Rising Up Out the Dust

"We are the brave, the chosen ones. We're the diamonds, diamonds, rising up out the dust." - Diamonds by Johnnyswim 

I just found these pictures that I had taken early in September. Three months later, and I can remember that light breeze in my hair, the soft tune of the wind chimes, and the abundance of nasturtiums in a beautiful spectrum of oranges and yellows. It's semester crunch time, so my mind is full of biosynthetic pathways and community ecology and ANOVAs.. But! It is also ever full of thankfulness for these past three months of year 4 of university! God is so good, so full of abundant blessings, and so faithful. Happy American Thanksgiving, friends!

Much love, Vivi  

Turkey & Leaves & Pie & Rain

Thanksgiving is here, and the colours and flavours of Autumn are in full force. There was a calmness about this weekend that was soothing and inspiring and joyful all at once. My family was all together, laughing and eating and working together. Being in the middle of October, my brother and I had plenty of studying and assignments to do, yet spurts of family time, walks in the golden light, and breaks for coffee and pie made everything so wonderful. The focus on thankfulness is special and of great necessity to remind us of God's blessings in our lives - not just on one lone Monday in October, but every day, every hour, every minute. 

My 2016 Thanksgiving List 

the amino acids, 20 beautiful little structures so perfect in every way that build up proteins and support the many functions of life 
chocolatey chai tea with a splash of milk, steeped extra long 
purple/grey nail polish
quilts to surround oneself with
conquering one month of my fourth year of university! (what. what.) 
johnnyswim, my new favorite duo (thank you fixer upper for leading me to these dreamy voices)
my university and its diverse array of humans
family coffee and/or latte time
the fact that God has not called us to be "busy" but to be fruitful
peace that passes understanding 
friends that message me sweet words out of the blue 
drives home with Wes and Shelby 
the maple tree that grows tall and confident in the backyard
the oak tree I found near my house - it's beautiful 
the ability to walk and dance and leap for joy 
the ability to study and understand and recall information
my job as a peer tutor 
leading a university alliance for pre-medicine students. so much learning, so much growth
how hard my mom works 
my dad's kindness and gentleness 
my brother's growth this past year

Jeepers, I could go on. God is so good! He loves us and rejoices when we prosper and are in good health. What are you thankful for this season? 

Much love, Vivi  
  

can I hear a HAPPY THANKSGIVING?!

It's Autumn here in British Columbia. The wind is rustling off the deep red and yellow leaves from tall trees, and inside candles are burning and warm meals are being made. It really is my favorite time of year, despite the copious amount of studying that October brings... 

This weekend is also Canadian Thanksgiving, so to all of my fellow Canadians, may your weekend be full of turkey dinners and pumpkin pie. Man, us Canadians are GOOD at eating. 

Happy Thanksgiving, friends. And while I'm at it, Happy Autumn, Happy Saturday, and Happy DAY! 

Much love, Vivi 

Why, hello!

HI! Wow, it's been a while. This semester has been one of the fullest, most enriching times of my life. I have learnt so much that, at times, my brain felt as if it were going to explode. Thankfully, it didn't. In fact, my brain is at last taking a deep breath now that my last exam is in the past. I wanted to share a few tiny glimpses of the past few weeks. Here's what I have been up to.. 

Two scenes of my University campus: the left was taken from the library and the right was taken one very early morning while, um, walking to the library.. (Haha, I might spend a lot of my time in there).

It wouldn't be a complete update without showing you what I've been eating, now would it? ;) Smoothies and black bean brownies. Brain food, people.

Not pictured: copious amounts of notes, textbooks, and practice questions. Ahh, university. 

 Stay tuned for the beginnings of winter posts... :) 

Much love, Vivi 

amidst the leaves and wind

 

“Friendship is unnecessary, like philosophy, like art.... It has no survival value; rather it is one of those things which give value to survival.” C.S Lewis

Thankful for friendship and autumn leaves and this beautiful, crisp and ever-full-of-blessings month of October.

 

 

Much love, Vivi

Thanksgiving 2014

This weekend was full of multiple Thanksgiving meals (helloooo leftovers!) much family time, finishing a scarf, and preparing for a week of many midterms. I honestly love the material I'm learning (genetics and microbiology), so studying is more like a joy than anything else. I knoooow, nerdy. I am so thankful to be able to learn about creation and I'm astounded at the intricacy of it all. Here's to God's amazing creation! What are you thankful for in this season?

Much love, Vivi