towns – Ritva Sillanmäki Photography

Tina takes us to a theme inspired by “The City Mouse and the Country Mouse,” also known as “The Town Mouse and the Country Mouse,” is a heartfelt Aesop fable that tells the story of a country mouse and a city mouse who venture into each other’s worlds.

I have lived in three continents – I have moved many times and the really important thing is that you are where you are with the ones you love. Home is where your heart is.

A serene countryside in Mankala, Finland featuring traditional red farm houses surrounded by lush greenery, reflecting the simple joys of rural life. A bit too rural now and then…

This tale gently reminds us of the stark contrast between the glamorous yet sometimes perilous hustle of city life and the comforting, simple joys of the countryside. Ultimately, it reflects a profound truth: that true happiness lies in finding joy in the place where we truly belong, even if it means letting go of some of the city’s flash and excitement.

the Bondi Beach area, showcasing its iconic colorful mural and beachfront residences. This was my dream at one point of my life. Still is really, but it is an unreachable one in reality.

A sunny view of a charming yellow apartment building in Helsinki, surrounded by bare trees, reflecting the serene atmosphere of smaller city life. This I might have as a single woman considered

A vibrant Hong Kong skyline showcasing a mix of modern high-rise buildings and colorful facades, reflecting the hustle and bustle of urban life. This kind of living never appealed to me.

I do not know which you prefer a more quiet life or the hustle and bustle of city life, but as I am getting older I am leaning more and more towards the countryside. I have never lived in the city, only the suburbs with 15 minutes commute to Helsinki and that not is considered a big city. But I used to spend lots of time in café’s and bookstores. Walk in the park and marketplace. As I wrote this it came to me I lived in San Diego, and Las Vegas, those are rather big cities even back then. Memory what it does to you…. Nowadays I am happy to retreat to my summerhouse in the summer to listen to birds and watch the leaves above my hammock move against the blue sky. In the winter it’s suburbia 😀 with nature at my doorway. I am a happy country mouse 😀

I am just happy to visit the cities for a day or two and to return the more relaxed small towns.

A view of a Singapore cityscape highlighting a blend of modern skyscrapers and historic architecture, reflecting the contrast between urban and traditional lifestyles.

That it for me this week. I’m sure others have much more intriguing takes, and I eagerly anticipate reading their thoughts. Please make sure to connect your responses to Tinas’s lovely original here, and tag the Lens-Artists Tag so we can find you. We extend our gratitude to everyone who took part in Edígios’s Longing challenge last week, which led to so many emotions.

We are excited to announce that next week Lens-Artists will be guest-hosted by Joanne of Joanne Mason Photography, we hope you’ll join us again next Saturday, so be sure to check her post at noon EST. In the meantime, as always, keep on smiling.

Interested in joining our challenge? Click here .