Yikes!

This is a short but sadly funny comment...As I will be turning 50 on January 3rd, I suppose it should not have been a surprise to get a letter from AARP. Somehow, it just seems wrong to wind up on this mailing list. I don't know if I should be mad or sad. I don't feel older than, say 47 or 48. And what makes them think I'll be able to retire, anyway? Probably the smartest thing I've ever done was to cash in my retirement fund and come to the Residential Program. Given the current ecomomic news, it seems smarter than ever...but I'm wondering, will anyone of my generation and ecomomic status ever really be able to retire? Right now it does not look likely. But I'm so thankful that I took the money and ran when I did...I wouldn't have the option now.

Graduation Tomorrow!

It's really hard to believe that the class of WARP08 graduates tomorrow. It's been really interesting to watch from the other side...I'd love to do it again with the benefit of knowing how the
year would change me...change my life. I think I'd have enjoyed it more if I'd known how it would turn out.

On the other hand, the not knowing had great value for me...and I expect I'd have chickened out if I knew all that would happen in my WARP year. It's been hard not to tell some of my stories, and I know that the best ones would stop some people from coming to check out the program. The very best ones are only shared with those who have been here...

The pendants on the rock were made by staff and former WARPies while the current class was off on survival trip...The cedar wood was collected, shaped and polished by instructors and WARP grads. The cordage was made (reverse wrapped) by 5 women who have done the program...It's nettle and dogbane. I think it turned out well. We felt just a little guilty sitting in Angie's kitchen sharing snacks and wine while the "kids" were out in the woods. Just a little...we knew they'd be fine. And they were.

Tomorrow the community will throw a party in their honor. The class of 08 will then go out into the world to make a difference. I can't wait to see what they accomplish!

I'm a Star!

I never thought I'd see my name in the credits at the end of a film, but I did today. I knew that Wilderness Awareness School was making a new DVD to send to people who request information about our Residential Program or our new Earth Mentor Program. And I have given permission for the use of any of my photographs that I took last year while in WARP07. But it was a big surprise today to see the end of the finished product, and then to see my name as the credits rolled.

I haven't even seen the whole film yet, and I feel like a star! It's incredibly nice to be able to give back a bit to a program that changed my life in so many ways. And the really cool thing is that the programs change things for everyone they touch. I'm excited that my photographs might encourage someone to come and give it a go. Now, if I can just stay humble....