free blueberry face mask

i've been giving in to my friends obsessions with the all-natural, handmade skin/hair care company called lush (originated in britain), as i've been wanting to further my efforts of consuming sustainably and responsibly and find better solutions for seemingly never-ending skin issues. i don't want to complain, because these skin 'issues' aren't terrible, but they exist enough to be of annoyance. so i'm excited to try new things. 

from the earth to my face.

this past saturday we went on a collective trip to oxford where we toured parts of the campus and strolled through the town a bit. despite the wicked cold, it was a really lovely, educational trip and it felt good to get out of london for the first time. just driving two hours outside the city made so many emotions come out of me, which was pretty interesting and almost grounding. driving down the highway, trees flew by both sides of us and soon turned into open spaces that then became rolling hills. feel free to consult katlin, but with just the 30 second glimpse of pine, my eyes literally swelled up with tears after not seeing trees for so long. maybe that's pathetic, maybe it's beautiful. either way i was so filled with bliss, not just from viewing these window portraits of the nature i've been missing, but also from the absolutely genuine happiness i felt from the natural environment. 

i feel like i'm on the right track with this, and that feels so good. this being life in nature. 

ah, wales. 

my friend, dan, who is teaching me how to play the ukulele *forever grateful*

my loves in the west, i miss you

the library used in the filming of harry potter (so cool)

tourist views

this girl was traveling alone and seemed like she was doing the 'backpacking through europe' thing,
which reminded me of all the cool things i want to do

the light pole that was said to have inspired c.s. lewis in the lion, the witch and the wardrobe

such beautiful architecture and landscaping everywhere, but these are dorms for crying out loud

the organ

this kid's father yelled at me. i thought his kid had a cool hat.

more settings used in the filming of harry potter (the exposed hallways)

really good friends; grace (new zealand), katlin (us), and megan (new zealand)

jin! (south korea)

dining hall that inspired the one built for harry potter

i liked the style of this portrait

an orchestra playing in the chapel; it was a nice treat to sit down and just listen in the warmth

over the past couple weeks here, there has been a lot of self reflection and i'd even say growth. 

i'm missing home, but not too much, i'm becoming more comfortable here which is allowing me to feel ready and plan for more adventures, i'm making very heavy strides to take care of my body and spirit, i'm suffering less each week from the shock of this new school system, i'm meeting new friends and keeping in contact with old, i'm learning an instrument, and i'm looking up at the sky. 

time is going by just as it should be. 

katlin, rachel and i just booked a short weekend trip to the north of wales, where we will be staying two nights in a hostel within snowdonia national park, right next to the tallest mountain in wales. i'm looking forward to the scenic train ride and hiking up the mountain. my eyes and camera have been searching for those views, and my legs long for the upward climb. 

we have also arranged most of our travels for spring break, starting with paris, france. i will be meeting kirk and his family there, and i couldn't be more excited to see his face and hear his voice in person. 

kirk has just spent the past ~3 weeks in buena vista, colorado where he's been preparing for his NOLS trip to the himalayas by backpacking, climbing and sleeping in the rockies, but mostly taking in the profound immensity, wisdom, and sights that the mountains provide. he's gained a lot of knowledge being out there and seeing good family and friends, but is looking forward to being back in all the good that michigan has to offer as well. 

here are some photos from the past couple days of daily views, recent happenings, and things that hold importance at the moment. 

sunlight in epsom, train ticket à paris

consuming with more thought and care

a visit to see bronte, a family friend from england, whom i met in the states

the weather was idyllic

benefits of nice weather and double decker bus views 

gratin de raviole and second level bus loving

warm sun on bronte's skin and a watercolour sunset

rare