the school year ended in a flurry of laughter, dancing, goodbyes, and tears. then almost suddenly a cushion of stillness filled all the spaces that had previously been filled by the demands and exclamations of 11 year old human beings. i went back to my room on the very last pupil-free day and worked by the light of the tall old windows. sorting, labeling, organizing. i was in a peaceful reverie of catagorization. sunbeams shot through the glass as i cleaned my old desk and straightened out the cabinets and shelves. outside i could hear fireworks coming from the taoist temple nearby, cars, voices drifting up from the street, other teachers in the hallways. ah to piddle and sort at my leisure without interruption. later i went to the office for a chat and to say goodbye for the summer to other teachers and staff. i turned in my key, climbed in my chariot, and headed for home, my head full of good thoughts about this year’s culmination ceremony a few days before.
it’s an indescribable feeling to know you have 71 vacation days spread out in front of you like an enormous gift. now i type this in my art room with the windows & doors open. the sun is shining down like a halo on moss cottage. sister is on a plane right now winging her way to california. i’ve got a glass of cool coffee in my hand. there’s dirt under my fingernails from a long morning spent poking around in the garden. my journal is open on the front porch. in a few minutes i’ll have lunch out there. just want to get this missive out to you. let you know my summer has officially begun. sister and i have 10 days of garden walks, tidepool exploration, and sketchbookery in front of us.
i’m feeling more relaxed and expansive than i have in a long time.
see you soon, friends. xo
