I have seen spring move forward quicker in many parts of the world, and we find ourselves in a delightful transition where the air is filled with anticipation and warmth. Dandelions have joyfully taken over many places, transforming the landscape into a radiant sea of vibrant yellow, even on a cloudy day that might cast a gray shadow over other flora. These resilient flowers, with their cheerful hues, symbolize hope and renewal, reminding us that beauty can thrive even in adversity. If I don’t share these now, they will remain in my folder unused, lost among forgotten files rather than celebrated for their striking presence during this joyous season. It’s an encouraging push to capture the moment and embrace the delight that spring brings forth, inspiring me to weave these thoughts into words before they beautifully fade away.
Cloudy skies, occasionally bit of rain, that is what we have had in the weather front in the past few days with couple hours off sunshine. So here are shots from the road leading to our summer place taken yesterday afternoon. Linking up with Skywatch Friday ~ 22/5/2026, I haven’t participated in skywatch for years, at one time I was a frequent visitor.
A vast field of bright yellow dandelions stretches under a cloudy sky, bordered by lush green trees.A vibrant field of dandelions stretches alongside a winding gravel road under a cloudy sky, bordered by lush green trees.
Spring flowers in nature bloom and fade so quickly, their beauty often lasting only a fleeting moment. Last weekend, I took these shots of wood sorrels, capturing their delicate petals and delicate flowers while they were still alive in the warm sunlight. However, this week, there is only the green leaves left, as nature effortlessly transitions to palette of greens.
Oxalis acetosella, common wood sorrel, cuckoo bread, shamrock
The taste of the wood sorrel is familiar to many from childhood summers, used to pick them up while playing with friends in the woods. The flavor is refreshingly sour, now I know it is due to the oxalic acid it contains just like rhubarb. We never used it in fresh in salads, soups, and various sauces, where it adds a lemony tartness as fas as I remember.
common wood sorrel, cuckoo bread, shamrock
The beauty I came across during my walk in the woods was what I was searching for, I spotted these delicate wood sorrels, these white flowers, their thin purple veins and yellow centers really stood out. They were nestled among vibrant green clover-like leaves, surrounded by all sorts of other foliage. I took the photo so that the background was softly blurred, filled with warm earthy tones—think soil, dried leaves, and moss—creating a serene woodland atmosphere. Sunlight was gently illuminating the flowers and leaves, bringing out their textures and colors beautifully. Overall, it was just this quiet moment of wildflower beauty in the forest on a bright day.
The facade of a rustic building characterized by bright turquoise wooden doors and window shutters set against white, textured walls. A small porch area in front of the entrance houses two upside-down wooden chairs balanced on a small white table, terracotta pots with plants, and a drying rack with white clothes pinned to it. The scene is accented by a potted plant with green leaves climbing near the door and vibrant red flowers in the foreground. The color contrast between the vivid blue paint and the neutral white walls, alongside the aged, weathered textures, evokes a charming, cozy atmosphere typical of a Crete Island atown
An elderly woman with gray hair and glasses is seen hanging white laundry on a red drying rack positioned outdoors, near a blue door and white wall. She wears a black long-sleeved top and is focused on attaching clothes with colorful clothespins. The setting includes a climbing green plant on the wall, adding a natural element to the scene. This was a quiet, everyday moment with warm, natural lighting that highlights the textures and colors of the environment and the laundry.
I’ve been blogging on WordPress for 14 years now, and what learning curve it’s been! Today, I’m happy to share that I’ve hit a cool milestone—my posts have received views from over 150 different countries! That is pretty awesome is that? It’s odd, slightly unreal to think about how my little blog has reached such a diverse mix of people. The United Nations has nothing on me 😂, that’s what the achievement notice on my site; and honestly, that’s a pretty cool thing to be proud off. Every comment feels like a personal connection with someone out there, and it what keeps doing what I love—blogging and sharing my photographs and thoughts. This achievement notice really shows me how amazing digital platforms can be for bringing folks together.
So HUGE thanks for all the comments and likes. I really appreciate you! It means the world to me and motivates me to keep sharing my photography with you. It’s inspiring to see how our conversations grow and how your feedback helps shape what I do. Every like and comment not only boosts my confidence but also fosters a sense of community among us.
In Finland, spring brings the blossoming of apple trees. The fragrant white and pink flowers signal the arrival of spring. So this what I am happy to share with you this time.
Apple tree blossoms, like delicate clouds, bring forth pure joy
In spring’s gentle embrace, the apple trees whisper, Their blossoms, like delicate clouds, bring forth pure joy. Soft white petals blush, swaying gently in the warm morning light, Rustling like a soothing lullaby to greet the day. Bees flit about, wrapped in a sweet, buzzing haze, As they blossom together in the soft warmth of sunlit rays.
A close-up of a delicate branch adorned with white apple tree blossoms and buds. The background is softly blurred creating a dreamy, natural atmosphere that highlights the freshness and beauty of the blooming flowers. The overall mood has the essence of springtime and renewal.
The black and white photograph features a middle-aged person with tousled hair and a warm, genuine smile, looking downward. The image captures a candid, joyful moment, with soft lighting that accentuates the subject’s expressive features and natural demeanor.
Even though she was not a spring chicken, it did not prevent her from having spring fever, a delightful feeling that filled her heart with joy and energy as the world around her blossomed anew. The vibrant colors of blooming flowers and the sweet melodies of chirping birds. But then again, she could not sprang into a chase after her grandson after he dashed off unexpectedly, leaving her to chuckle at his youthful exuberance while she hurriedly adjusted her vest and made her way down the path, determined to catch up with his boundless energy, even if it meant taking baby steps to do so. She was so happy when she caught up with him.
An elderly woman( No spring Chicken) holding the hand of a young child as they walk together on a stone-paved path. The woman is dressed in a dark skirt, shirt, and a padded vest, smiling warmly while looking slightly ahead., lending a candid and intimate street scene atmosphere to the image.
I wrote a piece of fiction to go with these images of an abandoned house, illustrating the eerie silence that envelops the crumbling walls and overgrown garden. As I delved deeper into the story, the forgotten echoes of the past began to emerge, trying to paint a picture of the lives once lived within those decaying rooms. The shadows seemed to whisper secrets, share my take of the the mysteries that lay hidden beneath the layers of dust and time.
In the heart of a forgotten village, there stood an old, rundown house that held the whispers of its vibrant past. It had a faded, cracked exterior and a barely intact tiled roof, with memories of joyful days trapped in every corner. The walls, now worn and discolored, showed glimpses of the brick and stone beneath, framing the door and windows like silent guardians of time. This house used to belong to the Georgiou family, who left it behind decades ago following a series of unfortunate events. The wooden door, slightly open and well-worn, hinted at laughter and love that once filled the space, now muted by silence. The windows, partially covered with old shutters, were entwined with greenery, as nature gradually took back what people had forsaken. Surrounding the house, wild grass danced in the breeze, while a bare, spindly tree reached for the sky—a testament to resilience and a haunting reminder of the family’s departure. Above, the heavy clouds seemed to grieve for a life that used to buzz with energy, as if the past longed to be acknowledged once again.
the deteriorating corner of an old, rustic roof made of curved terracotta tiles,
The deteriorating corner of an old, rustic roof made of curved terracotta tiles, many of which are covered with patches of moss and appear weathered and broken. Below the roof, the wall shows signs of decay with exposed bricks and crumbling plaster, revealing various textures and layers of construction materials. Bare tree branches extend across the lower left of the frame, contrasting with the warm earthy tones of the roof and wall. The sky is clear and bright, adding a subtle contrast to the aged, textured structures in the foreground. Can you see a doll on the roof, or is it just me? What is the story there?
The weathered window
The weathered window set into an old, deteriorating wall once belonged their daughter Eleni spent her childhood. The window shutters are wooden and painted red, but the paint is severely chipped and peeling, revealing the worn wood beneath. Eleni would often sit by this window, dreaming of adventures beyond the walls, her imagination ignited by the vibrant world outside. Below the window, overgrown green plants and small yellow flowers grow along the ledge and the base of the wall, remnants of Eleni’s once-cared-for garden where she picked flowers for her mother. As she grew older, the dreams by this window transformed into aspirations of travel, writing stories inspired by the landscapes she envisioned. The wall itself shows signs of decay, with cracked plaster and exposed bricks, echoing the passage of time since the family moved away, leaving behind a rustic and abandoned atmosphere with earthy, muted colors, which now serve as a silent witness to her cherished memories. This window became a portal for Eleni, connecting her past with a future filled with hopes of re-exploring the wild beauty beyond the walls that once confined her.
I saw a close-up view of an old, thick book, a ledger lying open on a wooden surface. Its pages were yellowed and worn, telling me stories of its age, with faint text and handwritten numbers that were barely legible on the open pages. The spine and binding had this beautiful green thread, and the edges of the cover were worn out, adding to its character. The warm, golden light created a nostalgic and timeless mood, making the book’s rich textures and details stand out against a soft, blurred background.
Old well worn out ledger in its glory.
As I love editing I did one in monochrome in brown tones, like old photos. These images are both moody, and nostalgic but have different vibe to them.
A close-up of an old, well-worn book with textured, yellowed pages
For this week’s Lens- Artists challenge , you are to select one color (excluding black and white). Share a maximum of 6 photos where your chosen color is the prominent hue, or alternatively, you may share one photo featuring each of the following captivating colors in their various shades: red, blue, green, purple, orange, and yellow.
Different cultures and different times throughout history connected various emotions to colors. And though we might argue about which color represents which emotion, we have to admit that adding color to a photo brings a whole new vitality to it.
We see color all the time, but we do not always notice it. Unless a particular amazing sunset catches your eye or you find yourself in a field of poppies or rows and rows of lavender. For this week we are not only looking for color but also paying attention to how subtle shades or bold colors affect our mood and perception of the world.
Your chosen color should be dominant in your photo, but colors are often paired with other colors in photos. So play with the different color relationships such as complementary colors, warm and cold colors, analogous colors and triadic colors.
Isolate your chosen color with monochromatic photography where you use a color scheme that is comprised of variations of one color.
A vibrant display of pomegranates, showcasing rich red hues that symbolize passion and vitality.
The color red, for instance, embodies sensations of desire, passion, blood, and transgression, while also representing bravery, selflessness, passion, love, and beauty.
Monochrome photography is frequently linked to black & white visuals, yet it truly encompasses any single hue, providing photographers with an expansive array of creative possibilities. This includes captivating images in shades such as red, blue, green, purple, orange, and yellow.
Blue, In Western societies, it often symbolizes calmness, stability, and tranquility. In art, the use of blue can evoke a sense of depth and distance, creating immersive and serene scenes. In contrast, some Eastern cultures associate blue with spirituality, wisdom, and the divine.
A soft blue sky scattered with light, fluffy clouds. The horizon line subtly divides the frame, with the deep blue ocean and the expansive sky. The overall mood is calm and serene, enhanced by the gentle blending of blues and whites
The color green offers a variety of meanings, symbolizing growth and representing nature, environmental concerns, naivety, envy, and wealth. Its interpretations can differ across cultures, symbolizing prosperity in some and illness in others.
A lush spring, mountainous landscape. The surrounding hillside is densely covered with a variety of green trees and shrubs
Historically tied to royalty due to the steep cost of its dye, purple is an elite color that lends a regal air to your photographs.
Purple tulips symbolize royalty, admiration, and deep respect. They are often associated with nobility and elegance, making them a meaningful gift.
Orange, named after the fruit, signifies vitality and warmth, appearing gentler than red, which can symbolize anger. It exudes cheerfulness and approachability while still attracting notice, evident in its frequent use for warning signs.
A vibrant concert scene with orange lights, confetti, and cheering hands illuminating the excitement of the moment. The overall atmosphere is festive and electrifying .
Yellow embodies both happiness and negativity, presenting opposing connotations; it signifies joy and optimism but also suggests cowardice, deceit, and aging.
A vibrant cluster of yellow flowers, showcasing the cheerful and warm qualities associated with the color.
Here is a quick guidance to colors start you off.
Finding triadic colors in nature involves practice and observation, exemplified by the Scarlet Macaw. A triadic scheme comprises a subject color and two complementary colors, like Orange, Teal, and Pink, or Red, Blue, and Yellow, which is beneficial in food and product design.
Ambiguous colors are hues lacking clear definitions, changing based on context and evoking various interpretations and emotions in art and design.
The traditional color wheel includes primary (red, blue, yellow), secondary (green, violet, orange), and tertiary colors formed by mixing them. Colors can be categorized into cool, associated with water and grass, and warm, linked to fire and sun. Warm colors can evoke feelings of anger, happiness, and excitement, while cool colors promote soothing and calming effects.
A huge thank you to Anne for the Texture challenge last week! The diversity of textures in your posts provided us with a wealth of inspiration for the future. Next week, it will be Egídio’s turn to lead us, so make sure to visit his site for more creative ideas.
Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history. If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites.
I like taking photos of small alleys, and I also like how they look when I convert them to black and white photographs. This narrow, cobblestone alleyway in Rethymno is flanked by tall buildings with textured walls and shuttered windows. Small, quaint light fixtures and lanterns line the walls, some casting a gentle glow, while a neon sign reading ‘BAR’ subtly illuminates part of the scene. A woman dressed in dark clothing stands in the alley, gazing upwards, adding a sense of scale and quiet contemplation to the image. I wanted the overall mood to be intimate and introspective, evoking a timeless, old-world charm in an urban setting.
This joyful woman smiling while holding a plate of food in a vintage black and white photo is my husband’s late aunt. He found this photo while looking at old stuff at his father’s house. I think the expression is so real, that when I see this photo I end up smiling too.I did some edits on this on – and turned into color. The expression is still joyful, but for me the mood it great in the original shot.
While I was in Crete, I came across this small, weathered two-story building that really caught my eye. It had a flat, tiled roof and the exterior was quite worn, with peeling paint all over. I noticed it had a single window with a roller shutter on the upper part, and there was this interesting balcony-like feature adorned with four diamond-shaped yellow accents. It seemed to have some antennas and cables cluttering the roof, including a satellite dish and an old TV antenna, and a subpanel and a water tank for warm water, which hinted that someone lived there, even though the door does not suggest that. This building gives mixed signals. The building was surrounded by tall grass and colorful wildflowers, and in the background, there were lush green trees under a clear sky. It was in a peaceful, rural area, and the atmosphere was kind of lonely.
Wordless Wednesday turned into something else; as I am asking which version do you prefer? I initially created it this post to share one photo without the clutter of words, allowing the imagery to speak for itself. However, adding a another edit of the same photo led me to ask which one resonates more. Now I find myself curious about your thoughts?
Snow-capped mountains emerging through misty clouds above a lush green landscape / version 1Snow-capped mountains emerging through misty clouds above a lush green landscape .Version 2
This time I am sharing images of The Egyptian Lighthouse for Leanne’s Monochrome Madness. It is among the oldest lighthouses in the world, and it stands as a testament to maritime history, guiding sailors safely into the harbor for centuries. I tried to add an old photo touch to them to invoke a sense of nostalgia, highlighting the lighthouse’s timeless charm and the stories it could tell if only its walls could speak.
I captured a solitary man sitting on a wooden bench by the waterfront, facing the prominent Egyptian Lighthouse. The lighthouse stands tall on a rugged stone pier, with a small group of people visible at the base, adding a sense of scale and human presence. The foreground reflects the soft light, while the clear sky enhances a tranquil and contemplative atmosphere. What I wanted was to depict architectural strength intertwined with quiet solitude, utilizing monochromatic tones that emphasize texture and contrast to evoke some emotions in this and all the other photos I edited for this post.
A solitary man sitting on a wooden bench by the waterfront, facing the prominent Egyptian Lighthouse.
The Egyptian Lighthouse is one of the oldest in the world and is located in the old harbor of Chania. It’s a stone structure that sits at the end of the breakwater, serving as a “guard” for the old Venetian harbor and is actually the most photographed spot in the Prefecture.
A peaceful seaside scene with people relaxing on benches near the lighthouse on a calm waterfront.
People strolling and sitting near vintage lamp posts on a pier.
The Egyptian Lighthouse
The Venetians built it in the late 16th century, but it was later rebuilt by the Egyptians between 1830 and 1840 when Crete was under the regent of Egypt, Mehmet Ali. By the time the Ottoman Empire was winding down, they had added a ladder on the east side and some pipes for seawater to flow under its base. The lighthouse stands 21 meters tall, covers an area of 26 square meters, and its light can be seen from about 7 nautical miles away. It has an octagonal base, a part with 16 angles in the middle, and a circular top.
This week, Anne is our guide with a a very textured challenge: Texture! She tells us that texture really adds that visual kick to a surface—think of how rough, smooth, gritty, or soft something looks in a flat image. Check out her amazing site for some awesome tips!
Sharing colorful and tasty textures to start with…enjoy! Click on the galleries to enlarge them, if you are looking at the photos on a computer.
This set I took with my iPhone a few days ago while I was sitting on my patio, enjoying the warm sun day. As I pondered what to post, I looked around, taking in the surroundings of my garden, looking for textures. And to be honest everything is textured. Inspired by some of the things around me, I snapped a few shots, . Afterward, I went inside to find a few more images to contrast with the shots I took, hoping to curate a selection that would better resonate with this challenge.
We’d love to see your images that highlight texture! You might be surprised by how many you actually have. When you post, don’t forget to link back to Anne’s original post and add the Lens-Artists tag.
Last week I had great fun seeing your pairings with pictures and quotes! Many I had never seen before and many recognized but with new surprising combos. Thanks you to all who participated! Next week I will be presenting the challenge. I hope you will join me.
If you don’t want to miss any future challenges, please consider subscribing to the team members’ websites. Here we are, The Lens-Artists: Tina, Patti, Ann-Christine, John, Sofia, Anne, Egidio, Beth, and I Ritva.
Until then, let’s keep exploring, broadening our horizons, and maintaining a positive mindset !
During our Crete trip I came across this stunning dark brown goat with shaggy fur. It was just standing there on this rocky, grassy hillside, looking straight at me with such a calm and curious expression—like it was as intrigued by me as I was by it. What really caught my eye was the lighter brown coloring around its eyes and nose, and those small, gently curved horns added so much character. The backdrop was a beautifully blurred mountainous landscape in soft blues and grays. I can’t tell you how delighted I was to capture that moment! It really emphasized the peacefulness of the goat’s solitary presence out there in the rugged outdoors.
I got these this Mother’s Day traditional flowers that usually bloom for this occasion. I posting this for Johns Cellpic Sunday.
In Finland, white anemone is associated with Mother's Day and the progress of flowering, along with the common anemone and the blue anemone, as one of the first flowering wildflowers of spring.
As I approached, I noticed a large, lush green tree standing majestically at the crest of a gently curving road. I have an old photo of the same place. I remembered this well. This time beneath its branches, two parked vehicles caught my eye, including a old Toyota pickup truck . A solitary chair was placed nearby under the welcoming shade, adding an aura of stillness and solitude to the scene. Above, the sky was mostly overcast, with patches of blue peeking through, creating a moody atmosphere. On the right side of the road, a brightly colored sign in Greek hinted at a nearby cafe or a tavern. This was an overall roadside experience that stayed with me. We stopped there to see the scenery from there.
A majestic green tree and recalled an old photo of the spot.
You know, as I was looking at that vast mountainous landscape, I couldn’t help but admire the beauty of it. The layers of green hills and valleys just draw you in, all under this soft, hazy sky. It’s amazing how the dense forests and terraced fields blend together, creating this wonderful pattern of nature and cultivation. And those small roads winding through the terrain—they really add to the charm. You can barely spot a few buildings hidden among all that greenery. The whole vibe is so serene and expansive, with these muted, earthy tones that make the whole scene feel incredibly calming.
The layers of green hills and valleys in Crete are lovely in the spring
A weird feature of the Greek roads is the small shrines on the roadside, commonly referred to as iconostasis or small churches. These exist everywhere, whether the road is in the center of a big city or in a small village, on major highways or on the mountains on bad dirt roads. One can often spot models of churches, like that small, handmade model mounted on a white pedestal set against a lovely grassy outdoor backdrop. Just look at that red dome with the golden cross on top! Those cream-colored walls and charming little blue windows really catch the eye too. s. The iconostasis serves as an offering-expression of gratitude to the god from those who had an accident, adding a slice of spirituality to the serene and contemplative landscape.
the small shrines on the roadside, commonly referred to as iconostasis or small churches
Finding sporting images related to Monochrome Madness this week, hosted by the well-known Elke of Pictures Imperfect, has proven to be quite challenging for me. Here are few. Keeping it short and simple. Gotta run.. 😂
A woman jogging at night with motion blur creating a sense of speed and movementSwimmer in the ocean, you can see the movement – is this a sport shot -or leisure? I know swimming is a serious sport.Still in the water element – surfing – let’s say it’s a sport.Racing… for sure.
I came across the cutest pastel pink building facade in Chania Port for my Monday Window! It has these four charming windows framed by vibrant green shutters, all nicely arranged in two uplifting rows. Each window leads to a delightful little balcony with wrought iron railings that give it an elegant touch. I couldn’t help but notice a cheerful table and chairs set up there—just perfect for soaking up the sun! I even spotted a single person on the upper left balcony, dressed in lively colors, which added a joyful vibe to the peaceful, symmetrical scene. The soft natural light made everything pop, especially the lovely contrast between the pink wall and the green shutters.
I have taken so many photos with my phone lately and now I am excited to share the latest ones. I took these of our yard yesterday night, and I was really pleased with how they turned out. These solar-powered lights were beautifully illuminating the scene, casting a warm glow over the garden. The stars were particularly bright that evening; they even managed to make an appearance in these shots, twinkling against the dark sky.
Night time at our summer place shot with Iphone 17Pro
I was so pleased to capture such moment, as the night air was crispy as the night was cooling down after an really warm spring day. Today we are back to normal spring temperatures. John’s Cellpic Sunday inspired me to take share the beauty that unfolds right in our backyard during the night.
Ritva Sillanmäki Photography 