Semlor

 9 o'clock walk to the bus...

Canals

The sun slowly returns and winds begin to stir...

The sun is slowly returning to the north. The light stays in the skies a til 430 or so... It is still cold! The ice covers and traps the rocky landscapes under frozen waterfalls. The canals are slowly thawing, cracking, refreezing. And on clear nights, the stars blaze with such beauty that it really does take my breath away (or that could be the sharp cold, but let's credit that to the beauty of the night instead :)  ) And Luciabullar and Glogg have given way to Semlor...
My holiday home was just what I needed. I am refreshed and ready to take on the rest of this school year. Whenever I start to feel just a little down, I remember the looks on people's faces when I turned up unexpected, and I can't help but remember the love in that moment, and all is well. (Background: Pretty much no one knew I was coming home, not even Dad or my sister. Just Mom and one or two others!) Whether it was screaming, swearing, or just shocked smiles, I keep those moments so close to my heart now. They are the best reminders that I am loved. Am grinning now, just writing about them!
Coming back was hard. I miss my family and friends. I miss the rain and the music. But at some point, over Greenland, I realized how excited I was to be back in Sweden. The wonderful people I have met make all the difference! We have found little things to brighten our days, be it ice skating (or in my case, trying not to fall over), going for a walks, or sharing home cooked dinners, this winter looks to be something I will remember all my days.  

So, now I have a little better than four months to go before the wind changes and I am swept off my feet to who knows where. I know I am loved. I know I am blessed. Because of that, wherever I land, I know things will be fine.