on English grounds

From when we took a walk in Hyde Park one autumn evening sometime last year when the family came over for graduation. In this current blistering heat, looking at the cool tones of these images reminded me of all the wonderful things about the cold.

staying in all day in cosy wool knit sweaters, the natural blush you get from a walk back home in strong winds, snoods and how they support your neck during long train rides, the glowing amber of autumn leaves under your feet, adorable babies in tiny winter clothes.

ENDLESS SUMMER DAYS AT SORRENTO

sitting in a bus, rolling down the cliffside of Sorrento from Naples cities makes you wonder.how in the world did people even begin building their lifes here? house upon house on mountains and valleys. you could hear the gasp of every tourist as the bus took a corner turn revealing the infinite volumn of blue seas, shimmering in the afternoon light. sorrento reminds me so much of the islands of greece in a way and yet not. perhaps it just the smell of the ocean nearby. other than that, sorrento doesnt carry the whitewashed walls that santorini does. instead, punches of colours fill every corner from blooming boungainvillas to neon coloured beach umbrellas, peach and lemon tone walls. its almost impossible to not take a picture of everything, everywhere we went.

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a glimpse of venice

venice Isaiah 55:8-9 For my thoughts are not your thoughts, neither are your ways my ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. ”

Back in October - Definitely a dream to visit this tiny island before it sank. getting there however was a totally different matter. Left on a weekend that was as hectic as nuts. Right left up down hemmed in by activities and appointments with friends. To make matters worse, had a unpleasant argument with a friend just before leaving the airport. And due to busyness, forgetting to check in early, had to pay an extra 60 pounds just to check in for a tiny slip of paper!

Nonetheless, God is gracious. And merciful. And He showed me how patient everyone around was with me. I’m reminded just by looking back at these pictures and remembering everything that happened in that span of a weekend - You won’t know how to show mercy till you’ve experience mercy yourself. Really grateful for friends who put up with my shortcomings. And in the light of the new year, what better way to start off a new resolution. After many many incidences, its high time I put thoughts into action. The name Sue Jan carries the meaning to grace. Yes, graceful in some ways, but not when it comes to the way I handle my tongue or my immediate judgment on others. Much to think about and carry out before the year comes to an end!

2 Corinthians 12:8-9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me.