Stay tuned…

Most people think that teachers and academics get the summer off. If class is not in session the university is not running, right? If the students get to go home, then we do too, right?

It used to annoy me. I’ve gotten over it. I get the chance to tell people that it is quite the opposite sometimes, and that makes me feel better.

Summer is a very busy time in academia, for staff, for professors, for administrators. In fact, the next few weeks will be the busiest time of the year for me. There are orientations and seminars to plan for the fall, materials to update for the coming year, curriculum to plan for the spring, admissions deadlines, courses to prepare…well, you get the drift.

When I feel overwhelmed by our current hectic pace, I go outside and sit in our little historic quad courtyard. It is especially shady and nice in the mornings. Now, with the humidity and temperatures high and the winds low, shade is important.

The pholox is in full bloom outside my building. Not only is it absolutely gorgeous, but it fills the still July air with an amazing perfume. Fragrant, but not overwhelmingly so. It makes you wonder how nature came up with the idea for such a wonderful aroma. I have never smelled a flower like it before in my life.

I wish I could share this smell with you online, but alas, you will have to settle for a picture instead.

Stayed tuned as I focus a bit more attention to preparing for the upcoming year! I promise I’ll get back on track with posts soon.