I've fallen in love with Beowulf. I didn't think it would happen--honestly. But for the past week I've been sucked into the whole Geat and Dane extravaganza. Yesterday I woke up with the whisper of 'Halfdane...Halfdane..." in my head and I couldn't get the word out. I've been teaching my first literature class (English lit. through the 18th century), so of course the epic poem is standard syllabus material. I was dreading reading it and teaching it, but it's been the best kind of gorey word-feast a horror fan like me could ask for! "Blood-slurrys" and loping Grendel and sea monsters and dragons and lots and lots of treasures. Awesome.

Here's to hoping that The Canturbury Tales is half as interesting...

It's been a while, and we've been busy! The first weekend in August, Trevor and I met up with Rachel and Letty, Sean and Angi, Neill, Fran, and Destiny, in Door County to visit Grandma and Grandpa Madel and Jim. The weather was great, and even though Trevor and I got up there later than everyone else, we still got in a solid day and a half of hanging out with the group. We went to the beach and enjoyed the sun and Lake Michigan waves with Henry (we discovered his amazing capabilities as a swimmer), ate some great meals, and went through some boxes in Jim's garage of Power and Coleman family heirlooms. Trevor and I came home with some of Maureen's old books (including a copy of Ethan Fromme she'd had in high school; it still had her class notes written in the back cover--so cool.) and other assorted treasures. All in all, it was excellent. Relaxing and good to catch up with everyone, and we listened to a great book on tape during the drive to and from (The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Nightime").






I've started classes at all three of my schools now, and I have a feeling I'm going to have a nice semester. One class only has five students--all women--and although it's a once-a-week class, five hours long (not an exaggeration), the ladies are really nice and excited to be there. I'm also teaching my first literature class: English Lit. through the 18th century. It includes Beowulf and The Canterbury Tales, Shakespeare, Marlowe, and Johnson. I'm over my head, but it's fun, and the students are miles different from my composition students. These lit students actually enjoy reading and are thrilled to talk about literature. It's marvelous!

And wedding plans are running smooth as can be, so we're getting geared up for that as well! Trevor's gallery is prepping the next show, and even though they're not officially open to the public, they've been selling art like mad! All is going well over there, too, and his decision to move makes us happier and happier each day.

Well, until next time, True Believers, stay cool and dry, and enjoy the last days of summer!
Bork-Power!

Henry and I hung out on the deck this afternoon. We're picking Trevor up in a couple of hours, and then we're heading up to Door County to meet up with the Power newlyweds, Rae and Letty, Neill and Fran, Jim, and Grandma and Grandpa Madel. We won't have too much time with the whole clan, but we plan on making the best of it all! Word on the street is that Jim has a new puppy, so we'll see how Henry feels about sharing Vader's attention.
More to come when we get back!

Well things are popping all over the place!

Trevor sold two big paintings this week, which is very exciting. Work is keeping him nice and busy, but not too busy. I got a call this morning from my department chair at McHenry County College offering me a literature class in the fall, which of course I snapped up! It's English literature up to the 18th century, so I'll have to quickly (very quickly) familiarize myself with Beowolf, Chaucer, and Shakespeare (though that won't be altogether too hard...) before August 21st. I'm thrilled to take on this challenge, and as long as I don't think about how much work it will be, I'll continue to be thrilled! Right now I'm avoiding the pile of portfolios and final papers from the summer's two classes, but I'll tackle that tomorrow morning...or Sunday afternoon...or Sunday evening...hmmmmmmmm.

Trevor, Sean, and Dan Segar have been nerding out over their video game systems and "Gears of War," which they can play on-line together and talk to each other over little headsets. Angi and I find this to be hi-larious and exemplifies what we love about our Power fellas, and I'm sure what Simona loves about Daniel. Nerds.

The wedding planning is coming together and things still need to be done, so Trevor and I are busy making lists and lists, and more lists. We do enjoy our lists. We're planning a trip to Door County next weekend, and Sean and Angi Power--the newlyweds--will be going, too, along with Neill and Fran, and Rachel and Letty (whoohoo!), so we're anticipating a wonderful time full of sun, drinks, more sun, and napping.

For now, Henry and I will go for a walk, perhaps to the video store to rent "Hot Fuzz," which can only aide in my portfolio grading. Seriously. Really, seriously. (HA!)