poem – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

A Quiet Autumn Window

Black and White photos, Short Stories and Poems

I thought I’d share something from way back—about 10 years ago. I’ve been digging through old photos and half-forgotten projects, the kind that have been hiding on dusty hard drives and in random folders with names like “final_FINAL2.” It’s funny how a single picture can pull you right back into a moment: where you were, what the light felt like, even the mood of that day. Going through these old shots has been a mix of cringe, nostalgia, and a little bit of pride, and I figured it might be nice to bring a few of those memories back to life here.

I was walking past our neighbor’s place when this scene just stopped me in my tracks. The old, weathered wooden house is framed through a big tree trunk in the foreground so the whole view feels a bit hidden and layered, like you’re gently peeking into a quiet memory. In the middle window sits my namesake in her green top and glasses, beside a little table lamp and a potted plant, exactly as I remember her. All around the house, the autumn branches, dry grasses, and warm brown-orange leaves wrap the building in this soft, faded kind of beauty, and the sunlight throws strong shadows on the gray vertical siding. The whole moment feels tender and nostalgic—she’s no longer with us, but her presence lingers there, carried forward with love by her granddaughter who now calls this place home.

nature in September-1 — A quiet autumn scene shows a person working beside a lamp inside a weathered wooden home, partly framed by a large tree.

Poem

she used to sit there, lamp on, plant beside her, glasses catching light.

autumn doesn’t explain itself. it just turns things golden and lets them go.

For Ludwig’s Monday Window, hosted this week by PR.

Ducks at the Dock

Captures from Finland, iPhone photography, Photography, Short Stories and Poems

Päijät-Häme-2 — Several ducks lounge on a weathered wooden dock,

Rippling reflections dance on the surface wide, scattered highlights whisper as they glide.

As summer fades, autumn’s arrival creates space Several ducks relax on a timeworn wooden dock,
where tranquil, deep teal waters gently sway.
Rippling reflections dance on the surface wide, scattered highlights whisper as they glide.
In this serene domain, a warm green-blue hug,
a drake gazes outward, a dignified brown visage.
Nature’s silent moments,
in the essence of peace, life flows with ease.

Transforming Image into a Story

Photography, Short Stories and Poems

Let’s create a short story based on this image, as it ignited my creativity with tales of adventure, where each shadow concealed a mystery and every beam of light opened up fresh opportunities. As the narrative evolved, I started to compose a poem about it, encapsulating the journey and the feelings that surged within me as I transformed the image into written words.

As the sole vehicle meandered along the twisting road, its headlights sliced through the mist that blanketed the landscape like a cozy quilt. Inside, a lone driver sat, her fingers clutching the steering wheel as though it were a life raft in a stormy sea of her own making. The heavy clouds above reflected her mood—a confusing cocktail of introspection and a touch of sadness that seemed to cling to her like a second skin. The rhythmic patter of rain against the windshield was like a soft lullaby, soothing yet heavy, reminding her of thoughts that were forever just out of reach. With each bend in the road, as hills dipped and rose like the memories she cherished, she found herself reminiscing about brighter days, now cast in shadow by the dreary weather. The delicate beauty of the rainy day was a stark contrast to the whirlwind in her heart, prompting her to ponder the evanescent nature of joy. Yet amid the sorrow, she felt a profound connection to the world outside; nature, in its damp serenity, seemed to cradle her feelings, and for a brief moment, she let herself drift into the stillness, allowing the calm to wash over her like a gentle tide.

Northern Norway-359 — A lone vehicle drives down a wet road surrounded by lush greenery under a moody, overcast sky with low-hanging clouds over the mountains, I took this photo last week in Skibotn Norway.

Bright lights, they flash and blind

Captures from Finland

Have I captured this in this image; a dimly lit tunnel with sleek lines and warm yellow lights. Shadows create patterns. As vehicles pass, bright lights flash, briefly blinding those inside. The mix of dark and light highlights the tunnel’s design and the thrill of speed felt by travelers. This imagery should reflect the moment of traveling through it quickly.

A dimly lit tunnel showcasing the sleek lines of its architecture and warm yellow lights illuminating the roadway.

A dimly lit tunnel, where shadows remain,
Sleek lines of structure, a rush quickly past.
Bright lights, they flash and blind
Illuminating the roadway, as speed takes flight.

the Stillness of a Winter Night

Captures from Finland, Photography

Cold and bright night,
moon shines high,
trees shimmer with frost,
whispering secrets in the winter sky.
Each breath a cloud,
every shadow a ghost,
the world wrapped in silence,
a beauty, a host,
like a scene on a postcard.
Smoke rises gently from the chimney,
stars blink down in their velvet attire,
as whispers of dreams float higher and higher.
February’s breath, crisp and clear.

That is what it was like when we came home Sunday evening.

A winter night illuminated by a bright moon, highlighting frosted trees and a peaceful snowy landscape.

A winter night, frosted trees and a sparkling blanket of snow under the glowing streetlamp.

A winter night showcasing frost-covered trees under a bright full moon.

Monochrome – clouds

Black and White photos, Captures from Finland, Photography

Clouds are a timeless muse, offering a canvas of ever-changing patterns and colors to capture. Whether they serve as a stunning backdrop to a landscape or take center stage as the main subject, clouds bring a sense of dynamism and depth. There’s something truly captivating about the interplay of light and shadow within the billowing forms of clouds, particularly when the gentle rays of sunlight peek through, creating a mesmerizing contrast of brightness and darkness.

“Clouds in the sky very much resembles the thoughts in our minds! Both changes perpetually from one second to another!”

– Mehmet Murat ildan

Hope- slight change of light among the clouds

“There’s a bright spot in every dark cloud.”

“Behind the clouds is the sun still shining.”

– Henry Wadsworth Longfellow

Leanne’s Monochrome Madness

Lens-Artist Photo Challenge #283 – Illustrate a favourite quote or poem

lens-artists

Last week was truly an enjoyable experience as I delved into the world of dramatic photography for Patti. Selecting the most fitting images for the challenge presented quite a delightful yet daunting task.

And as I reflect on it, this week does not appear to be any easier, given that Ann-Christine has tasked us with illustrating a favorite quote or poem. The abundance of choices certainly makes this a captivating yet challenging endeavor. This week’s challenge offers an opportunity to delve into the profound world of words and capture their essence through artistry.

Henry Wadsworth Longfellow / Ultima Thule: The Tide Rises, The Tide Falls

The tide rises, the tide falls,
The twilight darkens, the curlew calls;
Along the sea-sands damp and brown
The traveller hastens toward the town,
And the tide rises, the tide falls.

Darkness settles on roofs and walls,
But the sea, the sea in the darkness calls;
The little waves, with their soft, white hands,
Efface the footprints in the sands,
And the tide rises, the tide falls.

The little waves, with their soft, white hands, Efface the footprints in the sands,

The morning breaks; the steeds in their stalls
Stamp and neigh, as the hostler calls;
The day returns, but nevermore
Returns the traveller to the shore,
And the tide rises, the tide falls.

To participate in this challenge, you should link to or leave a comment on the week’s host’s original challenge post and please use the #Lens-Artists tag in your own post, so the post is easily found in the Reader.

Here is the link link to Ann-Christine’s original post

Next week Saturday Sofia will be hosting the challenge, so please visit her inspirational site for more!

flow and foam, river run wild

Captures from Finland

Flowing and foaming, the river runs wild,
Bringing me joy, making me feel
With not a worry or care in sight,
It spins me around, filling me with delight.
Flowing and foaming, the river runs free,
A place of solace, where I can be me.
You are my escape, my source of glee,
In your embrace, I feel completely free.

Linked to Six Word Saturday at Debbie’s here

trapped in a circle of life

Still life

I feel like I’m trapped in a circle of life
That never changes or grows
I want to break free and explore the world
And see what else it shows

But I’m afraid to take the risk
And leave my comfort zone
I don’t know if I can handle it
Or if I’ll be alone

So I stay in the circle of life
And pretend that I’m okay
But deep inside I know I’m not
And I wish I could get away

Linked to Six Word Saturday at Debbie’s here

November in Finland

Captures from Finland, Photography

November in Finland, a world of gray,
Where autumn whispers its final farewell,
Leaves relinquish their vibrant display,
And nature succumbs to the winter’s spell.

The air is crisp, with a biting chill,
As frosty breath dances upon the breeze,
The sun, a timid presence on the hill,
Casting feeble rays through the barren trees.

The days grow shorter, the nights grow long,
As darkness blankets the land in its embrace,
A melancholic hymn in nature’s song.

Yet amidst the gloom, a flicker of light,
As candles glow in windowsills,
Warmth and coziness fill the bitter night,
A sanctuary from the winds that blow.

November in Finland, a somber sight,
A season of reflection, a time for respite,
Where nature’s cycle finds solace in solitude.

Gray days of November, so dreary

Nature, Photography

Gray days of November, oh so dreary,
Dampened spirits, and a heart full of drear.
The skies are gray, the winds they do howl,
As if the world itself were lost in a droll.

The trees stand bare, their leaves long gone,
Their branches skeletal, a somber song.
The grass is parched, the flowers all gone,
A desolate landscape, a winter’s dawn.

The days are short, the nights are long,
A time of rest, but little song.
The world is quiet, still and cold,
As if the season’s chill had grown old.

But even in the gray, there’s beauty found,
A time for reflection, a time profound.
The world may be dull, but not the heart,
For in the gray days of November, we find our part.

So let us embrace the gray, and all its might,
For in the darkness, there is still a light.
A light that shines within our souls,
A beacon of hope, in the gray days of November’s role.

For Debbie’s Six Words Saturday.