Annie's appointment

12 November 2026: Annie had a great visit to her new WV vet today. (She would not use that word to describe it.) 

But she behaved well and got good marks all around. It's a bit of a relief since she's pretty tiny and you know...I worry in general.

The vet techs got a kick out of her cool feet ("people pay good money for cats like that!") and her NY roots ("she's bougie!").

When we got back to the house, I said to her, "Do you know where you are? You're home." And she got out of the carrier and was almost instantly back to normal. 

She really is home.

November petunias...

11 November 2026: On my walks this week, the smell of spring flowers makes me feel such a range of emotions. The petunias on German Street are still doing their thing, even in (almost) mid-November. 

Their beauty feels even more fragile as each day goes by, even as they look so strong. I almost feel guilty--like a big hit is coming and they don't know it and I can't stop it.

This morning, I walked by, thought those big thoughts, stopped, turned around, and took this picture.

A kind of tribute, I guess.

Time is part of the process...

10 November 2026: Yesterday, I had to write a couple of good sentences and some new bullet points for a project (revising our program's website content). 

And every time I looked at what was there, I felt overwhelmingly blocked. 

Stopped looking at it. Stopped thinking about it, except in the back of my mind.

Opened the document this morning. Wasn't easy, but got those sentences and bullets done.

Can't say it to my students (or myself) enough: time is part of the process. 

More than that...

9 November 2026: It's been a rough day. Lots going on and just non-stop (though, as always, the students were the best part). So much bull to navigate. 

It. Just. Keeps. Coming. 

In a conversation with a friend where I got emotional, I mistakenly thought she was attributing my emotions to grief. 

"I am more than that, though," I said, interrupting her, a clumsy way of saying this wasn't about grieving my parents and everything that has happened this past year.

Again, that's not what she meant, but I am still proud for saying it--because it was clarifying and affirming. 

I don't want that to become the "answer" for everything I've been feeling lately. 

I think the grief means the tears come sooner, as does the anger and frustration. 

It's part of it, but just a part.

Twelfth Night

8 November 2026: Though I originally thought I'd go next week, I decided to see the Rude Mechanicals' fall production, Twelfth Night, this afternoon. I am glad I did--not just because it was good (the Rudes always put on a good show)--but because it was a nice break from a busy day and kind of made me hit "pause" on my stress button. I know that seems antithetical, but it worked.

Also really love how this version, with a 90s vibe, incorporated music. Some of those songs are like a time machine. 

Day with Carrie...

7 November 2026: For a sad reason (plans with Jane fell through), I ended up spending the day with Carrie. We saw a play (Some Like It Hot: The Musical) at the Olney Theater and then had a nice, long dinner at Alma Bea. 

Got zero work done. And didn't finish my usual Saturday housekeeping work. But it was worth it.

Clueless

6 November 2026: Ended a super-long week with a super-long day. But the end of that day was an SUWP event where we screened Clueless and talked about it as an adaptation of Jane Austen's Emma. The movie is still a delight, though watching it through "2026 eyes" is really something.

Busy day tomorrow, too, but maybe Sunday will bring some rest. 

Shepherd Commons

5 November 2026: This evening, I got to be a part of the first "official" dinner in the new dining hall/athletic building. It's an impressive place...not quite ready to open yet, but it's close.

That's more than a wave...

4 November 2026: Hard to believe that I don't want to go to sleep on election night because I am so happy, not because I am devastated. 

Eyes filling with tears again and again. 

Ordinary people from all over the country saying, "no more." 

Hearing that Susan Collins might have conceded might be what it takes for me to turn in. 

Voted

3 November 2026: If they gave out a medal for "fastest to lose their 'I Voted'" sticker, I would win. Every time. Today, I stuck mine on my shirt as I was to the car from the polling place. Drove to school. Got out of the car. It was gone.

Beyond that...we'll see what happens. Praying, praying, praying for change.

A whole mood...

2 November 2026: Feeling very connected to this guy, who showed up on my Bird Buddy today.

"The Better Part of Bravery"

1 November 2026:

"The only truth that can remain
The better part of bravery
Is in the letting go" 

Wildwood is astonishing. 

Halloween 2026

31 October 2026: Dug out some of Bing and Wes's old gear for Annie and Jo. (Annie was much more compliant and, as I write this, still has hers on.)

And then, what a delight to see Theo (and his family) a little later!

Investiture Day!

30 October 2026: Perfect day to celebrate President Wesson!

Providence...

29 October 2026: Attended a really lovely reception this evening for President Wesson on the eve of his official investiture ceremony. In some brief remarks, he shared that he believes in divine providence--that he's come to Shepherd as part of that plan. Boy, does that feel right.