Difficile

Only one word can describe how this year has started for me - difficult. Between working on a new curriculum and doing grad school work, my cup runneth over! I'm just barely hanging in there, with sleep and work being the top priorities. I fear work is pushing the most desired (sleep) out of the running. I miss running...this is where I used to run.


There is no running away from this one...gotta get to it. Gotta press on. I must claim the promise, "Do not fear, for I am with you; do not anxiously look about you, for I am your God. I will surely strengthen you, surely I will help you. Surely I will uphold you with My righteous right hand" Isaiah 41:10. Please hold me up...

My last day of class!

Today is my last day of class. I can't believe how quickly the time has flown by...I am going to be sad to leave this experience. It has helped me grow in so many ways - spiritually, academically, socially. I think this is the phrase that sums it all up for now:

Music to our ears

On Thursday our class took a trip to the music building and listened to mid to late 19th century French classical music. It was a lovely experience that helped me to learn a little bit more about socially organized perception (thanks PJ).

Our walk to the building

Inside Jennings

It's a jungle, part 2

There must be some stashed nuts in this one spot, because without fail, every morning the squirrels and the birds are there foraging for food. Lately they have had a visitor - we like to call him l'écureuil-pin or lap-cureuil.

Midnight Madness

Sssshhh, don't tell anyone, but we left the campus, only after doing our work of course. We couldn't miss out on going to downtown Bennington for their Midnight Madness where all of the stores open up from 7pm to 12am and they close Main Street to traffic. It was not bad...a good repose.

In a cafe with a strange woman in the background. She had her face painted like a cat and she seemed super hyped up on caffeine. I could barely capture her still. It was late I guess.

The Clark

Our class took a trip on Wednesday afternoon to The Clark in Williamstown, MA. What a tremendous experience! We had a great time and learned a great deal about how to teach art in French to our students while engaging them in the process of talking about something totally foreign to them - in a foreign language! I am hoping to go back soon because it was a very short visit.

Edgar Degas - there is a very interesting story about this piece. Read up.

Near the end of our awesome guided tour.

Les Françaises

A page out of the FSO Handbook

I couldn't resist (sorry N :-) but I had to show you the yummy food I'm eating these days - it's very good! It's a shame though, because I feel like all I do is eat, go to class, eat, go to class, eat, study and then start over again...I need some more physical activity; my running schedule has been suffering :(

I had to give you a close-up of the delicious Morrocan-style tofu topped with a tomato & black olive tapendade. Bon appetit!

Quelle surprise!

I have been so busy here with work that I have not had a chance to post - so here's the weekly recap.

Monday was super awesome! After 3 hours of class, we all got a wonderful surprise - a class trip to the lake! I was so shocked and super excited. Here are the photos - we had a blast!

Long days, short week

The blessed time is upon me now - the Sabbath has finally arrived. Long work days where classes run from 9:00 am to 5:30 pm and studying in the evening have finally culminated into the fastest week in history! The sun has set, a new day has arrived...what a joyful rest!

Leaders of the pack

Where would we be in this program without the guidance and mental stimulation of our professors? I cannot say enough good things about what they have brought to my experience here. I want to work under them, be their protégée (it is only fitting that I throw some French in there). Truth be told, they are an amazing group of people - from the director of the program









to your every day (and I mean that literally) 'mind wranglers' - Kudos to you - you inspire me!!

It's a jungle out there

the morning rush for the big feast

With support like this

Life can be very challenging sometimes. But with encouraging words like this, I can't help but press on.

i know i don't say it enough,but I'm so proud of you and always have been. you are courageous for trying different things and I love that about you.no matter what you do you will always do well. i miss you, i love you with all my heart.

I love you too.

The mountain

Which is harder to climb? This one?










or this one?

Joyeux Anniversaire, Jennifer!

A typical day

Want to know what I do all day long? Not a problem. I can sum it up in one word - Collaboration. It's all about a dialogue, solving problems, creating new ones, solving those - and here are some of the cool people I do that with.

the "neubies" like me

Some more of my awesome classmates/fellow thinkers...

Bienvenue à Bennington

I arrived in Bennington, Vermont 3 days ago for their MATSL program. I cannot say enough good things about it. But as with any good Master's degree program, it comes with it's share of blood and sweat. This is my take on it...

I arrived on Sunday, July 9th - uncertain but excited. How is it going to go? Well, my journal entry from Monday morning gives an idea of my mindset.

I am truly blessed among all people. I am in the midst of a beautiful experience. Right now I am in Bennington Vermont. It is my first full day here....So yesterday was quite a whirlwind of information - an orientation above all....the Lord saw fit to open my eyes earlier this morning with the song of His birds! Some birds have taken up residence just above my window, so I've been greeted by the early bird - inspired by God to awaken and begin their day's work.


This is the view from my dorm room. What a great place to be!

I have to admit, I'm loving the routine - wake up, eat breakfast, go to class, take a break, go to class, eat lunch, go to class, take a break, go to class, eat dinner, study, go to bed - every day! No TV, no shopping, no running around doing useless stuff...it's just lovely.

This is where I eat everyday. By the way, very good vegetarian food...making my belly super happy!

I must get back to studying - gotta hit the books before they hit me!! To be continued...

A bientôt.