Tomorrow is the first day of school. Parents and students will be gathered outside the building early tomorrow morning. Some will be excited, some nervous, some may even be afraid. Once again, they will be coming to school in a pandemic yet to be under control.
I have many thoughts, opinions, and experiences on this subject, but now is not the time. Now I have an opportunity. More important than any opinion I might share.
What is it? The opportunity to greet families. The opportunity to welcome students to the music room, making music with approximately 175 kiddos by the end of the day.
Will it all go the way I have planned? Probably not. And that is ok. Because the next day, I get to do it all again. A little more tired than the day before, but that is ok, too.
Please Do not Turn away I need To see more Than a shadow Even a glimpse Of your Strength Shines Like the sun On a bright New day Offering The chance To start over With this truth I do not live In your Shadow I live In your Love
Far-off Rumble In the late Afternoon Looking Outside My eyes Squint Realizing The sky has Grown dark Winds begin To blow Rain begins To fall Air begins To cool I begin To relax A perfect Recipe For rest After this Busy day Falling Somewhere Between Anxious And calm
Standing in The soft sand May feel good On my feet But what happens When a storm Approaches? Do I remain Uncertain On the sand Knowing it could Quickly wash from Under my feet Or do I move To solid ground Standing on The one rock That promises To remain strong That calls to me Thru the waves Come, stand here I will never move
Back to School! School supply shopping, bulletin boards, laminating, meet-the-teacher. Even planning those beginning of the year lessons. Lots of smiles and hugs. Old and new faces.
Doesn’t that sound exciting? It is supposed to be…
And yet, here we are. Listening every day as people argue over how to deal with a virus that continues to make people sick and unnecessarily end lives. Listening as opinions are expressed passionately with little to no foundation, especially where schools are concerned.
I have had moments of excitement. My classroom looks inviting. Colorful dots on the floor and posters on the walls. Ready for students to enter one week from tomorrow.
I will be there to welcome them with a smile. Even though there will still be a knot in my stomach. I have had COVID and am fully vaccinated. My students are not yet eligible. Back to School feels like a test-one I do not want to fail.
Walking around The house So many things Need doing Should I force myself To complete this list Even if it’s not really What I want to do- Or should I Choose to ignore Outside voices And only listen To the one In my head Quietly Hum your way Through the day Rested and content- Those things That need doing Will be there Tomorrow- As for today They simply Have to wait
Only a few days before school starts. Although I will be ready to see students and colleagues, the transition is always tiring. Soaking up a bit more rest before it’s time.
Ideas scattered No inspiration Whether to seek Or to settle Accepting The need to let My mind rest Not sure I know how… Pick up the pen Perhaps Motor Movement Will trigger Creativity Perhaps not- Either way Watching Words appear Somehow Slows Racing heart Cools Heated face Relaxes Frantic brain- Powerful process Placing thoughts On a page
Summer break is coming to an end. I am preparing for school to start. We continue to deal with living in a pandemic. Not surprisingly, my thoughts are scattered. And that is ok. There is strength in honesty. ❤️
Overcast sky On this day of rest Not dull Not dreary Sunshine Is present Hiding Behind clouds Bright patches Lighting our paths Shady spots Providing reprieve Overcast sky On this day of rest Needed Welcomed
When the pink letters came in the mail last week, I thought this can’t be right. There is no way it is already time for my mammogram. It was only in March that I had surgery. An incisional biopsy. And before that, an MRI, ultrasounds, more mammograms, etc.
But here was my pink letter, sent twice. So, I called to schedule. And today was the day.
Even though my previous test results were all benign, I found myself feeling panicky this morning. The thought of a mammogram, especially after surgery, made me cringe. But I got up, got dressed, and headed that way.
Well, I stopped at Starbucks first for a London Fog latte. Surely that would help.
Checked in, got my little bracelet, and was called back in a few minutes. Undress from the waist up, put on your cape, opens in the front. Always the same. I chuckled when I saw the flowery material. After putting it on, I proceeded to take a selfie. For some unknown reason, I felt the need to document.
Wouldn’t you love to be this fashion forward? 😉
Still feeling a little anxious, I took a deep breath and tried to relax. And then, at the perfect moment, my mom sent a text. Praying for you. Love and hugs. Of course, I responded by sending her my selfie.
The technician was friendly. She asked me my birthdate, routine. After a few seconds of thinking, She laughed and said, I am 25 days older than you. We laughed that I was making her do the math. She quickly put me at ease.
Was it still uncomfortable? Yes. But was it necessary? Also, yes.
Early detection is crucial. And the only way for that to happen is consistent screening. Don’t wait! Besides, you might just get to wear a lovely flowery cape. 🌸💗
I spied Two eyes In the sky Today Against a Backdrop Fluffy white Strikingly Tinted Bluish gray Two eyes Looking My way Feeling Inquisitive I returned Their look Wondering What they Might say A smile A sparkle Followed By a wink Before they Looked away
Piano Girl 