Morning T,

As I write this reflection on the morning of Day 2 with welcome sunshine flooding our computer lab everyone seems alive even after a very heavy first day. No tv in my room but I did watch President Obama’s farewell twice, especially when he thanks Michelle and his kids and Joe.  I’m so glad we got to spend most of his 8 years together and that you are not here to watch the Republicans begin to dismantle his legacy, our legacy. A wild and scary ride is  ahead of us!

But put that to the side for now.  Today I woke up in room that would not have been to your liking at The Berkley City Club. It’s grand but old and a bit musty but everywhere else is lovely.  The morning breakfast in a  dining room, with the soundtrack from Something’s Gotta Give (I wonder if any of the other diners knew that) was a perfect way to kick off the experience.

   I couldn’t wait to begin this adventure but even though I toyed with the idea of walking, the reality of a hard rain moved me to open my Uber app and join a ride share and in minutes I was walking up the stairs of  the Grad School of Journalism at a table with Marcelo from Brazil and George from the Upper West Side NYC.  Men outnumber women here 14 to 4, imagine.

Virtual Reality 360 is something new, something cutting edge in the tech world, and something to keeps me off balanced. I’ve been here before- the early days digital storytelling bootcamp, 2003- Sedona, Az and  NWPs Tech Matters ’06 Chico, CA.  Remember when you joined me as each tech adventure ended and we could enjoy the place without the confines of the lab and you were the best person to me on to decompress with.

In that computer lab today, I was relaxed and open and yes, a bit intimated wondering if I would be found out that I was out of my league. George is a filmmaker/ writer from the and Marcelo, a TV video editor from Brazil. We worked individually, we shared our tech experiences, we ate together, joining  others in the larger group and later in the day   we raced across the street for strong coffee at 3:00 for the last two hours front of us.

So far, I’m  just along for the ride.

As I took on the afternoon downpour, and got ready to meet up with NWP leaders, I thought about what was missing today?  We didn’t write.  Not stories, not reflections and we didn’t begin to create a community.   I don’t see a way around that so in writing project style, I ended my day with a tour of NWP offices here in Berkley led by  Tanya, drinks with Elyse and Christina and dinner including Tom and Tanya’s daughter. known for years. An amazing evening of great food and conversation with amazing educators.

Yes, I am rich!!!