believe that around 60-70% of people around the world have never seen the ocean in person. That means over 2.5 billion folks haven’t experienced the delight of watching the waves or feeling the sand between their toes! For many, it’s just not possible—living in landlocked areas, dealing with financial constraints, or simply not having the chance to travel can keep them away from those tranquil blue waters. It’s a reminder of how important it is to ensure everyone gets a taste of the ocean’s beauty.

I saw this firsthand in India when local people from the countryside came to see the ocean for the first time for the New Year celebration. They had no idea of the power of the water and did not know how to swim, yet the sheer joy radiating from the women, children, but mostly young men was a sight to behold. They were playing on the beach as you usually see children play, building sandcastles and chasing each other in the waves lapping at their feet. The lifeguards were driving up and down the beach giving warnings not to enter if you don’t know how to swim. Also, the amount of selfies and photos 😀 one can guess how many…

The ocean has inspired so many, including some amazing writers. Robert Wyla captures this perfectly when he says, “The ocean stirs the heart, inspires the imagination and brings eternal joy to the soul.” That resonates with me! And Rainer Maria Rilke echoes similar feelings, sharing his experience of going to the sea when life gets heavy: “When anxious, uneasy and bad thoughts come, I go to the sea, and the sea drowns them out with its great wide sounds, cleanses me with its noise, and imposes a rhythm upon everything in me that is bewildered and confused.” Doesn’t that just sound soothing?

A serene moment by the ocean, capturing the tranquility and beauty of the shoreline.

I also love Christy Ann Martine’s lines, “Dance with the waves, move with the sea, let the rhythm of the water set your soul free.” It speaks to the joy of immersing ourselves in the ocean’s embrace. It reminds me that there’s this beautiful freedom found in the rhythm of the ocean.

Even if some haven’t been able to experience it firsthand, its essence resonates in our hearts and connects us all. The ocean isn’t just about its waves and shores; it’s about healing, inspiration, and that profound sense of belonging we all seek. So here’s to all the adventures waiting at the ocean!

I cannot end this post without sunset from by the ocean

Last week, you were so creative with your responses to Tina’s challenge! I love how different takes were on that theme. For Joanne’s challenge this week, make sure to link your post to hers and don’t forget to throw in the “lens-artists” hashtag so we can easily spot your post in the Reader.

Next week, John returns with a new challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in to find out more about the challenge then. Please see this page to learn more about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.