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| with Marilyn and Jack Kelly (grandma and grandpa) |
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| with the fam, sans one bro |
Which brings me to son #2’s latest adventure. Yesterday I dropped him off up on Lake Shetek. By himself. With a canoe. No phone reception. He will spend the next week traveling down the Des Moines river. It’s part of his summa English thesis in which he’ll be writing some river literature, emphasizing issues of conservancy. He has been working for the National Park Service on the Mississippi. Now, I truly do think this is a very cool project. But my mother’s heart is concerned and I didn’t sleep last night. The Des Moines runs right through our town and has been a part of Jack’s life, including the time he fell through the ice at around age 10 and his brother pulled him out. I always told him he’d write about it some day. I asked him what writers influenced this whole idea. He said that early on, Fabre and Dillard loomed large. But John Graves and his river experiences and writing have more recently made an impression.
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| me – “you know this is crazy, right?” |
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| getting ready |
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| me trying to help…the term “camper mom” was used… |
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| there he goes |
Finally, I hope to share an announcement soon about a new, local endeavor for high school students and the full life. Coming soon…
Nancy, "pentecost of finches" has now replaced "murder of crows" as my favorite collective noun. 🙂 I love the nest photo! Your second son's adventure reminds me of the _Hatchet_ novels by Gary Paulsen. I am amazed by his dedication, fortitude, creativity, courage, and spunk. Oh, for the days when I felt invincible!
And YOU deserve huge kudos (as well as a high five, latte, pedicure, or whatever else floats your boat — no pun intended, given his trip) for sending him off with love and confidence. And covered in prayer.
Siegal is spelled Siegel. Just looking up some of his poetry books.
http://www.robert-siegel.com/
His novel Whalesong looks interesting.
Correction noted! I haven't read anything else by him yet. I can't believe I'll see you in 2 weeks!
From joy to joy,
Nancy
What an awesome way to spend one's summer!!!!!
I think so, too, Tammy!
From joy to joy,
Nancy
i think this is super cool… for YOUR kids. i'm a little unsettled at the thought it might someday occur to one of my kids to do such a thing. 🙂 but hopefully if it does, i'll be as cool as you.
i got to see those finches in person when i was at your house, make sure to say hi to them for me.
i will be (have been) praying for your prep 🙂
And this coming from a woman raising her brood IN PERU! Nothing will phase you after all your adventures there, I think.
Thank you for your prayers – I can't wait to see you again!
From joy to joy,
Nancy
My daughter graduated from Hillsdale two years ago. It rained that day so it was in the gym. 🙁 Looks like you may have had a nice commencement outside? How was Roger Scruton's speech? I heard him speak a few years ago at Hillsdale. He was quite interesting.
Dear Gail,
It drizzled a bit, but we remained outside. Roger Scruton's speech was solid and succinct. We enjoyed exploring the town of Hillsdale!
From joy to joy,
Nancy
Keep us informed on that river adventure and writing!
Congrats on the first college graduate!
It is a bit unsettling to think the time has gone by quickly. Then weddings , yes plural, and so on…. but I do think I am older than you!!
I'm jealous you are working on your workshops! I will start after next week. ( the end to the school year and my grading!) Love that poem.
My guy is just little, but my heart aches already for when my turn comes to send him off on his adventures!
I hear you, Bethany! But how exciting to think of the adventures that will unique to him – the possibilities! Thanks for stopping by.
From joy to joy,
Nancy