and then school started

The first term of my MFA program began on January 6 with a 10-day residency. The winter residency is always held out on the Oregon coast at Seaside. I adore the coast during the winter, and I was not disappointed. There was surf and sky, rain, sun, and then snow on the beach. What a beautiful place to begin this adventure.

Rick was already working in Orlando, and I found myself telling him every night on the phone that it was amazing. Classes, workshops and readings went all day and I went to bed every night exhausted. And amazed.

One of the highlights for me was to hear Barry Lopez. Not only to listen to him read, but to meet him personally. I have been reading Lopez's work since I was in high school. I had purchased a book to give to my darling husband and was waiting with a couple other students to get it signed, when the hotel staff announced that we had to clear the room. Lopez said, "Follow me." He led us into a smaller room and then sat with us and spent another hour just talking and signing our books. He was so gracious. I was moved, not only by his beautiful message of hope and community, but by his humble and compassionate nature. Truly a great man.

And so it begins. Study hall at the kitchen table for the rest of the term. With tea.

I feel like I have waited my whole life to be here. It feels like a gift. All of it.

Sherri

quick-step the holidays

The holidays were a blur. Rick was home for most of December, gone for a week in California and then home until after the traditional New Year's Hockey game. We had a raucous holiday party at our house with about 40 of our friends and family, including the traditional white elephant hoopla. All the kids were here for Christmas - Nichole, Missy, Becca, James, Chantz, Ryan, Megan and Trey.

We are so blessed to have such a great family and a good home.