-Feb 9th. I`ve come across a few Icelanders whom I`d characterize as embodied with a spirit of gratitude. They manifest it in a quiet fashion, nothing flashy, but if you pay close attention, it jumps out at you. One of them has a whole mess of personal problems which to ordinary eyes would militate against being grateful. He, along with the others of similar mind I know, have an unworldly air: not disembodied but unconditioned by events about them. At first glance they appear a bit passive but upon further inquiry, I take it as way of being sensitive to the source which makes them grateful. Some of these special people aren`t what you would call religious, conventionally speaking. However, I`d say there were religious in the truest sense of acknowledging a higher power outside their control.

-More great northern lights, especially around midnight. I`ve gotten acclimatized to seeing them on clear nights, familiar friends.