The Inklings

Back in Lewis and Tolkien’s heyday they used to meet once a week at a local pub called the Eagle and Child (or as they nicknamed it, the Bird and Baby).  Here they and a group of other great minds would debate, encourage, and challenge one another.  The group came to be known as the Inklings.  It was the Inkings who read the early drafts of Lord of the Rings, and the Inklings who helped convert Lewis to christianity.  If I named the other men you wouldn’t know them, but as a group they are famous.    

I had my own group of Inklings back at Kings.  We never called ourselves that, but there was a group of us who would get together and talk, laugh, cry, encourage, and most importantly- push.  I grew so much during my three years at Kings and while I’d like to give the credit to my professors, hard work, and my own abilities, I know that none of these things caused me to thrive.  It was my comrades in arms- my girls (and the man I am lucky enough to call my husband) who pushed me, told me when I was wrong, and expected great things from me.  We all need people like that.  So as I sat at the Bird and Baby, drinking an Ale and looking up at a letter signed by all the Inklings thanking the owner, I remembered countless cups of tea and late night study sessions and tears shed from sadness, stress, and joy, and I smiled to myself.  And I want to say thank you to my “Inklings" - for never letting me settle.  I love you all.