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Wednesday, September 30, 2015

Join me

Taking the opportunity to encourage you to find yoga…..My life is better when I have time on the mat, time to center, breath, stretch, strengthen, focus, be in….this morning was just what I needed and so often I find that to be the case. Join me on Mon-Wed mornings - often- not next week.

https://breatheyogagranville.frontdeskhq.com/schedule#/list?dt=2015-09-30&lt=staff

Give back, engage, support an incredible community resource and have fun- The Works: HATSOFF! committee- learn more on Thursday, Oct 8th!  RSVP to Becky at 740 349 9277- 6 pm dinner meeting. Join the acquisitions committee-we'll have a great time! Other great opportunties too.  Let me know if you have questions.

So grateful for the support, prayers for my family, hometown community and me- thank you.  I feel it and yoga helps too.  My life on Newark-Granville Road benefits from you being part of it.


Tuesday, September 29, 2015

Savor, Soak it in…..give thanks, live and love.

Life on Newark-Granville Road- life- real life, hard and challenging with beauty and reminders.  The lessons of death are too prevalent these days.  The universe, God, the powers that be are slowing me down today to reflect on how good it is to be here.

Family first- my mother's side of the family has had a terrible loss.  Susie and Eric Smith  (69 yrs old) were killed yesterday. Their car went off the road and struck a tree. They did not survive the surgeries. They were driving home to Hagerstown, MD from South Carolina. I don't know much more. I know when my mother called to tell me my world went spinning.  Susie and Eric hosted countless family gatherings, danced at our weddings and shared all the details families share.  She was my Mom's 1st cousin- my mother without any siblings counts her 1st cousins as siblings.  Susie and Jeanne shared life in Hagerstown together for many many years- raising children, going to church, the pool, the club together - walking too and from one another's homes, catching up by phone when a part.  They grew up not far from each other. Vacationing often together- sharing life, keeping company, debating and sighing, declaring and celebrating- living.  And now she is gone.  Eric her trusted companion, steady partner- our family dentist and kind soul- gone.  My parents friends- more than family. What a loss- their daughter, son, son-in-law, grandchildren- I feel so deeply for them.  Susie's brother, sister, sister-in-law- my heart aches.  My home town, home church- the adults who danced, talked, served, cared for one another. It just doesn't seem possible that they are gone.  Their energy will be missed.

I'm not sure when we'll go to support and mourn in Maryland- I want to get in the car now to hug my parents and relatives. To reflect and share and honor these lives.  My sister is there and I'm grateful.  Life on Newark-Granville Road is special, but there are days I want to be other places.

Today Don Wiper was laid to rest and his life celebrated and honored at First Presbyterian Granville. A life of service, influence and impact. A beautiful funeral with song and verse, reflection and words and people gathered to praise and give thanks for Don's life.  Don's life and spirit that will be carried on by  his family.  Don welcomed me, taught me, supported my efforts at church and became my friend and Joe's friend in Granville.  An early Granville attender of the Derby party.  He introduced me to his daughter and wife and they became my friends.  I am pleased to be here to celebrate his life and give thanks.  Don will be missed.

The death of Cheri Mitchell devastated the Denison community and the Columbus arts world.  I did not know Cheri well but well enough to be saddened by the loss of a giving, impactful, happy spirit that lifted up so many including her dear husband Frank Hassebrock. When I learned of the tragic accident I just could not get my head around how someone can be here one day and gone the next.  Life does change in an instant and we must savor, soak it in, take it in, be grateful and giving.  The opportunities are there- we must live our lives.

Today I ended up walking to work and I'm grateful. I heard church bells, the Denison Carillon played Moon River, I wore my rain boots and chatted with my sister and brother- told them I loved them. I went to work to keep moving forward on an effort I believe in that deserves attention and fulfills me- I'm grateful.  Last night my kids all hugged and cared for me = sad for my loss.  Our dinner was late and it didn't matter and everyone liked it.  Joe joked that maybe we should always be starting when we sit down at the table.  We laughed- he is the funniest in our house and thank goodness he is here with me.

All of these people no longer here on the earth will stay with me and their families.  They all had amazing impacts in the way they lived their lives- the people they loved, the words they shared. Their life and death is in love and with life.  This is what is happening in my life on Newark-Granville Road today- thanks for sharing.  Thank you for keeping those in need in prayer and savoring this beautiful life we have.

Thursday, September 24, 2015

Welcome Home

When my parents visit I shop for them. Stock my shelves with things they like to have at their house so I have them at my house.  Granville is getting ready for the Denison alumni and parents!  I visited the Denison book store and was wowed with the offerings. Gingham check button downs, sweater vests, polos by popular UnderArmour and lots of others great items!  Everest Gear- aka-Town and Gown- is a sea of Denison red! Fun selections among the beloved classics.  Even CVS aka- Taylor's- said they are ready with extra staff. Granville adds extra shopping with the Robbins Hunter Antique Sale- always a find there!

On campus the tent is up with great events planned to delight all ages!  Little Miss Sunshine will be shown- a great movie featuring Denison alumnus, Steve Carrell.  I love this addition to the schedule.  A full schedule can be found here: http://denison.edu

Life on Newark-Granville Road is excited to welcome and connect with the Denison parents this weekend. The fun of seeing their reunions with their students takes me back to the great parent weekends when I was in school.  I am happy and proud of the efforts our town and fair college are doing to welcome the Denison family home.

Monday, September 21, 2015

The Last Weekend of Summer

On the last weekend of summer I stepped into a garden of beauty and learning, took home generational zinneas, inspired, colored and delighted our home and my soul.

On the last weekend of summer I watched a pink sunrise and a yellow sunset, looked for a rainbow - the gift of rain and sun's teamwork.

On the last weekend of summer I snapped Sally's pictures over looking the land lab at GIS, took in the individual and soccer team energy and togetherness.

On the last weekend of summer I wore flip flops to soccer and the casual component of a wedding reception.  Put my toes in the grass, sat barefoot and soaked in the warm sun.

On the last weekend of summer we wore our bright florals, colors and a baseball uniform- summer's uniforms- to church.

On the last weekend of summer- lucky me rode a ferris wheel representing love and life's go arounds.

On the last weekend of summer I shed tears from all the abudance of beauty- the voices of the choir, a song of faith, the piano's serenade.

On the last weekend of summer I had my nails painted pink- natural and light- not what I selected but perfect and matched to me and my summer mood.

On the last weekend of summer I made a very long put, took a long walk and hit the ball well enough to take me back on the links.

On the last day of summer I watched a parade, drove with the windows down and enjoyed custard and the chatter of teenage girls.

Summer loving in my life on Newark-Granville Road.

Thursday, September 17, 2015

Denison's Summer Research- Live and In Person


Summer Scholars- I've been impressed and touched by this program for a number of years through my work and participation at The Works. STEMfest and other hands-on science activities that engaged Denison science students thrilled me. I am always delighted to meet current student and see them helping make science real for children in our community.  In the past two weeks I've had the honor to learn about the research that happened on campus summer 2015. The posters and presentations have blown me away- and I wanted to share it on the blog.  Certainly you know how much I support and believe in the liberal arts.  The opportunity to see the examples of how deep, transferable, important and real the students' work is was something to write about as it inspires my work and time in my life on Newark-Granville Road.

Here are three examples that go beyond what I realized what was happening the hill and I believe represent the Denison liberal arts well.  Know that Knobel Hall was jam packed with these types of presentations- all equally inspiring. These three caught my attention and I'll share why.

Kate Ramsdell '16 Communication and Psychology- Professor Alina Haliliuc- Laughter as Social Corrective: Russell Brand's Negotiation of the Fool Persona- she took me right back to the late 80s sitting in a social media class at Denison.  (Lucky me I was instructed by now VP Student Life, Laurel Kennedy.) Student and faculty's role to reflect, think and understand what we take in, what surrounds us- ahhhh.  Kate's research was the entertaining and caring Russell Brand.  Walking through the sea of research I couldn't help but want to know more about happenings in my own major and this actor that makes me laugh. Kate engaged with us well and presented herself well.

Anna Yokuah Teye '16  International Studies and Women and Gender Studies-Professor Isis Nusair Microfiance, Healthycare and Education as tools for Social Emancipation: the Case of Women's Empowerment NGOs in Ghana.  The opportunity to hear this poised and articulate young woman from Ghana share the simple but concrete lessons from her research was a beautiful part of my day. As we look to lift up girls all over the world and in our own back yards (or dinner tables) we cannot dismiss the importance of goal setting and planning. Equipping goes beyond providing skills- encouragement with sites plays a critical role.  Something I've been fortunate to have my whole life. This ties nicely to the talk I heard at lunch from our visiting Vail artist on Tuesday- enriching Friday's Vail concert. And a bonus- new direct views of Africa.

Gretchen Giltner '16 Art history and Visual Culture and Biology-Professor Joanna Grabski Visualizing the Ebola Mediascape: A Case Study of National Geographic and Newsweek.  The Ebola epidemic fascinates me so I was drawn to this poster. When I heard she say biology and art in her opening sentence she had me! I was reminded again of the importance of our sources and how we see to perceive the world. (Real life connection for me as Clare engages more with the "news" in her Global Studies class.)

All three of these women are intelligent, articulate, and passionate about their education and Denison experience. The choice and opportunity to remain on campus over the summer was valued. It isn't just the students that impress and inspire. You have to look deeper to understand the Denison value.  The faculty making this real and effective- the relationship and mentoring.  The dollars-philanthropy at work and so much more.  The campus and town may seem quiet June-August but I assure you the classrooms and labs, residence halls and library are buzzing with learning. I am Denison Proud and honored to have had time with these women last week.

Monday, September 14, 2015

Book Club's List for 2015-16

Christmas came early- the book list is here!  What a delight to gather around the table and share, recommend and select books for a year of reading. Books we wouldn't pick up on our own. Books some will like, love and dislike (we rarely hate).  Books that keep me reading a chapter at a time or in long car rides.  The extrovert in me will have an enhanced and more rewarding book experience thanks to the discussion with these intelligent, thoughtful, smart, caring women.  Thank you all that read with me, discuss with me, read along with me and value this list and our process. Life on Newark-Granville Road was all about the books tonight!  The theme was non-fiction when it came to the recommended list- ask me for the spreadsheet I'll email you!  We enjoyed some delicious sweets and a few savories too!  Griffey was given attention and my family recognizes the importance of groups gathering around the table and reading all in one! Here it is….the 2015-16 Book Club list.  Email me and I'll send you the spreadsheet with authors.

October-The War that Saved My Life- we start with young adult/ coming of age
Nov-Brain Rules or The Organized Mind pick one of these brain books!
Dec-Three-Eight Charlie- Jerrie Mock's Travel Log of her record setting flight around the World!! 
Jan-So Long a Letter- we're going to Senegal!
Feb- Lila- Fiction
Mar- Americanah-Fiction
April- All the Light We Cannot See- yes
May- Half the Sky-important read- non fiction
July The Bookman's Tale- book lovers book
Aug-The Things They Carried- our classic
Sept- read to recommend for the year - read from the recommended list!


Friday, September 11, 2015

September 11th-remembering



This beautiful tall oak tree was planted in memory of Richard Madden - Denison Class of 1988 and the other victims of the September 11, 2001. Rich was the one alumnus (I believe we know) who died in the terrorist attacks on September 11, 2001.  Rich was a good guy I knew at Denison.  I can see his happy smile. I did  not know him well but he was friends with my friends. He was my brother's fraternity brother. He is missed.  I remember the honor of meeting his daughter and wife when this tree was dedicated- beautiful people.  I am so pleased to see this tree- put here by alums and friends outside of the Kappa Sigma fraternity house on the way to the athletics area.  Alums and friends made a difference with their gift and efforts for this memorial.  A visiting fraternity brother of Rich's reinded me of this tree- he visits and cares when he is in town. An alumni council member started the effort to make this tree a reality.  I'm so grateful today I could visit this tree and can share it with others.

I remember that day like so many of us do- I know exactly where I was- Colwell House working at Denison. When I heard the news I thought it was an accident, a small plane had hit a sky scrapper. It certainly never crossed my mind that people would use people and a plane for such evil, such destruction on exponential levels.  What a sad sad day. What a turning point. But also what a connecting day.  A friend was caught off guard by all the flags and care even in Ohio as we supported those so close with such loss. As Clare engages in her "global studies" as she starts high school- terrorism is a key component of what she is learning.  I am fortunate not have known many that died, but I know too many that lost loved ones that day.  Today we remember.

Education is the key to making the world a better place. But it isnt' just education- it is sharing what we learn- being in relationship.  I'm grateful to be back at Denison on September 11, 2015.  Today I had lunch with two students. They went with me and were appreciative to know about Rich Madden and this tree. The young man in the picture is a Kappa Sig loving his experience and the friendships he has here at Denison. Rich was a happy KZ and I believe is glad to know about the friendships being made today on campus.  Denison is about relationships- the relationships matter, sustain and continue forever. We won't forget September 11th, those that died that day, the heroes and service, those that remember and our Denisonian, Rich Madden '88.

Monday, September 7, 2015

Ahhhhh the water…...


 All six kids embraced this family lake tradition- a swim to the other side and back!  The hospitality on the other side, the great start to a day with exercise, the team activity- I don't know what inspires these teen and pre-teens to get out of bed at 7 am and jump in the lake but I'm grateful!  Before and after pictures. This holiday's swim was particularly beautiful with the mist and well tempered water.  We've been doing this for a number of years and the kids are getting stronger.  The adults serving as guards, coach, above the water escorts count heads, retrieve wayward gliders and arrange safe passage. Life on Newark-Granville road needs to take the plunge- it is therapy, rejuvenation and release all in one- pool or lake, sea or shower- I love the water.  



Friday, September 4, 2015

emotional rollacoster this week….thank you bloggers.

Some times I don't have the words. I'm grateful when others do…..Denisonian posted this about our week- how I love the connection and support from the whole Denison network, the community all over- this is why I'm back working at Denison.

http://kellymfolkers.blogspot.com/2015/09/the-case-for-kindness.html

This is the  blog I posted on Facebook- fascinating and helpful for me.  I have my ups and downs but feel so fortunate for my mental and physical health. I want to help and understand others- this is a start:

https://pressingintothedawn.wordpress.com/2015/05/11/thoughts-on-how-to-help-someone-struggling-with-depression-from-someone-who-struggles-with-depression/

I am thankful to these bloggers- for sharing so honestly.  And here is another reason why…..

http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/local/2015/09/03/mental-health-advocate-commits-suicide.html

Wendall's suicide does not take away all the wonderful, beautiful things about him. I do have peace to celebrate and honor him.  However I do not have peace about the alarming increase in suicide.   We do have to talk about it, help those with mental health needs and do something.

Life on Newark-Granville Road has ups and downs. I'm grateful for the relationships I have to help, hold, celebrate, cry, grow, give and be.

Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Share your light, go in peace


DEEP PEACE
Deep Peace
of the running wave to you

Deep Peace
of the flowing air to you

Deep Peace
of the quiet earth to you

Deep Peace
of the shining stars to you

Deep Peace
of the gentle night to you, moon and stars
pour their healing light on you

Deep Peace to you
— a Gaelic Blessing