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.

Garden Goddess

I've been spending as much time as possible in my garden. We've been putting a new deck on the back of our house, which will expand our outdoor living space quite a bit. It's been a bit chaotic back there, but it is nearing completion and peace will return soon. I've been planting and nurturing lots of flowers, which is a little different for me. I'm hoping to attract more butterflies and hummingbirds with the colorful and fragrant perennials I've been putting in. My fingernails almost always have a telltale line of rich soil under them. Toenails, too, since I usually garden barefoot. There are few things on this earth that make me happier than digging in dirt!

I come by this passion honest...my mom is a garden goddess, too. We share observations, updates on growth and development, sightings of interesting wildlife, and the plants and seeds that populate our little patches of earth. For both of us, our gardens are oases, places of retreat and renewal...and fun. Sharing time in our special places is important to both of us. Some of the best parties I've been to have been in my mom's backyard, and in my own. With the hot tub and the new deck, our place will be ready for celebrations!