Rick Bass on people who believe the forest or wilderness is wild, savage and without God: But there is nothing in this world that could ever convince me the God is to be set against the wild forest and the wilderness. That would be like trying to convince me that God is set also against another of God's creations, humankind itself. P. 92

On Rick Bass's : The Wild Marsh
In defense of taking the classroom outdoors: I'm grateful to that one turtle for the opportunity to help show them (his children) consideration. I'm grateful to the color of the sky at dusk, and to the unique and specific shape of Haystack Mountain to the north, and to the scent of the pine and fir forests early in the spring for helping form that calming matrix, as sense filled and tangible as a bough of fir branches spread beneath one's sleeping bag on a camping trip far back into the mountains, the mythic mountains of childhood. P 90.

I just finished David Rabe's A girl by the side of the road and here is what I took away from it: two people, a man from the US and a girl from Vietnam were both living lives where they had no control over their circumstances, both longing for true intamacy, though I doubt either of them realized that until they crossed paths. Once they met under the most unlikely circumstances, both of their lives would be forever changed- the girl permanently scarred from a vicious attack and the man with new found purpose and maturity as he ventures on his way. It leaves you hanging- we don't really know what will become of the 2, but we are certain their unlikely meeting filled a void in each of them that they mattered in a very unforgiving and irrational world.

In Thich Nhat Hanh's book on Anger: Wisdom for Cooling the Flames, I was particularly interested in his chapter on No Enemies where he mentions that wars are going on all over the place- waiting to errupt at any moment. And it is only when military involvement takes place that people try to stop it. We have to look at all conflict and work to resolve it before war breaks out. The victims of war are everyone on all sides, because since we are all part of humanity, war is a war on our people, no matter the location and division of country lines.

Just finished the Last Lecture- could not honestly put the book down. It made me realize again to keep reminding my kids how much I love them and the people in my life that I also love very much. Time is never a guarantee and I would never want to leave this world without having a chance to say goodbye to all those who mean so much to me. Thank you Randy for reminding me to take advantage of the time I have left and I hope that time is many many more years to come!

And experience is sometimes the most valuable thing you have to offer.

Experience is what you get when you didn't get what you wanted. Failure is not just acceptable, it is often essential. -Randy Pausch, p. 148

I'll take an earnest person over a hip person every time, because hip is short-term. Earnest is long-term. -Randy Pausch, p. 133

Luck is indeed where preparation meets opportunity. By Randy Pausch, p. 119.

I like the metaphor about comparing college to the personal training industry instead of retail. Personal trainers have to b demanding and likewise, so do educators. It is not just about customer service. How do you expect someone to grow and become more self-reflective without making those expectations?

The Brick Walls in our lives

So I am already almost done with the book and I have so much that I am going to take with me after this read.  I was expecially affected by this man's ability to always dream big and with his efforts, achieve almost the most unlikely dreams.  He has really inspired me, there is no doubt.

I am also taking with me his thoughts on raising children and when he reflected on his childhood about how he won the parent lottery.  I hope my three sons can one day look back and say this.  I really agree with his stance that to build self esteem, you have to see a skill or task that your child is capable of achieving and have them master that.  Self esteem comes from being able to try through effort and practice and then to master one thing or another.  This can be through sports or homework and such.  I agree with the strict parenting for sure and my children have appropriate boundries and expectations here in our home.

Lastly, the references he makes to the brick walls in our lives that are meant to keep the "other people" out and to let only the ones who truly want it- through.  That is how you really know you want something.  I hope that when I come across a brick wall in my life, that I will artfully find a way through it.

The Last Lecture

My book finally came in the mail and I cannot wait to read it! I remember the Last Lecture from when I saw it live on the news a couple years back and it was something that could not be put into words, and low and behold- it HAS been put into words! I have my hot tea made and I am turning to chapter 1.  Has anyone out there heard about the infamous college professor and his story? Can't wait to hear your thoughts!