This weekend, I attended the annual meeting of the Peace Science Society in Chapel Hill.  Peace Science gathers enthusiastic, like-minded scholars who study international conflict.  I love the name of the group, and I’d like to think we do the work we do because we’re pro-peace.  A much more empowering and positive title than “the Anti-War Society.” The conference was fantastic, and it was fun to catch up with old friends and get great feedback on my research.

After Chapel Hill, I stopped by Winston-Salem for a (much too) brief visit with my sister.  On Monday I was blessed to have the whole day by myself with the twins.  Someone once said that the best path to zen is to take the hand of a small child, and I completely agree.  I spent two days with social scientists using sophisticated methodologies to analyze large data sets, and yet I learned just as much about peace by watching Conner and Elizabeth.  For them, peace is splashing in puddles, sharing a box of raisins, petting a dog.  How wonderful to find such pleasure in simple things.

Tomorrow is Thanksgiving, and I wish my friends and family much love and joy.  I’ll spend the day getting my culinary on with my new gas stove!  Then it’s off to Marc and Nina’s for their annual family-free Thanksgiving.  Marc and Nina have a genius recipe for Thanksgiving - replace blood relatives with booze.  Tomorrow is shaping up to be a hoot.  Here’s hoping your Thanksgiving is just as cheerful.