the swiss know how to make mountains...

i have debated writing a new blog many a time, but the simple fact of the matter is i don't know where to start. what is one to say when they wake up every morning to the most beautiful sight they have ever seen? when the sun breaks over the mountains during breakfast and the lake of fog in the valley below glows a soft pink? when the snow smells sweet and looks like icing spread thick over a sky of mountains? when the red wine is served mulled and warm? when the smell of homemade bread warms the air just before every meal? when the chocolate has the texture of melted butter in your mouth? where to start i ask?

i have been so overwhelmed this week. wrapped in beauty and books. i woke the other morning at 4:30 and couldn't fall back asleep. i sat in my bunk and listened to the night whispering sweet hymns down the halls of this chalet built for giants, kings and well... servants like me. that morning as the hours past i got up, took a cold... freezing shower (unknown to me, we ran out of oil during the night rendering us without heat or hot water). i watched as the snow capped mountains turned from the blue found on a marines formal dress to the softest amber. it is a humbling place to be.

i have slept well. i feel better than i have in years. i feel alive. i have the energy i did when i was in high school... if any of you can remember how obnoxious that was...

i have so much to learn i am sure of it. discipline is hard... i haven't read a full book in what seems like years. i have already read 2 since tuesday. i have fallen in love with the routine... hoping that i continuously keep falling in love with it.

it is a magically normal place to be. 3 meals a day, chores, study. plain. simple. peaceful. wonderful.

so i will go now, stand on the balcony and watch a full moon shine, whispering its prayers as i do into the mountain's slumber.