Hello there, December.

At 7:30 this morning, I was already studying in the library. I let all my books and papers and pens and things scatter over the table. It was wonderful. Classes were fine, nothing exciting. Every time I walked outside the blue sky and the cold, COLD December wind shattered all lingering sleepiness. Like Shannon says every three-and-a-half minutes nowadays: Winter makes you feel so alive.

I spent yesterday afternoon making little art projects for my friends to encourage and inspire them during these stressful weeks. It was a good (long) study break, and I enjoyed crafting visual artwork from dozens of conversations and prayers sessions. Shannon and I are already planning large-scale art projects for next semester.

Of course, Eric and I spent nearly a half hour this morning talking about how we would decorate Hillsdale's campus if given the opportunity. Garlands, trees, wreaths, lights, candles, bows, paper chains, tinsel, ornaments, scented candles, paper snowflakes... If only! But it's true: the lobby in my dorm looks like Christmas morning.

Tonight I'm FINALLY having a dinner date with Autumn, one of my favorite girls on campus, and then bringing blankets and a hot pot into the library to have a paper-writing session with Jack and Eric.

Eric:

Jack:

Hopefully the Avett Brothers will make an appearance too: I like my little campus and my big-hearted friends. It's good to be back.

Chicago is 196.19 miles too far away.

Today all I want is to wear a yellow cardigan and drink a pumpkin spice latte and people-watch on Michigan Avenue.

So run into the fields; scream louder than you can.

All this classroom work tends to numb the soul. Sometimes I catch myself walking from classroom to library, or library to union, or union to dorm completely engrossed in my mental to-do list. It's not wrong that I'm focusing on academics. After all, that's what I'm here for. It's okay that I'm here in the present. But sometimes it's good just to be a dreamer for a while.

It's especially good to dream about things like honeycrisp apples, some new cute rainboots, living in a tiny apartment in the heart of a city somewhere someday, and everything I'll do when I'm home tomorrow. Mostly I'm preoccupied with the fact that winter is fast approaching, and that means: hot cocoa, twinkle lights, fir trees, colorful scarves, pumpkin-flavored everything, carols, candles, and non-stop Christmas music for 2 straight months. Can't wait.