My first residency has ended at Ashland University. I am now recovering. Why? Were we overworked? No. Maybe overstimulated, the pace of the residency was busy but allowed for time for writing, reading, rest, exercise, fun, decompression and lots of learning.
I flew into Cleveland, Ohio airport, rented a car, drove to Ashland by way of the Cuyahoga River National Park in Cleveland (many portions of the area are shared with Cleveland Parks) and arrived just in time to check in. You could spend days in this park and still find things to do. My favorite was Deer Lick Cave (see the photograph).
I flew into Cleveland, Ohio airport, rented a car, drove to Ashland by way of the Cuyahoga River National Park in Cleveland (many portions of the area are shared with Cleveland Parks) and arrived just in time to check in. You could spend days in this park and still find things to do. My favorite was Deer Lick Cave (see the photograph).
Then I locked my key in my room requiring a call to security to let me back in. After repeating that stunt, I learned to carry my keys around my neck and never forget it.
I signed up for a room in Andrews Hall, a double person dorm room that I shared by myself. This room was perfectly fine, exactly as advertised and had a sole occupant, but I found it terribly claustrophobic despite the bouquet of flowers I bought to cheer the place up. My husband arrived after a week and used the time to rescue me to the Quality Inn and to visit his sister and see some of the sights.
Our residency schedule had us in workshops in the morning from 9-11:45, but I often woke up at 6 a.m. because for some reason I felt I could write at this time. The showers down the hall were perfectly fine, the young dormers fun to watch (once there were five young men nestled in sleeping bags in the tv room having a movie party). See below my morning breakfast in our workshop setting, pretty rough, huh?
I signed up for a room in Andrews Hall, a double person dorm room that I shared by myself. This room was perfectly fine, exactly as advertised and had a sole occupant, but I found it terribly claustrophobic despite the bouquet of flowers I bought to cheer the place up. My husband arrived after a week and used the time to rescue me to the Quality Inn and to visit his sister and see some of the sights.
Our residency schedule had us in workshops in the morning from 9-11:45, but I often woke up at 6 a.m. because for some reason I felt I could write at this time. The showers down the hall were perfectly fine, the young dormers fun to watch (once there were five young men nestled in sleeping bags in the tv room having a movie party). See below my morning breakfast in our workshop setting, pretty rough, huh?
Then we dashed to lunch (I bought the lunch meal ticket) which was often hectic due to the number of summer camp students also dining. We all got fed but it was tight. See the entrance to the dining room above.
After lunch, we had a craft session with the guest speaker from the night before. Afterwards, there were either student defense sessions we could attend, or I could retreat to the tables near the coke machine and quietly pay attention to my reading and writing or to take a nap (needed during my first week since I felt terribly exhausted).
After lunch, we had a craft session with the guest speaker from the night before. Afterwards, there were either student defense sessions we could attend, or I could retreat to the tables near the coke machine and quietly pay attention to my reading and writing or to take a nap (needed during my first week since I felt terribly exhausted).
Before dinner, there were a couple of bar outings to have wine and relax--I usually skipped these since I don't imbibe much. Dinner was usually good but I often just ate salad and fruit or just skipped it or rushed out to Wendy's or Dairy Queen to top up my sugar level and belief that there was a world outside of me.
At seven we returned to hear a guest reading that would last sometimes to 9 or later. Below is the smaller lecture hall where they held some of the thesis defense sessions.
At seven we returned to hear a guest reading that would last sometimes to 9 or later. Below is the smaller lecture hall where they held some of the thesis defense sessions.
I managed to attend all sessions but the Orientation which I forgot somehow and to get all my homework in on time and to contribute to the discussions.
My workshops were with Kate Hopper the first week and Bonnie Rough during the second week.
I loved the campus which was small, had really wonderfully comfortable facilities and beautiful gardens. I signed up for the athletic pass to use the huge swimming pool but felt overwhelmed enough to never feel I could slip away. I'll add photos to this when I get home.
The funny thing is, I was a Lindbergh Eagle in high school, now I am an Ashland Eagle:
My workshops were with Kate Hopper the first week and Bonnie Rough during the second week.
I loved the campus which was small, had really wonderfully comfortable facilities and beautiful gardens. I signed up for the athletic pass to use the huge swimming pool but felt overwhelmed enough to never feel I could slip away. I'll add photos to this when I get home.
The funny thing is, I was a Lindbergh Eagle in high school, now I am an Ashland Eagle:
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