Summer coming to a close...a reflection...

Like most of my summers...this one was busy! Spent most of it working with my National Writing Project colleagues. In and around that work I found time to continue thinking about my dissertation and am currently working on my proposal. This past weekend however saw work "put on pause." I went to the mountains with friends and family and did several things for the first time...I biked the Creeper Trail, rode a 4-Runner, kayaked the New River and...went fishing. Each of these new experiences produced Zen-like...in the moment feelings where I was focused and enjoying every moment of that focus! I totally surrendered myself to each experience! I am bringing that Zen-like mindset "down the mountain" as I move into the next turn on this path that is my life. Starting this morning with a great walk/jog with my wife...continuing to the campus of UNCC with my DC colleagues...engaged in a great professional development session that will last all week long. It's interesting "being Tony the teacher" in this training...watching my NWP colleagues work the room. I'm so happy my DC peeps are here "breathing the NWP air." It's getting me excited to start the school year!