In sickness and in health...

It's been quite some time since I put my thoughts down in blog form, so there's a bit of catching up to do here. I just spent the last several weeks fighting a truly debilitating bout of sinusitis. Started with a cold about a month ago that slowly morphed into one of the worst illnesses I can remember in my adult life. I just want to state publicly that I am grateful for my employment-afforded insurance and for the support of my sweetie, who nursed me and forgave the crankiness that accompanies the discomfort of such an illness. I'm now well on the road to recovery, and hope I don't have to travel back down that road again any time soon. I've got too much going on and too much to do to be out of commission like that again!

It's February, that time of year when the nation remembers its debt to Black folks, only to forget it once again on March 1. This time, however, there is a buzz going on, due in part to our newly-elected President of color, and our newly-appointed Attorney General of color. Let's talk about race! I've been trying to talk about race for years. My life work is talking about race. A whole new era is opening up in which it is becoming OK to actually talk about the one thing that is always present between us as Americans, yet is the one thing we always want to discount and deny. I have every intention of seizing this opportunity, of not letting the buzz die down after the initial burst of energy surrounding it.

Stay tuned. I'm collecting my thoughts and soon they'll be spilling across this blog screen.

Packing and Unpacking

As I look back on this year, I can't help but breathe a sigh of relief that it has finally come to an end. Personally, 2008 had its ups and downs, but collectively, it seems to have been one big downer. The wars, the recession, the contentious election cycle...all of that has been so draining on us. Obama's election has brought a glimmer of hope, however. Interestingly, issues of race and class and gender remain as salient as ever, maybe even more so. The conversation on race in particular requires an unprecedented level of sophistication from those engaged in it. I feel honored and energized to be part of that conversation, to be a guide for others as they participate in it as well.

While 2008 is history, 2009 is ahead, and there is history to be made. I'm ready to get started.

Soul Food

I am excited to be engaged in several initiatives that are important to me, that are food for my soul as well as good works. I think each of us must find his or her way when it comes to doing good. Some of us can be very public about it, and others can only do it with anonymity. I find I fall somewhere in the middle. I am feeling compelled to stay focused on race and racism, and feel I have something to contribute to broader and more general discussions of such. I also feel that I must act locally, put my money where my mouth is, so to speak. Still trying to figure out how to pull it all together, to integrate these varying aspects and degrees to which I am participating in the world.

I guess this comes off as a somewhat nebulous post...I just needed to proclaim to the universe that I am doing some work, and I'm hoping that, ultimately, it is good work.

Still grateful!

Even though the world as we know it seems to be falling to pieces around us, I thought I'd take a minute to note that I'm still grateful for all I have. What I have consists of good health, a strong and supportive family, a teenage son who inspires pride, an amazing life partner, warm friends, committed and talented colleagues, and work that, if it isn't always exciting, does great good. Hmmm. Yes, I'm grateful, and blessed.

Thinking About What's Next

I'm pleased with the results of the memoir course I taught this summer. The new course management system isn't perfect, but it will give the institution the opportunity to serve distance students in ways it couldn't/didn't before. And I'll be teaching the same course again spring quarter, so I'll be able to use what I've learned to make improvements. I'll also be teaching Fiction to Film during winter quarter, both at AUM and CSU! That's pretty exciting. I'm slowly developing a plan for life after motherhood...at least life after the intensive first 18 years of motherhood. I'm considering a doctorate, and I definitely want to do more teaching and research. I'm having a good time allowing myself to have aspirations...

Post Comments on Oral History Projects Here

Here's a forum for posting comments on the Oral History Projects from VIS362SU08.

Feeling good about my first Sakai course!

I am so proud of the work that my students have done this quarter. I've created a Web page for their oral history projects, which have been amazing extensions of my own research. So much transformative work took place through this course, for me and, I think, for the students as well. And the women they interviewed...I think everyone learned that sitting and listening to another's story not only enlightens one about that person, but it opens a reflective space in the listener, too, so everyone benefits.

I hope to have the opportunity to teach this course again. As one student noted, it did get off to a slow start, but I'm very pleased (and honored!) at how it has progressed as we near completion of the quarter. The online format has its drawbacks, but it also allows for some opportunities that aren't present in a face to face course. All in all, I think this has been a good experience for all concerned.