Friday, September 25, 2015

Moon over Exeter



So much to discuss: the love boat; four square; dodgeball; teen romance; billion dollar endowments; Spanish and math tests; food; math Olympiads... 
But it is late and my mind is blown away by the papal visit: or more specifically how gaga people go when they hear a simple truth. 
(and John Boehner resigns!? )

Here's all you need to know til I see you: F is really happy - bit of swagger, but delightful to see, and we are yucking it up. It's a tough place, of that I am sure. But I am equally sure that that toughness bonds the children to each other and to a shared sense of purpose unlike anything I've ever seen (yes even more than burkes 1980!) 
Anyway he is tucked in, and I am tucked in and for now I'll leave you with my favorite prayer- the prayer of St. Francis, in honor of our little friend from Rome. It goes without saying, I have done none of this myself, but thought you all might give it a whirl..

Lord, make me an instrument of Thy peace;
Where there is hatred, let me sow love;
Where there is injury, pardon;
Where there is error, the truth;
Where there is doubt, the faith;
Where there is despair, hope;
Where there is darkness, light;
And where there is sadness, joy.

O Divine Master,
Grant that I may not so much seek
To be consoled, as to console;
To be understood, as to understand;
To be loved as to love.

For it is in giving that we receive;
It is in pardoning that we are pardoned;
And it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.


Thursday, September 10, 2015

Sweet Sorrow


A serious consideration of these things and an observation of the growing neglect of youth must excite a painful anxiety for the event, and may well determine those whom their Heavenly Benefactor bath blessed with an ability therefor, to promote and encourage public free schools or academies, for the purpose of instructing youth, not only in the English and Latin grammar, writing, arithmetic, and those sciences wherein they are commonly taught, but more especially to learn them the great end and real business of living. 

John Phillips, founder PEA.


Before I left for Boston, I had dream in which Chris Nelson and I did a rousing duet of "I could have danced all night".  (I love that song from My fair Lady; sue me.) And then last night, before I knew we would finally say goodbye to F, I had a nightmare that someone was trying to steal him from me. 

This pretty much sums up my ambivalence towards this whole exercise: Frederick has been invited to a wonderful ball, but it's on the moon.
The registration was quick and quiet with very nervous children. They gave him his key, took his picture, and we moved him into his room which is a delight. But here's the thing: we are not in California anymore. We are in New England, and in New England they do not hug.

 My brother had told me this repeatedly, but I brushed it aside because it sounded like a downer. Indeed however there was no parade, no jumping up and down that we had arrived, just simple handshakes with instructions to floor four.
I was foolish to think it would be fuzzier... Make no mistake, it was polite and people popped their heads in. One offered pie. But there was very little amazement that we had arrived. 
F is so anxious to get things started-anxious to see if he can hang with the big guns in the classroom. Funny, but he is less interested in his backhand or little red heads, than he is going mano a mano with the kids from South Korea. I am not exaggerating this. He wants to know who he is; and he thinks he might find out around the Harkness table. Some of you have expressed skepticism over this system (they have it everywhere, it's just a discussion class..etc. ) I could not more strongly disagree. It is a philosophy unique in its pervasiveness to here, and it's genuinely a better mouse trap. 
Below from Harkness when he gave his gift, discussing the idea he stole from Cambridge in 1930.

"You are thinking of improving an existing institution by building on what you have got now. I am thinking of something much more radical than that ...I want to see somebody try teaching - not by recitations in a formal recitation room where the teacher is on a platform raised above the pupils and there is a class of twenty or more boys who recite lessons.  That is what I am trying to get rid of.... What I have in mind is teaching boys in sections of about eight in a section, not in a formal recitation room, where there would be ... a raised platform with an instructor behind a desk, but where eight boys could sit around a table with a teacher who would talk with them and instruct them by a sort of tutorial or conference-method, where the average, or below-average boy would feel encouraged to speak up, present his difficulties, and the teacher would know... what his difficulties were."


The only time I cried before I actually said goodbye, was when the minister spoke about the moral lessons learned from simply listening to your fellow student's voice, and honoring your own by using it. You had to be there, but it was good stuff.

We have said goodbye and it hurt. 
But we are now in the presidential suite at the Boston Hyatt Airport, after a marguerita. (who knew they had a presidential suite at the Airport Hyatt?).
So I am better-mostly because of you people. Thank you, all of you for calling and writing and worrying about me. I can't wait to hug you and have Albert lick my face.

xxx
PS because we are now a snooty intellectual blog, I am going to begin "adding addenda" (redundant?) So below is my absolute fav, the Original Deed of Gift from Phillips...adorable droner that he was.
It is not mandatory reading. 
Below that some photos of CAB in 1951. Yacht club and next to a cute girl were the only places I found him. Obviously. 




The Original Deed of Gift from John Phillips to Phillips Exeter Academy, Containing the Constitution, May 17, 1781

WHEN we reflect upon the grand design of the great Parent of the Universe in the creation of mankind, and the improvements of which the mind is capable, both in knowledge and virtue, as well as upon the prevalence of ignorance and vice, disorder and wickedness, and upon the direct tendency and certain issue of such a course of things, such reflections must occasion in thoughtful minds an earnest solicitude to find the source of those evils and their remedy; and a small acquaintance with the qualities of young minds, how susceptible and tenacious they are of impressions, evidences that the time of youth is the important period, on the improvement or neglect of which depend the most weighty consequences, to individuals themselves and the community.

A serious consideration of these things and an observation of the growing neglect of youth must excite a painful anxiety for the event, and may well determine those whom their Heavenly Benefactor bath blessed with an ability therefor, to promote and encourage public free schools or academies, for the purpose of instructing youth, not only in the English and Latin grammar, writing, arithmetic, and those sciences wherein they are commonly taught, but more especially to learn them the great end and real business of living.

Earnestly wishing that such institutions may grow and flourish; that the advantages of them may be extensive and lasting; that their usefulness may be so manifest as to lead the way to other establishments on the same principles; and that they may finally prove eminent means of advancing the interest of the Great Redeemer; to His patronage and blessing may all friends to learning and religion most humbly commit them.

To all people to whom these presents shall come, greeting. Whereas, the General Assembly of the State of New Hampshire did by their Act on the third day of April, Anno Domini I 781, incorporate an Academy in the town of Exeter and county of Rockingham, by the name of the Phillips Exeter Academy, for the purpose of promoting piety and virtue; and for the education of Youth as is in said Act directed; and whereas by said Act all the lands, tenements, and personal estate that shall be given to trustees for the use of said Academy are and shall be forever exempted from all taxes whatsoever. Therefore, in consideration of the great importance of the design mentioned, and of the powers, privileges, and immunities in and by said Act granted, and for the sole purpose of promoting piety, virtue, and useful literature, I, John Phillips, of Exeter aforesaid, Esquire, have granted, and with most humble thanks to the Lord and Giver of all things for the opportunity, ability, and disposition by Him given, do, by these presents, most cheerfully grant to the trustees of the said Phillips Exeter Academy nominated and appointed by said Act, and to their successors in that trust, all my right, title, and interest in and unto the real estate described as followeth, viz.: — Two acres of land in said Exeter, being the land through which a road was lately given; and binding, westerly, on Mr. Joseph Lamson’s homeplace.




The "Cage: built 1890; about to be replaced by new 34 million dollar indoor track/tennis center. 


Wednesday, September 9, 2015

Wentworth Hall; Day 1

I

.."Goodness without knowledge... is weak and feeble, yet knowledge without goodness is dangerous. Both united form the noblest character and lay the surest foundation of usefulness to mankind."

The above written by PEA founder John Phillips. Beats the other motto: "come hither boys, that ye become men.."
 I am not making that up.

So the littlest Wehlen is tucked into a wonderful room on the 4th floor of Wentworth hall. His address is: 

Frederick Claus August Wehlen c/O PEA 
#2126 Phillips Exeter Academy 
20 Main Street Exeter, 
NH 038332460

Send notes dipped in chocolate. 


Details tomorrow. Must rest my weary head.. Xx




Tuesday, September 8, 2015

Live Free or Die


Greetings from the granite state. We are happily tucked in to the Inn, boys are nervous but happy. 
Ahead of tomorrow's check in, I went to the post office where I sent things, via Amazon, from the "what to bring list"... with I must admit, a few extras. When I entered, a very large, semi bald local in overalls said: "let me guess. Frederick Wehlen? 
"Why yes...!"
(aren't these people friendly..) 
Yes well we took ALL your things and brought them into his room already..(!?) 
Keep in mind this man merely has an arrangement with the school to absorb all the beginning of the year stuff. He doesn't work here. But apparently the Wehlen haul was so epic, he had to make room. 
I offered to kiss him in the face. (exact words) Thomas handed him the Amex. (We each express passion differently I guess). It seems if you send enough, they cry uncle. I'm not the first to do this; and next year I'm sending a pony. 
Ran into the beauty from SF who will be in their class- see below. I told them in four years they would thank me for forcing them to pose. 
Fs dorm looks good! Lexi and I snuck in. 
It's .right across from the tennis 
courts. Didn't see the room. 
We felt sad and nostalgic before we left, but now we just feel sort of giddy. Maybe it's the humidity. But adventures lie ahead ...
Thomas heard some kids talking (upper classmen) about how they were going to wear ties anyway. This is the first year in the 234 year history that ties are not required ( it was an answer to what to do about the women; now everyone has to have a collar on..). 
Thomas and I of course went for a run in the 94 degree heat- poor Frederick. No one else's parents were running. I got so hot and miserable that I stopped after a half hour. Von Wehlenhof of course carried on...
Dinner with locals tomorrow, while the boys eat in the dining hall..I believe they rip the children from their mothers breasts sometime in the afternoon. 
I promise good photos tomorrow. Xx


Tuesday, September 1, 2015

Few Photos arrived...


D sent these recently so I thought I would post them (thank god for the password...).
Off to the wild east on Monday. Am having my moments of separation anxiety  I tell ya...
The good news (or bad, depending) is I have been asked to be on the parents' committee at PEA; which means I go back to Boston on the 25th for a meeting/booze up with my new BFFs from around the globe. I will be a familiar face in that town I tell you. Thomas of course is staying home...His only comment was he expected this-having had years of training to be the husband of Miss Rah Rah conga line organizer.
Go Lions! (I can't believe I just said that...)
castle at night..

Do not ask me what I'm pointing at....
Vaimiti in background