Lens-Artists Challenge #314 – Local Shorelines

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.

LAPC #203 Local Vistas

What are your local vistas? Where do you photograph when you don’t have a lot of time or are not on vacation? This week, show us your local vistas – Anne Sandler of Slow Shutter Speed, is our host!

Well, nowadays I almost always post on my local vistas – and here I am on my way to the forest some weeks ago. As I was driving down the gravel road, I saw a moose – who of course already had spotted me from the rapeseed field…
When landing in the forest, I bet the Lily of the Valley and me both loved the silence and the last rays of evening sun.

I think you know that nature is the most popular vista in my vicinity, but we also have several castles in our neighbourhood, all within a 30 minutes’ drive. Wanås castle with its beautiful surroundings is often visited – sometimes with friends

– here is me and Viveka (My Guilty Pleasures) a couple of weeks ago. Wanås treats include both outdoor exhibitions and…
…tempting indoor exhibitions.

Bosjökloster castle in spring glory – also known for its exhibitions and tasty food.

Without a car, my dogwalks are often photographed as well… In any season, any weather, at any time of the day. With or without a dog…

Interesting studios in a nearby town can be visited for a fee, and you will be guided by one of the artists.

Back to the castles, maybe my favourite is Hovdala, every year used for jousting and medieval fun.

It is always a treat to go there, for beautiful nature, for exhibitions – and for very good food.

Last week, Sofia lead us into an exploration of minimalism and maximalism. What a treat! Many of us discovered our personal preferences for one or the other, but some people enjoyed using both. Next week, we have a special guest host–Sylvia Bacon, who will lead LAPC #204, so be sure to visit her site. Until then, stay safe and kind.

Remember to link to Anne’s post as you share your local vistas and use the Lens-Artists tag.

 If you would like to participate weekly in our Lens-Artists Challenge, just click this link and join us: https://photobyjohnbo.wordpress.com/about-lens-artists/