The Melting World

Now that I finally have breathing space (2 weeks) before outside work and academic duties return in gale force, I find myself wandering about from place to place via the Internet, from idea to idea, without any one focus. Is this what happens when a dog is suddenly unleashed and de-collared after being tied up for too long? Am I unaware of what freedom is and how to enjoy it? I like to think I just don’t know where to begin!

Well, I am enjoying the fumbling about, actually. I have been reading about nationalistic tendencies and cultural identity in Japan, looking at updating some research papers for publication, considering submitting papers for conferences, exploring more on using blogs in teaching writing and cultural understanding, about interactive digital fiction, toying with possible graduate programs in diverse places like california, the netherlands, baltimore, vancouver, london, switzerland, and some virtual campuses. I have also looked up things like outsider art and fulbrights. In other words, I have done a lot of skimming but little commiting–but if I had just one focus, then I wouldn’t be relaxing would I? Rationalizing my wayward soul…

In other words, I am truly a virtual ‘tabibito’ (or travelling person, but it sounds so much better in Japanese)…plus, we are off to Sapporo in real world time this weekend to see the Isamu Noguchi Art Park that he created for children, looks like the perfect place for my son, husband and me to clammer up and leap off rock sculptures. Oh, by the way, we celebrated our 4th wedding anniversary yesterday! Whooo-ee!

Lastly, a son update: he can officially put together an alphabet puzzle (with individual wooden letters) with his own two hands. He gets frustrated occasionally with the complex shapes fitting neatly (like his mother does about details, too), but with sideline encouragement, he can do it! That’s my sweetie pie!