Introducing the Concept of Creative Collaboration

Dear Readers,

Even though we have readers all over the globe, for those of you in the United States, Happy 4th of July! We would like to extend a special thanks to all of the men and women serving overseas in the Armed Forces, protecting not only our liberty, but also the liberty of millions of citizens in other countries.

We wanted to take this chance to discuss our new collaborative website, http://www.cradiance.com/, which some of you have read information about on the homepage. Through cRADIANCE, which was created and optimized by some of the top web designers in the world, we play to run writing contests, experience sharing or group collaborative efforts, and even to eventually pair seniors with students. Seniors have stories to tell and knowledge to pass on, but sometimes need help with the physical writing. There are many students out there eager to write their first book, but perhaps need some material that they can mold into a finished book. Pairing the two is ideal...if we truly want to help people to leave a legacy, as the subtitle of our book suggests.

In the wake of the Virginia Tech tragedy, we attempted to run our first program as a collaborative effort for students, faculty and staff, alumni, and parents or spouses of any of the three groups. The program was to consist of each person submitting up to 300 words meant to inspire or offer hope in the face of tragedy. We would then select around 100, which we would edit and then package into a book, with all of the proceeds going back to Virginia Tech to the victims and their families. Unfortunately, we ran into some difficulties with the program. Because of the worry with legal matters, Virginia Tech didn't want any of their staff or faculty members to contribute material. Also, it was tough for many of the students close to the incident to put things into words. So, sadly we had to cancel the program in its early stages.

We did received some truly excellent submissions, and Eric found one in particular that he had to share through this site.

Jenni Boastfield, an alumna of Virginia Tech submitted the following poem. She wanted to be sure to let everyone know that while she was far from Blacksburg on April 16th, her heart was and is with everyone hurt by this tragedy.

A cold, indifferent wind blows ruthlessly today.

Monday, April 16th, 2007. The place I love is crying.
Her frostbitten voice echoes across many a mile—
My house moans to hear her story.

And while I’m sheltered inside, my eyes well with wind-seared tears
That I so often lovingly associate with
Standing at the top of Brush Mountain’s ridge…
But today is different.
And might change how some view
Our beloved hamlet midst the mist of clouds,
Where so many dreams walk
Right ‘mongst the townsfolk.
But my heart knows the spirit
Of the mountain-encircled valley
Of the ancient New River
Cannot be diminished.

Its peaceful wisdom enlightens through
Bright green sun dappled hills and dales
Secret waterfalls beyond mossy trails…
But this wind speaks of sadness beyond my comprehension
Which sits itself heavy in my stomach…
And I am caused to wonder who thought
They could deliver cold winter’s bite in the month of blossoms…
Shaking such sweet souls from their lofty bloom-filled branches
Before they ought to ‘ave fallen.
The wind is playing its thoughts out in the wind chime outside my window and proves itself a comforting sound on a gale that reminds me of walking across an eternally breezy Drillfield, dodging into East Campbell-
my shelter, my home, surrounded by shade trees and stairways.
Safe.
But I blow back at the wind—
I blow kisses—
For Virginia Tech
& For all the mountain village
& For all those who know her
& Forever for those Bright Blossoms,
Who will return with every spring and every sunrise in my heart.


With much love and heartache,
Jenni L. Boastfield, Virginia Tech Class of 2004, Early English Lit.