Anne is our host this week, and my choices for shorelines will all be the ones I have close to me, where I walk every year – or even every day.
Prize the natural spaces and shorelines most of all, because once they’re gone, with rare exceptions they’re gone forever.
– Richard Louv
Let’s start at our summerhouse – early mornings and evenings are always the most attractive times to go to the shore. For the light, for being alone, for…
My first choice is from an early morning paddle on the narrow canal up to the lake. Silent waters and the soft sound of munching horses. Peaceful and relaxing – I wish every morning could start like this.
By the sea, the light has many dimensions, so, only some minutes later…this view will not be the same. That, I find is the most fascinating thing with living by the sea.
The view from my window shows the little fishing harbour on the other side of the water. I never tire of looking at it – there is always a new colour, a new mood, a new feeling.
Standing at the very edge of the water, this is my view to the left: the Baltic Sea – Östersjön. Far over there, on the other side, lies Finland.
For many years, this little red boat was the sign that we had reached our part of the shore. I don’t know how many photos I have of this view, but they are many – I loved it. My children loved it too. But, as with everything in life, it must wither and die, and the red boat has been gone now for some years. But I have the photos – and our memories.
Now we will go closer to my home, and the shorelines here are no longer the sea, but small lakes, creeks, or ponds. The following two are in the same area – where I often walk. All seasons are beautiful here, but the golden autumnal scenery you see above, will soon no longer be there. Within a few months these waters will be drained – never to come back. A decision made by the authorities. We fought long and hard to keep it, but, unfortunately, in the end we lost.
Winter in the same area, but this little pond will still be there in years to come.
Swedish people, and I guess Nordic people in general, have a special love for early Spring with its light blue sky and clear air. The little yellow dots you see between the trees are the first daffodils of the year.
Here we are even closer to my home – this is a walk I often do with Milo. Along these marshland shores grows many orchids and other rare plants.
I will end with ”my” forest where I walk every day – and this was an autumn walk with the last leaves still on the trees. Strangely enough some where bright green, as if Spring had sent a soothing whisper of brighter times to come: ”Don’t worry, I’ll be back”.
Please go to Anne for more inspiration, and when you post for this challenge, please link to her original post and use the Lens-Artists tag.
I greatly enjoyed seeing everyone’s cool colors last week. Thank you, John, for a splendid challenge! Next week Ritva will be our host. Please look for her post next Saturday. Until then, enjoy your week, take lots of pictures and be kind to yourself and others.
Leya 
This felt like I was with you on a morning walk through your gorgeous surroundings. Love everyone – can’t come up with a favorite!
♥ Thanks, Lindy!
These are all so awesome and very tranquil shots, A-C. Your part of the world is just amazing any time of the year.
❤️
Thank you so much, Patti! I am glad you like them and hope you someday will go to Scandinavia! These are fresh and lovely countries all, but in my opinion Norway is outstanding because of its fiords.
I just came back from your post and three other beautiful places!
I am in awe, AC! Your photos are stunning as well as the natural beauty of your area. Your photography is so inspirational! I love the stories too…of the little red boat. And I’m sorry that the lake near you will be drained. Now that I have a clearer view of the beauty of Sweden, I must visit!
Thank you, Patti! And Norway too!
Oh what a beautiful area you live in and call home. Love all of these photos!
Thank you, Nora, I am grateful every day.
Ann-Christine, your shoreline photos are spectacular for this week. All provoke different emotions 😀
Thank you, Cee – happy you liked it!
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A shoreline with horses! What more can one ask for?
Right!
Beautiful images Ann-Christine and so sorry to hear the authorities want drain those beautiful ponds …
Thank you! Yes, we fought hard, but the authorities always go for money…
Ann-Christine, I love all of these shorelines. They all look so peaceful and serene.
I am so glad you like them, thank you!
Well Ann-Christine, you know I am a huge fan of your blog but this one would have to be among my favorites ever. Every image tells its own story and draws the viewer in. It is as if the viewer is literally present to see and feel the landscapes around them. They are all amazing but somehow the winter scene stays with me, perhaps for the silence I imagine envelopes it. I’m sad for the landscape that will soon be drained. Poor Mother Earth, I’m sure they have their reasons but hard to believe it’s necessary. Sigh.
Thank you so much, Tina, for a wonderful comment! It means much to me. And, if I can touch people’s heart it is a great reward. I believe it has to do with my own feelings for these places.
Yes, it is all to do with money, because it is a powerplant downstream that doesn’t work, so the pond will not be needed anymore. We have a rare species of bats here that we fear will disappear if their habitat is greatly disturbed. Sigh.
It must be wonderful to have a summer house by the sea and the views there are lovely, but it’s the ones nearer your main home that appealed to me even more. The reflections and the light in your shot of the marshes (next to last shot) are very special, and I love the more muted beauty of that winter scene too.
Thank you, Sarah! I am grateful for every day here. The winter scene seems to be a winner – and i remember the softness speaking to me.
I agree with others, you do live in a beautiful part of the world. It must be wonderful to have a summerhouse by the sea, I’m not sure I would ever leave! The one photo that stands out for me is the winter scene, there is just something about the light and the colours and the sky in that one.
Thank you, Jude – I am so grateful for living here. Every day. But you also live in a wonderful place! I enjoy every picture from you.
The winter scene seems to be a winner this week – and I cannot but love it too. That evening light was soft and heavenly, and the snow powdery on the ice. A lovely winter’s day.
Beautiful images….Synchronicity of land and water
Thank you so much!
Cool collection!
Love those reflections!
Thank you very much!
You are welcome. AC.
How wonderful. What a beautiful place you live in Ann-Christine.
Thank you, Margaret – and so do you! We are the lucky ones, aren’t we?
❤
Why would they want to drain the pond? It’s a shame.
A wonderful post, Ann-Christine, not just for your beautiful photos but for your stories too. The red boat, the marshalnds and ”your” forest… I liked how you said Spring is whispering. Here, now, it feels like Autumn is telling us it’s coming, no subtilty about it.
Thank you, Sofia. Nostalgia some… and I am so glad you liked my stories too. And yes, it is in the air, Autumn, but it is still warm here. Tomorrow we are leaving for Holland and the Dahlia festival. And Amsterdam – haven’t been there for more than 40 years.
Cool. Have a great time 😀
I love them all Ann-Christine, but that winter one is even better, amazing.
Thank you, Leanne! That is a favourite of mine.
I really enjoyed the walk in your neighborhood, what a beautiful place you live in 💙 and needless to say your photos show the beauty perfectly.
Thank you – and so do you! I always love your landscapes from your summerhouse and the nature around in Finland. I should spend more time in your country too!
Wonderful images! Places that invite you to stroll in peace.
♥ Thank you!
I don’t think I had realised how close you are to the water, Ann-Christine, perhaps because your images often show gardens and woodland. You are bathed in beauty. I especially love the light on the water in that second image. Have a wonderful week, hon.
Jo, I was surprised too…Have a great week you as well!
Wow. You must love being reminded of all these beautiful and varied shorelines that you’ve visited. Fantastic photos.
Thank you so much, Judy! It’s a joy walking there every time.
Beautiful Leya, such gorgeous photos. You’re very lucky to have such wonderful views, but I’m sure you know that 🙂
I am grateful, Alison, every day. Thank you♥
Wonderful images that make me want to jump in the water!
Haha, well yes – but maybe too cold for your taste?
Great great photos A-C. I love the many reflections shots. Superb.
Glad you enjoyed them, John!
Oh so beautiful Ann-Christine! Lovely water images.
Thank you, Anne! It is a great challenge from you!
😊
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Ann-Christine, you live in a beautiful world. Thank you for sharing such beautiful photos. I’m sad to know about the pond going away. As you said, though, you’ll always have the photos to remember it.
Thank you, Egidio, and yes, I am grateful for my surroundings. The thing is we have a rare species of bats living there, and we are afraid to lose them if their habitat is severely changed.
Breathtakingly beautiful. I love seeing your part of our world Ann-Christine, every single photo conveys your love of your countryside.
I would love a morning paddle like that every day too.
Why are they draining that pretty place?
The galloping horses header, I can hear the thunder of hooves
Thank you, Brian. Yes, why? They say it is because the power station down the falls is going to be torn down. This dam will not be needed anymore.
But, there are some rare species of bats living here – Bechsteins bat, and we are afraid we will lose them if their habitat is seriously changed.
That is very sad especially to loose a threatened and vulnerable species. Humans can be so thoughtless at changing an environment, possibly to the detriment of a species, the alter it again after nature has gotten used to living in a false environment and thriving.
I would be upset and angry as well.
The removal of a Hydro powers station here ruined a white water rafting business with no recompense
💔
For all that, I tend to be a mountain person, your photos brought great peace to my soul and a longing to see them. I miss “my” forest back in Illinois, even though it wasn’t as large as your forest. I think the photo where you said you could see Finland and the one with the perfect reflection are my favorites, but I love them all. ❤️
♥ Thank you, Janet – yes, if you once had a forest it is sure to be missed. Happy you liked my choices!
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