I am checked in

I am checked in to the first flight of my journey.
Time to finish packing the bags, take care of a myriad of details, and anticipate closing the door behind me as I take the first steps of my sabbatical semester.

Nothing happens unless first a dream. Carl Sandburg
I have discovered that one can dream dreams, but when those dreams are shared, when others believe in the same dreams, they really can come true. Thank you to all of you who dreamed with me, and who let me share in their dreams.

The road goes ever on and on
Down from the door where it began,
Now far ahead the road has gone,
And I must follow, if I can,
Pursuing it with eager feet,
Until it joins some larger way
Were many paths and errands meet
And wither then? I cannot say.
J.R.R. Tolkien in The Hobbit
Thank you to Anne and family for a stirring holiday card full of quotes meant to ponder and inspire. Student Morgan emailed me to ask if I thought she should continue reading The Hobbit, which she had just started. "I loved it," I answered. "If you are loving in, read on. If not, save it, because one day you too will love it."

And now let us welcome the new year, full of things that have never been. Rainer Maria Rilke