I got caught behind and now I am trying to catch up with the days and letters. I looked around my office and found something to photograph, not my best shots, but I am putting in the the effort – I am taking the shots not using the the archive. That would be so much easier to do and the photos would be better, but that’s not the point here.
P – pensseli – brush
Q – QWERTY – same in both languages – a keyboard used in Finland
R – raidat – stripes
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
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 🙂
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
Well I took several shots for this week’s Lens-Artists challenge, but as the limited images were six, I could only post that. I think the limited amount of images is a good thing actually, I really should do it more often.
A single wither’d leaf is left Upon the forest tree, By angry winds and storms bereft Of other company: And though its friends have long since gone, The wither’d leaf still clingeth on!
– Richard Coe The One Hope
I chose a slightly different angles and came a little closer – and what I liked about this is that – can you guess what I liked ?
Well I took several shots for this week’s Lens-Artists challenge, but as the limited images were six, I could only post that. I think the limited amount of images is a good thing actually, I really should do it more often.
I really like this shot; the background is the thing that makes this photo stand out for me. The light was just at the right level, softly illuminating the berries and highlighting foliage colors. The autumn colors left, with shades of amber, gold, and deep red blending beautifully, creating a warm and inviting backdrop adds depth to the composition.
I chose a slightly different angle a tad closer – and what I liked about this is that there is a sign of frost in the droplet. The one below the focus is on the berry.
Well, this is one of the things you can do in November.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
Patti from P.A. Moed Creative Exploration in Words and Pictures challenges us with this themeIn the Details
I was really inspired by this, I often do nothing much, but not doing much being still gives you time to look at details. So obviously my first thought was macro photography. Something you can do in your own backyard or home. Then I say Patti’s approach and found it inspiring – that’s not how I first envisioned it in my head, should I also try that ?
These tiny hardly noticeable fungus grow by my front door, but that day I went out to capture the first frosty morning and these were the last ones I took on my quest for details.
My other set is from Hailuoto, – Finland and the lighthouse there I took so many photos of it so I am able to share some new ones too.
From the distance it looked like this
Different angel and I am closer
Close-up, now you can see the structure and details and the colors so much better.
Last week, Egidio hosted his “Silence” challenge, which was a beautiful exploration of places that are filled with quiet. Each submission capturing serene landscapes and peaceful environments. I love how the silence settled around me just from looking at all your lovely photos. The silence and stillness, encouraging us to pause and appreciate the beauty of the world around us.
Next week, it’s Tina’s turn to lead us, so be sure to stop by her gorgeous Travels and Trifles site next Saturday at noon EST for an engaging and inspiring challenge. Tina has always has a unique perspective, sharing her thoughtful insights and delightful stories that transport us to new places. I can hardly wait to see what she has in store for us this time!
November 13th – M – Maisema / Landscape / scene / view
Meri – Sea
Landscape – this is taking the easy way out of this one.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
November 11 th -L is for – Lasipullo / Lasipullot – Glass bottle / Glass Bottles
This is a lake reed, most common reed in Finland, photo of Lake Syväjärvi in Kirkkonummi. I am also posting this to John’s Cellpic Sunday
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
This is a lake reed, most common reed in Finland, photo of Lake Syväjärvi in Kirkkonummi. I am also posting this to John’s Cellpic Sunday
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
This is from Syväjärvi in Kirkkonummi – taken around after 3PM. It was already dusk. AS you may have seen from my yearly November posts, it is the grayest month of the year – and apparently the grayest city in Europe in November. That is what we are surviving at the moment. Yesterday I was able to catch a bit of blue in the horizon, even if it had been a dull day for the most part. the camera catches so many more hue’s than the eye can see.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
November 9th – I – INDIGO. Tarkoittaa intialaista sinistä väriä.
Indigo deep blue colour / A purplish-blue colour.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
November 8th – H is for Hampurilainen 🍔 – no translation needed here.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
This is often drank during Christmas season, often spiced with alcohol. This bottle is from last year, did not consume it back then
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
Last weekend we ventured outside and drove to have lunch in Helsinki , it’s about half hour drive, not much of an adventure. The restaurant is located in the area of Katajanokka is a neighbourhood of Helsinki, with around 5000 inhabitants. The district is located adjacent to the immediate downtown area, though in the first major town plan for Helsinki from the mid-18th century, the area fell outside the fortifications planned to encircle the city.
This us driving away from Katajannokka on one of the bridges, in the corner is the part of the The Presidential Palace.
Katajanokka was originally a headland of the Helsinki peninsula but is now an island due to the canal dug in the 19th century. Four bridges connect it to mainland Helsinki. Urban settlement expanded to Katajanokka in the 18th century, remaining largely untouched until the canal’s completion in 1844, which linked the South and North Harbours. The south side features a busy passenger harbour for ferries to various destinations, while the area consists mainly of co-operative apartment buildings and small parks. The eastern part was once a military zone with a naval base, which evolved into a commercial shipyard.
These are from the eastern side looking towards the sea, my attention was on the house on the small island as the sun was casting the last light on it. for some reason I did not take photos of the newer buildings.
Here we are leaving the area, driving towards the Helsinki Cathedral
The western part of the residential area, known as the “Old Side” of Katajanokka, is an upscale neighborhood and a well-preserved example of early 20th century Art Nouveau architecture, though up until the mid-19th century – while the centre of Helsinki was being filled with stone buildings – the area was essentially still a wooden shanty town.
The westside has some restoration going on and the area is not built for the amount of cars that we nowadays have, a bit tricky to get a parking spot here,
I am speechless today after seeing the news this morning. Not much to say. Today is a F day , I’ll post a shot of Farkkutakki 🙂
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
My aunt gave me this beautiful angel when I was a teenager about 45 years ago, and I still cherish it dearly. The piece itself may not be worth much , but its sentimental value is immeasurable. It now safely guards my bedroom, serving as a gentle reminder of the love my aunt bestowed upon me. Currently, it finds its home on top of a mirror, which leans gracefully against a silk painting that has also accompanied me for over thirty years.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
November 4th- D is for DVD-levy. D is not an all that often used letter in Finnish language, but there are still more options than C.
Luckily we have rows of DVD’s💿 all in random order, we still have a player but not really used. I am sorry for not using more imagination with this post. So this was not a Dilemma for me as this word is also used in Finnish language.
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
November 3rd- C is for CD-levy. C is not an all that often used letter in Finnish language. Luckily we have rows of CD’s💿 all in alphabetical order
Lepis is hosting once again How to Survive November, and this year’s theme: Let’s follow alphabets! Every day the subject of the photo, drawing, painting, collage or whatever, is that day’s alphabet. First day the subject is something that starts with A, second day with B and so on. In Finnish there are few more alphabets than in English language: Å, Ä, Ö. The last day we’ll make a collage out of all the other photos. You can make a link from your page with InLinkz-page which is found on the right column of her page.
This week, I propose we explore how we see silence in photography. This is a subjective theme, so there is no right or wrong approach. It is your vision and way of perceiving silence in your work, that is what Egídio wrote in his beautiful post. This is in a way a continued theme to last week in some sense – silence can be healing. This was to me also a soul searching request.
On that note, I am posting some photos that I think have captured silence.
Silence is the great teacher, and to learn its lessons you must pay attention to it. There is no substitute for the creative inspiration, knowledge, and stability that come from knowing how to contact your core of inner silence ~Deepak Chopra
This hill is one of my favorite spots to photograph for some reason it makes stop everytime i pass it, the trees create a lovely contrast against the sky. The golden light dances across the field, illuminating the vibrant colors of the grass. It’s a calm and serene place, silent but for the soothing sounds of nature, like the soft wind and the distant chirping of birds,.
Night time surrounded by nature – stillness of the air, the wind has settled and air is crisp – one feels small on top of the mountain looking at the vastness of the sky. The stars twinkle like diamonds scattered across a deep velvet canvas. Hereone can truly appreciate the beauty of nature and the insignificance of human worries as they are dwarfed by the grandeur surrounding them.
Open blue sea – gentle breeze – joy of silence around you, enveloping you in a tranquil embrace that soothes the mind and spirit. The rhythmic sound of waves harmonizes with the soft whisper of the wind. As you gaze into the vast expanse of water, the salty air refreshes your senses, you breathe deeply and appreciate the simplicity of this peaceful escape.
I love the sea and if you are able to be there on your own or a loved one – bliss.
Reading, can silence your thoughts and let you have moment of peaceful escape from the daily hustle and puzzle of life.
I do not go to church to worship, but I do visit them and enjoy the silence and calm atmosphere in churches and temples. I also often visit the graveyards – read the tombstones and wonder about the lives they had and the silence is soothing in these places.
You really have to be at peace with yourself to appreciate the silence, as it presents an amazing opportunity for thinking and reflecting; in those uplifting moments, you can dive deep into your thoughts, discover your true feelings, and uncover a wonderful sense of peace that’s often hidden beneath the chaos of everyday life.
Thank you all for your wonderful photos and thoughts about the quete in my last challenge; your creativity and enthusiasm truly shone through in every submission. I am so happy to see that you all embraced the challenge with openness, allowing your unique perspectives to enrich our collective experience. The photos captured not only the essence of the theme but also reflected the effort and passion you put into your work, and it’s inspiring to witness such a supportive community come together to share their talents and insights.
Next week, Patti (of https://pilotfishblog.com) will be leading her In The Details challenge. Choose a subject (a statue, a person, a place, street art, etc.) and take a series of photos about your subject. Get closer and closer to the subject, focusing on a particular detail(s). Vary your shots by changing your perspective or angle of shooting or even your lens. Post three photos of your subject. Feel free to shoot another series on a second subject.
The majority of trees and bushes are bare of leaves, standing like silent sentinels against the cool, crisp air of late autumn. The last shots of this color glory from my backyard memorized here where vibrant hues once danced among the branches. Now, only the berries remain, bright splashes of red and orange that cling stubbornly to the barren limbs, offering a stark contrast to the gray skies above. Autumn gone by, the inevitable cycle of nature is happening as it prepares for the restful slumber of winter.
Shadow and light under the arches create a dynamic interplay of contrast that captivates. The designs of the arches, with their elegant curves, invite a dance of illumination as sunlight filters through, casting delicate patterns.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 