The Importance of Integrity

Hello from my upstairs office, When I was younger, while I did not frequently lie about things, there were times I probably stretched the truth to some degree. Most times it was because I feared a spanking, which my mother was particularly adept at administering. There were times I perhaps revised the facts because IContinue reading “The Importance of Integrity”

Our Propensity for Drama

Good morning very early Wednesday morning, After an incredibly wonderful, though a bit chilly and wet New Year’s Eve, it seems in spite of vaccinations and a good coat and scarf, I have managed to become one of the numbers (statistics) of which I wrote in my last blog. I have been the majority ofContinue reading “Our Propensity for Drama”

More than a Number

Hello from my living room, It is quiet and peaceful; I returned from a wonderful family Christmas, back in Iowa for the holiday for the first time in a decade. Currently, the music is off; the fireplace is burning softly; and I closed my eyes for a brief minute or two. At the moment, afterContinue reading “More than a Number”

Recollections and Reckonings

Hello from the Shadows of the Clock Tower in Menomonie, I have sort of snuck into town for a couple days. I was blessed to share dinner with two couples last evening, one a former colleague and his partner, and the second two incredible friends and culinary inventors by whom I was regularly blessed whenContinue reading “Recollections and Reckonings”

A Few of my Favorite Things

Hello from my office, I have caught up on my morning class requirements, need to work on Spring things, and I hope to get some cards completed yet today, but I want to write and reflect too, so it seems, for the moment, the writing wins. When I was in elementary school, my hometown hadContinue reading “A Few of my Favorite Things”

“Do you hear what I hear?”

Hello from my upstairs office at the Mini-acre, This past week has been a quick transition from fall semester to winter term. Over a couple of days, I was simultaneously completing the calculation and submission of fall grades and jumping headlong into the winter term while working with students to get them up and runningContinue reading ““Do you hear what I hear?””

Where you Belong

Hello at the end of Finals Week and Grading, I remember finals weeks as a combination of merely wanting to finish and feeling exhausted while simultaneously seeing it as some sort of proving ground, wondering if I had done the requisite work over the past three months to demonstrate some sense of competency (which isContinue reading “Where you Belong”

When it’s Real and when it’s a Hope

Hello in the middle of a holiday weekend, Phrases like “it’s the most wonderful time . . . I’m dreaming of . . . In the lane snow is glistening . . . Marshmallows for toasting . . . It’s Christmas time in the city . . . I’ll be home for Christmas.” fill theContinue reading “When it’s Real and when it’s a Hope”

Understanding Family

Hello from my office on an early Friday morning, The week of obligations classes, office hours, and other requirements of the week is complete save a departmental meeting, which I cannot seem to find the information for. Hmmmm . . . Earlier this morning, Jennifer, my niece, and her husband, John, departed to return toContinue reading “Understanding Family”