Summer

I wonder if they (the people who are in charge of the computer--or blogs--or whatever) shut down blogs that haven't seen new posts in months. Hmm . . . actually, I guess they don't since I'm able to post here without trouble.

It's summer now. And wow, it's soooooooooooooo nice not to have grading waiting for my attention/lesson plans waiting for my studying/responsibilities in general waiting for--whatever responsibilities wait for. It's been years (five, I think) since I've had any time--more than a week--without teaching responsibilities. Phew. But I'll admit that I do miss the classroom a little bit. Not enough to run around looking for an empty classroom to fill right now--but enough to already be looking forward to the 2nd session of summer school. (Yes, I split my infinitive there--for anyone who is looking for possible errors in my writing.) I am not apologizing for that excitement. I have new pictures to share--why wouldn't I be looking forward to teaching again? Let me explain where I've been.

New England. Northampton, Amherst, and Concord specifically. It was wonderful.

Northampton--we weren't there for a long time--just stayed there for a few nights while we traveled over to Amherst (the more important destination)--but we did get to see Jonathan Edwards's church in Northampton. (Unfortunately, I couldn't get the exact picture I wanted--there were some odd/borderline scary types in front of it, and I didn't want to confront. So they're in my picture. I'll see if I can figure out how to post it on here somewhere.)

Amherst--anyone remember what's important about Amherst? (I did learn, while I was there, that if you actually pronounce the H in Amherst, you immediately identify yourself as an outsider/visitor. Just thought I'd throw out that fact.) Emily Dickinson. That's right. I've visited there before, but not for that long--a really quick run-through is all I've had. So, this time, we spent time looking at Amherst College. Then, we walked over to Emily's grave (she's buried relatively close to her home--not too far away). And then, we took the long tour of her home. It was amazing. Standing in her bedroom--the place where she composed (and then hid) all of those thought-provoking gems--extraordinary. And we had a great tour guide, too--she was a little TOO observant--I would have liked someone who could have been more easily distracted so I could have taken a photo or two throughout the tour, but at least she was well informed.

Concord--come on now--everyone knows what's important about Concord. No, not Paul Revere's lantern (although that is definitely important). Henry David Thoreau's Walden Pond. I have had the chance, in the past, to visit Sleepy Hollow Cemetery--and his grave (along with Emerson's, Hawthorne's, Alcott's, etc.). However, I've never actually visited the Pond--seen the replica of his cabin, walked around his beautiful Pond, stood in the center of the site of his original cabin--those activities. Walden Pond is one of the most beautiful places I've ever visited--I don't know if it was the particular day we were there--or if I was concentrating on nature more than I normally do. But it was glorious. I wholeheartedly recommend a visit if you have the chance.

I didn't intend to talk about those places. I was going to talk about other things. Oh well. I'll wait and do that another day--maybe I won't wait four months before I do so.

I will say that the BEST thing about having a blog--and scribbling in it once in a while--isn't anything I write--or remember--or whatever. It's being in touch with students from the past--how I do miss my Northland students. (And I LOVE reading your blogs--I actually look forward to it! :-) So, thank you. (And I think that your kids are some of the most beautiful I've ever seen! Are they really your kids? Do you run around and find the cutest kids around and ask to take their photo?? Hmm?)

More soon. Hopefully.