When I think of winter

As I am sure you probably have guessed based on the name of this blog... I love Tori Amos. 

If you know Tori's repertoire, then I am sure it comes to no surprise that every winter, I think of her song "winter". 

Especially the "I get a little warm in my heart when I think of winter" bit. 

(It's a terribly sad song ("when you gonna love you as much as I do" --- weeeeeeep!!!). 

Anywho, it's beautiful here now. -20-30 C depending on the time of day, a shocking -20F! 

I have actually been anticipating this weather, because this is the first full winter with the Canon-baby so I  have been wanting to take some proper frost pictures. Broaden my nature photography scope, ya know!

The weather finally came on Tuesday and go figure, it was a looong school day for me. Which ultimately means that if I get out at 4 p.m., I won't be home until almost 5 and it's surely dark by then. BUMMER!

I considered being naughty and skipping some of the afternoon lesson to get the blue sky with white frost covered trees! However, I decided school had to come first and fortunately, our teacher let us go early so I got home in time to snap these sunset pictures around 4. 

It was painful to take these pictures, my fingers were frozen stiff (or so it felt) and I could have cried putting the camera back in its bag! But these pictures were worth it. I love them all!

At 5:30p.m. I went out again, this time to walk to my friend's house for a nice chat to catch up. I have been so busy lately with school and what-not, I feel so bad to neglect my friends! 

It was darker at 5:30, indeed night was approaching fast. It was an intense dark blue sky and that pink tinge on the horizon. It's beautiful. Pictures don't even do it justice!

I walk through this harbor almost every time I walk towards the downtown area, hence all the pictures from here all the time. It's a pretty place though. 

And if you are wondering, that is näsineula (which I have mentioned before) in the background, the big tower built in the 70s (or so) and Tampere's landmark. 

Summer is a distant snow covered memory.

Perfect street light illuminating the perfect tree. 

This picture marks my walk home at almost 9 p.m. (It was DARK outside!)

I had some regrets of not taking a tripod...

...But with a tripod, I'd still be out there, a frozen popsicle stuck to a camera and tripod...

In this weather, there is no dawdling. I was literally running from picture spot to the next. And constantly worrying about whether or not the camera will freeze. 

The camera and I did just fine though. We're both still kicking. 

I love this picture. However, you see the steam (I hope it's not really smoke, lol) from those horrific towers. That is a city power plant. I think it is. I should probably find out. 

It makes for good sky pictures though! 

White trees. Winter is almost as beautiful as summer sometimes. 

In other happy news, my thesis plan was accepted! The first big step is done! :) (now starts the hard part!) 

Other happy news: the short "portfolio" for the art program I want to get into, released the topics for work. Now I can get started with that, send it in and hope they'll invite me to the entrance exam! I already have some ideas brewing...although I will say, it's not going to be my usual stuff. Lol. 

Thanks for reading! Hope you're staying warm wherever you are! :)