The View Up Here

First of all, how the hell did it get to be September? I hate to admit it, but it does feel like late summer. There's that heavy, pregnant feeling, a bit sluggish, things slowing down just a bit, harvest ready to gather. I can feel this as clearly as I can feel my own heartbeat. It has always been one of my favorite times of year, but this year it has a sad tinge to it. This summer has been so awesome for me that I really don't want to see it slip away. Nevertheless, it is September. The harvest this year: two important events. The Rod Serling Conference at Ithaca College is next weekend (registration is still open!). Working as the Academic Coordinator has been an honor and a wonderful learning experience for me. I am grateful for the opportunity to work with the Serling family and my colleagues at I.C. on this celebration of the work and life of Mr. Serling. The other event is my 2-week recon mission to Los Angeles. I'll head out on the 20th and stay through Oct. 4. ...

The semester, at long last, is finally concluded, and with it, much of my stress. Even the incessant rain and gray skies aren't going to get my kite string in a knot. No, instead, I relish in the freedom of mind, body and spirit that comes with that glorious period between end of Spring semester and beginning of Summer Session. Next week, I will be visiting The Land Where I Was Birthed and celebrating my great-nephew Aidan's first birthday with my family. Over the summer, I have plans, many plans, which include, but are not limited to: Teaching for Cornell's summer college Working on the Space: 1999 novel (thanks to Bill, my editor at Powys Media, for being so patient) Polishing two scripts with my writing group Getting a rough cut done of my doc on life as an EFL teacher in Korea Working on the Rod Serling Conference for Ithaca College Volunteering with The Ithaca League of Women Rollers as their Penalty Box Manager Lookin' for a jrrb I have a clip coming out later...

I am honored to be the Academic Coordinator of The Rod Serling Conference for this year. If you are interested in submitting a presentation proposal, please read on: “The Rod Serling Conference,” an interdisciplinary academic conference dedicated to the lasting works of Rod Serling, will be held at the Roy H. Park School of Communications at Ithaca College, Sept. 9-10, 2011. Explore that unique “dimension of imagination” that was the creative work, teaching, and public conscience of Rod Serling where he taught from 1967 – 1975. Submit papers and presentations by APRIL 1, 2011 to the Rod Serling Conference Committee at serling@ithaca.edu. Include an abstract (max 250 words), A/V needs, short biography of presenter(s) with daytime phone number, mailing address, and e-mail address. More info at: http://www.ithaca.edu/rhp/serling/