BY THE WAY. . . . .

Besides the flavor master class, this week's topic is quite good.  The theme is Sparking a Culture of Creativity and Innovation.  The speakers are using this theme to suggest ways that we can get out of this economic situation and get back to getting some forward movement going.   One speaker told of the innovative companies that are using their creative juices and out of the box thinking to create positive growth and dynamic working conditions for  employees.    One speaker mentioned empathy. .  the ability to understand where someone else is coming from.  That word could have applied in almost all of the weekly themes.

And it's amazing how topics bump into each other and enhance each other.  I'm about 1/3 of the way through with next week's book. . . bestseller The Warmth of Other Sons.   About the black migration from the South to the North after the Civil War (next week's topic).   While I'm staying each morning for each of Otis Moss's sermons, and having heard his choir on Sunday, I have a great deal more empathy with the long road that has been forged by the African-American citizenry.  It's all connecting.   I'm starting to realize that the black population in my hometown, Danville, Illinois probably arrived during this migration because the Illinois Central Railroad was a major carrier during the migration, and the C&EI railroad which went through Danville was an offshoot of that.   It's all fascinating.  The book, by the way, is well worth the read.

Tonight I saw the movie "A Better Life" about an illegal Mexican immigrant who is working in California and trying to raise his 14 year old son.  It is heartfelt and eye-opening.   Empathy.

On the more frivolous side of things. . . I also had a massage today,  took session 3 of my flavor class where we explored the world of salt, and made spaghetti sauces.   I also had a great talk with Duncan, my builder and I eagerly await the new plans he is attempting to email me in spite of computer problems on his end.

It's no wonder it's hard to fall asleep at night in spite of being physically exhausted.   So much to think about. . . . . . Full steam ahead.