~from Ami

Isn't it usually your name in lights that is so coveted? Never mind that! The University of Arkansas is the only school I know of that etches each graduate's name into stone on a series of walkways that cover the entire campus.

I've always wanted to go and do a charcoal rubbing of my name, so we met up with my little sister last Sunday in Fayetteville to do just that.

Most the articles I read on rubbings referred to gravestone rubbings, which, as I understand it, is a hobby for some. I took long sheets of construction paper, charcoals, hairspray for setting the finished product, and rubber bands to hold the paper when I was done. The one thing I didn't bring was a small, old toothbrush as many websites recommended for clearing dirt and debris away from the etchings- I didn't think I would need to do that but quite a lot of dirt gets deposited into those names on the sidewalk!

My name was more worn than my sister's, as mine has been there longer! We found another sister's name also, and did a rubbing of hers. Megan's came out the best, since hers was freshly made a scant five years ago. Mine and Carrie's have sat there, exposed to the elements, for over ten years now.

The names stretch back to 1871, if I remember correctly. In those early years, the graduates' names were carved into the sidewalk by a sharp object, instead of the nice stamped lettering they use now. One year in particular is supposed to be bad luck to step on, but we couldn't remember which.

It was beautiful weather, the sun shining and a breeze blowing- college kids sitting in the grass strumming guitars, families roller-blading in front of Old Main. I felt a sense of nostalgia for my college days- though I was a nontraditional student (mom and wife), I still really enjoyed my time at the U of A.

By the way....GO HOGS!!!