From a one-room Schoolhouse to Oxford: Learning from a Humble Giant

Hello from the coffee shop on a sunny morning, There are other things I must do today, but I am a bit in shock this morning. Much like Grandparents or Parents, we see them as immortal as we do not know life without them. I am feeling much the same with another parallel occurrence yesterday.Continue reading “From a one-room Schoolhouse to Oxford: Learning from a Humble Giant”

The Shared Experience of Struggle Creates Equity, and perhaps Empathy

Hello from my kitchen on an early Monday morning, It is about 5:40 a.m. and I have decided it is time to get back to a productive schedule. I had actually set my alarm for 6:45, but I woke up about 5:00 and decided to get up. I am cooking oatmeal and decided to doContinue reading “The Shared Experience of Struggle Creates Equity, and perhaps Empathy”

Wondering When or How it Ends

Hello from my study, I have another blog in process, but this past week I have struggled with other possibilities and concerns. I have always been pretty open about my health issues. They are complex, all related, but still unpredictable. It is a consequence of being born a bit too early (26 weeks and 17Continue reading “Wondering When or How it Ends”

Imagining a Century

Hello from my office at school, It has been a “manage-the-details” day. I am the chair of our department sabbatical committee, director of departmental internships, and an advisor to a couple of student groups. Each area needed attention today. I think I have about 95% of all the issues answered, but there is always somethingContinue reading “Imagining a Century”

I was Fourteen . . . Tin soldiers and . . .

Hello from my kitchen on a Sunday morning, I went to bed early last night and slept pretty well. Up once around 2:00, but this time I was able to go back to sleep somewhat quickly and slept until about 6:30. As usual, I did some reading and some praying. After some morning preparations forContinue reading “I was Fourteen . . . Tin soldiers and . . .”

The Role of Art. Music, and Theatre in Life

Hello from the study, Yesterday I had the opportunity to speak with a former student, someone who cared for Lydia after I first left Wisconsin and someone I admire for so many reasons. She was shy and unsure of herself when I first met her in that freshman writing class, but she is now anContinue reading “The Role of Art. Music, and Theatre in Life”

Liberal Arts: A Life of Fulfillment

  Hello from my office on a Sunday afternoon, Over the past 36 hours or so, I have spent my time on two things. First, managing the initial blogs that have come in and second, moving beyond the holiday season at my house, both inside and out. The outside is pretty well completed, including aContinue reading “Liberal Arts: A Life of Fulfillment”

When Do You Actually Work?

Good morning from Kraków (at around 10:15 a.m.). Because I travel, because some believe it is merely a vacation, because a former administrator argued I was only contracted to work 17 hours a week, I am often asked both when as well as how much (which is more accurately about daily frequency) do I work?Continue reading “When Do You Actually Work?”

REO, Starship, Fleetwood Mac and Memories of Holling Hall

Hello from my front porch, It is a beautiful day in North central PA, and after a morning of meetings with students and grading, I am taking a break to enjoy my porch. I did some initial flower planting of Hyacinth bulbs, and now I am waiting for the UPS delivery and for a formerContinue reading “REO, Starship, Fleetwood Mac and Memories of Holling Hall”

Full Circle

Hello from Caribou, I have been here in Menomonie for the last 4 1/2 days and have a couple left to go. Not surprisingly, I have been here in my old haunt working away, where I have actually been quite productive. It is a great way to begin my day before 7:00 and sit hereContinue reading “Full Circle”