Thoughtworthy: I’m Back, Well Mostly

:: 1 ::

On Monday, I returned from Grace to Build! What an amazing conference! You all out there on the East Coast are totally blessed, you know that? Such a wonderful group of people in such a beautiful place. What’s not to like? Since then, I’ve been in my usual post-conference coma. I planned for this, so we have spent the week easing back into our normal schedule. Also, my coma is not nearly as bad as it has been in the past. I think I’m slowly learning some tricks that keep me functioning!

I’m still playing major catch-up, of course, so if you’ve been trying to contact me … I’m trying!

:: 2 ::

My affection for Arnica is pretty much undying. As far as homeopathy goes, Arnica is a staple. I think I mentioned in the past that we’ve used it for head injuries. Because kids. Anyhow, before this trip, I learned that jet lag is often a form of trauma to the body, and Arnica often works as a treatment. I decided to try it — what did I have to lose? It’s not like it’d hurt me to take it. And if it was the right remedy for me, I might feel pretty good.

Yea, verily, it worketh!

It was so thrilling! I remember when I did the Texas AO conference and I felt wasted at least half the time. This was yet another hour time difference, and yet I did way better. It wasn’t perfect, of course, but it was such an improvement over previous trips. My return adjustment has also been better. I’ve decided I’ll be carrying this in my travel bag from now on.

:: 3 ::

One of the things I’ve realized is that when I’m preparing to speak, one of the best things I can do for myself is to read something on a totally unrelated topic. I packed six books (and then purchased three more while I was away), and this is one reason why. Of course, there are times when we can’t control the books and the ideas jump out and play with each other on the mental playground regardless of how unrelated they seemed when you chose them.

Be that as it may, I was very pleased with my airplane books. I decided to choose fiction titles that I thought would last me the trip. The flight from San Francisco to Raleigh was about 5 hours, and the first flight home from Raleigh to Denver was about 4 hours. These novels were practically perfect! Nathan Coulter was the one I chose for the flight over, and my only complaint is that it was a 4-hour book, leaving me feeling claustrophobic for the fifth hour. One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich, on the other hand, was exactly right for my flight to Denver.

Nathan Coulter was my first Wendell Berry in a year or two, but not my favorite Berry. And yet, I recommend it. I mean, you really can’t go wrong with Berry. One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich was my first Solzhenitsyn. I think I’d like to read more of his work!

:: 4 ::

If you somehow missed it, Mystie has a fabulous free mini-workshop for you this week.

If you need a kick in your homeschool pants, as Pam likes to say, this is for you.

:: 5 ::

I am a total Wes Callihan fan girl, so I was very excited about this Scholé Sisters episode:

:: 6 ::

I’ve got lots to catch up on, as I said. I’m trying to get Newbie Tuesday out next week; we’ll see how that goes. I’ve got a number of blog posts rolling around in my head as well. I need to get back into Vittorino da Feltre, of course, but there are a few other thoughts I’m mulling over as well. So much to write and so little time!

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