The Days of Summer #SOL

 A new table overlooking the pool provides a shaded space for me to enjoy my summer days and rejuvenate.

Most sunny mornings, I gather my notebooks, pens, books, computer, water, and a snack and head out to the pool area.  

I write.  Sometimes I write with my Time to Write friends or on my own.  This week, I finished my thank you notes, created Summer Fun cards (inspired by Michelle Haseltine), worked in my new Passion Planner, and took notes on an educational podcast. 

I read.  I devoured Sadie by Courtney Summers the other day, and now, I have moved on to Bird by Bird by Anne Lamott.  I have a stack of books waiting for me, and I hope to finish them by the end of the summer.  I can't wait to share them with my students next year.

I learn.  Yesterday, I watched the Book Love's Authors and Education Leaders Live chat with Pernille Ripp and Penny Kittle, which was so inspiring I filled up two pages in my notebook with their words and ideas.  I read and posted in the online discussion about the Book Love summer reading books King and the Dragonflies by Kacen Callender and We Are Water Protectors by Carole Lindstrom, which are active, engaging, and transformative.  

In between the writing, reading, and learning, I dipped into the refreshing pool water to float and let my thoughts about it all swirl around in my head.  

Raindrops Clearing My Head #SOL21

The empty, bare classroom stared at me in disbelief.  This pandemic year had finally ended, and we both did not know what to do next.  I turned out the lights and walked out of the oppressive heat of the classroom.

As I drove home my brain was already reeling as it did not know what to think.  There was no need to plan lessons for next week.  There were no meetings to attend.  The grading deadline had passed; there were no assignments waiting for review.  

This transition is always interesting.  I am exhausted, but I can’t sleep.  I wander around aimlessly looking for something that must be done now or by a certain date, which is in contrast to the last month when I had so many other things to do that took me away from my pressing work.  The dreaded routine of work is now what I crave.  

I thought I would want to celebrate with a glass of wine.  I thought I would jump right into cleaning and organizing the house I have neglected for too long.  

Instead, I napped and read as I had no energy for much else.  I found refuge in someone else’s story.  

Finally, the rain started to fall, and I felt the switch in the air.  They beckoned me outside.  Putting my head back to look at the sky, I walked into the light drizzle.   Within minutes, the drops came down at a steadier, more persistent pace.  I stayed in the rain until my daughter returned home excited to talk about her college schedule.  

When I re-entered the house, I felt rejuvenated and ready to move on.