The infamous fourth week of legendary burn-out has the students (and the administrators) exhausted and somewhat more brittle than four weeks ago, but we all still have determined energy to carry us forward. Speaking for myself, of course, but to all appearances it seems true of us all.

Nalo Hopkinson kept everyone inspired, challenged, and together for a wonderful week, and I personally really enjoyed spending a little time with her as we dashed out to go vintage pattern hunting.

She made it a fun and productive week, though as I say below I did hit a bad patch in my writing project, it immediately picked up and started running again, thanks in no small part to Nalo.

This also was party week, for not only did we have the usual Friday night party (sheesh, I haven't really mentioned these, but they have been great parties, and even I, violently allergic to large social occasions, have been having a lot of fun). Yesterday was Astrid and Greg Bear's annual Clarion West party at their lovely house on the lake, which was delightful. This is such a generous community!

Last night I had to speak the dreadful words of "clean-up" meaning after workshop clean-up. It doesn't seem possible. Does this end? It's a world unto itself and while it can't last forever and it has to and I can hardly wait for my time to be my own again and what on earth will I do with myself after it's done?

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For my listening, reading, and writing news, and for the June 15 entry from my 1997 trip to Scotland, see Les Semaines.

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