Child politics

Last week we had our first dump of snow. Actually, it was more like a dusting of snow - an inch, maybe two. It came overnight, dark and gloomy turned into a white powder sugar covering of snow. The sun sparkled off the water particles making everything look fresh and new.

Promptly at ten paradise exploded.

Children.

Everywhere.

Thrilled to be released from reading, writing and arithmetic, they rolled around on the field and started making snowmen. In the beginning everyone seemed to be working individually. As the snowballs grew bigger the children banned together to try and roll the snowballs together. At one point I counted 32 snowmen in various stages of completion.

Four little boys caught my eye. One minute they'd be trying to shove snow down each other's throats the next they'd be standing side by side straining against a snowball larger than the four of them combined. Child politics. Fight, makeup, fight again, makeup again. Stop. Repeat.

Butterscotch Walnut cookies

At one of my bridal showers I was given a recipe for Butterscotch Walnut cookies. I made them this afternoon for a small group that we go to Sunday nights. For the first time in - I'm not sure when - I didn't double, triple or quadruple the recipe. Actually, now that I think about it, I can't even remember that last time I didn't have to increase a cookie recipe.

Anthem

I can't believe time is going by so quickly. I have just over two weeks left before my life changes. Part of me is excited, another part, scared.

A year ago in June.
It was after ten and the sweltering heat of the afternoon had dissipated. Cool night breezes carried the sounds of music, people and fireworks. Together with A, D, and S we strolled down the river, across one of the bridges and onto the island. It was packed. I'd been to concerts before, even outdoor concerts but nothing like this. Although the Love Parade draws thousands, aside from the formal "parade" aspect, most of the shows take place indoors at clubs and stadiums. Here, everything was outside. Everything. It has been called the largest outdoor music fest in Europe.
Pushing through the crowds, A and I managed to make our way towards the stage. The lights stopped pulsing for a moment and the crowd slowed as the haunting melody filled the air.

This song has been a favourite of mine over the past few years. For you English speakers, you could try googling the band, there may be a translation somewhere. The haunting melody and beautiful lyrics are a combination rarely found in North American music.

Ich will nur in deiner Nähe sein
In der Nacht wenn du schläfst
Ich will nur in deiner Nähe sein
Ich bin wach wenn du schläfst

Nichts braucht soviel Schutz wie du
In der Dunkelheit der Welt
Sogar Söldner hol ich hinzu
Denn ein dunkles Reich hat uns umstellt
Und nichts braucht soviel Schutz wie du
In der Dunkelheit der Welt
Sogar Söldner hol ich hinzu
Denn ein dunkles Reich hat uns umstellt

Ich will nur in deiner Nähe sein
In der Nacht wenn du schläfst
Ich will nur in deiner Nähe sein
Ich bin wach wenn du schläfst
Ich will nur in deiner Nähe sein
Wenn du schläfst wenn du gehst
Ich will nur in deiner Nähe sein
Deiner Nähe sein

Und nichts braucht soviel Zeit wie Schutz
Denn man findet ihn kaum
Deshalb träumst du dass man dich beschützt
Doch es bleibt nur ein Traum
Und ich möchte Schutz sein für dich
In der Nacht und am Tag
Denn ich schütz dein ewiges Licht
Und das hat mir gesagt

Ich will nur in deiner Nähe sein
In der Nacht wenn du schläfst
Ich will nur in deiner Nähe sein
Ich bin wach wenn du schläfst
Ich will nur in deiner Nähe sein
Wenn du schläfst wenn du gehst
Ich will nur in deiner Nähe sein
Deiner Nähe sein

Keiner bringt Licht in den Tag
Der so dunkel ist
Und du hast gut zu leben gewagt
Weil es richtig ist
Doch nichts braucht soviel Schutz wie du
Bitte glaub mir das
Und Engel fleh ich noch hinzu
Ein Heer das nur auf dich aufpasst

Ich will nur in deiner Nähe sein
In der Nacht wenn du schläfst
Ich will nur in deiner Nähe sein
Ich bin wach wenn du schläfst
Ich will nur in deiner Nähe sein
Wenn du schläfst wenn du gehst
Ich will nur in deiner Nähe sein
Deiner Nähe sein

~ Wenn du Schläfst, Söhne Mannheims

I wrote my last final exam this morning.
I was going to celebrate by buying a pair of hot red pumps but all they had left was a size five.
I can't believe I'm done. Granted I still have to walk down the aisle in a cap and gown, but the formal part of my Bachelors - fine, vertig.

I think I'll keep writing but I'm not sure about what yet.