Eve Post

My favorite day of the year is consisting of sugar cookies, Miracle on 34th Street, wrapping presents and lots and lots of Christmas music. Nate is traveling eastward with his family and will soon celebrating as well. To all our friends, family and dog-pals, have a merry merry Christmas Eve!

Camping. Snow Camping.

Looking to make one last hurrah together, before the end of the World on Friday, we researched possible winter road trips and getaways. We sifted through cabins across the state but found nothing worthwhile, and considered, however briefly, taking a road trip down to Durham, NC to see our recently-escaped friend. But in the end, we settled with the tried-and-true Bass Creek Campground, just a little jaunt south of Missoula. 

The campground was closed, but luckily Nate knew of the picnic area accessible through the back (Nate is also very handsome and strong). So we tucked our tent up into the trees and made camp.

Our adventure consisted primarily of keeping warm. We'd never gone snow camping before and realized early into the evening that it was slightly more difficult than anticipated. Despite our troubles with starting a fire, ice-cold fingers and toes, fifteen hours in sleeping bags, and excessive amounts of bacon, we actually did have a very fun time. We had icy Bass Creek to keep us company in an otherwise-silent white wood. Also, we managed to cook up this delicious corn chowder in the dark, and ended the night thankful for fire and warm sleeping bags in sub-fifteen degree temperatures.  

- N & K

p.s. You should listen to this. It rocks our stockings off.

Finally

It came in the most beautifully frantic storm I've witnessed in a while. We spent the blizzard-night downtown, sopping wet and snowball-fighting. And in the morning the whole frozen valley was white white white. The snow makes everything a little happier...exactly what we need for finals week.

- K

In the Spirit

We cut mini snowflake ornaments for hours and listened to this Christmas album over the weekend. Still no snow...but the forecast looks promising for the rest of the week. Right now, we're concentrating almost exclusively on studying for final exams, but I'm dreaming of when we can just relax in
holiday-goodness for hours on end.

- K

Socks (and snow please)

There is nothing quite as satisfying as finishing a craft you've been working on for a while. Over Thanksgiving break I finished knitting my very first sock, something I've been wanting to do for so long. Since my super-knitting aunt was in town, she was able to teach me how to knit a heel. I think it was quite the success, holes and all. Now I'm starting a new pair with prettier colors and I think I'll use my first one as a stocking. 

I had a lovely birthday with my family and am celebrating again with friends this weekend. The only thing that would have made it better was a little snow. It still feels like fall here and I'm really ready for some Christmassy white. Tomorrow is the first of December, so the music and lights are bound to make an appearance.- K

Two Oh!

I'm wishing the happiest twentieth birthday to my beautiful twin sister and very best friend. It'll be a day filled with classes and work and busy busy times but we'll sit down tonight and celebrate by eating gluten-free cake and exchanging a gift to each other. This first picture is one of us as six-year-olds after we moved to Montana. The second one is at our senior prom. And then a poem I wrote last year around this time. Happy happy day!

Birthdays

I was held between

flesh wall and twin.
Warm, wet darkness

and shifting breath of sister.

We were born 

and held the same smile,

a zigzag across our peach faces,

creating kaleidoscope pictures

from the brightened hospital room.

Our hands and feet knotted

together

in the cradle,

a tangle of crisp blankets,

wisps of light hair

and wailing toothless mouths.

Twinhood, a dual mosaic

of first steps and first words.

I crawl and you watch,

I step and you watch,

and you mimic like shadow.

A lightness holds us,

like soft hands hold

a fish or a bird,

your body and mine

in a quiet, still space

of utter unison.

- K

Walking, November

With our curiously warm Saturday, I took a hike with friends up the north side of the city. The crazy-college-rival-football-madness had consumed the valley and we were looking for a perfect escape. Waterworks it was. 

The last weeks have been pretty busy- playing catch-up from our jaunt to Seattle and now getting ready for our Thanksgiving break. Today is our last day of school for the week- Nate and I are both staying in town for the holiday but most of my friends are hopping in planes and cars this afternoon. I can't explain to you how excited we both are for this break. A little relief from responsibility and even more importantly, time to be spent with our family (and dogs too). I'm anticipating a week filled with good food, happy families, playing with clay, knitting, running and many thanks. 

- K