Memoir Moves Forward; Swan Lake; Peace Corps Update; New Challenge

My Memoir to Have Peace Corps Writers Imprint

I signed up for the services of CreateSpace yesterday to publish my memoir. Peace Corps Worldwide has an agreement with CreateSpace and I will get the Peace Corps Writers imprint on my book. Peace Corps Worldwide has given me an ISBN number. I’m very excited that my memoir will join the list of other books on the Peace Corps Worldwide website.

Today I filled out a twenty-question form on the CreateSpace website with tons of information about me, my book, and my anticipated audience. I hope that will include you!  

Swan Lake at Lincoln Center

A few years ago I discovered that my husband likes ballet – somehow it had never come up. I can’t remember how I found out. Last night we joined friends Barbara and Arthur for dinner and then Swan Lake – such a tragic ballet.

I thought it was beautifully danced by the Bolshoi at Lincoln Center, though The New York Times critic didn’t agree. He has surely seen a lot more ballet than I have, and I could see some of his points. But the lush music, amazing movements, and dramatic costumes had me captivated.

Peace Corps Today

Tonight on PBSNewshour Gwen Ifill interviewed Carrie Hessler-Radelet, the new Peace Corps Director.

She said Peace Corps has three new initiatives to attract people. First, there is an easier application, down from 8 hours to 1 to complete! Second, applicants can indicate their choice of country and program. Third, Peace Corps has increased transparency about the process so applicants will know when they will get an answer, and when they would go if accepted.I had heard Carrie say many of the same things at the Peace Corps Reunion in Nashville last month.

About 7000 volunteers are currently serving, and there are more than 200,000 returned volunteers. I belong to the Friends of Nigeria and the Connecticut Returned Peace Corps Volunteers, and of course the national organization, NPCA.

The Madison Wisconsin group has been putting together marvelous calendars since 1987. Every year I buy more than a dozen to use and give as gifts. I have two 2014 calendars left – yes, I know the year is more than half over, but the photos are fabulous. I have several from past years framed and hanging along our stairs.

So here’s my latest challenge. What famous African writer died this week, and what did this person write about? A calendar to the first person who answers correctly!