I had such a wonderful time at General last week - it was just what I needed as I wind down at the shop! Brian and I had gone to the seminary in the fall, Pam and I had gone in the winter and Brian encouraged me to go down to hear Barbara Crafton preach last Tuesday - and take Pam with me. We made a 3 day trip out of it! The weather was perfect and we went uptown to the Cloisters which was magical. Plum trees, daffodils, tulips and cherry trees as far as you could see. The botanical gardens with all of their medicinal herbs made me realize I am not leaving all of my herbal life behind - there are still herbs in the city - who knew?! We also easily entered the rhythm of daily prayer at the school, it was so wonderful and felt like home to me- how can that be so soon? And our visits to St. John the Divine and St. Bart's was great - the stained glass ideas are still swirling around in my head! We went out for dinner Monday with Susan - and she was so helpful with suggestions to make move-in and acclimation easier. On Tuesday we went to a barbecue restaurant on 8th avenue and with our dinner had Texas Margaritas - oh, my! Talking to Peter that night when we wobbled back to our room was a hoot - "mom! Stop laughing! Let me talk to Pam!" and of course she was giggling, too - it felt so wonderful to let loose and laugh! All in all - I feel ready for the next three months of hard change - bring it on, so I can get to the next chapter! Thanks be to God!