Autumn

Lens-Artists Challenge #417- Where does it Lead?

/ Leya / 23 kommentarer

Egidio asks us where does it lead…an adequate question in today’s world. But the World is not the same anymore, so, the answer is that we don’t know. To feel safe, I will stay with answers I have and know right now.

This first beautiful road leads to a library in the forest – or what once was intended to become a library. The second road is an alley that leads to Hovdala Castle – my favourite castle close to us. The third road, a path only, used to lead to a magnificent lake area – especially in the Autumn. Hammarmölle damm. Last spring it was emptied and made into a trickling flow only. We all miss its beauty, its many birds and its clear water surface.

Milo always knows where a path leads to, at least he seems very sure about it. Clearly he knows his way back home when we are hiking or just strolling in new areas. I can rely on him. I do.

Thanks to everyone who responded so beautifully to Ritva’s challenge last week. I was amazed at how many of you were sincere music lovers and collectors! Remember to tag your entry with Lens-Artists and connect it to Egidio’s original post.

Next week, Tina will feature a new challenge. It will go live at noon EST in the USA. Tune in then to her lovely site and learn more about the challenge. Please see this page for more information about the Lens-Artists Challenge and its history.

Thursday Thoughts – Autumn Roads

/ Leya / 26 kommentarer

There is something special with autumn roads. Wet, colourful and misty. And the larch trees are the last ones to keep their colours intact.

Lens-Artists Challenge #368, Looking Back to #106 – Autumn

/ Leya / 47 kommentarer

John leads us through this magical season!

When everything looks like a magical oil painting, you know you are in Autumn!
― Mehmet Murat ildan 

Not here yet though…but I have thousands of Autumn pictures in my archives – what to choose?

For the dogs – Autumn is the best season. Many scents, cool temps and easy to dig around! Unfortunately Milo is still not ready to enjoy, not yet recovered, but in a month he will be ready for Autumn fun.

The galleries speak for themselves – some of my favourites. The perfect plate, magnificent mushrooms, splendid golden gates, water, birds and flowers. And the crisp light and air – Hope you enjoy!

Last week, our guest host, Joanna Mason, challenged us with “Everyone Should See This,” which brought many unique images in the responses. As I had some traumatical days and a severely injured dog, I will have to try visiting you this week instead.

Next week, the Lens-Artists Challenge is hosted by me, Ann-Christine/Leya. Be sure to visit my blog here so you don’t miss the challenge published on Saturday, October 11. To find out more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, click here.

Lens-Artists Challenge # 364 – Quiet Moment

/ Leya / 52 kommentarer

Ritva wants us to share a quiet moment. ”Where is your serene sanctuary?”, she asks. Is it the warm comfort of sipping your morning coffee or tea – alone in the silence? Or, maybe the peaceful moments engaging in your favourite hobbies? This week’s challenge is encouraging us to connect with our inner emotions and experiences.

You who follow me, or often read my blog, will know how much I need and love those quiet moments. I think we all crave them to have harmony in our lives.

I so envy cats. They seem to effortlessly land in those moments every day. And I, I quietly look at them and would love to know their secret…

Once I had an otherworldly experience, one that I know I might never have again. This is the tiny island of Corvo in the Azores archipelago. We were only allowed to stay for half an hour, and those soundless 30 minutes passed all too fast. We sat looking down in the hydrangea filled volcano crater – that was all the island consisted of – floating in the skies around us. Everything was blue and green – no borders, nothing.

And the white and black dots you see deep down there – are cows.

Summerhouse sunset, and my two children growing… too fast. I remember this moment, maybe 16-17 years ago, standing there looking at them, tears burning, loving them with all my heart.

These last photos are from an early morning, same place, no dog, only my camera. A quiet walk, contemplating the last days of a beautiful summer.

As I reached the path, I stopped breathing when the delicate deer stepped out of the forest and into the light.

At the end of the path, is the sea. In the smooth water sailed silent birds and boats.

This beautiful family was sailing while eating, teaching their young how to dip down and dive for food. In quiet moments, details become more clear to us, we can watch, enjoy and learn.

Thank you Ritva for this wonderful challenge. I warmly recommend a visit to Ritva’s beautiful post and be inspired by her thoughtful photos and words. Remember to link back to her original post and to tag Lens-Artists so we can easily find you.

Last week we had so much fun with Anne’s challenge. I loved to see how differently we can interpret a theme! Next week it is Egídio’s turn to host, Saturday 13th September. Until then, take care and be kind.

If you want to know more about the Lens-Artists Challenge, please click here.

Thursday Thoughts – Late Summer Garden

/ Leya / 32 kommentarer

September is the first Autumn month, and a long warm Summer is drawing to its close. We’ve had a glorious time – a bit too hot for me, but bright, cooler mornings and evenings.

We have spent extra much time at our summer house with children and grandchildren. Precious days to remember as cold and darkness is arriving.

We haven’t had any rain for two months, so my garden is dry and most flowers are gone. These are some that still were here a couple of weeks ago, but most of them have now given in.

I have been waiting for the lovely hummingbird hawkmoth – and yesterday it arrived! No pictures though – but I hope to see it again another day this week. Have a great day!

Lens-Artists Challenge #323 – Silence

/ Leya / 53 kommentarer

When words become unclear, I shall focus with photographs. When images become inadequate, I shall be content with silence.

― Ansel Adams

Egidio is our silent guide this week, and silence is one of our most precious gifts in life. Please visit Egidio’s inspirational site to learn more about the challenge and American photographer Robert Adams’ use of silence in photography.

Trees, forests and water are my main sources for portraying silence. And as always, Light. My favourite places to go for complete silence – only allow the sound of wind, water or bird song.

Silence is a source of great strength.

– Lao Tzu

In silence there is eloquence.

– Rumi

Let silence take you to the core of life.

– Rumi

Silence speaks louder than words.

– Thomas Carlyle

Silence is not the absence of sound but the presence of a deeper meaning.

– Unknown

Silence is a true art; it teaches us to speak without words.

– Unknown

A massive thank you to Ritva for last week’s challenge based on Leonard Cohen’s poem. I loved the variety of responses to this creative challenge. We hope you will join us again, and remember to link back to Egídio’s original post with the Lens-Artists tag, so we can find you in the WP reader.

Next week it’s Patti’s turn, Saturday 9th November. Patti’s challenge will be In the Details, as she asks us to choose a subject (a statue, a person, a place, street art, etc.) and take a series of photos ot it. Getting closer and closer to the subject, focusing on a particular detail(s). We can vary our shots by changing perspective or angle of shooting – or even lens. Post three photos of the subject, but feel free to shoot another series on a second subject.

Until then, stay safe and creative.