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!

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.

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.  

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.

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

Connections- ah-has- sharing the happiness....

https://news.denison.edu/2015/08/and-so-it-begins/

These photos tell the story and I was lucky enough to witness first hand on Thursday. I think it was Thursday. It has been a full amazing week, couple of weeks actually.  I blogged about the Week of Welcome- WOW earlier and this is a follow-up.  I was so pleased a Denison parent I met last year when she delivered her daughter from California was able to connect with me. It took me out of the office and downtown with a fun little post.

Note- I met kim because my classmate from DU Jason is her dear friend from growing up- kudos to Jason for saying- meet Susan, she lives in Granville. Kudos for Kim for following up- yay!  Joe and I mean it- we love to know when you are in town!!

So Kim told me she was at the college store.  Being on the hill in today's world- I thought she meant the book store.  Nope- her sophomore daughter told her to go -Everest- the old Town and Gown. They do have GREAT stuff and I love that they are supporting Granville merchants! And that Granville merchants sell DU merchandise and support Denison.  The Denison book store has amazing things too- Vineyard Vine belts and bags, Lilly day timers, Underarmour sportswear, and SOOOO much more. The remodel is light and bright and I'm impressed. So impressed I took Kim to see it.  We both agree- both shops are worth a visit! And my new colleagues who don't know Denison as well - need to be aware of both options.

It is time to wrap up and hope if you are in the Granville area you are enjoying this gorgeous day- so much to do and see. I can't wait for Denison's Bluegrass festival in downtown Newark- starting at noon!! This all is why I blog- the fun nostalgic part of my life on Newark-Granville Road and the practical that matches to innate sense in me to connect- people to people, people to events and things and to me.

say cheese…...

I have a new "head shot" for the Denison website and I'm pleased.  I can admit to liking the picture.  I chose a winter jacket- a beloved sweater/jacket a great color of brown.  Years ago- high school- my mother took my sister and I to a "color me beautiful" session.  I learned a great deal and have applied the lessons.  I'm a fall by the way.  I also love to wear outfits that work with pearls.  As much as I do like color I love simple white with the brown.

My last head shot was not my favorite. It was OK, it looked like me and I did like the jacket. I admit to not loving my hair long. My favorite pictures of myself are with hair at this current length- not short, not long.  However I like to grow my hair so it isn't always the same and I get the fun of having it cut back to the best look on me look.  But know I really do let Beth do what she wants with basic input.

Although the fact that I'm blogging about this makes it some what important.  The reality is I don't take this all too seriously.  I'm a person you will see in town with no make up, sweats, rolled out of bed to get to the farmers market as early as possible or post exercise.  I will take my kids to school in PJs and I do not wash my hair every day.  In fact on evenings I'm dressing up I love to stay super cas- no make up.  I like the contrast and only dressing up once.  And I get the philosophy that says the make up we put on is for us- not others.

I do buy into the philosophy that says care about your appearance as it reflects how you feel about yourself.  Dress professional- for your next job- follow people you admire's lead- your boss, others in places where you see yourself some day.  That can mean jeans for some professions and life styles.  I've chosen a profession that is professional and I like to dress professional.  I also like to be practical, comfortable and have color in my life with some variety.  My first suit was play dough green!  I didn't want the navy blue financial corporate suit- I wanted the Ad agency suit.  Reality is I want both and the jeans with the Denison sweatshirt so when I'm engaging with a volunteer who is a lax mom- I'm cheering for the Big Red in the appropriate outfit!  Note the Denison pin in my new head shot!

Thank you for the compliments on Facebook. I take the advice when given a compliment to accept it.  I go a bit further and give you the behind the scenes and "why" of the photo.  Life on Newark-Granville-  saying cheese for the camera for the picture that can be seen:  http://denison.edu/people/susan-leithauser  Lucky me to have this job and the opportunity to sit for this shot.