I’m sitting in the library, realizing that in my five years here at Clemson I never noticed the ceiling. Did I just never look up? Or was I too busy doing library-ish things?

Back when it was constructed, I’m sure this place was state of the art and considered very beautiful. It’s a huge building, crammed completely full of books and periodicals and other media. At this moment exhausted and stressed students are trickling in to do their last bit of work before the semester ends. It’s finals week. Also known as the week of no sleep, freaking out, and denial.

The last time I was here Alex was alive, many of our friends hadn’t yet given birth to their second child, and I was still working retail. Back then I felt just close enough to student-hood that I couldn’t appreciate this place and its people–I was trying to find a way to differentiate myself, so I took that “I feel so old” tact. In truth, I didn’t feel like I’d come very far at all from being a Clemsonite, and for some reason that was unnerving.

A year after my last visit, I’ve dropped the act. In a lot of ways I was the one in denial of how important and beautiful this place is. New memories have been made, new experiences had, and the passions I felt while a student here have attached themselves to more recent things. So, as I sit comfortably in the library at Clemson University I feel like I see through clear lenses for the first time. And I’m proud of this place.

“His momma done raised him up right,” as they say.

At Backstreets on Friday night, the bartender said “Thanks for comin’ in, Beautiful,” when he handed me my tab. “Beautiful”?! Know how long it’s been since a complete stranger has used a pet name when addressing me? Loooong time. In fact, I gave him a very perplexed look in response because I had no idea what to say back to him.

Thursday, while helping Latice load boxes off of a platform and into her vehicle, a guy rolled down the window of his van and shouted, “Ya’ll are doin’ too much there” and sent his sidekick to our rescue. The boy (I say “boy” because he was not older than 20) arrived just as Latice was taking the last box from me, so there was nothing left for him to do. Still, I thanked him for trying and his response was, “Of course! I only wish I’d gotten here sooner.”

Those are just a couple of examples that illustrate a good ‘ole Southern value: Give special consideration to the ladies. On one hand, it’s seen as sexist and presumptive of women’s inability to take care of themselves. On the other hand, it can be enjoyed as a privilege of being born female. I take the latter attitude, thus have been enjoying the hell out of being out and about in Clemson.

Pssst! Photos.

For the next few days I’m going to be a bit quiet here on Look, Something Shiny! Latice and Bryan are keeping me very busy with projects, delicious meals, and chuckles over “high gravity” beers. But don’t think that I’m not going to do my best to tell you all about it. From now until the 19th of this month, check the Photos page frequently to see the fun through my camera lens. Whenever I have a quiet moment (and I anticipate one or two this weekend) I’ll post some stories about the goings-on. In the meantime, enjoy the pictures!

Love, Peace, and Chicken Grease,

~Nyco