After a bit of a Hiatus...
I haven't written here in a while. Many of our projects of the year were concluded, and others didn't seem to offer the allure of interesting things to say in a blog post. I've also been in more of a introspective stretch for the last month, resulting in less activism, but more on that later.
Briefly, movie filming is underway for the funniest thing climate activists have ever seen. No, that's premature. If it comes out the way we have in mind, it will be the funniest thing you've ever seen. Hopefully filming and editing will continue on schedule to be ready to show the incoming freshmen in August.
Speaking of August, much of the activity of TNG and related people has been geared towards setting a good tone. TNG did a survey to see what worked and what didn't work with how we operate. Results were promising, and people want to take on more projects and more responsibility, while keeping the chill, traditional beverage filled meetings. We will get a lot of freshmen - they're going to be blown away by how cool we are. And we'll be doing fun projects right off the bat.
The Bell Book, the resource sent out to all frosh before they come, explains what to bring to school. The incoming dean, our acting sustainability coordinator and other relevant people poured over the book, editing out suggestions to bring fridges, and instead talking about things that you might think you need but really don't.
This month has been introspective. Six weeks ago our beloved friend and fellow climate activists Katie Craig committed suicide after a brief but intense battle with bi-polar. This unexpected tragedy has shaken us all deeply. Katie was deeply committed to saving the world and poured her energy into all sorts of projects to share her passion with the community. For those of us she left behind, it seems clear that she would have wanted us to continue our efforts, and indeed we shall with renewed strength. But through our grief we also gain a deeper understanding for what is really so important about what we do, the friendships and meaning that we generate as peers united in a worthy pursuit. Through this understanding, we cannot get so wrapped up in our work that we lose sight of the beauty in the natural world around us, or so tired that we cease to enjoy ourselves. Katie, you were dear to so many of us and we will carry on in your memory, but most importantly, work hard to remember the incredible person you still are to us.
Partly because of Katie, and partly because of other stresses in school, freshmen advising and student government this spring, I have decided to spend the summer traveling, reading and relaxing. This will take me through New England and possibly eastern Canada. I plan on going to the SSC Sprog training in NH, and possibly spending a little time with them doing Climate Summer, but on the whole, I want to restore the vitality and vision that isn't quite as close to the surface as it could be.
With these thoughts, and thinking of Maine and the beauty of the natural world, I leave you with this painting by Katie. I will update this blog infrequently, but hopefully a few times, before resuming more active posting with the start of the school year. 
