Winter days

It's been a while since I posted here, I miss it. But in the cold, dark, winter days there are fewer things to take pictures of, and I fear you will think that the only things I ever do are reading and drinking tea... oh alright, they carry a high percentage. But there are many other things going on around me, and my mind is as busy as ever; just not always in a way easily formed into a blogpost.

I've been thinking about this new year of 2014, and of all the things I was able to do last year, and all the things I learned. So many things... I have been able to travel more than I could have guessed a year or two ago. Travel has a marvelous way of making you face fears, and of helping the way you look at the world.

Actually, I am on the brink of yet another adventurous trip--to Florida--which promises to be filled with good friends, conversation, fun experiences, and SUNshine! (Minnesotans really should not spend time thinking of Florida, it only makes the -16 degrees seem even colder. I do feel like my contemplation of the Sunshine State has given me a lower tolerance level for subzero temperatures.)

I am very excited to see what this new year brings, and I pray that I will have the courage and wisdom to do some crazy beautiful things; that my faith would grow in each new experience, and that my joy in Christ would overflow and be a light for Him...

character's from my Neverland, a sketch just for fun

a vast mug of tea, appropriate for the contemplation of Sherlock's season 3 premiere of the night before

I am returning to the pursuit of Geography, an old friend of mine

a much-needed addition to my room, seeing as the temperature knows nothing of addition, only subtraction

a familiar sight on this blog surely, but very necessary to an afternoon of thoughts and books and maps.

Rivendell, good old Tollers

And a mixed pile of books I have recently read, books I am reading, and books I hope to read soon; but not an exhaustive list in any of those categories...