Back to grindstone....writing another newsletter for my office today and trying to finalize a few tasks before heading down to campus later this afternoon. Then, I have to get back to writing and revising my final Comprehensive Exam paper...and I have 2 other short papers to write before tomorrow's class on International Environmental Law and Policy. It's pub night tonight at Rogue Hall with the new batch of student leaders. I can't help but think of the Inklings group (made famous by Oxford scholars like C.S. Lewis, G.K. Chesterton, and J.R.R. Tolkien) as they gathered once a week at their local pub to discuss their work and life.
Just sent out invitations to the graduation party in June. Finally graduating with my master's degree in Educational Leadership & Policy, with a focus on Leadership for Sustainability Education.
I'm getting excited about starting my doctoral studies in the fall and I'll be completing a graduate certificate in Service-Learning.
As much as I want to go home and visit everyone this summer, I dread the road trip. Three solid days of driving by myself to Mom and Dad's, then the trip to Houston. But I'll try to stop over in Arkansas and Tulsa on my way down to Houston...I can go see Beth (my oldest and dearest friend) and then head over to Tulsa to see old friends before I visit my brother and sister. Then, I'll go over to Austin for a day or so to see Nancy, Phil, and Don (more good friends).
Then, it's the long trek back to Oregon with my belongings....or maybe I can find a way to ship my stuff to my home in Portland. Not sure my car can take another trip across the mountains fully loaded down with books and belongings. So, I should be in Illinois in August for a couple of weeks or so, then down to Texas for a couple of weeks, then back to Oregon by mid-September.
I love how life is so serendipitous at times. You know how things seem to revolve around a theme at times? I've fallen in love with living adventures and pilgrimage treks. There's just something about walking a new path, exploring the possibilities, discovering something about yourself along the journey... and as you know, I've been contemplating walking the Camino in Spain. I just talked to my friend Kristin in San Francisco (Oakland). She is Ruth Marie's cousin. Anyhooo, Kristin and her other cousin, Julie, just went out to New Mexico for a weekend getaway. Apparently, Julie lives in Hollywood and has a weekend cabin in New Mexico. So they were down there last weekend and guess whom they met? You won't believe it. Emilio Estevez and Martin Sheen! Emilio was turning 50 and they bumped into them at the family vineyard. Too bad Kristin hadn't seen 'The Way' yet! I almost fell out of my chair when she told me. Happy 50th birthday, Emilio! Loved the movie! It's been a big year for friends and family turning 50 this year. Seems like a watershed kind of year for folks.
Now Kristin is determined to watch "The Way"...and maybe she'll consider walking it with me next summer, 2013. I'm still aching to walk another pilgrimage, but I suppose it can wait another summer. I remember when I first read about the via francigena (the old Canterbury Trail) in 2007. I read some young guy's blog and I thought, "Wow! I'd love to do that some day..." Well, I was able to complete that 1,100 mile trek in 2010. Now, I'm ready to experience the road MORE traveled, since I've already walked the road less traveled. Hopefully, I'll be able to convince a few friends to join me along the way in summer 2013! The more the merrier!
Here's hoping this summer is full of promise, faith, and dreams fulfilled for you and your family...and that your trails are happy ones.
Cheers,
"Gigi"
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