There it was. All clean, waxed, polished (well, that might be pushing things a bit), and ready. Not ready for students but essentially ready for me.
But was I ready for it?
Usually, when I have a summer workshop to attend towards the end of the summer break, I’ll go in a little early and do some arranging for 30ish minutes or so. I might straighten the rug, set up my chair and easel, and move a few rolling storage units back into place. Just a few things to make me feel like I’ve started.
But apparently, that was the old me.
The new me arrived yesterday with 30 minutes to spare. I sauntered in, looked around, checked to make sure everything was there that should be, and sat on the rug. My dearly-missed rug, where my community of writers, readers, mathematicians, scientists, and sweet little humans will gather. Oh, how I’ve missed this rug since March 11, 2020, but now she’s back out of storage aired out, cleaned, and ready to host new friends.
The old me would have jumped up and gotten to work, but the new me hopped up, grabbed my bag, turned off the lights, and left. It can wait.
Note: Morgan Davis’ Slice from last week — This Used to Be…And Now — inspired me to think about a change in my own life. This seemed to fit. Thanks for the inspiration, Morgan! And keep the writing prompts and videos coming. Love them!
Thanks for wondering and wandering a bit with me today. And many thanks to the crew at Two Writing Teachers, and the extended SOL community, for giving us the time, space, and encouragement to live the writerly life here every Tuesday throughout the year and daily during the month of March.
Wondering and Wandering 
Change is something I struggle with. I’m the kind of person who will stay in a difficult situation because going to an easier one involves the C word. We do change, though, and it’s something to be embraced. It’s a lot more fun that way! Here’s to what I hope is your best year ever in the classroom!
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Thanks, Tim. And I’ve been thinking how odd it must feel for you to not be returning to the traditional classroom for the first time in a long time. Change is good! š
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It is odd, but Iām trying to look forward instead of looking back. I like what Iām doing!
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I”m so glad. You seem “in your element.”
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I love the way you describe this moment in comparison to the “used to.” This version of you seems more present and mindful and able to put future needs aside for the sake of that beautiful moment you describe on the rug! Thanks for giving this one a go! I can’t wait to get to know you better each Tuesday!
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Thank you, Morgan. And I, you! š
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I love this format! I agree with Morgan’s comment about being more present and mindful. You needed that moment to reclaim the joy that you’ve so often felt with your kids at the rug:)
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Agreed. Thanks, Jen.
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Thank God we all change š Good for you.
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Christie, it is a momentous moment when you feel the present moment and “just be”. I love the openness of your classroom, bright and sparkly waiting for little ones to enter their learning journey wonder space. You eased into the moment, ready for the new me to begin a process of growth. I look forward to hearing more about the new you. (PS: my oldest grandgirl, Sierra, is beginning her journey in a few weeks and could not be more excited about it.)
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I can tell from this line alone “ready to host new friends” that you have a warm, nurturing classroom. Down the road this year, when you need a moment, remember sitting on your rug remember your simple joy. š Have an awesome school year.
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