this tree resides in a park a few blocks from us. even on a gloomy day, it is so beautiful!

our first Christmas

Here is a lovely picture of our first Christmas tree together. We joined my family in Stevensville in choosing their tree at Bredeweg Acres farm, and my dad found the perfect tree for us. I sewed some lovely stockings from wool-felt for Daniel, Conrad, and myself. So our little living room on Griswold St. was cozy and full of Christmas cheer. After decorating the tree, I was so excited, I made Daniel help me get the air-matress out and we slept in the living room. Actually, I WAS amazed by the beauty of our tree, but Conrad pooped upstairs in our room, so that's why we slept downstairs where the air was clean of all frangrances except pine.

getting back in the swing of things

Here I am, back in the "cloffice" (closet transformed to office). The great thing about January at Calvin is Interim... life slows to a nice pace and people start talking instead of complaining about being busy. Coming back to work/school after a holiday is so much easier. The January Series of amazing lectures has already proven a treasure once again. I've seen Lauren Winner, N.T. Wright, Laura Smit, and today I'll see filmmaker Gerard T. Straub. Great stuff all around. Poor Daniel is introducing Straub and I don't think I've ever seen him so nervous. For a teacher, he really hates being in front of people.

I'm listening to the Iron and Wine - Calexico EP right now and everytime I listen to it, I miss Eddie. About a year ago, he, Kirsten and I went to see them in Chicago for an amazing concert. So, it's a melancholy morning for me, but I guess it's good to have one of those every now and again. I talked with Ken (one of my bosses) about bringing Iron and Wine to Calvin (for a second time) next Fall, and it looks like almost a sure thing! So, Big Ed, KClimer, and I will have to go again.

Speaking of concerts, I'm counting the days until our Festival of Faith and Music! Sufjan Stevens, Anathallo, Emmilou Harris, and Neko Case are all performing, but as if that wasn't enough, David Dark (one of my favorite authors) will be there. I'm currently reading his book Everyday Apocalypse and it's amazing. Between hearing N.T. Wright and other speakers and reading this book, I wish I could carry these articulate and wise people around in my purse and refer to them hourly.

Alright, well that's about all the update I have time for right now. I have only a few events this month - a fashion show this Saturday and a coffee house music thing next weekend. So, I'm hoping I'll be able to post more in the days to come.