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July 2007
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The Three Sisters
Monday, July 9, 2007
6:19:00 PM EDT
Feeling Hopeful
Hearing "Linda Goes to Mars" - John Prine
July was birthed in the early morning beneath the light of a veiled full moon that hid her face behind a thin mask of clouds as if in deference of the new arrival. I barely knew her sister June, who ushered in summer while weeping enough tears for Spring’s demise to overflow the Red River of the North several times. Although most in the northland cherish deeply the brief but stunning existence of the Three Sisters – May, June, and July – I have barely had time to inhale the sweet fragrance of May’s lilac perfume, or celebrate the summer solstice when June holds court over the longest day of the year. Dare I hold out more promise for reveling in July’s sultry presence and observing her passing days from the shade of yonder glade with book and chill drink in hand? With all that's stretched before me on my never-ending “To-Do List” July is likely to expire before my feet could even hit the sweltering turf that hems in yonder tree clad hills. Such are the sacrifices of scholars and fools alike, and there be a bit of both in me.
Yet hasn’t it been quoted that with great sacrifices can come great rewards? Sometimes yes … sometimes no. For me the months missed have left me wanting more time to rest and relax but my efforts since May graced this year 07 have not been for naught. Or so methinks. While May woke the daffodils and warmed Earth and sky I wrote and wrote. While June withered May’s lilac blooms and flooded the lands with monsoon rains I wrote and wrote some more. Threading together three years of research and near seven years of graduate studies I completed a task many thought impossible of me… including myself at times. On June 14 my committee met with me to lay verdict to the efforts put forth to complete the DD (Damn Dissertation). It was the first of two meetings to bring to light the research and writing this document represented. At the end of the rather brief meeting it was determined that the research was sound and the writing concise and crafted to merit little, minor alterations. In all practical purposes they had passed a very positive judgment on my work. I am nearly, almost, practically at goal’s end… but, not quite.
The one lasthurdle to pass will be this Friday the 13th of July at 2 PM Central Standard Time when I face the Oral Defense of my dissertation and research. Then, and only then will I be able to allow myself to put those two silly letters before my academic name, Dr. For all practical purposes it is a done deal and the Oral Defense is an opportunity, the first of many perhaps, to partake in public discourse the topic of my research. The public is invited to attend my presentation, although it is rare if anyone beyond the committee and a spouse attend. Considering how nervous I’ll be that will be fine with me. But if you think of it this Friday the 13th I would be obliged if you were to send a few positive vibes my way.
So you see dear reader I may have been away an extended time but haven’t been idle all those long months. There’s hope for the mad-folk of the world after all. Now back to my preparations for Friday. Hope all is well with you wherever you may be and may you find time to climb that hill and enjoy the view…. Even if it be only for a few moments.
Till next time… Laugh often. Play hard. Be well.
“When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.”
-John Ruskin
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6:19:00 PM EDT
Feeling Hopeful
Hearing "Linda Goes to Mars" - John Prine
The Three Sisters
Yet hasn’t it been quoted that with great sacrifices can come great rewards? Sometimes yes … sometimes no. For me the months missed have left me wanting more time to rest and relax but my efforts since May graced this year 07 have not been for naught. Or so methinks. While May woke the daffodils and warmed Earth and sky I wrote and wrote. While June withered May’s lilac blooms and flooded the lands with monsoon rains I wrote and wrote some more. Threading together three years of research and near seven years of graduate studies I completed a task many thought impossible of me… including myself at times. On June 14 my committee met with me to lay verdict to the efforts put forth to complete the DD (Damn Dissertation). It was the first of two meetings to bring to light the research and writing this document represented. At the end of the rather brief meeting it was determined that the research was sound and the writing concise and crafted to merit little, minor alterations. In all practical purposes they had passed a very positive judgment on my work. I am nearly, almost, practically at goal’s end… but, not quite.
The one lasthurdle to pass will be this Friday the 13th of July at 2 PM Central Standard Time when I face the Oral Defense of my dissertation and research. Then, and only then will I be able to allow myself to put those two silly letters before my academic name, Dr. For all practical purposes it is a done deal and the Oral Defense is an opportunity, the first of many perhaps, to partake in public discourse the topic of my research. The public is invited to attend my presentation, although it is rare if anyone beyond the committee and a spouse attend. Considering how nervous I’ll be that will be fine with me. But if you think of it this Friday the 13th I would be obliged if you were to send a few positive vibes my way.
So you see dear reader I may have been away an extended time but haven’t been idle all those long months. There’s hope for the mad-folk of the world after all. Now back to my preparations for Friday. Hope all is well with you wherever you may be and may you find time to climb that hill and enjoy the view…. Even if it be only for a few moments.
Till next time… Laugh often. Play hard. Be well.
“When love and skill work together, expect a masterpiece.”
-John Ruskin
Written by madmanadhd Blog about this entry |
Add to del.icio.us | digg this
This entry has 15 comments: (Add your own)
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It's good to hear from you Micheal, wondered where and how you were. Have to admit I've neglected JLand too of late, for very different reasons than yours, but hope to get back on track soon; with every intention of "turning my journal around", by dragging back some humour into what's been a miserable time and sharing this beautiful country of mine and its' customs with you all. Might even bore you to death with some poetry. Keep laughing. Hope everything went well for you today.
Kindest Regards....Sylvia
http://journals.aol.co.uk/sylviam4000/YeOldeEnglishPosy/ -
Good luck on Friday. Sending good vibes towards you. You've worked so hard for this and you deserve it....Sandi
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I am just breathless after I read your entries...it makes me want to write.
Amy
http://journals.aol.com/visionarydiva1/AVisionaryDiva/ -
Fabulous news (how did I miss this??)! Thank you for keeping us posted ~ as well as for your beautiful, descriptive writing. Will be thinking of you on Friday.
Chelle
7/15/07 6:42 PM
Jude
http://journals.aol.com/jmora