Wednesday, September 18, 2024

But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?

At around 3 this morning, I looked out of the window and there was an absolutely beautiful moon... I asked Big A if he'd go on a walk with me, he said sure, so we headed downstairs, Max and Huckie joined us, and then we all walked around in the moonlight for a while... It was calm and sublime and somehow something I needed.

(Written out like that it sounds a bit odd. I often wonder if Big A and I are perfect for each other or atrocious for each other... we so rarely try to talk each other out of our (no doubt sometimes bad) ideas... we're really like some dumb Pisces-Scorpio astrology writeup come to life.)

In other news, my application to teach an eight-week online course for students in Gaza has been accepted! Also: our idealistic (and now, sadly, outgoing) college president has started up a prison education initiative, and I'll get a chance to teach in a local prison again (I did something like this long ago in grad school). I am so happy to be participating in both of these programs. I mean, I wish there wasn't an ongoing epistemicide in Gaza and that we didn't have a carceral state stateside, but those things are happening anyway, and now I get to help out in a role I love.

Pic: I learned how to stop my phone from using its automatic flash, and got an okay picture of the moon! I learned today is a supermoon... 

14 comments:

Nicole said...

Oh wow, those are such great things - congratulations! I'm so happy for you.
The moon was so beautiful here too - this whole week I get up and watch it slowly fall, and it's just stunning.

Nance said...

Those are two wonderful outreach positions for you. I know you'll find them soul-satisfying and rewarding.

It's a Sadness that we have a carceral mentality in our country rather than a rehabilitative one. When I taught American Literature, I used to hit the Puritans hard for this (and a whole lot more). They have a lot to answer for.

StephLove said...

Congrats on both positions. How is the internet in Gaza? Will your students be able to stay connected? I guess you won't know for sure until you're doing it.

Gillian said...

Congratulations

Anonymous said...

Learned a new word today: epistemicide. Thanks for the ways that you broadened my view. :)

NGS said...

If I asked my husband to take a walk at 3am, he'd probably murderize me. What is even happening with your sleep?!

maya said...

Thank you, Nicole... It's almost feels like a relief to be able to do this. I can imagine how beautiful moonrise is where you are!

maya said...

Thank you, Nance, I'm looking forward to these experiences. That whole punitive mindset is very Puritan--I must try to remember that!

maya said...

Thanks, Steph... I wondered about the internet too! And there are so many courses they needed staffed, I wonder at the logistics of it all... I'll report back as I know more.

maya said...

Thank you!

maya said...

Anon--New to me this year too! "Scholasticide" was another one mentioned in the context of elementary education...

maya said...

Engie--See, this is the thing! What is wrong with Big A?!?! lol

Jenny said...

I saw that supermoon- but not at 3 am!!! It was still out when I was driving my daughter to school in the morning.

maya said...

I saw it in the morning and the next night too... still not tired of it!

just look up

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