a new little blog . . .

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So I've decided to start a new little blog . . . one that fits my goals better . . . so if you want, please go and see A Knock at the Door and let me know what you think. I'm envisioning it more as an artist's notebook than a photography blog, and I think that's why I decided to change.

happy new years,
Jessina
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thoughts on the liturgical year

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"The liturgical year is not an idle discipline, not a sentimentalist's definition of piety, not an historical anachronism. It is Jesus with us, for us, and in us as we strive to make His life our own. It is goad and guide to the kind of personal spirituality that is worthy of the Jesus whose commitment to the Word of God led Him all the way to the cross and beyond it - to Resurrection. It is, without a doubt, learning to live the liturgical year that makes a difference to every other year of our lives."

(Joan Chittister, The Liturgical Year)
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the first semester

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{saying goodbye}

{orientation week square dance}

{first day of classes}

{sunny afternoon at the park}

{around my room}

{the path that I walk everyday}

{autumn hayride}

{silver medals at the regatta}

{quiet afternoon study breaks}

One of the first nights at college in August, my RA had each of us write a note to ourselves that she then gave back to us this past week. This is a small snippet from mine, which I found meaningful as I reflect back on this semester . . .

Dear Jessina,

You just finished your first half-of-a-week of classes at college. And now you are sitting in Sarah's room, with all the girls on your floor. It has been an amazingly easy transition and a good first week at college . . .

And yet I know that within the upcoming months, in the intervening time between when I write this now and when I open it up at the end of the semester, there will be many challenges - many times when all I will want to do is hide away or cry, or times when I will be overwhelmed, exhausted, and stressed to the limit. But remember these two things:

First, like Mrs. D. reminded you before you left, remember to grant yourself much grace - realize that you are not perfect, but that God is constantly and always sanctifying you, and making you more like himself. Maybe this wasn't the perfect semester, but trust in God's goodness and love towards you, which he has shown you in an infinite amount of ways in the past and present, and most certainly will in the future.

Second, remember this: all will be well and all will be well and all matter of things will be well. No matter what happened in the past three months, all will be well. Trust in the Lord's love. And have hope.

. . . and in the end, realize the abundance of God's grace and cultivate an eye to see His presence in the lives of those around you. Love much. Serve wholeheartedly. Listen to others with compassion. And be more concerned about giving than getting.

See you at the end of the semester,
Jessina

And now I am here - at home, back in my little beloved room, at the end of the semester. It was good. It was rich. It was more than I had anticipated. It had challenges and difficulties. But overwhelmingly, it was full of much grace.

He is indeed faithful.

candles & pencils,
Jessina

P.S. Back to all things Christmas tomorrow!
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staying warm

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A few favorite coats - most beyond my budget, some not that great for staying warm, but nonetheless pretty to look at and be inspired by . . .
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See the Sea Grey Jacket - Ruche
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Earhardt Jacket - Bridge and Burn
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Librarian Herringbone Jacket - Bridge and Burn

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Expatriate Jacket - Mod Cloth
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Guild House Coat - Mod Cloth
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Part of my favorite December things.

tea and gloves,
Jessina

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welcome december

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My roommate and I woke up to a magical world of glistening snowflakes and snow-covered ground this morning. I love the excitement that surrounds the first snow, especially on a college campus. Everyone is eating snow and throwing snowballs and running about with scarves and mittens and smiles. And the first snow on the first of December = perfect way to start this lovely month.

And so in honor of one of my favorite months, I'm stealing a little idea from Summer Harms and will hopefully be sharing some of my Christmastime favorites over the next few weeks.

much peace,
Jessina
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set us free

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"Well do I know that
it's not our ambitions, dreams,
desires; hard, hard work
or inner fires that set us free:

it's whatever that He wants."

(Olivia Meldrum)
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autumn flavors

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Just three recipes that I hope to make over Thanksgiving break . . . which is just a week away!

+ Pumpkin Pear Crumble (click for picture credit)
+ Roasted Broccoli and Parmesan Pasta
+ Butternut Squash and Caramelized Onion Galette
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