First week and Wadi Qelt

Invictus

Out of the night that covers me,
Black as the pit from pole to pole,
I thank whatever gods may be
For my unconquerable soul.

In the fell clutch of circumstance
I have not winced nor cried aloud.
Under the bludgeonings of chance
My head is bloody, but unbowed.

Beyond this place of wrath and tears
Looms but the Horror of the shade,
And yet the menace of the years
Finds and shall find me unafraid.

It matters not how strait the gate,
How charged with punishments the scroll,
I am the master of my fate:
I am the captain of my soul.

-William Ernest Henley

Invictus is Latin for "undefeated."  Henley wrote this poem from a hospital bed in 1875. He developed tuberculosis of the bone at age 12 and by the time he was 25 one leg was amputated directly below his knee (most likely without any form of effective anesthetics to ease the pain.) Despite this great limitation he went on to lead an active life, proving himself a truly unconquerable soul. 

Jerusalem!

It has been a dream of mine for years to come and study at the BYU Jerusalem Center. Now I am finally here! My semester abroad includes intensive biblical study, an introduction course to Hebrew, study of Judaism and Islam, required regular exploration of the Old City and New City of Jerusalem, field trips to neighboring cities and countries, and all this in the company of incredible people.

A few of my favorite things~

Christmas 2010

Once high school years are over it seems that visits to home last no more than a week or two. I cherish those times. Christmas 2010 included two blissful (and much needed) weeks with my best friends, my family.

My Perfected Banana Bread Recipe :)

1/4 c. butter
1/4 c. coconut oil
3/4 cup sugar (or less)

1-2 T. honey
2 eggs
1-2 t. vanilla
3-4 large bananas (caramelize in 1 T. butter on the stove top- enhances the natural sugars)
1/3 c. sour cream
1/3 c. buttermilk (1 can evaporated milk +2-3 T. cider/apple vinegar)
2 1/2 cup flour
1 t. salt
1/2 t. baking soda
1/2 t. baking powder

1/2 t. cinnamon

chocolate chips

chopped walnuts

In a large bowl, cream together the butter, coconut oil, honey, and sugar until light and fluffy. Stir in the eggs one at a time. Then stir in the vanilla. Mix in caramelized bananas, sour cream and buttermilk.
Combine flour, salt, baking powder, baking soda, and cinnamon. Add to sugar/banana mixture. Add chocolate chips and chopped walnuts. Pour into greased bread-pans (I use coconut oil to enhance flavor.) Bake in 350 degrees for roughly 50 minutes. (Depends in size of pans and individual oven.)

I will bolden my soul and learn to live.

"The point of diving in a lake is not to immediately swim to the shore, but to be in the lake. To luxuriate in the sensation of water. You do not work the lake out, it is an experience beyond thought. Poetry soothes and boldens the soul to accept mystery."

-Mr. Keats (Bright Star) 

Last night I woke up at 3:30 AM. The balcony door was open and the wet wind was blowing the rain into the room. My mind was still smothered in sleep but I felt the magic of that moment. I stepped out on the balcony and breathed deeply. Grateful to be alive. It is moments like those that I live for. A beautiful moment that cannot be created or planned, it just comes to you like it's trying to tell you something... Life wants to be cherished.