Spartan Spotlight: David Saavedra
THE TEAM
From The Editor
Dear Reader,
As the end of the semester is quickly approaching, many of us are eagerly anticipating the winter break, when we are free from classes, assignments and final exams. Our last issue of 2025, “Jubilee,” encapsulates this feeling. Defined by The Canadian Oxford Dictionary as “a time or season of rejoicing,” jubilee is a celebration, light and joy.
Jubilee also marks special anniversaries, such as the Year of Jubilee in the Bible, which occurred every 50 years on the Day of Atonement. It was consecrated as a time when the Israelites were freed from slavery and debt. In addition to returning to one’s family property, people were also instructed to keep the year holy by only eating what the land produced on its own, trusting that God’s providence would sustain them. This socio-economic reset provided an opportunity for renewed relationships between people and God, prioritizing restoration and liberation.
From our curated playlist to crush advice from Cami Lavender, staff and contributors brought hope and cheer to this online issue. In “Festive Things to Do Around Langley This Christmas Season,” Managing Editor Cath de la Rambelje suggests the best holiday sights, sounds and tastes to enjoy, while contributor of the issue, Orion Snow, reflects on the beauty of accepting
Mars’ Hill
Mars’ Hill is a student publication of Trinity Western University located on the traditional ancestral territory of the Stó:lō people. Floated with funds raised by the Student Association, Mars’ Hill seeks to be a professional and relevant student publication, reflecting and challenging the TWU community, while intentionally addressing local, national and international issues.
Mission to Mars
The mission of Mars’ Hill, as the official student magazine of Trinity Western University, is to inform and entertain its readers, cultivate awareness of issues concerning the TWU community and provide a forum for purposeful, constructive discussion among its members in accordance with the Community Covenant, Statement of Faith and Core Values of the university.
brokenness in his poem “Blanketed in White.”
Over in the Opinions section, contributor Sophie Agbonkhese shares her reasons for believing that joy and grief exist together, reminding us that God is our source of hope.
It can be difficult to rejoice in times of hardship, when schoolwork piles up, loved ones fall ill and it gets dark before 4:30 p.m. Yet jubilee also anticipates the birth, death and resurrection of Jesus, who frees us by forgiving our sins. I hope that you find time to rest and relax as you read this issue. Whether you are home for the holidays or celebrating from afar, I encourage you to take delight in all December has to offer, from tree decorating to gift shopping and, hopefully, a little bit of snow.
From the Mars’ Hill team to you, Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays!
Sincerely,
Editorial Policy
Mars’ Hill encourages submissions and Letters to the Editor. Mars’ Hill reserves the right to edit submissions for style, brevity, and compatibility with the Mission, the Statement of Faith, the Student Handbook and the Core Values of the University. Anonymous authorship of any material may be granted at the discretion of the Editor-in-Chief. Opinions expressed in Mars’ Hill belong to the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect those of the editorial board, Trinity Western University, its officials or its Student Association.
Contributors
Sophie Agbonkhese
Cami Lavender (Cameron Lebold) Orion
CATH DE LA RAMBELJE Managing Editor
FAITH NELSON Arts & Culture Editor
SADIE MCDONALD Editor-in-Chief
ABBY IMBEAU Chief Copy Editor
Orion Snow
DECLASSIFIEDS
YOWIE WOWIE!
Submit yours at www.marshillmagazine.com/declassifieds-section
It should have been ME! I KNOW WHAT YOU DID!
Anyone notice how the Sodexo workers always put the food directly in the middle of your plate? Like c’mon, I need to save space, those plates aren’t that big.
To the person who said “To the guy who walks around in that witch hat and cape the entire month of October, respect” in the Declassified section of Mars’ Hill , thank you and I respect you too! Also, how are you? Christmas and New Year is coming soon; I wish you a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!
Confession: I hate Christmas.
Too scared to ask out that hot girl from RELS class? Have a thought you’re dying to share? Did a professor say something strange or funny? Do you have some information that you want to get out to the student body? Whatever it is, the declassifieds are here for you.
Ladies and gentlemen, are you ready... it’s FINALS ANXIETY TIME!!!!
You think you know me? You never did... and you never will. Oh, you didn’t know? Say his name and he appears…
They were so preoccupied with whether or not they could that they didn’t stop to think if they should.
So what are you actually supposed to do the next time you see someone after you’ve kissed???
Mars’ Hill reserves the right to edit or reject submissions based on content and/or length. A printed submission does not reflect an endorsement of any kind, nor does it reflect the opinions of Mars’ Hill or its staff, the student association or Trinity Western University.
CONTRIBUTOR OF THE ISSUE
What is your name?
My name is Sohan Hassan, but I write under the pen name Orion Snow.
What is your major?
I’m currently pursuing my Master of Business Administration.
Where are you from?
I’m from India—specifically from a city called Hassan in the state of Karnataka, which is also where my last name comes from.
Why do you write for Mars’ Hill?
I started writing for Mars’ Hill because so many people on campus encouraged me to share my work. It felt like the right platform—a place where I genuinely wanted my writing to live and where I could connect with the campus community through my stories.
What is your favourite article of clothing?
My favourite article of clothing has to be jackets. I’ve always believed a good jacket can make any outfit stand out in a crowd. It also helps that I’m a huge Tom Cruise fan—his films, from Top Gun to Mission: Impossible, are filled with iconic jackets that definitely influenced my style.
What is your favourite article you’ve written for Mars’ Hill and why is it important?
So far, I’ve only submitted two poems, but I’d have to choose my first one—“The Quiet Fall.” It’s part of a series called Seasons of Life and is the second poem in that collection. I wrote it while taking in the beauty of fall around campus and reflecting on what the season represents, how so many people walk around with bright smiles while quietly falling apart inside. That contrast felt hauntingly beautiful to me. Publishing it at a time when the whole campus was covered in autumn colours felt perfect, almost like the poem belonged to that moment.
The bell tower is one minute fast. You will now never not notice this.
ARTS & CULTURE
Jubilee a curated playlist
All I Want for Christmas Is You — Mariah Carey
Human — The Killers
Shiny Happy People — R.E.M.
White Winter Hymnal — Fleet Foxes
It’s Been a Year — Stephen Day
Last Christmas — Wham!
Ballroom Extravaganza — DPR IAN
All I Wanna Do - Remastered 2009 — The Beach Boys
Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas — Phoebe Bridgers
Christmas Lights — Coldplay (You) On My Arm — Leith Ross
A Sweet Song — St.Arnaud i was wrong — Field Medic
Heat Above — Greta Van Fleet
Dancing in the Moonlight — King Harvest
Artist Spotlight: Alanna Yujie
Emma Helgason
If you find yourself in a quiet place and suddenly hear bursts of creativity, it is likely that Alanna Yujie is close. Alanna brings energy into everything she does. One thing she is absolutely over? The never-ending questions about how her Chinese heritage informs her artwork. While she honours her background, Alanna believes true inspiration comes from the present, particularly from social media. She is drawn to platforms like RedNote, where she explores new ideas and creative approaches that connect with her passion for art. Alanna’s shift from science to art also shows the potential of pursuing one’s passions. If you have any fears about making a change, let her experience inspire you.
MH: Please state your name, major and year.
AY: My preferred name is Alanna, but officially it is Zhao Yujie. I am currently majoring in art and design; however, I previously studied biology for one year before changing my major.
MH: Why did you change your major from biology? Did you not like biology, or did you prefer art?
AY: There is no intense story as to why I switched majors. Instead, I just followed what I love doing. It comes down to the fact that I have more passion for art than biology. I have always been creative, ever since I was a little kid. It is something that has been ingrained in me; even in high school, I thrived doing art classes. So I am glad to finally be exploring this field at a university level.
MH: You have been working with art for a while, then. Which medium speaks to you the most?
AY: I am passionate about all forms of art. I love graphic design, posters, traditional sketching, watercolour and acrylic painting. Although acrylic may be my favourite, I am open to any medium that lets me express myself.
Stylewise, I prefer traditional styles. I like to begin with sketches, and sometimes tracing. Nonetheless, art is all about personal expression. Even though I have taken art courses to improve my skills, I often focus more on making art for myself. I do not like trying to meet outside expectations. I care most about how my work reflects my thoughts or simply what I find enjoyable at the moment.
MH: How do you find the rules and guidelines in art classes that may feel limiting to your creative process?
AY: I prefer making art privately, away from assignments. This gives me the freedom to follow my own ideas and inspiration. However, I do understand that as an art and design major, I must follow the instructions that are given to me. It can be hard, but I see it contributing to my art skills overall.
MH: You clearly enjoy finding your own inspiration and developing your own ideas. Can you share where you typically draw that inspiration from?
AY: Comic books, cartoons, manga and visual media have influenced me, especially since I am more of a visual than a textual learner. When I was little, I would draw characters from Adventure Time straight onto my school book covers. Also, I am from Liaoning, China—art in China is very prominent. And while there are phenomenal museums and street art there, I find my inspiration for art in China’s social media platform RedNote.
MH: What exactly is RedNote? How do you find inspiration there?
AY: It is different from both TikTok and Instagram because it focuses on creative content. While TikTok gives you quick bursts of serotonin with funny videos or dance challenges, RedNote provides useful information. It is amazing to find inspiration, not just for art, but also for fashion. It feels more substantial compared to the fleeting entertainment on other platforms. I love scrolling through and finding ideas I can incorporate into my own art or style. I seriously recommend that all artists check it out.
MH: Your fashion sense is really impressive! How does it influence your art?
AY: I actually find that it is the other way around— my art inspires my fashion. I did not get into fashion until recently, when I started taking art more seriously in university. Seeing others make their own clothes inspired me, and I have become interested in reusing materials to create something new.
MH: You have moved from biology to art and design and now into fashion. What advice would you give someone going through similar changes?
AY: Pursuing your passion and recognizing your strengths and weaknesses is key. I always recommend trying an art course first—if it sparks something in you, then maybe it is time to think about switching majors.
“If the jump toward art feels scary, maybe that is even more reason to take it.”
The Banal Life of a Showgirl
Faith Nelson
Taylor Swift appeared to be at the peak of her career throughout 2025. She had wrapped up her record (and bank-breaking) tour in December 2024, publicly announced her eng agement to Kansas City Chiefs’ player Travis Kelce in August 2025 and had a much-anticipated 12th album on the way—The Life of a Showgirl
As a relatively dedicated Swiftie who flew to see her perform at The Eras Tour in France, I had high hopes for the album, which Swift described on the New Heights podcast as “infectiously joyful, wild, [and] dramatic,” with “melodies that were so infectious that you’re almost angry at it and lyrics that are just as vivid but crisp and focused and completely intentional.”
When the album was released on October 3, it was met with polarizing reviews by both critics and fans. Some stated it “hits all her marks,” while others labelled it a “dull razzle-dazzle” (The Guardian, Rolling Stone).
My personal circle of friends and I, who had gathered for the midnight release, found ourselves rather disappointed with the album for a variety of reasons. The eclectic, vivacious aesthetic described in the advertising was not reflected anywhere in the music, and multiple songs featured lyrics that were so cringeworthy—“every joke’s just trolling and memes,” and “did you girlboss too close to the sun?”—that we had to pause the album.
The first issue I had with the album relates to the opening track, “The Fate of Ophelia.” In this song, Swift uses the character of Ophelia from Shakespeare’s Hamlet to describe her love story with Kelce. But Swift’s Ophelia is unlike the original. The Ophelia of Hamlet is a victim of the men in her life—her father, brother and Hamlet—whose dominance leaves her powerless, her death an indirect result of their actions. Swift’s song, in contrast, frames Ophelia as a damsel-in-distress, “alone in [a] tower,” waiting for her powerful lover to save her.
I am not saying that songwriters cannot reinterpret and reimagine literary works. Swift has done so effectively before with another Shakespeare play—Romeo and Juliet—in “Love Story.” Simply put, Swift’s “The Fate of Ophelia” disregards the powerful symbolism of the dire consequences of an oppressive patriarchy in Shakespeare’s character and exchanges it for a shallow, fairytale narrative.
The crude lyrics of some songs also irked me. The sexual topics themselves were not what bothered me; Swift has written racy songs before, such as “Guilty as Sin?”, which disguises her sexual fantasies with a metaphorical veil. However, the more recent song “Wood” feels ironically childish and far from the more elevated delivery for which she is known. This is out of character for Swift, and is much more reminiscent of rising star Sabrina Carpenter, who is featured on the final track
In this album, Swift also disappoints in her treatment of the women she considers adversaries. In her Netflix documentary Miss Americana, Swift clearly attacks the misogynistic treatment of women by the larger culture; she proclaims, “there is no such thing as ‘someone’s bossy’, there’s just a boss.”
However, there are a few instances in The Life of a Showgirl in which other women are attacked with misogynistic language in both “Honey” and “The Life of a Showgirl.” She ups the anti by escalating to shaming a fellow female pop star (CharliXCX, a singer less famous or wealthy than Swift) with her diss-track “Actually Romantic,” which is apparently a response to Charli’s song “Sympathy is a knife.”
In this song, Charli offers her complex feelings on stardom, contemplating how “this one girl” (said to be Swift) makes her feel insecure in her fame and in herself, stating “I couldn’t even be her if I tried.” Swift’s “Actually Romantic” appears to deliver a juvenile response, claiming Charli is simply obsessed with her and describing her as a “toy chihuahua barking at [her] from a tiny purse.” From an artist who had previously defended other female artists against unfounded press criticism, this implicit critique seems to come out of left field.
We hear a similar collision of values when Swift writes about materialism in The Life of a Showgirl. Swift spends “Wi$h Li$t” painting herself as someone who does not want the expensive, consumerist lifestyle that most of the rich desire—“Yacht life under chopper blades,” “Bright lights and Balenci’ shades”—but rather a quiet, suburban life with an imagined husband and children, completely cut off from the media.
However, other songs on the album make this sentiment ring false. Swift states elsewhere on the album that she likes her friends “cloaked in Gucci” and retrieves wayward proteges in her Jaguar, mentioning her “diamonds”—real or metaphorical—more than once.
“My concerns with the lyrics are compounded by some of the limitations of the music itself. Unlike her past pop hits, which had easily identifiable melodic hooks (e.g., “Blank Space,” “Shake It Off,” “Out of the Woods”), many of the songs in The Life of a Showgirl are sonically uniform, utilizing a lot of the same instruments, chords, rhythms and audio post-production.”
Further, the breezy, soft-pop sound of the majority of songs comes across as rather mundane compared with the invigorating sound of the music in her previous pop albums, such as 1989, Reputation and Midnights. Musically, “The Fate of Ophelia” and “Opalite” are the only standouts in The Life of a Showgirl.
Another music-related concern that I (and others) have noticed is the rather derivative nature of some songs on the album, in which we hear varying degrees of sonic resemblance to certain past hits that do not feel like an intentional reference or sample. For example, the instrumental introduction to “Wood” sounds very similar to “I Want You Back” by The Jackson 5. Similarly, the chorus of “The Life of a Showgirl” is reminiscent—in both melody and beat—of the Jonas Brothers’ “Cool.” This results in a less original or fresh musical score in the album.
The only song on the album that truly speaks to Swift’s discography, in my opinion, is “Ruin the Friendship,” which follows her more tried-and-true narrative storytelling found in albums like Speak Now and Red. A narration of her romantic feelings for a high school classmate with whom she fell out of touch, but who died by suicide years later, the song evokes a more authentic reflection on her life than anywhere else on the album.
Taylor Swift is not infallible. Like any musician, she experiments with her work. Sometimes, these experiments are undeniable successes, like Folklore. Other times, they simply fall flat. One can hope that the lyrical and musical weaknesses of The Life of a Showgirl are simply an aberration in a mostly stellar career, and that another smash-hit album will appear in the years to come.
COMMUNITY LIVING
Festive Things to Do Around Langley This Christmas Season
Cath de la Rambelje
Visit Fort Langley for Old-Fashioned Christmas Charm
Fort Langley in December has the quaint, cozy feel of a winter village. The streets are lined with twinkling lights, cafes serve seasonal drinks and the shops are perfect for browsing gifts that feel more meaningful than something from Amazon (though on the more expensive side, I will say). It is also a great spot for a winter date, a chill friend outing or even a solo mental health walk.
As their website describes: “Fort Langley National Historic Site brings the past to life during the holidays. Families can enjoy heritage activities like baking, crafts, carol singing, and festive storytelling inside the fort. The historic buildings are decorated with greenery and lights, offering a cozy backdrop for learning and play. It is a great choice for families who enjoy history and tradition alongside holiday fun.”
See the Christmas Lights Around Town Langley goes all out for Christmas lights, and a nighttime drive (or walk, if you are up for it) is an easy way to get into the holiday spirit. Some streets are practically winter wonderlands, decked out with glowing reindeer, nativity scenes and even music-synced displays.
“A must-see this year is Holiday Lights in Williams Park, running Saturday, December 13 to Sunday, December 28, 2025 (closed December 24–26). It is open from 5 to 9 p.m. Admission is free, but registration is required.”
Pile into a friend’s car and go together. For students, it is an easy, low-cost outing and a perfect break from studying
Go to a Local Christmas Market
If you are looking to do a bit of shopping for some Christmassy mementos and support local makers, visiting a nearby Christmas market is a perfect seasonal outing. Academy Farms will be hosting their annual Academy Farm Christmas Market on Saturday, December 6, 2025. Entry is completely free, and guests can also enjoy a BBQ lunch offered by donation.
As noted on their website: “Come enjoy our free Christmas Market and shop local Vendors while enjoying a cup of Water Buffalo Hot Chocolate. Bison and Buffalo Farm tours available for pre booking at our website. BBQ lunch by donation or included when tour ticket is purchased.”
Give Back to the Community
During the holiday season, many local organizations work to ensure every family can experience the warmth of Christmas. Donations to the Langley Food Bank, participation in toy drives or volunteering a few hours can make a real difference for neighbours in need.
Whether you are exploring Fort Langley’s Christmas charm, admiring local light displays, shopping for handmade gifts, enjoying seasonal music or giving back, there are many ways to celebrate the holidays in Langley. This season, joy is close to home.
OPINIONS
Regaining Christmas Wonder
Cristina Pedraza
Remember when you would fill up your Christmas list, the mountain of movies that you watched in preparation for the season and the time and care you poured into the cookies left out on Christmas night? All those seemingly small acts created in that little child a strong love for the season—a yearning for Christmas Day that spanned beyond the gifts themselves.
As adulthood takes root in my life, I cannot help but miss that love, and I have seen this time and time again. The focus on daily tasks and what comes next does not allow for such joy to come by easily, and if we wait for it to come out of thin air, it never will. Just like the adults in our lives put effort into creating that Christmas wonder for us, if we wish to regain it, we must also put in some effort ourselves. So, we are going to regain that wonder.
First, there is nothing that helps put oneself in a seasonal mood like songs and movies. Break out that Christmas playlist and listen to “All I Want for Christmas Is You” as much as you can. Movies are crucial in this step, too. Get your favourite holiday movie and start the Christmas season by watching it.
Second, ambiance. At some point, when one is a young adult, decorating for Christmas never makes it onto the to-do list. The thought might be there, but the action seems never to follow. A small Christmas decoration that reminds you of the joyfulness of the season can go a long way—a little tree, some lights or even a jolly ornament that can harness the beautiful emotions Christmas elicits.
Third, food. The holiday season, in and of itself, is bound together by sharing food with the people you love. While roasting a whole turkey is unrealistic for many of us, anything can help. You can bake some cookies, get some snacks or even pick a specific, nostalgic soda brand.
“Regaining wonder as an adult looks different from childhood excitement, and that is okay. It is not about expecting everything to be perfect or waiting for magic to happen. Instead, it means choosing to be present and intentional about finding joy in simple moments.”
Childlike wonder is about appreciation and delight, not childish demands for perfection. When we actively create space for these traditions, we push back against the commercialization and stress that modern holidays have become. We reclaim Christmas as something meaningful rather than just another obligation on our endless to-do lists. These small acts of intentional joy are not just nostalgia; they are necessary acts of self-care and connection in an increasingly chaotic world.
Overall, while the season can get lost in the fog of what always seems like a whirlwind of a year, it is important to stop and enjoy the season of joy. The wonder is still there, waiting for us to reach for it.
Can Joy and Grief Exist Together?
Sophie Agbonkhese
One week ago today, as I turned the ignition on in my car and prepared to drive home from church, I received the call nobody wants to get. My cherished uncle, the light of my paternal family and a lifelong father figure to me, had died suddenly the night before from a massive heart attack. The hours and days following that moment, when I went from believing he was alive to knowing he was not, were soul-shaking. The depths of my despair and my sense of being more alone in the world seemed unfathomable and I wondered, as my thoughts meandered toward the approaching Advent season and this upcoming “Jubilee” issue, where I would find the energy and motivation to celebrate joy.
Life in these final days of the semester already evokes Yeats’s “widening gyre.” Things are falling apart. The centre is no longer holding. Papers and readings and presentations and exams are piling up and crashing down. Christmas looms, carrying with it not only the rosy glow of colourful lights and nights spent with friends and family but also the weight of unspoken expectations. Mourning, in a season that already feels so heavy, seems too much to contemplate.
But glossing over such a loss would be impertinent. Burying our pain does not make it go away; it allows it to fester and spread like an untreated infection. I have witnessed, in people I love deeply, how unprocessed pain can require anesthetization, often through addictive substances or behaviours. I refuse to go there.
“Which leaves me with the question: can joy and grief coexist? Is it possible to begin processing this pain without taking up residence in a house of melancholy, a dwelling that invites a dangerously unbounded stay?”
I have reason to believe it might be.
The Christmas season reminds us of Isaiah’s prophecy: “Unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given… And he will be called Wonderful Counselor… Prince of Peace” (New King James Version, Isa. 9.6). This promise is echoed in Matthew 1.23: “‘The virgin will conceive and give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel’ (which means ‘God with us’).” Later in the Gospel of Matthew, Jesus—our Immanuel—assures us, “Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted” (5.4). And Paul adds to this assurance when he writes, “…you will not grieve like people who have no hope” (1 Thes. 4.13).
Advent creates space to look forward to and celebrate the coming of the Messiah—the Wonderful Counselor, the Prince of Peace, our God with us, our source of hope. I do not want to miss out on this gift, not on account of my grief and certainly not because of the busyness of student life or societal expectations. Jesus came, bringing with him the promise of eternal life and, just as importantly, the gift of enjoying life with him now Allowing ourselves to experience the pain of loss in the context of that love, wrapped in a blanket of his peace, comfort and hope, enables us to hold both emotions simultaneously—grief and joy, loss and gain—and, in doing so, experience both more fully.
SPORTS
Spartan Spotlight: David Saavedra
Hamdan Sadiq
MH: What is your year, team, position and major?
DS: I’m a fifth-year forward for the Spartan’s men’s soccer team, and I’m majoring in international studies.
MH: How did you first get involved with soccer?
DS: My parents threw me in as soon as I was old enough to play, and I’ve been playing for as long as I can remember. Both my mom and dad played collegiate soccer in the States, so soccer was the first sport that my two sisters and I played. I loved it from the moment I started playing.
MH: Tell us about your favourite soccer moment.
DS: Having played since I was young, I have a lot of great moments. However, one of the best was this year when we went to play the University of the Fraser Valley away from home. Not only are they our biggest rivals, but it was a must-win game if we wanted to make the playoffs, and they were playing well at the time.
We scored two goals in the first half and had complete control of the game until we got a red card early in the second half. Due to being a player down, they scored two goals and tied the game up 2-2. However, with about 10 minutes left, we scored on a set-piece and ended up winning the game despite playing a man down. It was super fun to play in such a high-stakes game and see my teammates dig out such an important win.
MH: What are you most looking forward to next season?
DS: Although I am graduating and won’t be
returning for another season, I’m really excited to see what my teammates who are staying can do next year. We had a tight-knit group this year, and I’m close with many of the guys sticking around. It will be really fun to watch and support them from afar.
MH: What does your time after TWU look like, for soccer and a career?
DS: In terms of my post-TWU soccer career, I’ll probably keep playing in the men’s league for as long as I can. I love soccer and want to play for as long as my body allows. Career-wise, I’m not sure exactly what I want to pursue at this moment, but I’m interested in working in poverty alleviation, journalism and teaching. I would also love to start coaching and give back to the game that’s done so much for me.
CREATIVE WRITING
Morning in the Station
Sophie Agbonkhese
At the centre of Barnabas Landing stands a majestic edifice. In the expansive lounge, Eva plays the grand piano.
In dawn’s dense fog, this is a cozy sanctuary: infused with susurrations, warmed by the fire that crackles in the welcoming hearth in the corner. But when the fog burns off, the glass-walled space is glorious, magical. The Sound mesmerizes with its gentle, lazy, hypnotic waves.
Mountains protect coves and inlets, creating a peaceful little world, perfectly sized. Frost-dusted peaks extend heavenward, singing softly with radiant grace to the awakening sky. Clouds float up to kiss peaks. Silver and gossamery, playful mists breathe slowly over trees. Edges swirl like the hair of undulating mermaids.
A ferry crosses the passage; in its wake, more energetic waves ripple toward shore. Deceptively flat, they woosh triumphantly, crash on rocks.
Black-capped chickadees rest their wings on the fence, waiting and watching for breakfast. The piano in its cavernous concert chamber cheers joyfully: the beautiful, holy morning has broken.
Blanketed in White
Orion Snow
I used to fear winter. Called it loneliness in disguise. Mornings where breath turned visible, nights that whispered in hush tones, and silence that rang louder than any noise I’d known.
But this time… this time it felt different.
The cold still stung— sharp as ever, cutting through bone and memory alike. But I didn’t run from it. I stood there. Let it wrap around me like truth.
The first snow came quietly. No grand arrival— just a soft hush falling through streetlights. And for once, I didn’t ache. I watched. I breathed. I smiled.
There’s something about snow—how it makes even the ugliest things look beautiful. How it glistens without trying. How it covers, not to hide, but to soften.
Maybe that’s what this is— not erasing, not forgetting, just softening what once burned too bright.
Winter didn’t fix me.
Didn’t fill the gaps.
Didn’t promise anything back. It just gave me the quiet to finally accept that not everything broken needs to be mended.
Sometimes, you just need stillness.
To sit with what’s left.
To let the world be silent so your soul can speak again.
This is not loneliness.
This is clarity.
This is peace that doesn’t perform. A calm that doesn’t beg to be noticed.
Even the trees— bare, stripped, exposed— stand like they’re not afraid to be seen like this.
Maybe I’m not either.
HUMOUR
Cami Lavender’s Advice Corner
Cami Lavender
With the help of the lovely Mars’ Hill team, I received a list of questions from the TWU student body asking for some kind of advice. I am Cami Lavender, and welcome back to Cami Lavender’s Advice Corner! If you’d like me to answer your question next time, just pop it over to me using the QR code below.
What is the best Christmas attire to impress my crush?
From: Benny White
An ugly sweater referencing something you like—something in pop culture is best for this. This gives you a talking point for the initial conversation with said crush.
“Wow, Benny White! That sweater is soooo cool! I love *pop culture thing*!”
Boom, conversation started. Additionally, wearing this ugly sweater will make you appear confident, as if you simply don’t care. You are rocking that sweater, and your crush will see it.
“Another reason this sweater needs to be ugly is that your face will look all the better by comparison. Your crush will notice the shining light in your eyes and how kissable your lips are. In essence, this ugly sweater will be the key to the start of a flourishing relationship.”
What’s the best part of Christmas?
From: Muffin
The food, the cuisine, the culinary artistry. The Christmassy things one gets to eat and drink: eggnog, gingerbread cookies and the houses they live in, candy canes, turkey, the stuff that was stuffed into the turkey, mashed potatoes, gravy, cranberry sauce, hot chocolate, apple cider, sugar cookies—or any kind of cookie, really—pumpkin pie, pecan pie, or any other kind of pie.
I mean... the feeling of community and mutual goodwill. How many owls is too many owls to see in a day before
you start to think something is going on?
From: Lady who has seen too many owls today
There are a few natural reasons why you might have spotted so many owls in a day. Owls can be seen roosting together during the day as the temperature drops, sharing shelter. Long-eared owls are best known for this activity. It could also be a boom of certain prey animals in an area, drawing owls to take advantage. Or it could be a migration bottleneck, such as weather or geographical features, bringing owls together as they travel. This is, of course, assuming you saw these birds of prey in an area.
However, if you saw these owls all over as you went about your day, I can only assume that there is something else going on. Many cultures see the owl as a sign of wisdom, but an equal number see it as a sign of death. Based on your proactive action to ask a knowledgeable person like me, I am going to assume the former in your case.
According to my live-in wildlife biologist, twenty to fifty owls is a rare occurrence. If that is close to the number you saw, you should call your local wildlife centre, because your sighting could make some biologists very excited.
How would you go about becoming a famous artist?
From: Klaus
It’s hard to say. I don’t know which medium you refer to, but fame surrounding artists seems to be completely random— a matter of chance and unknown probabilities.
Thank you so much to the mysterious strangers who submitted these questions, and thank you for reading! If you’ve got something on your mind for next time, send it my way!
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