Back in the land of lakes and hills and trees

It's high time for another update, as I've been told:) I think I'll break it down by location, like I did for Europe- not original, but it works, especially for a scatterbrain like me.

I was surprised to find the north about as warm as where I had just left; so much for my heavy winter jacket that I didn't wear once the whole trip, but who's going to complain about unseasonably warm weather!

The first few days in were a mix of delightful/awkward/refreshing moments, in catching up with old friends and getting to know new ones. I stayed with some previous roommates and friends, and was glad to find that most of the awkwardness I had anticipated in plomping myself back into people's lives for a few days dissipated; either that or I was unaware of it, but I think that, being sensitive to the possibility, I was a bit relieved over the whole thing. I guess I just didn't want my sense of reconnecting with these dear friends to inhibit or hinder them, or to be inconvenient.

I could go on and on about that, the concept that oftentimes, it can be seen as inconvenient for people to visit from out of town, but that I, as the visitor, can alleviate some of that, and some of it I can't control. I would hope that the end result was the good memories we made together, and that the rest would be periphoral.

...As you can see, I tend to obsess on an idea at times and not let it go till I'm done chewing it over...a bit typical, I'm afraid...

Anyhow, it was balm to my soul to walk the streets of the little town where I went to school, shadowed by the grain elevators on one side whose actual height it seems impossible to determine. I even wandered into the local library, because I'm a nerd and I like that library, so that was fun for me, personally:)
Maybe this will be more concise if I tell the story with photos.

This is the northern chapter.

My roommate of two years got married and had a baby, and we got to spend some great moments together. Really, it's great to look back on memories and make new ones at the same time.

The farm photos are from my friend Missy's brother's farm, where I got to help her work on her sculpture. I love this place, and I couldn't resist snapping some shots since I was there. To be kind, I've put just a small photo of us, taking a break from the project:)

At one point, I also had Ashlee as a housemate, and she was so generous to share her apartment with me and let me crash there. With as much interacting as I did, it was so gracious of her to offer me this space to unwind, and we had some great conversations when she was around.

This amazing lady was my discipler through most of my years at school, and catching up with her was so refreshing. I love seeing what people are up to, what they've been thinking of over the past few years, what direction they end up taking at different times in their lives.

In my first year, I lived on the other side of a duplex from Sharon and Shelly; we were all in the same year. In the winter (which was most of the school year), I used to squeeze past the hot water tank in the basement to get to their side so I could visit, and could avoid a trip into the bitter cold to walk around the house:) They are both still in the area, and I have so enjoyed being in touch with them, and it was great to get together for coffee.

In short, that was my trip to the northern regions of Alberta (although I suppose Edmonton is northern, but hardly seems it in comparison!), but there's more to come, I promise!