A little snow

Reading and thinking about wisdom today. A repeating theme is "slow down"; from people spending a day in silence, to people choosing to drink a cup of coffee in face of a crisis, to people moving to the country, away from the constant "noise" of the city. In middle-class america we spin ourselves up and up until we have to go on a retreat. We run away and pay $$$ to get away. To sit by a pool, or walk in the forest, or sail a boat. And while we are there we say, "I would be so healthy if only I could do this every day." And then we met the person who has done this, selling pineapples on the side of the road, or giving scuba lessons to tourists like ourselves. We ask, "How can you live on this island?" We would be so bored we think, what would we do with our every day, and of course, there is the mortgage on the house to think of, the kids' schools, the church organizations, PTA, etc... that we need to get back to. But really, how can it be refreshing to be responsible for my continued engagement into a society that doesn't allow wisdom to grow because we really are never very still, or quite for more than a moment. Seeking peace today. A moment to watch the birds at the feeder as the snow comes down.

Organizing it

I think I am attracted to academia because it follows set patterns. I know when time is off time and when I need to be on. And I am addicted to stationary. I love organizing folders and papers, stickers and colored pens. So here I am embarking on another semester as student and teacher. My theme color is green this semester. Green water bottle, green folders and backpack. Maybe because it is winter and I miss the leaves.