I cannot believe I've been here a year! So much has happened, and yet sometimes I feel like it's all been a dream. The hardest part of leaving is saying goodbye to dear friends. But I've loved other things about this place, including:

* being close to the ocean and to wonderful beaches (especially Singing Beach, with its climbing rocks). * proximity to Maine, to Walden Pond, to the White Mountains. * Harvard. It was pretty nice, being a part of this privileged and inspiring community for a year. I actually leave with a real fondness for the place (finally broke down and got a t-shirt). * great public transportation and, this summer, being able to get everywhere on a bike! * so many passionate, awake people scheming and having conversations about ideas. * overhearing conversations ("And there WERE 2 particles, by God, there were!"). * access to classes, conferences, speakers, teachers, museums, music. * great locally-made ice cream! * festivals, policies and legislation that are well-informed, thoughtful, and supported by local folks who are highly involved in the design.

All that said, I'm looking forward to going back to the mountains and ocean and snow for a bit.