15 February 2019: Sometimes I have a day that is so darn pleasant and lovely that I make myself pause for a moment and take a note of it. I'm not talking about extraordinary or special days, but in fact those that are rather ordinary and so good in part because they are so ordinary.
These are almost always moments when I am alone, but don't feel alone. Today it was as I tied up my sneakers before an afternoon walk.
It's like I tell myself, "Remember this feeling for the moments when you don't feel this way. Remember how, in so many ways, this moment isn't that different from those."
And I try to think about why and try to capture some kind of an answer so that I can turn to it during the next not-so-pleasant moment.
And I know I might not be able to pull off that trick. But I also try to imagine me in that future moment, remembering this one, and telling myself it will be okay.
In other words, today was a pretty good day and I want to remember sitting there, tying my shoes, and smiling while thinking about how sweet life can be.
Friday, February 15, 2019
Thursday, February 14, 2019
More treats...
14 February 2019: Just some more evidence of how lucky I am to do what I love: a thank you note and gift from one of our very best students.
Wednesday, February 13, 2019
Galentine's Day 2019
13 February 2019: Still a favorite holiday for me! Highlights include a visit with Hannah (whose birthday is today) and dinner at Waffle House with Amy, followed by watching the delightfully silly and fun Happy Death Day 2.
Tuesday, February 12, 2019
Candy-Gram!
12 February 2019: A busy but good day today. The candy-gram I got from a student was a bit of icing on the cake.
Monday, February 11, 2019
"Here You Come Again"
11 February 2019: This one's been playing in my head since the tribute to Dolly on the Grammy Awards last night. Such a great song with some "I know that's true" lyrics.
Sunday, February 10, 2019
"Weakness"
10 February 2019:
Sunday night pondering, Grammy Nominee edition.
"I'm worried for no reason
I'm worried and I'm blue
There's no better cure for it
Than being next to you
I can't hide what I am, guess it's plain to see
Sometimes my weakness is stronger than me" --Margo Price, "Weakness"
Sunday night pondering, Grammy Nominee edition.
"I'm worried for no reason
I'm worried and I'm blue
There's no better cure for it
Than being next to you
I can't hide what I am, guess it's plain to see
Sometimes my weakness is stronger than me" --Margo Price, "Weakness"
Saturday, February 9, 2019
"The School of Nights & Hyphens"
9 February 2019: An A+ day all around--got some work done in the morning, celebrated Hannah's b-day (a bit early) in the afternoon, walked with Amy after that, then off to dinner and a movie with her, Hannah, and Cory. Back home settled in with the boys and Veronica. Not bad, Saturday, not bad at all.
And also, there's this poem, which just makes me happy. Sigh-worthy, even. (Linked to another Chen Chen poem in this post...)
And also, there's this poem, which just makes me happy. Sigh-worthy, even. (Linked to another Chen Chen poem in this post...)
Friday, February 8, 2019
More good press for our efforts...
8 February 2019: Loving this recognition of Sigma Tau Delta and our work. And this photo of the group. I am so blessed to work with this amazing group of students.
Thursday, February 7, 2019
It's official!
7 February 2019: See this handsome little dude, all dressed up for his big day? He's my (now official) nephew, Evan, and my sister and her husband finalized his adoption today. So thrilled for him...and us!
Wednesday, February 6, 2019
"The air in the room is different when two women respect each other..."
6 February 2019: Oh man, this interview is giving me life this afternoon. A few of the best lines:
From Brandi: "I was already getting to a point where I was feeling like I’d heard just about enough from male country singers. I wanted to hear somebody that was loud and fierce and able to hold their ground, who had real grit and who could just deliver on all levels -- emotionally, intellectually, vocally. Margo could. You can hear her strength on her records. That is not a tiny voice."
From Margo: "The air in the room is different when two women respect each other. It was refreshing to go out and open for someone who was not from mainstream male country."
From Brandi: " My fantasy, even when I was 10, was having a log cabin with a creek and a horse that nobody fucked with, where I’d play my music and make my own money. I’m proud to say I made it happen."
Love, love, love.
From Brandi: "I was already getting to a point where I was feeling like I’d heard just about enough from male country singers. I wanted to hear somebody that was loud and fierce and able to hold their ground, who had real grit and who could just deliver on all levels -- emotionally, intellectually, vocally. Margo could. You can hear her strength on her records. That is not a tiny voice."
From Margo: "The air in the room is different when two women respect each other. It was refreshing to go out and open for someone who was not from mainstream male country."
From Brandi: " My fantasy, even when I was 10, was having a log cabin with a creek and a horse that nobody fucked with, where I’d play my music and make my own money. I’m proud to say I made it happen."
Love, love, love.
Tuesday, February 5, 2019
He's not wrong...
5 February 2019: My students were killing it today with smart points and unexpected connections. The one that made me laugh the most? "It reminds me of the debate about 'Baby It's Cold Outside." What was he talking about? Robert Browning's "Porphyria's Lover." Ha!
Monday, February 4, 2019
Monday evening gratitude
4 February 2019: Sitting here tonight thinking about all the people I interacted with today who made the day (and my job and my life) better. The Sigma Tau Delta students, who are so ambitious, responsible, and kind to/supportive of each other. The folks on the Faculty Senate, who, despite our differences, put students first and really care about the university. The friends/colleagues I met up with for a quick drink and snack after a long day. Good stuff all around.
Sunday, February 3, 2019
Assessing portfolios...
3 February 2019: Because one of my colleagues is on sabbatical this semester, I am covering her position, serving as an interim director of first-year writing and rhetoric. That means I also have to do the assessment of last semester's ENGL 101 classes. I am only about 15 portfolios (out of about 100+) into the (virtual) pile, but as always when I do something like this, one thought keeps coming to mind: it is so hard to teach first-year writing and we are so lucky to have great instructors doing this work for us at Shepherd.
Saturday, February 2, 2019
"Fragmentary Blue"
2 February 2019: Grateful for a sunny and warm(er) day today, featuring plenty of blue sky. I found myself smiling up at the sky, soaking it in. So "Fragmentary Blue," by Robert Frost seemed an especially appropriate "Poem of the Day."
"Fragmentary Blue"
Why make so much of fragmentary blue
In here and there a bird, or butterfly,
Or flower, or wearing-stone, or open eye,
When heaven presents in sheets the solid hue?
Since earth is earth, perhaps, not heaven (as yet)—
Though some savants make earth include the sky;
And blue so far above us comes so high,
It only gives our wish for blue a whet.
"Fragmentary Blue"
Why make so much of fragmentary blue
In here and there a bird, or butterfly,
Or flower, or wearing-stone, or open eye,
When heaven presents in sheets the solid hue?
Since earth is earth, perhaps, not heaven (as yet)—
Though some savants make earth include the sky;
And blue so far above us comes so high,
It only gives our wish for blue a whet.
Friday, February 1, 2019
“Teaching Today’s Learners: Research-Based Instruction for Generation Z”
1 February 2019: Despite the challenges posed by some snowy and messy weather, I attended a very interesting workshop today, given by Dr. Mark Taylor. One big idea I am taking with me: "Whoever does the work does the learning."
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