HAPPY HOLIDAYS

It's been a busy month since my last post. I've now completed my temporary appointment as Acting Director of the School of Art at Northern Illinois University, and I can go back to just one position, my usual "gig" as Associate Dean of our College of Visual and Performing Arts, in January. We met some difficult challenges this semester in the School of Art, and most importantly I got to know my colleagues there much, much better. I've greatly enjoyed the experience and in particular enjoyed working closely with so many more people.

Yesterday my family and I saw the annual Chicago Symphony Orchestra holiday program, "Welcome Yule." There were many excellent arrangements, and we got a kick out of my friend and percussionist Jim Ross who was given a speaking part in addition to his performing. The orchestra sounded great, of course, and it's a wonderful part of the Holly Family Christmas Tradition that we go every year. This afternoon we saw a fabulous updated version of The Nutcracker, presented by The House Theatre in Chicago. It's a play/musical, not a ballet, and the story is brought into more of the present time. It's part dark and part very funny, and we enjoyed it greatly.

I want to wish each of you a happy and safe holiday season, and best wishes for a meaningful 2008.