I took my son to the dentist yesterday, bracing myself for what was about to unfold. I was originally supposed to drop him off and pick him up after the surgery to remove his wisdom tooth, but instead, I was ordered back to sit with him during the premedication process, as they insisted he should not be alone. Despite him being 30 years old, the staff felt it was essential for him to have some support during this time. So much for y morning coffee in a nice cafe. I had tried to avoid this scenario, especially considering the multitude of viruses going around at the moment. Nonetheless, I did as instructed, drove back center and walked to the waiting area, and settled in to be with him. Since I was required to be there with seemingly nothing useful to occupy my time, I decided to make the most of the situation by taking a few shots from the health center with my phone. The light of the waiting area and the glass ceiling and the sterile efficiency of the dental area inspired me, providing a contrast that made for interesting photographs. I even took the opportunity to edit them right there on my phone, to enhance the images as I waited for the surgery to commence.
Entrance to room H13 at the health center, showcasing a modern design.
The health center lobby had a a high glass ceiling and stylish pendant lighting and it showed us the lovely blue sky.
The lobby with spacious interiors and large windows, highlighting a well-lit environment. The influenssa vaccinations are about to begin so there seems to be stalls placed for them in the lobby.
Empty waiting chairs at a health center, I waited for a moment when they were empty before taking the shot. I had a few minute window to do it.
I tried to focus more on the windows and seating areas.
Thank you so much to Egídio for bringing this feeling as a challenge, which has prompted me to reflect more deeply on the concept of longing and its various nuances. I invite you to visit Egídio’s site and be marveled by his wonderful post, as it beautifully encapsulates the essence of this emotion. Longing is such a personal and abstract thing, often intertwined with memories and experiences, and the object, thing—feeling changes as you age, evolving with each chapter of our lives. I think this is going to be a personal post, and as I delve into my own thoughts and memories, I find myself at a loss regarding how to pick the images for this one that will truly convey the depth of these feelings.
Let’s start with this: every winter I long for spring. Every spring I long for a warm summer. Every summer I long for it to continue for long. Every fall I long for beautiful colors and for the winter to bring us some snow that stays so the days are brighter. Always something…
When I was twenty years younger, in late autumn, I would say to my husband, “Where should we move?” I had this urge to go to places warmer and brighter than Finnish winters. It was not a certain place; it was a feeling of longing for something different, not anything specific—a restlessness that I had in me. Usually, the response to it was, “Send me a postcard when you get there.” I did not go, that is obvious. Longing at that moment in time.
A time before that when my boys were young… I will start with a short backstory. I was daddy’s girl; he was the one I spoke to when I had something in my heart that needed to be discussed or I needed support in any matter, really. He had this unique ability to understand me, offering advice that came from a place of love and wisdom. Sadly, he passed when I was nineteen, leaving a void that I still feel to this day. I got along with my mum fine, but we weren’t that close emotionally. We spoke about what was happening in my life, but those deeper conversations were missing, leaving me yearning for a connection that was meant to be there. Now for the longing part. My mother passed away six years after my dad, a little over a month after my wedding, and that was a time filled with both joy and sorrow. She never got to see my children, and I never got to talk to her as a mom, sharing the joys and challenges of motherhood. I often thought, would that have gotten us closer together, the shared experience of being mothers? Would we have bonded differently through the sleepless nights and the laughter of little ones? When the boys were young, I longed for my parents to have known them and vice versa, imagining family gatherings, the stories they would tell, and the love that would have surrounded all of us. That is a big longing that shadows my memories, a beautiful yet painful dream of what could have been.
A tender moment between a mother and her newborn, capturing the deep connection and love that defines the bond of family.
I have had a lot of pain-related issues in my life since I was a teenager, and I have learned to live with them; you deal with what you’ve got. Now the pains and aches are slightly different, more frequent, and I long for a good night’s sleep; they are not a given, so after a good night’s sleep, I am so happy. So, that is one of the things I long for. After hours of trying to fall asleep, I often say a prayer: Please let me sleep. I usually do not get a reply or help. I so long for a good night of sleep.
Time to go to sleep – watching the moon from my bedroom window
Sometimes I just longing for a nice glass of wine in front of the fireplace or a nice dinner at a restaurant, small mundane longings like someone preparing your meal…
Lastly, I want to thank you all for the warm response I got for my last week’s challenge. During this wonderful journey, I saw beautiful places that took my breath away and shared heartfelt stories about where to appreciate a moment of quiet. It was a delightful experience to connect with all of you and witness how we each find peace and reflection in our surroundings, whether it’s in nature, a cozy nook at home, or even a bustling café. Thank you for inspiring me to look deeper and cherish the little things that often go unnoticed.
Next week is Tina’s turn to host, Saturday 20th September. We can all look forward to her always inspiring post, which never fails to ignite our creativity. Tina has a unique way of sharing her thoughts that resonates with everyone, encouraging us to reflect on our own experiences. Until then, keep smiling and remember that each day is an opportunity to spread positivity and uplift one another .
Remember to link back to the original post and to tag Lens-Artists so we can easily find you.
If you’d like to know more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
This week promises to be delightful as Elke from pictures imperfect blog has chosen to focus on PETS in monochrome.
And I am always happy to share photos of Tinka. She is a funny little cat with her own ways, but still, you can tell that she likes us, and we really like her. She comes and spends time with us in the living room, sleeping on her own chair or on the ottoman, but to come on the sofa to be petted is something she will not do. Instead, she prefers to stretch out on the rug, then waits patiently to be petted as if she’s subtly hinting at her desire for affection. When l lay on the bed, note i have to be under the duvet, then she will place herself in the nook of your arm on your side and happily purrs whenever she gets all the attention. This does with me often at nights; it’s become a comforting routine. I oftentimes have trouble falling asleep for various reasons—thoughts racing through my mind or tor just discomfort or pain. During these moments, I often find myself waking up throughout the night. Yet, when Tinka comes to me, curling up in that perfect little spot and purring softly, she truly calms me down. I focus entirely on her soothing purrs, and I pet her in a calm way, feeling a sense of tranquility wash over me as I find solace in her presence.
I took these yesterday with my IPHONE so I would have new photos to share, I could have converted many older photos of Tinka and Veikka, but as I do need to find inspiration for new photos, this was a good and pleasant opportunity to do so.
This week, I truly felt stretched to my limits. It’s not that I dislike sports—in fact, I appreciate the excitement and camaraderie they can bring—but I rarely attend live sporting events. I do enjoy watching football on TV with my hubby, where we cheer for our favorite teams from the comfort of our living room.
A curious cat watches a football match on TV, capturing the essence of sports from the comfort of home. ( re-post, but it does include sports)
Despite not having many sports-related photos from those outings, I realized that Beth’s challenge allowed for a wider interpretation of the theme. With this in mind, I put on my thinking cap and explored creative ways to capture the essence of sports. I ventured into my digital archives and managed to find some images related to various sporting activities, including the thrill of a game, moments of teamwork, and the sheer joy of physical activity, showcasing how sports can positively influence our lives, even from afar.
A swimmer braves the cold water amidst a snowy landscape, highlighting the adventurous spirit of winter sports.A surfer skillfully riding the waves, showcasing the thrill of water sports.A rowing team in action, showcasing teamwork and athleticism on the water.A runner in motion, demonstrating the energy and dynamism of sporting activities.A strolling along the shoreline, enjoying nature’s tranquility . Walking a great sport for all of us.
A colossal shoutout to Beth for tossing this challenge my way, proving I need to snap more pics of people in sporting gear, preferably while they’re actually playing! Also, a big ol’ “oops” to her for my not-so-stellar offering this week. . Beth’s inspirational post is like the golden ticket in reach for photos. When join on this fun run, just remember to tag Lens-Artists and give a link yours back to Beth’s original post!
Two cyclists dressed in vintage attire ride past a snow-covered harbor. You can have fun doing sports.A group of men playing soccer in a park, showcasing community engagement and leisure activities.A group of anglers fishing off a pier, with a pelican watching nearby. Sport or Leisure?A dance performance featuring young dancers
Last week was as easy as it gets with all the doors we shared; each one was like a little world of its own that opened up fascinating stories and memories. I had so many surprises that it made the whole experience truly delightful.
Next week is Anne’s turn to lead us, Saturday 30th August. Until then, enjoy sports?
If you want to know more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.
Akateeminen Kirjakauppa was founded in 1893, a time when the love for literature was blossoming in Finland. Right from the start, their vision was to create a welcoming bookstore where book lovers could not only find high-quality service but also connect with one another over a shared passion for reading and the latest literature.
In October 1969, the Academic Bookstore made a significant transition by moving from its original department store premises to a newly constructed building designed by the renowned architect Alvar Aalto. This move symbolized a new era for the bookstore, allowing it to flourish in a space that was not only functional but also aesthetically pleasing.
Unknown soldier – Tuntematon Sotilas by Väinö Linna
Väinö Linna established himself in literature with two novels depicting Finnish society, The Unknown Soldier and Here Under the Northern Star . The novels were critical commentaries on the literary tradition – national literature – and perhaps the last products of this tradition. The influence of the works extended to all areas of post-war Finnish society, and they provided material for a new interpretation of the entire recent past. The novels’ lush humor and folk-like speech culture renewed the language of literature; many idioms and proverbs have found their place in collections of flying phrases.
This month, the time of the year is particularly challenging for many of us living between 60-70 degrees north latitude. A third of Finland is north of the Arctic Circle, where long, dark winters can take a toll on mental well-being. Although I live further south and experience slightly more daylight, this period is difficult when we lack snow and the days grow darker as we approach Christmas. The absence of light drains the essence of life from me and countless others. As the years go by, I become more sensitive to the biting chill and gloom that blankets the landscape. I long for the vibrant hues of spring and the warmth of the sun, as the darkness of winter casts a long shadow over my spirit, reminding me of the fleeting nature of light and joy.
Lepis has hosted this challenge for many years, and I truly appreciate it as it not only keeps me active but also encourages creativity in my daily routine. I need to post something —whether it’s a photo or a artwork—at least once a day, which helps maintain a sense of accountability. Thank you to Lepis and my fellow survivors for the company. This was my only source of motivation before; however, now that I’ve joined Len-Artists, I also have another avenue that continually inspires me to do something creative and engaging. Being part of this community invigorates my passion for photography and expression, pushing me to explore new ideas and challenges, even though I acknowledge that I haven’t always been at my best.
There is light behind all this slush.
LIGHT behind the slush
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.
T – TULI – Fire , flame . It also means came, arrived
It’s obvious that November has beaten me; I don’t seem to get anything done, and I just want to be, to do nothing—I’m not excited about anything. This is one of the reasons Surviving November is important—to take at least one or two photos a day, one thing at least accomplished. But as you can see from my photos, I am happy to disappear into my couch/sofa, wrapped in a cozy blanket, where time seems to blur.
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.
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.
Some years back we visited the hilly village of Lefkara is divided into Pano Lefkara and Kato Lefkara , and is famous worldwide for its old-school crafts of lace embroidery and intricate silverwork. The village sits at the base of the Troodos Mountains in the southeast, at an altitude of 650 meters above sea level.
Blue ShuttersHouses built with horizontal layers of limestone interspersed with pebbles.
Wandering the beautiful alleys of the tiny village reveals good examples of the area’s architecture: houses built with horizontal layers of limestone interspersed with pebbles. It is one of the few villages in Cyprus where the houses are built almost entirely of local white stone, which contrasts beautifully with the terra cotta roofs. The picturesque quality of the village’s architectural style is further enhanced by the charming cobblestone streets and colorful flower-filled gardens that adorn the pathways. Walking through these alleys feels like stepping back in time, as each building tells a story of the village’s rich history and unique craftsmanship. The harmonious blend of natural materials and traditional design creates a timeless allure.
The houses here are not those of farmers but the homes of merchants and artisans. The houses are stone-built, some with doorways providing glimpses of flower-filled and vine-covered courtyards, while others are two-storey colour washed residences with balconies and intricately patterned tiled floors.
