Sunday, March 31, 2019
Here We Go: (Almost) Early April Edition
31 March 2019: Visiting West Liberty University today to serve as the external reviewer for this English program. They’ve put me up for the night in this b&b on campus that used to be their President’s house. Trying to treat that part—comfy room, king-sized bed—as a mini-vacation. I am right at the start of two weeks of non-stop action/travel/commitments, so finding moments of peace and fun will be key.
Saturday, March 30, 2019
A Bronx Tale
30 March 2019: Saw the last show in our subscription to the National Theater today. I am so glad we took the leap and saw these five shows together.
Friday, March 29, 2019
So...she gets it?
29 March 2019:
Me, trying to explain a point about Miss Havisham in Great Expectations (how she just can't get over being ditched on her wedding day), using an analogy: "It's like that person you know who just can't get past someone who wronged her in 10th grade..."
Student, cutting me off: "That's me. I hold grudges. I hold other people's grudges for them."
Me: "Good to know."
Me, trying to explain a point about Miss Havisham in Great Expectations (how she just can't get over being ditched on her wedding day), using an analogy: "It's like that person you know who just can't get past someone who wronged her in 10th grade..."
Student, cutting me off: "That's me. I hold grudges. I hold other people's grudges for them."
Me: "Good to know."
Thursday, March 28, 2019
"It's a secret for those of us in the future..."
28 March 2019: The post's title comes from something one of my students said in the Victorian literature class today as we struggled (in good ways!) through our discussion of Michael Field, the pen name of two women who wrote together under one name. (Two women with a...controversial lifestyle, to say the least.)
Here specifically we were talking about what we know today about Michael Field that nineteenth-century readers wouldn't have known--and how knowing what we do unfolds multiple, fascinating, perplexing, and complicated readings. That's the "secret for those of us in the future."
(Yeah...my students are great.)
Here specifically we were talking about what we know today about Michael Field that nineteenth-century readers wouldn't have known--and how knowing what we do unfolds multiple, fascinating, perplexing, and complicated readings. That's the "secret for those of us in the future."
(Yeah...my students are great.)
Wednesday, March 27, 2019
Be kind to yourself...
27 March 2019: "Be kind to yourself." I gave that advice to a student today who, through tears, shared with me how much she is going through. It's actually advice I give a particular kind of student quite a bit: those who are fighting lots of battles, doing their best, and being very hard on themselves. Or those who think that because they failed in one little way, they deserve shame or punishment. Most of the time, they sort of smile and shrug, indicating that they appreciate my words but they aren't going to be that kind to themselves. I get it. It's one of those moments when I see myself in them--and not in a good way. (Not that I had even half of the struggles these students do...)
I am not sure how well my advice sunk in for the young woman I spoke to today. I hope they did a bit, though I suspect the tissues I passed her and the specific strategy I gave her for success in my class might have helped more. But maybe they will echo in the back of her mind. Be kind to yourself.
Today was a weird day in a week that's already been weird. Busy, at times quiet, at times noisy, at times inspiring, and at times very disappointing. I got home this evening after 8:00 (another 12+ hour day) tired and loopy and just a bit off. There was (is!) still stuff to do, but I am giving myself permission to cross a couple of things off the list without getting them done. Be kind to yourself. (And practice what you preach.)
I am not sure how well my advice sunk in for the young woman I spoke to today. I hope they did a bit, though I suspect the tissues I passed her and the specific strategy I gave her for success in my class might have helped more. But maybe they will echo in the back of her mind. Be kind to yourself.
Today was a weird day in a week that's already been weird. Busy, at times quiet, at times noisy, at times inspiring, and at times very disappointing. I got home this evening after 8:00 (another 12+ hour day) tired and loopy and just a bit off. There was (is!) still stuff to do, but I am giving myself permission to cross a couple of things off the list without getting them done. Be kind to yourself. (And practice what you preach.)
Tuesday, March 26, 2019
On Hopkins...
26 March 2019: "They're kind of crackly..." --a student in my ENGL 341 class ("The Victorians") describing Gerard Manley Hopkins' poems. How perfect is that?
(We talked about "God's Grandeur" and "The Windhover."
(We talked about "God's Grandeur" and "The Windhover."
Monday, March 25, 2019
Willing spring...
25 March 2019: A chilly and rainy day here, as if spring isn't really ready to arrive, despite how much we might be willing it to do so.
I had to pick up some more blank answer sheets for trivia since we are running low. The guys who own the business/run the game were hosting tonight at a location right up the road in Sharpsburg--one that is conveniently near Nutter's, the delicious (and cheap) ice-cream shop. Amy went with me and after we picked up the sheets, we headed over. I was a bit surprised that she was interested, as she--like lots of people--doesn't like the idea of ice-cream when it's cold outside. But I didn't question it. Maybe she, like so many of the rest of us, is just ready for it to be warmer and is sort of pretending that it is.
In late spring and summer at Nutter's, you eat outside, sitting on a bench, people watching and talking. But it was too cold for that today, so we sat inside. At first, we were the only customers, but sure enough, a steady if slow stream of customers came in, also seeming to wish they could will spring to arrive.
Perhaps on a day like today, when various kinds of discouraging news hit, that was enough. People are ready and willing, waiting for spring to get here. We believe it will come and are excited to welcome it. And maybe that hope and anticipation, like eating your "first" ice-cream of the season just a bit too early but enjoying it anyway even as it makes you so cold, is enough.
I had to pick up some more blank answer sheets for trivia since we are running low. The guys who own the business/run the game were hosting tonight at a location right up the road in Sharpsburg--one that is conveniently near Nutter's, the delicious (and cheap) ice-cream shop. Amy went with me and after we picked up the sheets, we headed over. I was a bit surprised that she was interested, as she--like lots of people--doesn't like the idea of ice-cream when it's cold outside. But I didn't question it. Maybe she, like so many of the rest of us, is just ready for it to be warmer and is sort of pretending that it is.
In late spring and summer at Nutter's, you eat outside, sitting on a bench, people watching and talking. But it was too cold for that today, so we sat inside. At first, we were the only customers, but sure enough, a steady if slow stream of customers came in, also seeming to wish they could will spring to arrive.
Perhaps on a day like today, when various kinds of discouraging news hit, that was enough. People are ready and willing, waiting for spring to get here. We believe it will come and are excited to welcome it. And maybe that hope and anticipation, like eating your "first" ice-cream of the season just a bit too early but enjoying it anyway even as it makes you so cold, is enough.
Sunday, March 24, 2019
Saturday, March 23, 2019
Symposium 2019
23 March 2019: Busy day for our department as we hosted the WV Undergraduate Literary Symposium today! The top picture is of the Shepherd students who presented their work. The second picture is of the winners for best written papers and best delivered presentations. Now excuse me while I collapse for a few minutes. Whew!
Friday, March 22, 2019
Cringe...
22 March 2019: Ugh. Living out a version of this image right
now. Sometimes I let myself think I’ve put this kind of stuff behind me, but
then I realize it just isn’t true. Sigh.
Thursday, March 21, 2019
Release Party
21 March 2019: I always know it's really spring when the Sans Merci Release Party arrives, as it did today. Now today was also a miserable cold and rainy day, so that wasn't great, but the book itself? Lovely. And yes: spring is inevitable.
Wednesday, March 20, 2019
Happy birthday, JC!
20 March 2019: I wish there was a video available/shareable online (not sure if this link will work for long), but today we celebrated the second birthday of JC the ram, Shepherd's mascot. Watching that ram tear into his granola-topped birthday cake delighted me.
Tuesday, March 19, 2019
"every one is signed by God's name..."
19 March 2019:
“Why should I wish to see God better than this day?
I see something of God each hour of the twenty-four, and each moment then,
In the faces of men and women I see God, and in my own face in the glass;
I find letters from God dropped in the street, and every one is signed by God's name,
And I leave them where they are,
for I know that others will punctually come forever and ever." --Whitman, "Song of Myself"
We started Whitman today in ENGL 312. Perfect for yet another day with the promise of spring in the air and so much to embrace about life.
“Why should I wish to see God better than this day?
I see something of God each hour of the twenty-four, and each moment then,
In the faces of men and women I see God, and in my own face in the glass;
I find letters from God dropped in the street, and every one is signed by God's name,
And I leave them where they are,
for I know that others will punctually come forever and ever." --Whitman, "Song of Myself"
We started Whitman today in ENGL 312. Perfect for yet another day with the promise of spring in the air and so much to embrace about life.
Monday, March 18, 2019
Almost here...
18 March 2019: Something that delighted me this morning: the realization that while I was gone last week, the daffodils on campus emerged. Come on, spring!
Sunday, March 17, 2019
17 years of Bing...
17 March 2019: Got home today in time to celebrate Bing's 17th birthday. (17 on the 17th: his golden birthday!)
Heading home...
[Catch-up post]
16 March 2019: Another day at sea on Saturday, but still quite pleasant. And can't complain about this evening view from our room's balcony.
16 March 2019: Another day at sea on Saturday, but still quite pleasant. And can't complain about this evening view from our room's balcony.
Jeep Adventure in Freeport
[Catch-up post]
15 March 2019: Took a Jeep Adventure Excursion today, which was awesome. Plus we got to experience that great part of travel when you meet people from faraway places--people like Kurt and Beth all the way from Martinsburg, WV. What are the chances we would end up in the same Jeep?
15 March 2019: Took a Jeep Adventure Excursion today, which was awesome. Plus we got to experience that great part of travel when you meet people from faraway places--people like Kurt and Beth all the way from Martinsburg, WV. What are the chances we would end up in the same Jeep?
Post- snorkel shot...
[Catch-up post]
14 March 2019: Some rough water for snorkeling but it was still a blast. (See those mask marks?)
14 March 2019: Some rough water for snorkeling but it was still a blast. (See those mask marks?)
Book on the beach...
[Catch-up post]
13 March 2019: Reading my friend Carrie Messenger's terrific book on a beach in the Bahamas after taking a swim or two. Not a bad way to spend part of my Wednesday.
13 March 2019: Reading my friend Carrie Messenger's terrific book on a beach in the Bahamas after taking a swim or two. Not a bad way to spend part of my Wednesday.
Day at Sea #2
[Catch-up post]
12 March 2019: A good book, trivia, Bingo, live music, and lots of drinks...that's how you fill a day at sea.
12 March 2019: A good book, trivia, Bingo, live music, and lots of drinks...that's how you fill a day at sea.
Cruise cliche alert!
[Catch-up post]
11 March 2019: Days at sea go by a bit quicker with a tropical drink...
11 March 2019: Days at sea go by a bit quicker with a tropical drink...
Off we go!
[Catch-up post--the first of a week's worth! Going to keep them short and sweet]
10 March 2019: Amy and I set sail for the Bahamas on Sunday. I dig sunsets (real radical, I know), so this was a nice way to start.
10 March 2019: Amy and I set sail for the Bahamas on Sunday. I dig sunsets (real radical, I know), so this was a nice way to start.
Saturday, March 9, 2019
Getting ready...
9 March 2019: Spent most of today cleaning the house, making arrangements, and packing for my first real "Spring Break!" trip since 1999. (That's 20 years if you are bad at math...)
Someone was doing his very best to make me feel some guilt about leaving him. Sigh.
Someone was doing his very best to make me feel some guilt about leaving him. Sigh.
Friday, March 8, 2019
"In the Company of Women"
8 March 2019: One of my favorite people, Hannah, sent me this amazing poem today. Perfect for our friendship--for all of my wonderful friendships--and for International Women's Day.
Thursday, March 7, 2019
Days getting longer...
7 March 2019: In the midst of another busy day, I was thinking ahead to getting my walk in. Then I smiled as I realized that the days are getting noticeably longer, with more light to get those early evening walks in. A bit of stress dropped away.
There's some snow in the forecast for tomorrow, but not too much. And whatever falls can't last that long. I can take it. Spring is coming...
There's some snow in the forecast for tomorrow, but not too much. And whatever falls can't last that long. I can take it. Spring is coming...
Wednesday, March 6, 2019
"so very different to what I expected..."
6 March 2019: "'My father once made us,' she began, 'keep a diary, in two columns; on one side we were to put down in the morning what we thought would be the course and events of the coming day, and at night we were to put down on the other side what really had happened. It would be to some people rather a sad way of telling their lives...I don’t mean that mine has been sad, only so very different to what I expected.'" --Miss Matty in Elizabeth Gaskell's Cranford
Working through this wonderful book with my ENGL 341 class. Every time I read it (every seven years, maybe?), I am struck all over again by how hilarious, how poignant, and how startlingly familiar so many of its moments are even to readers today.
Working through this wonderful book with my ENGL 341 class. Every time I read it (every seven years, maybe?), I am struck all over again by how hilarious, how poignant, and how startlingly familiar so many of its moments are even to readers today.
Tuesday, March 5, 2019
A win...
5 March 2019: So proud of our state as it looks like HB 2519 is dead! What a tribute to what grass-roots organization can do in just a few days. (Looks like we learned from our fantastic K-12 teachers!) I am sure this thing isn't dead for good, so it's important to stay vigilant and thank those legislators who voted the right way.
Monday, March 4, 2019
You
4 March 2019: A bit late on this, but at my friend Hannah's urging (and after hearing so many people talking about it), I really dove into You these past few day (especially yesterday). What a fun, weird, stupid, smart, and fascinating show! I've got one episode left and am going to start it as soon as I hit "publish" on this post.
Sunday, March 3, 2019
Midterm grades: DONE!
3 March 2019: A bit easier (well, a lot easier) getting these done this semester since I am only teaching two (300-level) classes, but done is done and worthy of some chair dancing...
Saturday, March 2, 2019
Friday, March 1, 2019
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