Denison Days: Magazine, Celebrations and Family

Yes, I'm the alum that loves to receive her Denison Magazine.  I often can't wait and open it immediately and do a quick scan.  Then I find time to savor it- my favorite spot- the screened-in-porch! Then it sits out on the coffee table, then it goes on trips or to the pool. This issue arrived online first and so I brought my laptop to the porch! And now I wait for the paper copy to arrive..soon!  Want to take a look, here you go:

 https://denison.edu/magazine  Favorite article:  https://denison.edu/magazine/summer-2022/146201 The Power of And at Denison- read my blog, know me- this is no surprise!

It has been the month of celebrations, orientations, welcomes, and retreats.  August really is about starting back up, although many of us feel we really start up in July.  There really is nothing like having the students back and more faculty and staff on campus and the opportunity to meet new families- ahhh! Or connect with old friends moving their students in, I really have the best job! Follow me on social media and Denison to see more pics and posts!  It is always fun to visit a new place and for me it was Jeffery Mansion in Bexley- well done Bexley- private/public partnership and the East Market-https://eastmarketcolumbus.com/  Thank you IA Retreat! We truly are a family, a family that likes their GO BIG RED red!  Life on Newark-Granville Road is filled with so many special Denison Days!

IA team photo- missing at least one dear one...GO BIG RED

Back to School- 2022 Space in the Drive Way!

 Joe and I have always loved those three words, back to school! Post covid we appreciate what it takes to welcome our students back all the more! Life on Newark-Granville Road means life on a continuum. My joy at sending them to school has an opposing side. When Peter loaded Gretel with the final item (his bedspread that he swears he washed) and was ready to leave my eyes welled and I had that feeling. Of course I hugged him and was thrilled for him, but it took some time to take myself out of a funk.  I am so proud of this guy, we both are, yet I'm amazed at how I live in this state of conflict and remain productive.

Peter takes Gretel to Wabash for Junior Year

Sally Senior Year at GHS- Orville is her ride!

Clare's senior year at Wooster! Bessie is packed and ready.

And then the senior girls turns!! Sally headed off for her first day of senior year on Thursday morning- staggered start. All of Granville Schools report together tomorrow. I honestly didn't know what day school started, Sally was on top of it and all ready! Proud of our mentor, her class schedule, the rides she gives friends and her work on the field hockey team.  It will be a great year and I'm grateful for the slow descent to empty nest status. We're excited and melancholy at the same time, well I am! Lucy is, Joe..hmmmm

ClareI reports of field hockey move in and classes, well I'm sure they start soon! We'll see her on Sunday when we deliver the overflow that would not fit in Bessie. She was quick to tell me this is the last time I'll do this.  Hmmmm I think we may still help with her future moves, we'll see. It is a milestone we embrace and savor!

Senior year, we've been saying we recognize this year isn't our own. The schedule will be set by when senior day is for field hockey and lacrosse x two- we have two seniors!  I may need to coin a phrase for the last time mentality and explore this with a blog post, is it really the last time or just the last time, in this situation.  

In fact while supporting my mother's move I'm headed east soon to pick up items she does not need and bring them home.  All this proves the point about life being figure eights- we come and go from activities and people, crossing similar but not exact paths.  Interesting times, emotional times and in my opinion definitely on a continuum!

Life on Newark-Granville Road is back to school, my class this semester starts next week. Denison's students are rolling into town with first year orienations starting Saturday! It is a very exciting time of year. Thanks for reading, sharing the twists and turns and happenings helps me process and I end so grateful for these strong, confident, independent children. Joe's text sums it up- work hard and be kind and you will accomplish great things!

Road Trip Listen and Recommendation

 Lucky me, Saturday I headed south to pick up Sally at camp. Lucky me because 

a. I was retrieving my dear daughter I had not seen in eight weeks. Yes, eight weeks! We are proud of our Junior Counselor at Camp Alleghany for Gifts and all the learning, growth, fun she accomplished this summer on the banks of the Greenbrier river. Want to know more about this 100 year old, confidence building, simple old school but not too much so camp- let us know!camp alleghany or visit here!

b. I cared out over an hour exploring the shops and scenes of Lewisburg, WV.   Heck, I love the whole drive and scenery.  I hit Beckley and I'm giddy! https://lewisburg-wv.com/  I did not have time to take in a hike or a stop by the Greenbrier Resort- but I'll be back. The trip affirms how special this part of the wold is to me.

c. Podcast time!  Here is what I listened to:

• https://www.alieward.com/ologies    All of these are amazing! Thank you Ann Leithauser! The cider one was pretty cool, the ADHD important, the personality-WOW and then the latest which is an encore about sea turtles- wonderful.  I really am not overly into sea turtles, and was thinking there are probably better things to listen to for work or school- but she pulls you in and you learn and are entertained.
• https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/oprahs-super-soul/id1264843400?i=1000571297668    Thank you Matt Stoner! This is an important listen and I'll be reading more as follow up. David Brooks' Second Mountain is an important concept, perspective for our world and connects to my work with studies and commitment to community, and my family.  Make time for this one, and let's discuss!
• https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC87JyEX1ULkUhcEKEYcICGQ/live  I caught up on sermons at FPC- Granville First Pres- good work Kevin and Tiffany, thank you for your commitment and care.

c. I came home and experienced profound joy- family dinner- Sally's favorite chicken salad, farmers market yummies with fresh flowers and all my babies under one roof in the dining room- it doesn't get much better than that and happens far less frequently.

My life on Newark-Granville Road, I like to learn and share!  Soak in summer and time together, I am.