White Winter Hymnal.

Hello there! So this post may not be the 'amazingly interesting read' that you could be looking for in a blog right now...but it WILL be the 'amazingly wonderful photos' you've been wanting to see! But to start off, this has been a serious winter. My momma sent me lots of long-johns and thermals and gloves and such, and they have been put to good use! Any chance I get I've been taking pictures of the snow and the nature that surprisingly thrives in this weather! (Pictures below.) We've also had a huge session here at Louhelen, Winter School, and that was insane - such an uplifting and positive spiritual atmosphere was brought to the Louhelen and we thoroughly enjoyed the occasional sun poking out and bringing some warmth to the snowy days. 

I also had a fun lesson of....detachment! Actually, I didn't mind not having a phone, but I did lose it in the snow for about three weeks. Sometimes I think it'd be nice if no one ever found it...but I think my mom (wanting to call me) wouldn't have that. So yes, my phone was deemed lost, and then three weeks later a Winter School participant found it amongst the melted snow in the field near our dorms. Darn! Well I knew it was on campus somewhere, I just wasn't sure when the snow would melt...Anyway, I took it apart and put it in a bag of rice for about four days to soak up all the moisture, and what do you know? The phone is now completely back to normal. Actually, it almost seems better...maybe it's because I'm seeing it in a fresh light. Hmm, well now ya'll can call or text me again. Heck, you can even send me emails and I'll check them on the phone! Ah, technology. :)

So here are the photos, both from my long-lost phone and my neglected digital camera. I put captions underneath each photo for your enjoyment...though they are a bit out of order.

The main buildings from near the dorms...this wasn't the worst of the snow at all!

Ah, ruralism. I thought the barn was picturesque.

The twin oaks. Just think, their roots extend so far, and they've lived through all these winters!

Lisa and I on a walk last week - apparently our eyes are totally the same...

Kitchen volunteers for Winter School! Ruhi, me, Max, and Corinne.

New Years Eve...well, it was midnight. This is how girls are then.

Corinne, Lisa, me!

I must admit, the sunsets here rival Queensland's.

Same view of Louhelen main buildings, but after the snow melted (when my phone was found...) Gorgeous sunlight.

Now that's a sunset for ya.

Another long walk after the snow melt, and it's gorgeous.

Snow being gone doesn't mean it's not FREEZING.

Another rural classic...

Now this was strange. An Emu in Michigan? In Davison, even? Someone must have picked him up in Australia...

I like this photo.

So Emily (from Ohio) brought friends and we all went out to Taboon's and then had a deepening later. So fun!

I love this girl. And we're almost related! Whaaattt?!?!

One day, while in the kitchen, I got in the warming unit....(Sorry if you see this, Anna!)

Now this was the creek before lots of snow...

Now a bit more snow....

And MORE!

SQUASH, Dad-style. Brown sugar and butter...except vegan butter.

We go grocery shopping!

I think a small animal could live in this tree...

What a fungus!

Christmas cookie making with Lisa...vegan-style!

Our cookies are so classically beautiful. And look, we can spell!

Christmas dinner at Karen's. Sparkling cider and all!

I recently learned that this is witch hazel. How beautiful, right? A tiny tiny flower in the midst of gloomy snow.

More fungi!

And this makes a cool rattle-like sound when the tree shakes. 

I hope you enjoyed the pictures. I hope everyone had a beautiful holiday season! I hope your winters and summers aren't too cold or too hot...:) Also, my dear friend Riaz is coming in THREE DAYS to visit Louhelen. I know I'll have to blog it up after he leaves, so expect lots of fun photos! :) 

Love and miss you all so dearly! I send you all hugs and kisses. :)