As I write this, intermittant laughter from the 9 students in my classroom comes drifting past my office door.  I'd like to be out there with the students, as I'm the 10th student, and the very talented Jeffrey Lloyd Dever is the teacher.  But, I need to get this done and sent off to you.  There was this window of opportunity where I could, and did, choose to sneak away and put a few thoughts on paper.  

 

In actuality, it's my pleasure to have the opportunity to write to you.  I love to write, and I honor the connections that we have with all of you.  Plus my partner, Dan, is waiting at the home office for this to come his way to add his finishing touch, and I need to honor that committment, too.  Sound like home? 

Yes, even though Dan and I do many public things, we have the same struggles and dilemmas as those of you who have less public lives.   I grumble sometimes about the choices that I have to make, choices between work or play, people or paperwork, learning or organizing, and on and on, but how lucky I am that I am in a position to make choices.  It is this right to choose,  and doing so with conscious intention, that keeps me alive, vibrant, optimistic, hopeful and smiling.  It is this that I celebrate - and that I wish for you, as well. 

 

Maureen Carlson