Chocolate cake & the garden

I've come to the conclusion that few things bring the kind of joy that chocolate cake and a full garden can. My brother is growing all sorts of veggies from seed this summer - zucchinis, tomatoes, snap peas (pictured above), blueberries, and carrots! We picked the first of the snap peas yesterday and they were the juiciest, crispest, freshest peas I've ever had. Here are a few short quotes about the glories of nature that resonate with me:

"Adopt the pace of nature: her secret is patience." Ralph Waldo Emerson

"Look deep into nature and then you will understand everything better." Albert Einstein

"All my life through, the new sights of Nature made me rejoice like a child." Marie Curie  


Much love, 

Vivi

A P R I L

As of yesterday, I am free of exams! Which means that I will never again write an exam as a biology undergraduate student. Five years ago that statement seemed so very, very far away, and today, it is already one day old. What I love most about April is that (once exams are over) my camera and I become best friends again. The long winter is over, and magnolia buds, glorious springtime blossoms, and rays of golden warmth make themselves known again. What a beautiful time it is!

Much love, Vivi   

Symphony of Colour

The past month has been a whirlwind of activity. I realized the other day just *how* busy things have been, which surprised me because I've been very calm and have been in a self-proclaimed "non-stressful" season. I don't think I realized how challenging preparing for a medical school interview would be. Although I loved the discussions and brain workouts that came with every practice session, I can't deny the challenge that accompanied actively practicing critical thinking, art interpretation, and analyzing ethical and social issues. It certainly opened up my eyes to relevant issues that I hadn't previously given much thought. I did a lot of reading and investigating, and sought out friends, family, and professors who I knew had more knowledge than me. What a learning curve! But I must say, what a fantastic learning curve! 

I'd like to call this past season of life a Symphony of Colour, not entirely in the literal sense, but mostly in the figurative way. I've had shades of thought fill my mind, tones and highlights of reflection, and new combinations of ideas invigorate creativity. It has been quite exciting.

Now, I must wait until May (yes, MAY!) to hear the results of my interview. Applying to medical school has been no small feat, but it has been an incredible journey of growth. Here's to a new season, a new journey, and graduating in June! 


Much love, Vivi

Blossom of Spring, May you Bloom & Grow

"Blossom of Spring, may you bloom and grow, bloom and grow forever." - Edelweiss, the Sound of Music


A whisper of spring
Comes swiftly into life,
Bringing with it colour
And growth.
A blossom of spring
Arrives quietly into view
Sprouting forth life
And newness
Amidst the haste,
Amidst the now, the demands of the immediate,
Amidst the instant, the brash loudness of cultural chaos,
Comes this,
This whisper of spring,
A blossom of spring.

Wherever you live and whatever the current state of nature around you, I hope that these beautiful sights of springtime flowers (and the occasional cookie!) brings you joy. Spring is a time that reminds me how flowers don't think about growing - they simply grow because that is what they do. They bloom where they are planted and they blossom with admirable consistency. They blossom into what they were created to be, and I, amidst the "haste and demands of the immediate" want to do the same.

Much love, Vivi

Fabulous & Fantastic February

Reading break is almost at a close, and the final couple of months of my fourth year (!!!) are coming quickly. Knowing the pattern of past semesters, the weeks will both come and zoooom by at lightning speed. That, my friends, is why it is vital, imperative, and of utmost importance to enjoy the day we have as today, to look forward to tomorrow with gladness, and to reflect upon the goodness & joy of days past. Negativity has no place in our schedules. And now, I shall return to the world of human physiology studying and Gogi berry tea drinking - see you soon! 

Much love, Vivi

Dear Mr. Hummingbird

Dear Mr. Hummingbird,

Thank you for visiting this cold December morning
I saw you fluttering with speed and agility
And I couldn't look away
Thank you for perching kindly, holding still for me to capture
Your detailed feathers, round little body
Thank you for reminding me 
That God cares about the details 
He put effort into your beauty, and finds pleasure when I find pleasure
In the glory of His creation, 
In you, little Mr. Hummingbird

Much love, Vivi 

The Care of the Earth

"The care of the earth is our most ancient and most worthy, and after all our most pleasing responsibility. To cherish what remains of it and to foster its renewal is our only hope." Wendell Berry  

I discovered author, poet, and culture critic Wendell Berry about three years ago. I read through his novel "Hannah Coulter" at lightning speed during summer time, and I soaked up all of his beautiful sentences and the way he weaves nature and caring for land into his writing. Then, this past winter I read "That Distant Land," a collection of short stories based around a community of farmers and their families. His writing is pure and elegant and poignant. I loved his fiction, and gobbled it up happily. Then! I found out from a friend that he ALSO writes non-fiction. My heart fluttered and I knew I had to get my hands on something. 

It began with a borrowed copy of "The Unsettling of America," borrowed from said generous friend, also a big fan of Wendell Berry. I loved it. I read through about three quarters of Berry's cultural critique and down to earth perspective, and his wisdom is astounding. 

So, happily, I recently ordered "The Art of the Commonplace," a collection of agrarian essays, which should arrive this week! Cue the excitement! Not only has this wonderful, wonderful author helped shape my perspective, but he continues to inspire me, challenge me, and make just-before-bed-night-time-reading one of the best parts of the day. 

The earth, the soil, the plants, the process of sowing and harvesting, is good, because our Creator is good. 

Much love, Vivi 

Chopin Has Something To Say

Why, hello! Greetings! Yes, we do know each other- it has just been a VERY long time! The month of May held moving houses (cue the deep cleaning and organization), studying/tests/digging deep into physics, volunteering with some pretty wonderful organizations, and now, preparing for my Biology honors project with some reading, reading, and READING! 

Exciting times.

Really, I love what I am doing! If asked in a game of would you rather if I would rather read about treatments for rare genetic conditions or relax by a pool all day.. I would pick the reading (by the pool of course.. ;) 

Our new house is wonderful. There is a creek that runs through the backyard, a garden of mint, jasmine, bamboo... It's stunning. I've already given "tours" of the backyard to friends, and I think I probably beam the whole way. Nature is a beautiful expression of God's grace and creativity. I'm so happy to be able to live here surrounded by reminders of God's goodness.

Not being in the thick of the academic year gives me some much needed thinking time. I've been thinking about many aspects of my life, how I spend my time, what I'd like to do differently, continue doing, and different goals for the short term and long term. And while doing so, Chopin has been keeping my ears company. Just as the sights of nature provide visual reminders of God's goodness, the sounds of Chopin make my ears just as sure. 

Much love, Vivi