Praying Mantis

Check out this video I took last week. Amazing reflexes! So eery! BTW, we don't know what those growths are on its back....

Howdy!

Well, again, sorry for the delay in writing. So much has been going on that it is hard to even summarize. This month has been an absolute whirlwind. Two weddings, work has been CRAZY!, and we found out I am going to be an Auntie! :-)

Needless to say, I am a bit overwhelmed. So overwhelmed that I can't even wrap my mind around what has been going on. Fortunately I think everything will be calming down in the next few weeks. Actually, I'm not so sure about that....well, anyway.

Know that I am trying to hang in there, and could use all the positive energy you all can send my way.

Thanks!!

Pictures

Pictures have been requested. Below, are pictures of my parent's Anniversary Party, the Penn State game with my dad, and Ubah's wedding. Enjoy!

Look at that band!!

absence

I'm so sorry for my absence. Since the start of school, my life has been crazy busy. Labor Day weekend was the party my sister and I threw for my parent's 40th wedding anniversary. It was a wonderful day. The late summer sun shone down on the flowers in my mom's garden and 60 family and friends came to my parent's house to celebrate their shared life together. It was an amazing day. But whew! You can imagine.
Last weekend my dad and I drove up to State College, PA to go to a Penn State football game. My dad receieved his Masters in Journalism from Penn State and he and my mom used to go to every game - even the blizzard conditions of some! Dad goes every year to one game (usually in September to avoid driving those curvy mountain roads in the snow). This year he took me. I'd never been to Penn State, and it was so fun to walk around the campus and see where my parents spent their early days of marriage. Penn State beat Syracuse and I learned the cheer "WE ARE....PENN STATE" cheered by 103,000 people.
Last night I went to my first Orioles v. Red Sox game of the season. It was great. Camden Yards was filled with Red Sox fans - I felt sorry for the Orioles fans - it felt like Fenway. In any case, the Red Sox won, and we had great seats! Fun times with my friends Gregg and Carrie.

So besides the start of school - which in and of itself is a hectic and crazy time - it has been difficult to get that time to center myself and rejuvenate my spirit. I need to somehow find some time to find balance. Today is filled with some much needed laundry, grocery shopping, school work and then the entire science department is getting together tonight for a bonfire at the dept. chair's house. It should be fun (the fire part)! Our headmistress sent this along to us and I love it. I'm going to share it with you here.

Editorial The Rural Life New York Times
Goldenrod Time
By VERLYN KLINKENBORG
Published: September 17, 2009

Somehow my internal timekeeper failed this summer — broken down, perhaps, during the utterly sodden month of June. Time passed, and all the natural events that happen on this farm happened in order. But when the goldenrod began to bloom a few weeks ago, I failed to make a connection between the two.

The goldenrod ripens with nearly the same power as the leaves turning. It’s one of the strongest temporal clues I know, and I usually respond to it the way I respond to most signs of a shifting season: with an inward emotional tug.

This year, I seem to be absent, or perhaps I’m just resting in the lull of late summer. Or perhaps I’ve become just another of the creatures on this farm.

I don’t suppose the bees answer the blooming goldenrod with a rush of emotion. They’re acutely aware of the sun’s position. They’re connoisseurs of ripeness, that moment of nectareous perfection in each blooming species.

In the life sequence of the hive, bees certainly know the order in which things are done. But it isn’t — or so it seems to me — a nextness that reaches beyond the very task at hand. And yet what could all that honey mean except an awareness of the future?

What I needed, besides the goldenrod, was a few cool nights. And now that they’ve come, I feel my clock restarting. The goldenrod is pointing headlong to September’s end, and soon the world around me will be turning copper, deepening the blue overhead. I moved to the country, long ago, in order to live with time. I believed it was something happening around me. Now I know that it’s passing in me.

out with friends

Last night I met up with Stephanie, Matt, Ubah and Katie. It was Restaurant Week in D.C. and we went to Columbia Firehouse in Old Towne, Alexandria. We had wonderful food and laughed til we cried! (Can anyone say "Screaming her head off?!?!?!")

It is hard for us to get together and not talk politics. Here is the Colbert Report interview with Orley Taitz (of the Birther movement). One of the topics of our conversation last night.

The Colbert Report	Mon - Thurs 11:30pm / 10:30c
Womb Raiders - Orly Taitz
http://www.colbertnation.com/
Colbert Report Full Episodes Political Humor Health Care Protests

Speaking of Alan Rickman

Well, I've seen several friends' posts lately regarding Alan Rickman, and thanks to Erika who sent this to me, I am sharing this YouTube clip from the Family Guy that I just LOVE! It is so hilarious.

And Kate, I also love that man!! :-)




Here is the original blog link that Erika sent me: http://theparkbencher.blogspot.com/2009/07/nerd-man-of-month-alan-rickman.html

Ladies, we are not alone!!

Also, he was absolutely fabulous as Snape - he MADE the 6th movie.

Still my favorite book

"The Salinas Velley is in Northern California. It is a long. narrow swale between two ranges of mountains, and the Salinas River winds and twists up the center until it falls at last into Monterey Bay.
I remember my childhood names for grasses and secret flowers. I remember where a toad may live and what time the birds awaken in the summer - and what trees and seasons smelled like - how people looked and walked and smelled even. The memory of odors is very rich.
I remember that the Gabilan Mountains to the east of the valley were light gay mountains full of sun and lovliness and a kind of invitation, so you wanted to climb into their warm foothills almost as you want to climb into the lap of a beloved mother. They were beckoning mountains with a brown grass love. The Santa Lucias stood up against the sky to the west and kept the valley from the open sea, and they were dark and brooding - unfriendly and dangerous. I always found in myself a dread of west and love of east. Where I ever got such an idea I cannot say, unless it could be that the morning came over the peaks of the Gabilans and the night drifted back from the ridges of the Santa Lucias. It may be that the birth and death of the day had some part in my feeling about the tow ranes of mountains."

- East of Eden , page 1. John Steinbeck

This is one of those books that just sticks with me, and as I read it, I find myself thinking about the layers that Steinbeck has carefully built and it truly is a joy uncovering each one.

Wine Tasting in NC

Today Christina, Emanuel, Bronte, Hywel and I went to the RayLen Vineyard just outside of Greensboro, NC. We had a wonderful time - the sun was shining, there was music playing and a nice breeze. Good times! I made headbands from the clover flowers that Bronte picked!

Dogs using the Metro!

I just saw this post as I was surfing the internet (I know, shame, shame.). Anyway, check this out! I think it is kind of cool. Here is the link to the original post.

Who are you lookin' at???

Apparently dogs in Moscow are using the metro to travel into the city to search for food and then travel back out to the suburbs at night. Amazing!

The biologist in me thinks this is so cool to see how these dogs have used their cognitive behaviors to "hunt" for food. They have adapted to the system.

My animal friendly side is concerned about all of these stray dogs; that I am sure are not spayed and neutered. Yikes! Some of them don't look too healthy. :-( Why are all of these dogs just sleeping??

Not to mention the part of me that thinks about my non-dog-loving friends (you know who you are) and how this might terrify them in a public space!

Then I think - you know, I went to the park yesterday, and even on the park you had to have your dogs leashed. Interesting - two very different worlds!

Anyway, I thought this was good food for thought. :-) Enjoy!

This man doesn't seem bothered in the least!

Protesting in Silence today in Tehran

I'm sure you've all been reading and hearing about what is going on in Iran right now, but I thought this video was a moving reminder about what it means to have free speech.

Federal Hill, Inner Harbor and good friends!

View of the Inner Harbor from Federal Hill in Baltimore

Flag on Federal Hill

Stephani and Matt

On Sunday Stephanie and Matt visited B-more. They came for lunch - we had chicken salad, fruit salad and tomatoes, basil and mozarella. We had a nice lunch, then they showed me their wonderful videos from Greece and the video Stephanie made of their new house! It was great to see;I feel like I've been there! Thanks Stephanie!

We decided to go to the Inner Harbor and walk around. It was a gorgeous day, sunny, 70's, light breeze. Just fabulous! We stopped and got some ice cream and found a shady spot to side and chat. It was lovely to just sit, people watch, and catch up. Then we decided to walk up to Federal Hill and check out the view. 105 steps up to the top and the view was just fabulous. There is a park at the top with benches, a swing set and large trees. I took the picture of the flag, the light was shining just right!

All in all, it was a fabulous day. I feel so blessed to have such wonderful friends. What a weekend and a great start to summer!

Longwood Gardens

Last Saturday I picked up Jami in the morning and we headed up the road. I was taking her on a surprise hijacking to Longwood Gardens for her birthday (June 18!). She had no idea where we were going, it was so much fun to surprise her! She was a good sport.

We got to Longwood about 1pm and had lunch in their formal dining room. We had drinks and great food and it was just what the doctor ordered. After lunch we set out to explore the grounds. Longwood is set up with many different types of gardens - perennial beds, vegetable gardens, orchards, meadows, woods (with a tree house!), rose gardens, topiary gardens and the "Idea" garden. The rich colors, the inspiring setting, and the promise of vegetables, fruits, and flowers was very uplifting. It made us very happy to be out in nature all day, taking our time, walking through these carefully manicured gardens as well as the natural woods and meadows. Below are a few pictures from the day.

Somebody was taking a nap! :-)

Look who else we saw (and heard! He was loud!)

Graduation

Today was graduation. It was a hot and humid day. The sticky kind of day that is gray and almost foggy with the moisture hanging in the air. Graduation was at 5 pm in the "Graduation Garden" behind the Gordon Building (House). It is really a very serene place with tall oaks and steps leading down a stone path to a semi-circle of arborvitae trees at the stage. The girls process down in pairs, wearing long white dresses and carrying baskets of daisies. They look so grown-up; simultaneously "old" and "young."

I love this day. It has so much meaning for the girls. This is the culmination of all their hard work, determination, perseverance, and strength. This is the day they dream about. This is the day they picture in their minds eye that represents becoming a young woman and leaving "home." For some of these girls Bryn Mawr has been their home-away-from-home for 14 years. Many of their childhood memories were created there. Whether it is reading in the nook in the lower school library, or sitting listening to the birds at the observation deck, or laughing with friends in the commons room. Today, they all love Bryn Mawr. Even the ones who rail against "the man (or should I say woman)." Today, they share a love of community and a love of place. It is a special day.

Today, the faculty processed in, and then the band started, and the girls walked down, hand in hand, under the darkening sky. Yep, just as they all took a seat on stage, the first raindrops began to fall. The Headmistress made an announcement directing people into Centennial Hall Auditorium (making sure the girls get there first). One minute later the sky opened up, lightening streaked and thunder pounded and people got soaked. I mean soaked.

In the end, I didn't get to see the girls graduate. The auditorium could not fit all the family and the faculty. Even the overflow space that had closed-circuit TV couldn't fit us all - people were packed like sardines in there. So I left. I was very sad about not seeing them get their diplomas. I was sad to not hear the graduation speech, or see the smiles as they hugged each other in celebration.

But I know that this is a story they are going to be talking about for a long time. I think this has only happened to a few classes in Bryn Mawr's history. That makes them special! What a story. They will re-tell it, and it will become lore.

So this is the end of the year. And just like the girls, I am looking forward. I am looking forward to next year; the next adventure. I always leave with a bit of optimism and I am very thankful for this. The moment I do not feel this way, I know it will be time for a change.

But today, the cooler air came in, the rain has stopped, and tomorrow is a new day.

History of Bryn Mawr School

Mission Statement:
The Bryn Mawr School is an independent, nonsectarian, college-preparatory school for girls from preschool through grade twelve. Within a nurturing environment, Bryn Mawr's rigorous academic curriculum inspires a passion for intellectual curiosity and emphasizes the delights and demands of learning. In the classical humanistic tradition, Bryn Mawr promotes the full development of mind, body, and spirit. The school cultivates respect for diversity and engenders habits of moral and ethical leadership and a sense of responsibility to the broader community.

A Bryn Mawr education is grounded in the expectation that young women will be resilient in the face of complexity, ambiguity, and change; will become responsible and confident participants in the world; and, will lead considered and consequential lives.

Isn't this what a school is supposed to be about???

YouTube Wanderings

Well, here are two YouTube videos that I discovered that I love:







We had the annual faculty show yesterday and the faculty did this in the auditorium! It was a hit! We did all the moves! :-)

Spring finally feels here!

Ah, this weekend has just been beautiful. I am reminded about why I love living in a place that has four seasons. With each transition I am grateful and feel blessed for the change. People need change; it's part of our nature. We may rail against it, we may embrace it, but we all need change.

Mary is talking to Colin about the "secret" garden:

"I think it has been left alone so long- that it has grown all into a lovely tangle. I think the roses have climbed and climbed and climbed until they hang from the branches and walls and creep over the ground - almost like a strange gray mist. Some of them have died but many - are alive and when the summer comes there will be curtains and fountains of roses. I think the ground is full of daffodils and snowdrops and lilies and iris working their way out of the dark. Now the spring has begun - perhaps - perhaps-"

The soft drone of her voice was making him stiller and stiller and she saw it and went on.

"Perhaps they are coming up through the grass- perhaps there are clusters of purple crocuses and gold ones- even now. Perhaps the leaves are beginning to break out and uncurl -and perhaps- the gray is changing and a green gauze veil is creeping - and creeping over - everything. And the birds are coming to look at it - because it is - so safe and still. And perhaps - perhaps- perhaps-" very softly and slowly indeed, "the robin has found a mate - and is building a nest."

- The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

New Harry Potter Trailer

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=96QRVfto7OM

This is the new Harry Potter trailer, and while I am a little upset that they keep delaying the release of this movie, and instead keep teasing us by showing us this FOURTH trailer.....I am super excited about the movie. It looks so good! Youtube won't let me embed the file, so you have to click the link above to watch. :-) Enjoy!

Rainy Day

I love rainy days. Especially when they come on Saturdays. I've had a lazy morning reading blogs and watching the rain. At times it comes down pretty hard. You know what they say about April. We need the rain though - we've had a pretty dry winter.

I want to share with you all the blog my students created on Thursday. We were talking (because this is Earth Month) about the environment and discussing small things we could do to raise awareness. We brainstormed ideas, and they decided to create this blog that we will update when we find cool websites or information.

Green Daze

The girls spell RECYCLE.

Boston Red Sox - Opening Day: Red Sox 5, Rays 3 - Boston.com

Boston Red Sox - Opening Day: Red Sox 5, Rays 3 - Boston.com


Today was opening day for the Red Sox! We played at Fenway, which was nice because it hasn't been there the last few years. I left right after school to get home to watch and I wasn't disappointed. Josh Beckett looked great and threw 10 strike outs in 7 innings. My favorite, Jason Veritek had a home run and Papelbon finished up smoothly in the 9th. All is well in The Nation! So happy the season is starting! Hooray! Go Sox!

MBC Reunion

Last weekend my college roommate and friend Katie and I drove down from Baltimore to Staunton, Virginia for our 10 year college reunion. We had a great time catching up on the road trip and hangin out with our friends, which we call "the nucleus." Some of the nucleus couldn't be with us, and we missed them, but Ubah, Stephanie and Matt were there. So we drove down on Saturday morning, left Baltimore around 7:15am. Got to Staunton in time for the class meeting where we discussed class leadership responsibilities and elected new members. We then went to lunch in the dining hall, which was just plain weird. It was strange to be back. With the few changes they have made in 10 years, its was like we'd never left. We had a nice lunch catching up and laughing histerically over "Unlacing Lilly" a title of one of Ubah's favorite novels. :-) (Ub, I had too!) After lunch, Ubah, Stephanie and Matt headed to the Greenvalley Book Fair (http://www.gvbookfair.com/), and Katie and I headed to Queen City Brewing Company for a tour. The brewery is small, but has some nice beer - ales, IPA's and lagers. The best part though was the bluegrass band The Hound Dog Hill Boys (http://www.myspace.com/hounddoghill). They are great! Check out their music. I just listened to their song titled "Baltimore Fire!"
Katie and I headed back to Staunton to do a little walking around and shopping. It was so nice to see Staunton have so much development - cute little shops which stationary, unique jewelry shops and an awesome toys store called Pufferbellies. They also have so many coffee shops! Where were these when we went to school here???? It is wonderful though, and I am happy that it seems to be thriving. It would be a great place to stop and stretch your legs if you are driving that way. http://www.visitstaunton.com/attractions/attractions.htm
Katie and I then headed back to the hotel to check in, take a nap, and get ready for dinner. Dinner was at a restaurant, but I am not going to advertise it here. It was horrible. $50 for a tough as nails, can't-saw-through-it-with-a-steak-knife meal. And that was just the beginning. Try a plastic wrap covered piece of cake for $50!

After dinner and a sad attempt at mingling (which nobody really did), the nucleus went to the Stonewall Jackson Hotel lounge to chill. http://www.stonewalljacksonhotel.com/ Now, this is not the same hotel that was here when we lived in Staunton, that's for sure. It was really nice with updated decor and a classy style. Anyway, after walking through the reception for VWIL, we got to the lounge and had a great time laughing, chatting, and unwinding from the reunion.

The next morning Katie and I headed back to MBC. I wanted to go to the chapel service at Miller Chapel and Katie walked around Staunton, took in some coffee and met up with her music professor Bob Allen. After the service, Ubah and I went with Pat Hunt, the chaplain at MBC, to get some coffee and talk. I think besides seeing the nucleus, seeing Pat and catching up was the best part of the weekend.

After some time for reflection and a crazy, hectic week, I am reminded how blessed I am for having such wonderful friends. Yes, Mary Baldwin is a small women's college nestled in the Shennandoah Valley. When we were there, there wasn't much to do outside of school and our friends. And as I look back, I am so grateful to have made the life-long friends I did there. They are my family, and I can't express how much they mean to me. So for that, I am eternally grateful to my alma mater.

Katie and I headed home and had a beautiful sunny drive back to D.C. I love that drive along I-81 through the valley with mountains on both sides and green pastures with the sun hitting them "just so." It was very peaceful. I dropped Katie off at her apartment and then this is where the interesting part begins. Then, I get stuck in Cherry Blossom Festival traffic. No kidding. It takes me about 3 more hours to get to Baltimore. I was stopped so often that I had a chance to take some really nice pictures out my car window. Here is a visual of what my trip looked like!

Can you see all the kites flying! It is by the Washington Monument.

From my car window. They really are beautifu!

From the George Washington Parkway which was stopped. The light was hitting the monument perfectly!

Georgetown, from the Key bridge. Once I got on Canal Rd. traffic was moving. FINALLY!!!

The oceans

Counting down the days

til Spring Break. Oh I hate the thought that I am wishing my life away, but sometimes, that's what I need to do just to get through. Just to have a light at the end of the tunnel. Exhausted. Over-committed. Teetering. These are words I would use to describe my condition these days.

Oh, I'll survive. I'll get through. I have no doubt. It's just I wonder if it will be with any kind of grace or calmness. Is that too much to ask? Maybe. I'm just trying keep my head above water. Maybe that's all I can ask for??

Soon it will be break. I had all these grand plans of relaxing and visiting friends. Honestly. I think I just need to get caught up. I need to "reset."

One more week.

Squirrel Relocator

Ok my squirrely friends. This video has a whole new meaning.....but very funny! There goes gladys!

so sorry!

I am so sorry I've been neglecting the blogosphere. My life has just been super hectic and crazy, and not in any particular way. Just a "life is CRAZY!" kind of way.

I was so happy two weekends ago because KT came to visit me in B-more, and we had such a wonderful time catching up, playing the ukulele, and walking around Hampden and going in all the vintage shops. Here is an awesome Youtube video of Jake Shimbakuro playing the ukulele. (KT, keep having fun and trying new things!! I love your originals)

Last weekend, I had my parents over for dinner and I fixed this awesome beef stew. It is from the Food network test kitchens and the recicpe is below! It is so awesome. mmmmmmm good! I changed a few things - added half the can of tomato paste, 4 cloves of garlic (large), I had no parsley, but it worked out just fine, I added 3 bay leaves, I used idaho potatoes, and 4 canned, peeled tomatoes with the juice. I also didn't add any red wine vinegar, but I think next time, I will add a little red wine! Tasty! Also, I added 1 can of beef broth, 1 carton of chicken broth, and 2 cups of water. The timing is perfect, I wouldn't change that at all.

Ingredients
Vegetable oil, for searing
2 1/2 pounds beef chuck, cut into 2-inch cubes
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
2 tablespoons unsalted butter
2 medium onions, cut into 6ths
5 cloves garlic, crushed
1 tablespoon tomato paste
1/3 cup all-purpose flour, or to cover
10 cups cold water, or chicken or beef broth, homemade or low-sodium canned
6 sprigs parsley
6 sprigs fresh thyme
2 bay leaves
1 1/4 pounds medium red potatoes, quartered
4 medium carrots, cut into 2-inch pieces
2 celery stalks, cut into 2-inch pieces
7 canned whole, peeled tomatoes, lightly crushed
2 to 3 teaspoons red wine vinegar, or to taste
Cook's Note: Beef chuck, from the shoulder, because of its marbling of intra-muscular fat, is the choice for any type of stew. If you can't find chuck cubed for stew in your meat department, buy a thick chuck steak and cut it into 2-inch cubes.
Directions
Heat a large Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid over medium-high heat. Pour in enough oil to fill the pan about 1/4-inch deep. Season the beef generously with salt and pepper, and add to the pan. Saute half the meat, uncovered, stirring only occasionally, until well-browned, about 8 minutes. Using a slotted spoon, transfer the beef to a plate. Repeat with the remaining beef. Discard the oil and wipe out the pan.

Preheat the oven to 325 degrees F. Return the pot to the stove and melt the butter over medium high heat. Add the onion and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Add the garlic and cook, stirring, until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add the tomato paste and cook, stirring, until lightly browned, about 1 minute more. Add the reserved beef and scatter the flour over the vegetable and beef mixture (enough to lightly coat) and cook stirring until lightly toasted. Add the water or broth, and bring to a simmer. Tie the parsley, thyme, and bay leaves together with a piece of kitchen twine and add the bundle to the pot. Season with 2 teaspoons salt, or to taste. Cover and transfer to the oven. Cook the meat until just tender, about 1 1/2 hours. (This can also be done on the stove at a low simmer.)

Remove pot from the oven. Skim the fat from the cooking liquid with a spoon or ladle. Add the potatoes, carrots, celery, and the tomatoes, and bring to a simmer on top of the stove. Cook, uncovered, stirring occasionally, until the liquid thickens and the vegetables are tender, about 1 hour. Remove and discard the herb bundle. Stir in the vinegar and season with salt and pepper, to taste. Divide among bowls and serve immediately.

Copyright 2003 Television Food Network, G.P. All rights reserved
http://www.foodnetwork.com/recipes/food-network-kitchens/beef-stew-recipe3/index.html

Snow days bring welcome work days for teachers

AH. Nothing quite makes teachers as happy as a snow day. AH. I can now do work in the comfort of my home, without being interupted by students all day. AH. I can sit here, with my work, drinking a cup of tea, and listen to the kids sledding down the ice covered parking lot, and think, "hey, they're not my kids." I'm not responsible. :-)

It is still spitting freezing rain and the roads look terrible. Baltimore does a horrible job of salting and taking care of the roads. If this were Boston, and we only had 3 inches of snow and 1 inch of ice, the road would just be wet. Here, they are a death trap. That's what drives me crazy - although, I'm not complaining about the snow day!

Very happy to have the day off and take a mental health day. woohoo!

Inauguration of President Barack Obama

As I wake up
I can't help but feel
the world is a different place.

Renewed deeply.
Changed forever.
Inspired spirit.

The Chosen have been selected.
Statements have been delivered.
Tears for the fallen and tireless have been shed.

Redemption is felt far and wide.
Healing must begin now.
Mothers, fathers, children, have travelled long journeys
and the fork in the road has been decided.

We chose.

Hope.
Change.
Promise.

Bands are playing and people rejoice. They sing.
People from all walks of life come,
join, and participate.
They huddle together. Neighbors, families, and strangers.

Where the common thread of our humanity
and this time, is not the color of our skin,
but the character of our community.

And the quilt can be sewn together.
And we finally feel,
as we come together in solidarity,
the meaning that is unity.

And we sing.

Slumdog Millionaire

I went with a friend last night to see "Slumdog Millionaire." The movie is the story of a young man named Jamal, who finds himself on India's version of "Who Wants To Be A Millionaire" TV show. Jamal is suspected of cheating on the show - how could he possibly know the answers? - he is from the slums of India. The movie carefully and brilliantly weaves in the story of Jamal's extraordinary life, and while doing so, reminds us all how to be better. It is heart-warming, but not in a cheesy, saccharin sweet way. Instead, you find yourself rooting for Jamal, along with Indians across the country who find him inspiring. It seems like the "All-American story" - a Horatio Alger story - a man from a humble background finds success and builds a life - but what I was reminded of, was that this is a human story. In a way, I feel like I got a glimpse of Indian history as well, and for that I am grateful.

I loved it, and give it two thumbs up, and 4 stars! Must see.

Election Day, November, 1884

by Walt Whitman

If I should need to name, O Western World, your power-
fulest scene and show,
'Twould not be you, Niagara- nor you, ye limitless
prairies- nor your huge rifts of canyons, Colorado,
Nor you, Yosemite- nor Yellowstone, with all its spasmic
geyser-loops ascending to the skies, appearing and
disappearing,
Nor Oregon's white cones- nor Huron's belt of mighty
lakes- nor Mississippi's stream:
- This seething hemisphere's humanity, as now, I'd
name- the still small voice vibrating - America's
choosing day,
(The heart of it not in the chosen- the act itself the main,
the quadriennial choosing,)
The stretch of North and South arous'd - sea-board and
inland- Texas to Maine - the Prairie States - Vermont,
Virginia, California,
The final ballot-shower from East to West- the paradox
and conflict,
The countelss snow-flakes falling- (a swordless conflict,
Yet more than all Rome's wars of old, or modern
Napoleon's:) the peaceful choice of all,
Or good or ill humanity- welcoming the darker odds, the
dross:
- Foams and ferments the wine? it serves to purify-
while the heart pants, life glows:
These stormy gusts and winds waft precious ships,
Swell'd Washington's, Jefferson's, Lincoln's sails.

And Obama's. Yes We Can. We are One.

Congratulations America. I feel the hope rising. Rising up.