Cool Soul In Avignon

My goal is to keep my entries brief and easy to read. I'll load pictures, and if I am savvy enough to do it, you'll be seeing some crazy video--appropriate, of course. Poetry, plays--anything that is inspired by this experience. I'll try to update weekly (more if I can).

Needless to say, I'm pretty excited. For those of you who aren't sure what I'm doing, here's the skinny:
In November, 2006, a colleague sent an email to the faculty informing us of possible grants from the National Endowment for the Humanities. I decided to see what would be available, but didn't think anything would work for me. Pat and I had decided to stay put this summer. And then, I saw it: A seminar entitled: "Theatricality and Reality in Modern French Drama". I ran across the pond (if you're ever at Nichols you'll know what I mean) to Kate (our middle school drama teacher) who has been collaborating on bringing drama to my 8th grade French class. (I've been using plays to discuss cultural identity, vocabulary, grammar and to develop pronunciation and intonation in French.) Kate, I hope you're having as much fun as I am!

These grants are competitive, and you can only imagine how many people applied for a month in the south of France! I am humbled and extremely grateful to be able to participate. AAAAAH! (That's the pre-travel jitters.)

As far as this blog constitutes a publication which acknowledges that I am participating in an NEH funded program, I must include the following disclaimer: "Any views, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed in this weblog do not necessarily reflect those of the National Endowment for the Humanities."

Well my friends, I'm off.
Peace,
Sheila

Acknowledgements

Ron Mon--you are the reason for this. If you hadn't sent that email, this would never have been on my radar. Thank you!
Thank you to the Nichols Enrichment Fund committee for providing supplemental funds.
Kate--you know what I'm going to say don't you?! Let's spread the passion.
The rest of you--you know who you are--for all the help you'll provide Pat while I'm gone, for the vibes you'll send out to me--thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Neadie and Seamus...man, you're awesome! Solid hugs and 1,000 kisses--that'll take you a while to wipe off Neadie.
Pat much love and thanks too! (I may visit Perpignan, just to get the vibe.)

Peace,
Sheila

3 pairs of sunglasses?!!

Okay, so it's Friday at 5:14 am, and I'm done packing. The Black Eyed Peas' Elephunk is playing, as I look at what I've done. I'm carrying a huge backpack as if I were going to be backpacking through Europe. I've included my 3 "boules". That's for playing pétanque, and I really didn't go crazy with the clothes...it's just that I had to bring my cool green shoes...And then, there's the pair of blue tinted sunglasses on my desk. If I take them, that'll be 3 pairs of sunglasses! C'mon Sheila...chill out! Computer bag, and a bag of books...

Avignon! COOOOOOOL! I'm heading to the south of France where the temperatures on average are in the high 90s throughout the month of July. Lavender and sun, papal palaces, city walls, 15 teachers gathering for some intense drama.