December Journal by Heidi O'Donnell Eastman
We have arrived at the winter solstice, a favorite time of year for me. I have grown to love late fall and early winter. In recent years I have turned, mostly, from the hustle and bustle of the season to as much quiet reflection that I can possibly muster.
Throughout history, celebrating the solstice has been a way to renew our connection with each other and with the numinous through acts of goodwill, special rituals, and heightened awareness. Living now full time in a seaside and farming town we embrace the season by lighting bonfires, taking walks in the woods or on the beach and spending as much time as possible in our studio. I love to gather fresh greens from around the property and then fill planters and buckets with them. I sometimes add fairy lights, too. I can get totally lost in this activity and only go indoors when I can no longer see.
This December, however, has not been without excitement and adventure. On December 1st, Sabrina Fay, my chief collaborator, and intern received fantastic news. Princeton University has offered Sabrina a full scholarship for four years; I am over the moon excited and proud of her. Princeton is indeed very lucky. If you have enjoyed the digital Port to Port stories then you have seen some of Sabrina's magic.
Ai Weiwei's “Good Fences Make Good Neighbors,” at Washington Square Arch, New York City
Later in the month, I headed to New York City for a few days. I was invited by New York University's Institute of French Studies to disseminate best practices of my Port to Port program. It was a treat to be back at IFS where I received my master's degree. IFS was home for me for two incredible years in the mid-eighties.
The beautiful Washington Square Mews is home to NYU's Institute of French Studies.
It is where I forged friendships which have lasted a lifetime, immersed myself in the interdisciplinary aspects of modern France, living steps away from author Henry James' Washington Square in the heart of Greenwich Village. My years at NYU were brimming with culture, politics and intellectual life. My dear friend, Isabelle Genest, Ph.D. has returned to NYU now working full time at IFS. I was delighted to spend time with her during my visit. I am excited about returning to the Institute of French Studies in the fall of 2018 to conduct a Port to Port workshop. I also look forward to celebrating IFS's 40th anniversary in the coming year.
Back in New Bedford, our class has not been too quiet, either. We are fully immersed in our study of the Age of Absolutism--from King Philip II of Spain, Louis XVI of France and the splendor of Versailles to Peter the Great in Russia. I am excited to show my students my photos of my trip to Estonia and the summer palace of Peter the Great and Catherine the Great.
This photo was taken in 2016 when I visited the Hall of Mirrors at the Palace of Versailles
We have also had numerous visitors to our class: Dr. Stephen Furtado, superintendent of GLCPS and our curriculum director, Derek Michael as well as Dr. Maureen Hall, a professor at the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. Sabrina and I also had some professional development time with Janice Randall Rohlf, VP, Editorial and Content at Lighthouse Media.
Students and Heidi in the "boardroom" with Professor Hall from UMASS Dartmouth
At week's end, we will all be off for our holiday break. I will take this opportunity to wish all of our readers and friends, whichever port you may hail from, a happy Solstice, a Merry Christmas and happy holidays and good tidings to all.
Students making merry before holiday break!