Lately Up North, I'm learning what cold is.

Coming from Montreal, I always thought I knew what true cold was.

I didn't.

Up here in the north it is way, WAY colder.

I've never felt cold like this before. I didn't know it existed.

But I can't say I wasn't warned, no one said it would be warm up here.

Bitter chills aside, it certainly is beautiful up here in the winter....

Everyday is bright and sunny. 

There is a certain quality of light up here that I've never experienced before. 

It's magical, and pure.

And even at night it's beautiful. The cold, starry skies are just magnificent.

(I officially experienced my first frostbit fingers while taking these photos. Oh well, I guess it's kind of a rite of passage up here.... I now know better!)

Lately up north, I discovered that people build snowmen as tall as their houses!

They also build all kinds of things out of snow....

We've been eating lots of warm soup lately, and I feel grateful for my full pantry of food that makes winter cooking enjoyable. 

One of the Cree women I work with gave us these hand-stitched mittens that are hanging on our Christmas tree, and make our apartment smell like teepee smoke.

Lately up north, the river has frozen solid, and looks absolutely lovely surrounded by the icy forest.

 Lately up north... I couldn't feel more grateful for my warm, cozy apartment, with it's blossoming flowers, wooly blankets and endless cups of hot tea.

I hope you're doing well out there : )