Like a Boulder Lifted

Well, it’s all over. At least, all the requirements have been fulfilled. I finished off the last one yesterday evening—critical introduction and reading. I am a master of the fine art of writing. At least, that’s what I’m supposed to feel, isn’t it? We’ll see….

Things went well. I talked about literature in a global context, and then a read a couple of sections from my thesis. I got a lot of positive feedback. But I was terrified to go in front of everyone. The lead up to the presentation was pretty awful—especially since I arrived at the residency. I have only been here four days; it feels more like four weeks.

This morning, I went to the cove on the south end of Seaside and watched the surfers in their wetsuits. I was there for almost two hours, taking pictures (which I will post here soon) of misty hillsides and huddled seagulls. Then, the sun burned a small window through the fog. A sliver of sky turned the ocean neon blue.

There was a depression in my chest, as though a boulder had been lifted.

Tony