a butterfly between two tuxes

Our school has a wonderful bunch of kids dedicated to saving the planet. So dedicated, in fact, that they came up with an event called "Earth Week", got the whole school to participate in recycling, wearing green, learning more about the world around them, and getting involved, AND brought two world-class speakers to our campus. One is a former Frontline producer, and the other is Julia Butterfly Hill. She wrote the book pictured above, and you probably remember her as the activist who spent two years living in a redwood tree to protest the logging industry.

She was really inspiring. Just a regular person, like you and me, but she found one thing she could do -- and she DID IT! And that's how the world gets changed, isn't it?

Speaking of which . . .

One of my students raised his hand in class yesterday and said, "Mr. Neff, are you getting married soon?"

Silence.

"Yes, I am."

Applause.

That felt really good. Not sure how many of them know how much (I know the one asking the question reads this journal) but they seemed really sensitive to the situation. Maybe even a little protective. They didn't push any farther and didn't ask any more questions. Sometimes they can really surprise and humble me . . .

And we picked up our tuxes tonight, but needed some last-minute alterations since we were a rush order. Waited in the store until well after closing time. Came home and put some finishing touches on the ceremony for tomorrow.

And now we're off to sleep. Wish us luck!

Posted: Tue - March 9, 2004 at 12:06 AM

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a butterfly between two tuxes

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