February. Already?!

Blogroll, Helsinki, Picture a day

In case you were wondering why I have not posted anything for way too long (sorry), THIS is why:

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Seriously, one gets so little inspiration from the absolute lack of light. Somehow I have been fighting the past weeks on autopilot, and as of February I feel I might… might finally be ready for bigger transformation. Another kick: as a matter of fact, today I received a new batch of business cards arrived today, with the new kitty/geometric logo.

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I’m pleased with the result.

So. The idleness and lameness aside, I’ve been putting on weight, doing some artwork and writing up PhD related stuff. Finally I have some sense of direction I believe. Maybe my research is relevant after all…

I cannot even go for walks to get inspiration, and I’m not the kind of studio photographer (babies, budoir, nudes, meh, I’m not into staged photography. I hate when I can totally tell how unnatural the pose or the situation is), or the stalking kind taking pictures of people sipping their coffees or performing their acts. I need more spontaneity, more light (duh) and more life. I was thinking I might like to sneak into a closed world in its own terms, like, a factory or another kind of institution, seemingly independent on whatever is going on outside. The truth is, nobody likes photographers spying on them, or observing their work or casual movements, and the last thing I want to cause as a photographer is to upset people.

I cannot say my recent attempts to be photographically productive have been successful. Today, for example, I took a walk around the Töölönlahti bay to Kaisaniemi park. People were – with the exception of drunkards – rushing from building to building/vehicle, striving to spend as little time in transit or outside as possible. But then I saw the beautifully lit greenhouse of the botanical garden in Kaisaniemi:

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Nowhere near as interesting as an average botanical garden around Helsinki, but in the overall dimmed grayness the old greenhouses were shining far around. Next time I’m in Österbotten, and that shall be quite soon, I will take pictures of mink or fox farms and those huuuuge greenhouses shining like lighthouses. They contrast amazingly with the snow… should there be snow.

In order to compensate (at least on the paper) for my photo- and bloglaziness I already planned two and three halves of travels for this year. Some in Europe, some possibly beyond, depends on circumstances. No matter how much I disappoint my mummy, I think I will be going to Romania, to Transylvania and Danube delta to be precise. I have been wanting to go for ages, and I feel this could be the sort of a cultural holiday I need. And yes. Transfăgărășan road, aka another Ceaușescu’s mad projects, is indeed on the list.

What else is left to say? Keep calm and… huh huh… hope for the sun! Meanwhile, spend times with those who have you dear.

(frozen, drity ground compilation)

 

Grey hair.

Blogroll, Finland, Picture a day, Winter frolics

Yep, found my first grey hair. Or maybe it was not grey but really, really light and almost transparent. That happens all the time during the summer, but in the darkest time of the year?

Somehow it made feel pretty hot. Or maybe I’m just changing colour for winter like the arctic fox.

We are now heading toward the fourth Sunday of advent. I’m feeling blessed (for all of us) and full of peace (and chocolate). Darkness has taken over my life and most of the time I’m working on autopilot. Maybe that made me so happy re: the grey blond hair..? Today I’ve been fighting a full-moon migraine and consequent speech and cognitive impairment, and put myself through what can only be regarded as pure masochism: a pre-Christmas visit to IKEA. It was for a good cause, but… seriously, how many people are buying kitchens on a weekday morning before Christmas? More than you think.

Also, we celebrated Finland’s 99th Birthday last week.

And enjoyed the views from the Tähtitorni (Observatory Park).

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And then the temperature dropped to -9°C, the car suspension broke and the sun came out again! My persistent cough and vitamin D deficit were also quite pleased with the overall situation. Minus the broken spring.

Isn’t Finland absolutely magical?

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It is.

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