Dearest Carolyn,

Dad and John took off today for New Mexico to meet up with their group.  Still waiting to hear that they have arrived.

The house if very quiet…it’s just me and some ants in the kitchen. I need to get used to the quiet again…it can be something I try to fill up with TV or music, or it can be a time where I make some space to listen for Sophia…or maybe a bit of both. I’m trying to figure out my job situation…and I know that I have the answer inside me….just need to listen for it.

I’m also going to limit my computer and TV use…and so am planning to make a list of stuff that I would like to get done while dad is gone.  Sue and I might also go to the beach next weekend (16th to the 18th or so…) That would be fun.  I have some dinner dates set up too:-)

I love seeing your pictures, etc. your fellow students look like a really nice group of people!!  and Prof. Phillpot and the other lecturers sound wonderful.  I would have thought you’d have to take an oath about not cheating or something, not about messing up books… and incredible and incredibly old collection. 

HAVE a GREAT TIME with it all!

Love you — Mumsy

Dearest C,

I’m sitting here late on Thursday evening so excited to hear about the first day of your adventure, and noticing how quiet it is around here without you.  Walking around, I see remnants of your preparations…white flip flops at your bedroom door, your sandals on the steps…and can’t believe you’re actually at Oxford!  It’s a dream come true…one you’ve had since early in high school!

It sounds SO exciting…new friends, new dorm, new city, new country, new customs, new places to explore…  I can just imagine you laying in your bed in the dark, eyes wide open, looking around at the new shadows and shapes in your room, and listening to the new sounds…and letting out a little “Eeek! I’m really here!”   Or walking down a narrow street surrounded by ancient buildings and making up a story about the people who lived, studied and taught there all these many years.  Or on your way to dinner in your academic gown saying…is this really happening or is this one of my weird dreams? :-D

I was trying to figure out how to comment on your posts, but I found this…and figured that since you’re my only follower, it might be fun to post things here so you can follow what’s going on here.

John will be home on Saturday, so he and Dad can get ready for their trip on Tuesday.  They are both so very excited!!  Dad’s down watching the Raven’s game… or is he asleep down there?  I just watched project runway.  They went to an art school and painted a picture together with a student.  then they used the picture as an inspiration for an avant garde piece.  I picked the winner!-)  “Make it work!”  Gotta love Tim Gunn! 

Sending love and energy for the day… (Kind of like Pocahontas and the breeze:-) Be kind to yourself…eat well, drink lots of water, and exercise! (sorry, can’t resist being a mom…)  Most of all, have fun and soak it up!!

With all my love,

Mom