tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-66297853464909304912012-01-14T16:28:17.245-05:00The crossroads of a brave and adventurous language teacher and her rambling thoughts and tales as she wanders/wonders near and far from her rugged Wyoming home.Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.comBlogger2431100tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-52299696079362981312012-01-06T18:25:00.003-05:002012-01-06T18:29:12.681-05:00

Just wanted to share some gifts I've been knitting this winter in pretty white and avocado. And, while doing so, wish everyone a wonderful 2012!

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-24102776899659333312011-10-10T18:20:00.002-04:002011-10-10T18:26:48.083-04:00

Whatever the controversial founder may or may not have discovered, I am thankful for the Monday off and took full advantage of a gorgeous, fall weekend here in DC. Here are some highlights of a weekend bike trip up Rock Creek Park and to visit a few sites. The fourteen-mile trail was filled with bikers, walkers, and joggers out enjoying the sunshine and crisp air. We stopped to rest along the way

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-22262997510981205522011-10-08T18:02:00.000-04:002011-10-10T18:19:22.851-04:00

Сколько лет, сколько зим or "how many summers, how many winters" is how Russians greet one another when it has been a long time. Consider it the idiomatic equivalent of "long time, no see!" Somehow it seemed an appropriate post title as I've been incommunicado for a while.My life has been consumed by a new study schedule and life rhythm these past five weeks. Enrolled in an intensive Russian

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-43720756537039673122011-08-22T16:28:00.003-04:002011-09-13T08:22:52.203-04:00

This weekend, I grit my teeth and bore the brunt of the hideous hit called Borat. Although I had an honest try at watching when the movie came out, I felt as if I should be more motivated and informed about the controversy. If this is the one piece of information known about the place where I am going and if folks are apt to make endless jokes related to this character, I should at least be aware

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-10064410935523265822011-07-23T11:38:00.000-04:002011-07-23T18:16:11.240-04:00

This morning, I stumbled to the kitchen to put on a cup of coffee before making breakfast - two slices of buttered toast with strawberry jam. Without rush, I sat down to eat, news radio on and a newspaper open on my kitchen table. Biting into my toast, I glanced down at my feet, toes recently painted "Revlon red."Phooom! I was taken straight back to my grandmother's kitchen in central Wyoming,

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-91608713367990706992011-07-16T20:58:00.010-04:002011-07-17T08:52:42.429-04:00

I've been composing a come-back post in my head during my commute to work, turning over how to describe to you all of the newness that has been happening lately. How those 30 minutes are the most tranquil of my day as I trail up the Potomac and whiz past Roosevelt before giving Lincoln a good morning wave on my way to work. The city so green is most beautiful in the morning when it seems like

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-17624292409885253272011-05-19T23:48:00.002-04:002011-05-19T23:54:59.842-04:00

At the slightest suggestion (and an airfare sale), I decided to jet off to Norway for a weekend to visit some friends from graduate school who have been living there for a couple of years now. After all, it is in the neighborhood.Oslo is such a great and beautiful city, and I saw it in its finest as the city prepared for the great festivities of May 17.However, the true highlight of the weekend

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-25076767136831046812011-05-19T23:41:00.003-04:002011-05-19T23:47:36.090-04:00

This morning I read that there is knee-deep snow back in Cowboy Country. So easily I have forgotten the mixed messages that spring brings in Wyoming and how my family often didn't plant their garden until after Father's Day in June. The news does bring my whining about the recent rains and colder weather here in Estonia to a halt, though. At least we don't have snow (and there seems to be no such

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-599750651915690832011-05-03T12:29:00.000-04:002011-05-04T08:30:39.205-04:00

You may have noted the absence of my garden and weather updates from Tartu... I've been far away, hanging out in SE Turkey for two weeks to work with group of teachers. I traveled (about 20 hours in all but still in the same time zone, strangely) way down south to Diyarbakir and learned an immense amount about local culture, cuisine (delectable), and education (theirs and mine!) -- and I shared a

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-55922435339859857432011-04-14T02:03:00.001-04:002011-04-14T02:05:17.803-04:00

News from my backyard on today, April 14, 2011

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-89318998776414993822011-04-07T13:13:00.002-04:002011-04-07T13:19:23.854-04:00

Dirty snow. Gray sky.Visible ground on the path to our woodshed...A bulb peeking out!Dirt! Bulbs! Green! Spring!Hope is the thing with feathersThat perches in the soul,And sings the tune--without the words,And never stops at all, And sweetest in the gale is heard;And sore must be the stormThat could abash the little birdThat kept so many warm. I've heard it in the chillest

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-15832488332540243402011-04-06T16:07:00.003-04:002011-04-06T16:13:42.164-04:00

Wish you could stop by and see how things have been? You can do so -- virtually! The University of Tartu has a new online tour in English and Estonian. You can wander around town and see the streets as we do with just a simple click.University of Tartu Virtual Tour

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-37319710727040197292011-04-03T11:39:00.005-04:002011-04-03T13:02:19.476-04:00

From 2011-04-01 Kuressaare JenniferFrom 2011-04-01 Kuressaare JenniferEstonia is a small country. Sometimes I feel as if I live within its confines and am comfortable with the tension of small, and sometimes I feel as if Estonia is a much bigger place with separate countries embedded within its borders.Last week I mentioned that I was in one of those far-flung countries within this country when I

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-65063517031852355642011-04-03T10:31:00.005-04:002011-04-03T11:37:13.272-04:00

As humans, I suppose we are drawn to experiment and test boundaries. That feature is exactly what makes experiential learning such a powerful educational tool, right? Learning something first-hand through trial and error leaves a strong impression, and, although you may find yourself retesting some of those boundaries now and then, you do usually remember not to purposefully set your hand near

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-30318977644450262452011-03-27T13:03:00.002-04:002011-03-27T13:17:01.257-04:00

After the tribulations of my last week of teaching and life, this post very well could be entitled "from the border of insanity (and back)" but that is not where I would like to focus this blog entry.On Thursday, I went to Narva, the Estonian border town with Russia, to work with a group of teachers. Although it did snow a bit and was rather blustry, I had a chance to take a walk and once again

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-43376769500827736662011-03-21T16:40:00.002-04:002011-03-21T16:47:01.830-04:00

Today, on the first day of spring, as it gently snowed outside of the window as I worked, I did not cry. I made the most perfect cup of coffee to dissuade any negativity. As I sipped, the caffeine persuaded me that twelve hours of daylight was indeed a convincing sign that seasons are in flux. See for yourself the amazing product of my new coffee machine, neatly displayed in a promotional coffee

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-22851611672533155692011-03-20T12:36:00.003-04:002011-04-07T13:22:59.469-04:00

One thing I really enjoy about living in a place that is so walkable is that it gives me time to observe my surroundings and a chance to stop and watch or listen. This week, I caught a bunch of fat, black birds in action. (Sorry, I really cannot identify the exact bird; I am not much of a bird person -- if you happen to know, I'd be happy to discover!)They were gathering branches and flying up to

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-27538949406825567092011-03-09T02:36:00.000-05:002011-03-10T02:59:48.531-05:00

My way to the University from homeAs I slipped and sloshed on my way to work yesterday, I couldn't help but snap a few pictures up of what was a gorgeous, sunny day. Spring is apparently on its way to the Baltics, even if it creeps "üks mikromillimeeter päevas..." or one micro-millimeter per day, as a friend of mine says.There was a lot of evidence today: during my run today I heard birds

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-63899363640979516072011-03-03T13:42:00.002-05:002011-03-03T13:52:31.254-05:00

I've also been busy knitting up a storm (those long trans-Atlantic flights do give one a bit of devoted time to needlework!). Here are some of the latest projects from late last year and early this year.My first pair of socks knitted for my mom for Christmas:A scarf I knitted for my dad for Christmas (mostly in the Toronto airport during a twelve-hour layover in route, I must add):A pair of socks

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-53483761836249053532011-03-03T13:12:00.002-05:002011-03-03T13:42:11.973-05:00

Well... the answer is convoluted as always, but here is the short of it.In Florida (sounds like a tropical paradise, and it certainly is a tropical paradise in comparison to the Baltics in the winter) for an all-American family vacation with the Big Mouse and a stylin' side trip to South Beach and even out to Key West. We can now say we've been to the very Westernmost tip of the nation.In Germany

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-12323960309688737252011-01-05T11:23:00.000-05:002011-01-07T12:20:54.728-05:00

This year we truly rang in the New Year in great style -- with wonderful company, a delicious gourmet menu, and a beautiful setting. Joining family in Remscheid, we were decadent and celebratory as we enjoyed a slow (and gluttonous) nine course meal at a restaurant and hotel in the area, Villa Paulus.Some highlights:Course 1: (Unpictured) Gänsleberparfait im karamellisierten

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-83934392157778134182010-12-25T21:01:00.006-05:002010-12-25T21:31:16.917-05:00

happiness and cheer... love and dreams to share... beauty everywhere... joyful memories there...oh, that we could always see...such spirit through the year... Here's wishing all of you out there who are dear (and, sadly, not always so near) to us a Christmas that is filled with all that is wondrous, magical, and worthy!(Greetings from balmy Florida and the Magic Kingdom)Glory to God in the

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-33171575319809983992010-12-10T09:14:00.002-05:002010-12-10T09:19:30.462-05:00

...stores would have been immediately out of bread, milk, and toilet paper, people would be driving like crazies, school would be canceled, and the entire federal government might be shut down for a week.From Winter Storm December Tartu 2010From Winter Storm December Tartu 2010From Winter Storm December Tartu 2010From Winter Storm December Tartu 2010However, this being Estonia, everything just

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-45691636355808955012010-12-08T07:12:00.005-05:002010-12-25T20:58:30.539-05:00

Once back in Tartu, we celebrated the University of Tartu's Anniversary with a wintry torchlit procession and plenty of dancing at the annual ball.From UT Anniversary December 2010The only unclear part (for me) is how many years to celebrate. The university webpage celebrates 91 years as an Estonian language institution, but I distinctly remember celebrating 375 years when I was here in 2007.

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-25964587359572739192010-12-08T07:03:00.002-05:002010-12-08T07:11:29.265-05:00

One of the benefits of a looser fall schedule has been the opportunity to be a bit more mobile. I took advantage of this mobility a couple of weeks ago and spent ten days visiting Vaasa, Finland. Although there are many reasons to visit Vaasa, one of the best is Thanksgiving! I headed up early to spend some time with my good friend and the hostess and to help in the yummy preparations. There were

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-50425338044707940062010-12-08T07:00:00.002-05:002010-12-08T07:03:12.411-05:00

From Finland Thanksgiving 2010Phew! I finished my first scarf and am on my way to becoming a knitting diva. I have had a refresher course and some guidance from a crafty friend, and am currently working on some undisclosed Christmas projects. More to come! From Finland Thanksgiving 2010

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-16228008293628319332010-12-08T06:40:00.003-05:002010-12-08T07:00:39.675-05:00

So much has happened and I suddenly realized I have written so little. (This begs the question, if something happens but is not documented... did it really happen?) :-) Here are a few of the latest happenings.In November, Uli and I traveled for a week to his homeland, Deutschland, for some conference tourism. We were invited to take part in a panel discussion related to gender issues. The topic?

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-70670047352055261262010-11-16T07:32:00.001-05:002010-11-16T07:35:06.998-05:00

A friend shared this with me today and I could not resist passing it along...

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-83086252187987189322010-11-01T05:07:00.002-04:002010-11-01T05:15:39.341-04:00

I thought that I would post a quick visual update about some of my crafty pursuits here in Estonia. I've been learning much and have made some visible progress on knitting projects. Unfortunately, I think my fledgeling skills and time management will not mean knitted socks for everyone during the holiday season. However, "tuleb nagu tuleb" (it comes how it comes).These are my second and third

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-87292302404881210162010-10-23T04:56:00.000-04:002010-11-01T05:06:57.938-04:00

By no stretch of my imagination did I think that such a beautiful spot would be so well preserved. When we stopped to visit some "ruins" on our way back from Misso, I imagined a few rocks left over from hundreds of years ago and the need to use much imagination, but Vastseliina was a breath-taking surprise!This 14th century Livonian Castle surprised me with its majesty set upon the rolling hills

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-29614755175541747902010-10-22T04:40:00.000-04:002010-11-01T04:56:33.032-04:00

We headed down south to the border of Estonia and Latvia, and not far from neighboring Russia, for a weekend in nature and in the sauna. Our journey took us to Misso, and, although no one in the car even giggled my dry-humored attempts to joke about miso soup, there really is no connection.View Larger MapWith a couple of friends, we rented a cottage for the evening on Lake Pullijärv, a very quiet

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-66247006521920073682010-10-21T10:02:00.000-04:002010-10-26T10:04:12.348-04:00

...can sometimes look a little bit strange

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-52089353184849719402010-10-11T11:48:00.002-04:002010-10-11T11:51:25.669-04:00

In the quiet of Saturday morning, I found myself crunching through Tartu on the way to a meeting and admiring the way the sun lit the colored leaves. Modern technological woman that I am, I captured a few of these shots on my mobile phone so that you could also enjoy this soft autumn meandering.

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-79396691465041145742010-10-05T05:10:00.000-04:002010-10-08T05:43:31.065-04:00

I've enrolled in an Estonian culture and history class for faculty and staff at the university, mostly because I am enticed by some guided tours to otherwise less linguistically accessible sites such as the Estonian National Museum, A. Le Coq Brewery, and a ballet based on Luts' Kevade. As we've met now twice, I wanted to share some insights from the course as a means of also making you as

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-32838687014819949982010-09-28T04:45:00.002-04:002010-10-08T05:09:09.506-04:00

Although it was a bit of a belated 200th birthday, we celebrated México in the Nordic countries this week. Today, I attended a phenomenal lecture by Dr. Beatriz Espejo, story teller, author, feminist, academic, and, without a doubt, Mexican patriot.Relishing the chance to sink into a two-hour lecture in the lilting cadence of Mexican Spanish, I was captivated by this woman's narrative as she

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-75456834478145596812010-09-26T03:55:00.002-04:002010-10-08T04:28:47.877-04:00

The weather here in Tartu over the last weeks has been abnormally beautiful with sunny, crisp autumn days, vibrantly colored leaves gently falling down. On such days, you must jump outside to enjoy every minute of this dry, pleasant weather and take in as much Vitamin D as possible (apparently Estonians don't get enough -- see the related UT Newsletter article) before the weather turns to the

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-2022475657742865082010-09-25T03:24:00.002-04:002010-10-08T03:55:37.860-04:00

I know you are thinking, "Where/What/Why is Palamuse and how can it possible pop?"Where is it? Why, it's just about half an hour northeast of Tartu.View Larger MapWhat is there? Why, it's just a cute little town to visit with some historical places related to a famous Estonian author (Oscar Luts, author of Kevade, etc.) and a famous pharmacy where you can buy a mysterious elixir to cure any

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-45823708173057430872010-09-13T11:07:00.005-04:002010-09-21T02:17:03.514-04:00

I mentioned in a previous post that I had taken up knitting. To be honest, I was not very sure I would take to it well. I don't have a very domestic background and have failed with cross stitching and sewing projects in the past. However, I must say that knitting has a rather addictive quality to it. I find that I really enjoy making something, and keeping my hands busy while listening to

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-61770981965058205652010-09-13T11:03:00.003-04:002010-09-21T02:18:25.981-04:00

Just a zippy boat ride away. I spent Friday-Saturday bumming around the hip and beautiful Finnish capital. Markets, sharp design, good food, stylish company... take a look for yourself!

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-84078712714604088962010-09-12T10:19:00.000-04:002010-09-13T11:03:25.585-04:00

Last week a friend called to see if I might be interested in wandering in the forest and foraging for mushrooms. Who me? Couldn't be happier than out in the fresh air walking around and discovering things I can later eat! Besides, I had been waiting for a guide (don't trust my abilities to stay away from poisonous fungus) so that I could finally participate in the great Estonian national

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-35762880479569309332010-09-03T08:56:00.004-04:002010-09-03T10:20:15.861-04:00

This is me with a five-year Estonian residency and work permit -- good for the whole entire European Union -- and obtained expeditiously and with surprisingly little bureaucracy. Over all, it was the most pleasant immigration experience I have ever had. . . and I dare to say that my superlative is used with some means of comparison.As a Peace Corps Volunteer in Slovakia, I received help from a

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-46722114572683371562010-08-26T06:47:00.001-04:002010-08-26T07:04:56.894-04:00

Signs of domesticity abound...Gloves for cleaning and washing (yes, pink) as I have been a cleaning machine these last few days. I always thought wearing gloves was really a pretty sissy thing to do, but they do keep my hands from cracking from all the water and soap. Hasta la vista, dust, dirt, spiderwebs, and dustbunnies! Scrub, scrub, scrub.Knitting underway. My fledgling skills managed a

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-1883912762391255022010-08-25T04:14:00.003-04:002010-08-26T10:33:33.531-04:00

As a first weekend adventure while back in Eestimaa, a visiting friend and I headed to the western coastal city of Pärnu for a couple of days. Known as the süvipealinn (summer capital) of Estonia, it is a quaint small town with a beautiful town center of colored wooden buildings, cafes, and shops that also has a long strip of quiet sandy beach. My previous visits, although they ocurred in summer,

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-37443393175790245972010-08-22T14:44:00.002-04:002010-08-26T10:34:02.326-04:00

For a time while I was in college, I perpetuated a awful joke that an aunt of mine with a particularly dry (bad?) sense of humor told me (and potentially authored). It went something like this:One day I was driving down the road when I looked over to the side of the ditch, and I noticed a particularly sad, lonely, pathetic looking tree. It looked so sorry sitting there that I decided to pull over

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-51932322812169917972010-08-08T19:52:00.002-04:002010-08-13T07:58:15.899-04:00

From 08-07-2010 Sturgisneed a bike tripI wish I may, I wish I mightGet on my bike and leave tonight. I want to go, I want to rideOut on the roadand live outside.If I could, I want to roamMy bike and IThe road's my home. ~ posted by Microbe at Meanderings on Two WheelsAh! Yes! Life on two wheels is good.

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-91943616249057523322010-07-29T13:34:00.012-04:002010-07-29T15:15:40.194-04:00

Phew! Has it ever been a busy and adventurous summer. Here are some updates.We started off in May (yes, this is officially summer in my book as the semester at GU was over and done with and we had a chance to breath some fresh air. As a bonus, it was actually Memorial Day Weekend, which for many of us signals the beginning of warmer weather and a season of barbecues and festivities). We headed up

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-20704857659229890232010-04-18T20:25:00.002-04:002010-04-18T20:43:39.633-04:00

This weekend, I played tourist and marveled at the majesty of nature in DC.Through good friends and some opportunistic timing, I landed a ticket to the Spring Garden and Grounds Tour at the White House yesterday. No sightings of the President or First Lady, but I did see Michelle's vegetable garden, the Presidential bees, and stand beneath the wisteria of their banister.From white house gardens

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-24070139196719594222010-04-04T09:49:00.005-04:002010-04-07T21:24:19.063-04:00

Nope. It is not a song or the sound of a baby babbling. Rather, it is an emblem of spring. Lalelele is one of my favorite foreign words. It's Romanian, and it means the tulips (For those language geeks out there, I think that one of the 'le' is the plural marker and another 'le' is added to mark the definite article). As a final posting in my Lenten devotion, I thought that there was no better

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-16053190232168021052010-04-03T09:43:00.002-04:002010-04-04T09:48:32.267-04:00

Is there anything more liberating than wiggling your toes in the fresh air for the first time each spring? Today, I swapped out my sneakers for some summer footwear. My toes (and feet) leaped with joy -- quite literally!

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-44634368720324446502010-04-02T09:16:00.002-04:002010-04-03T09:36:12.657-04:00

A friend and I took a motorcycle ride through the cherry and magnolia and forsythia and tulips and daffodils and blooms. Enchanting sights and beautiful weather abound!

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-7415853569243948742010-04-01T09:14:00.001-04:002010-04-03T09:16:57.857-04:00

I am thankful today for human drama that makes me rely on the infinite wisdom of higher powers and lean on the strength of my faith (rather than on the limited capacities of myself). Yes, thank God for rocks. I'll take them any day over sifting sand.

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-28149431922987691662010-03-31T21:41:00.002-04:002010-03-31T21:47:58.143-04:00

I've been so keyed up these last weeks with visits, teaching, conference attendance, travel, getting along with others, contemplating the future, and just coping that I have neglected some of life's basics. Sleeping. Thinking. Relaxing. Wandering. My school is off for Easter and I am particularly thankful for this time to catch up on rest (as well as grading!).

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-23004428571473483782010-03-30T20:59:00.007-04:002010-03-31T21:40:48.291-04:00

Ok. I know I am biased, but I cannot let this season go by without giving some gratitude for the awesomeness of those who brought me into this world, cultivated who I am with such love and patience, and later let me go while standing by with patience and wisdom. I recently visited my folks in their part-time retirement location in southern Arizona, and I was reminded that my parents are truly

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-11765297272264139382010-03-29T21:28:00.002-04:002010-03-29T21:35:51.262-04:00

Whether you call it punajuurisalaatti, rosolje, or just plain beet salad, this is really fantastic stuff! A friend in California mentioned a beet gardening project and I saw the person who first introduced me to Finnish salad (aka punajuurisalaati) and I just got the craving. Tonight, I boiled up some potatoes, carrots, and beets... added some pickles and Granny Smith apples... mixed it with

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-12165303237095167642010-03-27T21:25:00.002-04:002010-03-28T21:30:48.783-04:00

Today, I had the privilege of meeting up with someone I look up to as a mentor as well as meeting up with someone who has looked up to me. How powerful these people can be in our personal and professional lives! Who I am and who they are are intertwined, one affected by the other in seemingly opaque manifestations. I am left to think that it is nothing but the coolest of cool. Everyone should

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-57426136282471640772010-03-26T21:20:00.002-04:002010-03-28T21:25:40.910-04:00

These series of posts cannot help but be centered around my convention-inspired life the last few days. Today, I had the chance to catch up over lunch (at a speakeasy!) with an old friend and my co-presenter for two presentations at the conference. It was precious to me to have the opportunity to reconnect face to face over a meal. We've kept a teaching blog for the last three years reflecting on

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-69936195451240180412010-03-25T21:16:00.003-04:002010-03-28T21:20:22.457-04:00

I've been away at the TESOL convention the last few days in Boston. While presenting, informally chatting, and networking, I've been able to see once again that the strength of education lies in its teachers and its leadership. The passion and commitment of many to improve community (both local and global) is something that leaves me (yes, even me) speechless. These people and their narratives

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-81457105596627642272010-03-24T21:09:00.003-04:002010-03-28T21:16:09.591-04:00

Today and yesterday, I have traveled with some really awesome women. I met up with a former colleague to fly to Boston (and with a delayed flight we talked for about six hours without pausing for breath) to meet another friend from a past life traveling from Finland for a conference (and we've talked for two days). I have talked and talked and talked the last two days more than I thought humanly

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-34539781302448947902010-03-23T15:26:00.002-04:002010-03-23T15:26:55.737-04:00

I'm attending a professional conference this week and may not be able to keep up digitally. Forgive my distance and expect to see some catch up posts when I return next week!

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-20644582360392496752010-03-23T15:16:00.004-04:002010-03-23T15:27:47.678-04:00

Some of you that have communicated with me more recently know that I have had a particularly trying student enrolled in one of my courses. This student and I have a horrible relationship that has festered since the first string of episodes last October. Without going into further detail, I can say that this person rattles me like none other. Unconscientious responses to his peers and directly to

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-12537598898795040942010-03-22T15:02:00.002-04:002010-03-23T15:13:40.187-04:00

I think I have mentioned my affinity for these happy, little spring flowers before (Wanderings: I wander'd lonely as a cloud and Wanderings: Spring Miracles). They are so bright and they spring up everywhere quite unexpectedly as a first sign of the warmer days to come. Here in Washington, they seem to grow widely everywhere, causing me to smile each time I am confronted with their cheery golden

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-89075431301204797872010-03-20T23:32:00.001-04:002010-03-21T14:24:26.958-04:00

Another gorgeous day today, so we headed out to Riverbend Park, which is up the Potomac on the Virginia side, to hike around and take advantage of the weather. We walked around 6 miles in the forest and along the river underneath the bluest, quietest blue skies. Welcome, Spring!

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-91809805537471383872010-03-19T11:24:00.003-04:002010-03-20T11:32:34.811-04:00

Last evening found me at the Dance Factory attempting to glide across the floor to the waltz, tango, samba, foxtrot, quickstep, salsa, jive, ... and it felt good. Although there were some really savvy dancers out on the floor and I found myself sometimes stepping on my own (or my partner's feet), I felt so good to be amongst such active and happy people. The thing about dancing and music is that

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-54052428846082318242010-03-18T11:21:00.000-04:002010-03-20T11:24:32.019-04:00

Today, I awoke to the soft twittering of small birds outside my window (also the sound of planes landing and taking off at nearby Reagan National Airport, but the birds were the more pleasant part). What better thing than to be awoken not by the blaring sounds of an alarm clock but rather by nature itself sending a message to get up and awake the day.

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-38721657669224599722010-03-17T11:15:00.002-04:002010-03-20T11:21:38.056-04:00

The weather here is absolutely gorgeous, and we headed out this evening for a walk around the neighborhood. As there are four Irish pubs within walking distance and today is St. Paddy's Day, there was a lot of activity. It made me smile to see everyone walking around with green shirts or ties or pants (in my case) -- what a comical holiday. My students and I had discussed the strange happenings

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-25808373195618233712010-03-16T22:46:00.000-04:002010-03-17T10:48:49.200-04:00

If I had been born in a different time and circumstance, I am quite sure that I might have been persuaded to worship the sun rather than the Son. Yesterday, was one of those brilliant first spring days here in Washington. Green pushing out of the ground and sun streaming on my face. What a difference it makes. In attitude. In perspective. Natural light is such a powerful force. One that I will

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-31948351761960849112010-03-15T18:15:00.004-04:002010-03-15T18:25:58.081-04:00

A book club that you can belong to for free? Thousands of books and materials you can borrow? I just renewed four books I have out from the library here in Arlington. I love libraries. I love books. And I always take my library card as a ticket to information, escape, adventure, and fun. From the time I was a little kid I always liked to wander the shelves and check out new stories. As an adult,

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-36924014817622991002010-03-14T18:00:00.001-04:002010-03-15T18:14:49.489-04:00

Rather disconnected (at least with the virtual world) last week, I didn't have a chance to make daily posts. Here are my thoughts of gratitude for each day ... in reverse!#22: Home There is no place like home at the end of a journey, no matter how great the respite has been. Having your own bed and knowing you belong rooted to someplace is somehow very comforting. After hundreds of wonderful

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-44308273786805256452010-03-06T17:50:00.000-05:002010-03-15T17:54:58.874-04:00

Our first stop on our Spring Break road trip was to visit some long-lost, wandering, displaced friends from Romania who now live in North Carolina. The biggest highlight was, of course, getting a chance to reconnect and catch up, but a close second was a taste of my favorite Romanian treat, Zacuscă. It is the yummiest vegetable spread made from roasted red peppers and eggplant that all of the

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-67295804722847215152010-03-05T12:47:00.003-05:002010-03-05T12:50:52.391-05:00

What lovelier invention is there? My students and I cannot even sit still today as we anticipate a week of freedom in the middle of the semester... only hours remain! A chance to relax, laugh, rejuvenate, explore! We are so lucky (I don't know how I could ever work outside of education!), and I am appreciative of this opportunity. WOOHOO! Spring Break 2010!As I intend to take this break

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-80740227611803407662010-03-04T12:45:00.003-05:002010-03-05T12:47:42.609-05:00

My wonderful husband arrives this evening from Estonia, and I am so thankful in a billion ways for our marriage and the friendship and companionship that we share. I never imagined I would have such a fun and funny partner in life, and, for this and much more, I am grateful.*I apologize for the brevity of the post. I just can't muster the concentration for something bigger at the moment... The

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-16065572250586917912010-03-03T18:48:00.002-05:002010-03-03T18:55:16.135-05:00

It's everywhere and so accessible. Running out of the tap for a refreshing glass or steaming hot for a shower. I take it for granted and realize that it is a resource in danger.I can remember part of a very serious housing dilemma when I lived in Guadalajara a few years back. Inexplicably, the water to our house would get turned off for days at a time. Sometimes, we would go for longer than a

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-4137863267827681692010-03-02T21:31:00.003-05:002010-03-02T21:41:54.798-05:00

The human race is a passionate sort... and I appreciate this willingness to examine, process, and move towards positive change. Whether in business, academia, government, or society, this energy is what I find stimulating. In these passions for social justice that provoke us to think and to do, I discover hope.This morning, I read about Emmanuel Vaughn-Lee and discovered his project called Global

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-86736066537579852432010-03-01T16:35:00.002-05:002010-03-01T16:40:23.576-05:00

The weather has cleared enough (or rather the sidewalks have now become clearer of ice and snow obstacles) and I am back to bike commuting. It makes me so happy to zoom to work, whooshing past the GU shuttle bus that I usually take. I love sweating up the hills, breathing the crisp air, and taking in the world outside with all of my senses. Today, I want to share and acknowledge how happy biking

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-71771886222986234832010-02-27T11:13:00.001-05:002010-02-28T10:24:02.712-05:00

Tonight, I received a call from my four-but-soon-to-be-five-year-old nephew, and he said something like, "Aunt Jenn, I'm a muscle man." Now, who knows where that came from... This same nephew was coached to respond to the question "Where's the beach?" by putting his arm in a 90 degree angle and changing the direction of his flexing muscle (see my imitation at the beach in Cape Cod last summer,

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-39509314551986963452010-02-26T20:55:00.003-05:002010-02-26T20:59:18.853-05:00

I just returned from a wonderful Friday night -- pizza and a beer in one of my favorite Georgetown pizzerias -- with two good friends who will soon be leaving for New York. I am so thankful for these good friends, fellowship, and yummy food to fill our tummies. Is there anything better? Is there any better cure for getting over the week and slowly preparing for the week ahead? Surrounded by such

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-31181727145754892352010-02-25T23:44:00.003-05:002010-02-25T23:58:41.846-05:00

No, I don't mean this kind... or even this kind... but rather this last kind about to be this kind and sighted behind my apartment complex this morning on the way to catch the bus.As a winter storm howls upon us with another set of wind and storminess (I lost enough power to interrupt my Olympics viewing this evening for a couple of minutes), I want to remember a more hopeful sighting that I have

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-88808672949784010862010-02-24T10:06:00.000-05:002010-02-24T22:17:49.615-05:00

This is a brief post as my eyes are drooping already with exhaustion. Today, I want to take a moment to wonder at the simplicity of those gentle hearts and kind words that are bestowed on me, almost without any appreciation, every day. In recasting some recent events to a friend this evenign, I received what was intended as an empathetic, rapport-building response that sounded something like "

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-81919314824847554562010-02-23T16:11:00.000-05:002010-02-23T23:37:57.753-05:00

I had a really crummy day today. An episode with a really cantankerous students sort of took the wind out of my sails. It wasn't his fault that my day turned sour exactly. Rather, it was probably my fault in that I let the interaction get the better of me. Teaching is such a humbling profession.After taking the bus home this evening, I called my mom, went for a run, and took a long, hot shower.

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-88889428446935879982010-02-21T17:19:00.000-05:002010-02-22T17:24:06.913-05:00

The recent snow blizzard here in DC pushed some friends and I out onto the hills on the only sleds we could get our hands on -- cardboard boxes! The day was a hoot with downhill adventure. Today, the video documentation was passed along and I cannot help but make this the wonder of the day. Simple pleasures won in the great outdoors on cardboard have to be one of the very most joyous (and

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-28175613227854922972010-02-20T13:03:00.000-05:002010-02-20T22:12:50.601-05:00

I am in love with the Olympics. It's not the winning that matters so much. In fact, I am not even swooned by some intense sort of national pride of American athletes. It's the amazing thresholds crossed by bold athletes who do things that I cannot even fathom doing. Dashing across hills at breakneck speeds, flipping over the lip of a halfpipe, jumping into the air on skates (heck, I can't even

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-64593695778783312512010-02-19T14:08:00.000-05:002010-02-19T20:21:16.119-05:00

Today was a feast of feasts at work! Every semester we hold an international potluck, and it is undoubtedly always a highlight for students and faculty alike. Not only are there delectable foods from every corner of the earth with names that are hardly pronounceable... kimchi, kapsa, arepas ... and ingredients that are exotic, but there is also the mixing and mingling that happens wherever bread

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-58730178053005157212010-02-18T16:44:00.004-05:002010-02-19T20:21:33.508-05:00

I visited the dentist today and received my first filling since a kid. My memories are of funny gas and some gross drilling (what is that stuff that splashes back at you?) and later a numbed mouth...My experience today was so quick and painless. Apparently dentistry has come a long way since I was 12. Numb, drill, clean, fill, heat with cool laser, and finito. Completely amazing -- nothing like I

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-77726269671380299752010-02-17T16:57:00.000-05:002010-02-19T20:22:26.685-05:00

This first mid-winter pondering focuses not on the great metric vs. imperial measurement debate (although through consistent exposure I begin to believe that metrics are a bit more worldly and modern). Instead, the focus is on the great miracle of our modern sense of distance. My ancestors no doubt spend ages over sea and land to settle in this country. I just finished reading Sena Jeter

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-47285527118081296762010-02-17T14:05:00.000-05:002010-02-17T21:57:15.271-05:00

I've always kind of liked this time of late February and March when the days are still short but lengthening and the winter temps have lulled us into a sort of semi-hibernating slumber in which we trudge around after the big winter holidays have passed. No matter your religious or philosophical orientation or your geographic residence, you can easily appreciate this stretching time between winter

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-65206009777437626682010-02-06T16:31:00.002-05:002010-02-06T16:33:08.050-05:00

I ventured outside a couple of hours ago into the 20+ inches of snow that has crippled the entire capital area. Wintry delight -- and the white stuff is still falling.

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-51070668922177495462009-11-30T20:27:00.003-05:002009-11-30T20:48:00.904-05:00

As I savor the last morsels of turkey and stuffing leftovers, I am also savoring the spirit of my favorite holiday as it passes once again this year. A running theme of this blog is how busy things get and how urgent life can seem -- these are also common themes of life, I suppose. I tend to fixate on what isn't rather than what is (there isn't enough time, money, appreciation, vacation,

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-65438544200758390482009-11-25T12:12:00.002-05:002009-11-25T12:19:40.171-05:00

I have been a bit of a lazy blogger lately. Here are some updates in pictures (hey, they tell a 1000 words!).A raceThe Gangsters come out for Halloween on rainy M StreetArtwork gets framedFall in my neighborhood

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-53105088508604309672009-09-27T12:28:00.003-04:002009-09-27T15:27:34.244-04:00

Disclaimer: I've been listening to too much Country Western lately.I'm driving a bit more often in the city this year as I teach night classes at another university one night a week and I have a FREE parking pass on the campus parking lot. Traffic isn't too bad at the hours that I need to go in and back out, and hauling piles of books and materials is easier by car than bike. It's made me think a

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-15567948012909347702009-09-19T19:07:00.000-04:002009-09-19T19:08:28.148-04:00

My favorite thing is to go where I've never been. Diane Arbus, US photographer (1923 - 1971)

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-76072062533449950062009-09-12T20:41:00.002-04:002009-09-12T20:45:54.177-04:00

I experimented with something new last weekend while visiting friends in Michigan... For the first time in my life, I not only ate a plate full of tamales, but I also made them -- from scratch. It was done with good spirit and in the right company, and they turned out just scrumptious (I ate until I could no longer move). What a feat for a handful of gringas!This experiment begs to be repeated --

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-25513410526032763052009-09-12T13:00:00.006-04:002009-09-12T13:47:19.684-04:00

I've been missing in action for a few months, but, to my credit, a lot has been going on. Much wandering and many new exciting journeys undertaken...I'm married to a wonderful man and had a fabulously fun wedding in Wyoming.From wedding printsWe explored the terrains of New England and Maine during our honeymoon trip. Camping, biking, hiking, rafting, summer lakeside theatre productions,

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-90768502140138074662009-06-28T22:39:00.008-04:002009-06-28T23:26:20.119-04:00

I've had some lulls this summer in which for the first time in a while I have had a chance to "while away the hours conferring with the flowers" so to speak. It's been an interesting adjustment to move from fast to slower and to reckon with all of the clicking and clacking going on in my head. One thing that I have mulled over is my own tendency to count down. I don't know when this habit started

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-68591791029651997402009-06-26T09:44:00.003-04:002009-06-26T09:45:33.640-04:00

They lit ahead of me as I spun home on my bike last night like zipping pieces of scattered light. Aren't God's critters full of fun and wonder?

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-55414192008036024582009-06-17T22:37:00.003-04:002009-06-17T22:38:28.025-04:00

From my reading over breakfast this morning. Could grammar be more perfect?A Grammar of Love | csmonitor.comPosted using ShareThis

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-32570455519459198902009-06-11T21:04:00.002-04:002009-06-11T21:20:11.242-04:00

A recent culture experience has me feeling mentally vivacious (also mentally loquacious, if that is possible) and not at all erudite.I went to a performance of the Tom Stoppard play Arcadia at the Folger Shakespeare Theatre yesterday. After a day of concentrating closely on my computer screen, a total blow-out of my bicycle tire on my commute home, and a rather mundane supper of leftover ham in a

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-54307987012891608432009-06-04T10:10:00.003-04:002009-06-04T10:11:50.946-04:00

There seems to be a theme this summer... Here are pictures of a hike to Raven's Rock (near Leesburg, VA). Despite pouring rain that had just finished and nearly three hours of traffic to get to the trailhead, we ventured up and out and started our weekend in the most peaceful, natural way. Enjoy!

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-90079723513653253922009-06-02T08:51:00.002-04:002009-06-02T09:28:08.509-04:00

This last Sunday I spent the day exploring a lesser-known neighborhood of the city. Twice a year, the city hosts a series of walking tours highlighting famous people, geographic locations, architecture, and history (see Cultural Tourism DC for more). I decided it would be interesting to venture out from my northern Virginia home and unearth some stories about a part of the city that I don't know

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-42335235785891562982009-05-27T10:44:00.003-04:002009-05-27T10:53:21.998-04:00

Who said that resolutions are only for the new year? To keep myself accountable and get your input, I decided to share.After some reflection, I decided that I don't have enough poetry in my life. I've decided to read a poem a day this summer for personal enlightenment and the pure enjoyment of the written word. Why not start or finish the day with something lyrical?This morning I read an e. e.

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6629785346490930491.post-5722248858609273702009-05-24T15:43:00.004-04:002009-05-24T16:13:30.449-04:00

Nothing like a quiet, rainy afternoon to catch up on some blogging and sharing. After the chaos of finishing my semester and wedding planning, I have had a hard time lately with the task of settling my heart into the task of reflection. Yesterday primed me for the task as I headed out for a hike in the Shenandoahs and spent the day communing with Mother Nature.On a whim, I decided to venture out

Dzenhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12148381073086490482noreply@blogger.com0