Week 4, to put it very, very lightly, presented us with some challenges. Some large, some small; all manageable but each a test. Sunday I arrived at campus feeling--I admit--a little pessimistic. Ok, more than a little.

For one thing, the bean seeds I'd planted to accompany my heirloom vegetable story had showed no sign of life, and I worried conclusively that the first few days after I planted them and set them out had been too cold and they were dead. 

Then, Monday morning, April 27th, 3 sprouts popped up out of the dirt. I was thrilled. The people working in the photo lab heard me squeal through the open window. A break! Or better yet-- a sign!

The bean sprouts have unfurled further each day. And slowly problems we confront are solved, often by means of meeting after meeting. Collaboration has been a challenge to "encourage" yet it has been essential to each step in producing this magazine. With nearly 80 staff members, the collaborative process gets very messy at times. But time and again it results in a product that all involved can take pride in.

Today, the sun has come out after days of rain and gloom, and I expect the bean sprouts will have their first leaves. The strawberries have little green fruits forming. And with the numerous meetings on the agenda and with final drafts all coming in, I know it will mean a step--or several--in the right direction.