Here is an abbreviated list - chronologically - of our traffic. I'm deleting names because of some people's inability to control their outlash at my honest opinions and like to broadcast them, but family knows me and other family.
The Virginia Tech thing really will scar my trip out west, but it was a good, definately needed break, even though the laundry has grown exponentially. At least I don't need a coat or sweater to do what needs to get done.
Email sent on Thursday, April 19th at 2:30 AM local time.
>M&H,
>
>I know that we all have family and friends in Blacksburg and at Virginia Tech. M, please let me know if any of our family were directly affected by Monday's tragedy and tell them I am thinking of them.
>
>H, I hope your family and friends are also well.
>
>My thoughts are with everyone who was affected and since I've gotten emails from friends and family around the world wishing the best for everyone, I thought I would pass along my thoughts and prayers.
>
>I'm still in California, but will be home Saturday.
>
>My best to all.
My cousin's response...
>Subject: RE: Virginia Tech Tragedy
>Date: Fri, 20 Apr 2007 12:39:57 -0400
>
>thank you for your message
>so far as i know i don't know anyone affected by this personally
>but it is truly heartbreaking
>i went into a classroom yesterday and an image flashed
>in my mind of a madman shooting my students
>i had to walk back out again to regain my composure
>yet the further tragedy -- one we can hardly bear the burden of
>-- is that in some parts of the world this is daily existence
>m
>
>Sent: Sun 4/22/2007 7:53 AM
>Subject: Virginia Tech Tragedy
Hey there. I'm sorry to hear about your classroom anxiety, but I never really considered the perspective from a professor's side, so thank you. I'm also so grateful that nobody I know was directly affected, but I tend to sympathize too much with those who lost so much simply to a man whose brain was incorrectly wired.
You are correct about the sadness that the world has reduced itself to becoming seemingly so immune. But, I try concentrate on the positives, albeit sometimes difficult.
That being said, I just got back from San Jose, Palo Alto, and San Francisco. One of my favourite artists (M.C. Escher) was, ironically, being exhibited at the San Jose Museum of Art (next door to the hotel where D's conference was held). What amazing images. When I was in architecture classes (first year design), my professor used to accuse me of "impersonating" Escher's work because I had such trouble with lines of perspective (my left brain/Gemini curse). How funny that Escher's work almost had me kicked out of school, yet Escher himself is world known for his work. However, I'd never heard of Escher until my first year, so I have a true appreciation for his work. He also did a series called "Creation", which I had never seen and was in absolute awe! It literally brought my old bones to tears.
Here's one I found fascinating..
And this one...
I must have stood for 30 minutes in front of this one. Amazing.
Also, I don't know how Southerners have the reputation for being so hospitable when almost everyone I met in California were so kind and warm.
Let's get together sometime and have a glass of wine at "The Globe", or I'll take you "slumming" in my 'hood and we can go to "Redfish" on Memorial for supper. You and S. will like it. I don't think you even need to carry a handgun in that area anymore!
My best to S., our family, and your students. When I was a freshman at Auburn, my roommate was killed in a car crash on the last day of finals before Christmas break. I thought that was the most crushing thing that could happen to a family, but we all seem to cope, even the young ones.
Love,
Me
PS I think I'll go to Lyon and stay with my "adopted" French brother in September. They have a wonderful little cottage and just had their first child two years ago, whom I've never met. If you are in that part of the world at that time, maybe we can meet. I'm sure your French is better than mine!
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