Hello from hot and humid Menomonie,

I am sitting in thecorner of my study and want to take a nap, but decided to write instead. I am trying to manage the writing of two class proposals and the finishing up of another project. I need to check on some people yet today, but somehow being here might be more productive at the moment. Things are coming together for the move, though there is still much to do. I have been collecting boxes and I believe it is almost time to begin to put something in them. That will be another step in the reality process that I am leaving WI and moving to PA.

This morning I had a conversation with a student I know from various serving positions rather than in class, but she is an interior design student and I have been speaking with her about the appartment. There will be a lot to do to make it what I want. I have been spoiled here in Menomonie for the last 4-plus years wth my living situation. I am so fortunate. I am also fortunate that I can come back on a regular basis to see how things are. Erica, who will be living in the house, will take good care of things and I know that there are no worries on that end.

I was looking at the news a few minutes ago and observed that the expected passing of a cultural iconic image has passed on. Farrah Fawcett has lost her battle to cancer. I had that infamous poster on my wall at one point in my life. I did not know she and I were born in the same town. I did know she was from Texas. I think it is interesting when we become such an integral part of the fabric of who we understand, as a society, ourselves to be. I cannot imagine that she ever dreamed that such a thing would happen. Does anyone ever realize they are "fated" to some kind of stardom? What what does it mean to achieve it or have it, perhaps, foisted upon you. And are there varying degrees. Somewhat like the saying of the "big fish in a small pond". Is it the same, but on a smaller scale. At what point is anonymnity more preferable?

As I have been speaking with people, particularly when I was in Houghton over this past weekend, it is always interesting to think about (and even visit) where we once lived. On Sunday night I stayed in the inn and had dinner where I once worked and managed the restaurant. It was relaxing, comfortable and enjoyable. Driving from Houghton back to Menomonie, I could not help but reflect on te first time I made that trip and the smell of the dairy farms. It had been so long since I had smelled those things, but it reminded me of when I was small. The pungent aroma of the cattle and the moist hay. It is interesting how our olfactory sense can create images of sight and sound in such a vivid way. Lately, I have certainly been cognizant of how little things are what make a particular place such an important part of who we are.

This past week I have felt like I am always about a step behind. Perhaps I need to make even more lists and be more intentional. I know that the time will pass quickly. I am getting email in both places now as well as email on my private account. TOO MUCH!! Perhaps it is my own fault. While I do not use texting-language, I most assuredly get and send my share of text messages. About 15 years ago, I could word process and was barely learning email. There is part of the long strange trip.

This morning, I met with my neighbors, Elaine and Tom, and a colleague and friend named Jane. We spent some time in scripture and prayer about all the changes on the horizon. It was something I requested and I think it helped me sort of cleanse and focus. Speaking of cleansing and focusing, I am working to get some weight off, so I have been walking, though more discipline is needed Amazing how discipline is part of everything we do!! I am not sure we realize it most of the time. I will need it in many ways in my life during the next weeks.

Well . . . . just my thoughts on what will be a long strange summer, but one that will pass quickly and be full of changes.

As always, thanks for reading.

Michael