Well, it is here. The final day of summer break. Due to some things that had to get done at the start of this week, I was unable to go to school early to get the classroom set up, and had planned on using today. Sadly (?) we received word that the building would be closed all day today, so I will be able to work from home which is nice. But, here it is, the very end. The beach calls. I might have to listen.
As expected the summer flew by and I watched all good plans go bouncing by the car window like a tossed piece of litter on the highway. If I had to grade myself on my fulfilling my summer plans, I'd have to go with a big fat "D" or lower. Good thing I don't have to grade myself, then! As with any failure, there are surprise silver linings, and these are mine:
a) My house is clean(er). Due to my friends' help and a foot-breaking 48 hours of hell this week, my house is ready for the onslaught of Fall. Sort of, as well as it can be!
b) I learned how to nap without guilt. I've always been a napper, but with inner reservation. This summer, after starting it off with a hospital stay, I had no choice but give into the restorative power of sleep. I literally had no choice, and have learned to actually savor the ability to spend quality time with Ellie da Pug doing what she loves best (besides visiting her doggie friends, that is.)
c) My Patreon is not gone or forgotten, just on hold. Not the right time to do that yet, if I want to do it right. That's okay.
d) I didn't do enough art this summer, and that has to be alright. I love the piece I am working on, but I have to accept the limitations life threw at me this summer. It will be back on track soon, and there are many ideas in the pipeline following the current piece. Small steps forward are still steps.
e) I learned my favorite thing to do on the beach. I have my chair, my English paper piecing bag, and my cluster of seagulls facing Hampton's ocean during the late afternoon through sunset. Heavenly. Add to it my paper piecing at bedtime and I might someday have a quilt on my hands! Or lap.
f) SQUEEZE! Having four local shows to attend is a luxury awarded to few. Thank you, my angels, for this joy.
g) I faced the moment that I've been dreading for years -- losing my best canine pal has hovered over my head like a black cloud. What would I ever do without his little joyful self in my life? Just knowing I survived this loss makes me realize I am tougher than I think - no drama, here, just this dog was extremely important to me. And now "IT" has happened and is over. And...
h) Sometimes a puppy helps. Just like when food is unappetizing after being ill, the thought of a new puppy seems impossible after losing one so special. But then the heart gets hungry again, and needs a place to throw all that love that has nowhere to go without the lost cherished pet. Coming soon...the whole mixed bag experience of a new bundle to love. Will never be my Tilman, but she will be her own adorable self.
i) Forgiveness matters. I was thrown for a major loop recently when I found out something that revealed a betrayal by the people closest to me. It was devastating to experience this. I do know, though, that holding on to that sense of devastation and throwing away friendships in spite isn't the way to go.
j) I am looking forward to a new school year, with terrific kids and all the fun, creativity, and challenges they bring. We only have about 182+/- days to do this -- game on!
That's enough self reflection on this summer. The end. Cheers and happy creating, peeps!
As expected the summer flew by and I watched all good plans go bouncing by the car window like a tossed piece of litter on the highway. If I had to grade myself on my fulfilling my summer plans, I'd have to go with a big fat "D" or lower. Good thing I don't have to grade myself, then! As with any failure, there are surprise silver linings, and these are mine:
a) My house is clean(er). Due to my friends' help and a foot-breaking 48 hours of hell this week, my house is ready for the onslaught of Fall. Sort of, as well as it can be!
b) I learned how to nap without guilt. I've always been a napper, but with inner reservation. This summer, after starting it off with a hospital stay, I had no choice but give into the restorative power of sleep. I literally had no choice, and have learned to actually savor the ability to spend quality time with Ellie da Pug doing what she loves best (besides visiting her doggie friends, that is.)
c) My Patreon is not gone or forgotten, just on hold. Not the right time to do that yet, if I want to do it right. That's okay.
d) I didn't do enough art this summer, and that has to be alright. I love the piece I am working on, but I have to accept the limitations life threw at me this summer. It will be back on track soon, and there are many ideas in the pipeline following the current piece. Small steps forward are still steps.
e) I learned my favorite thing to do on the beach. I have my chair, my English paper piecing bag, and my cluster of seagulls facing Hampton's ocean during the late afternoon through sunset. Heavenly. Add to it my paper piecing at bedtime and I might someday have a quilt on my hands! Or lap.
f) SQUEEZE! Having four local shows to attend is a luxury awarded to few. Thank you, my angels, for this joy.
g) I faced the moment that I've been dreading for years -- losing my best canine pal has hovered over my head like a black cloud. What would I ever do without his little joyful self in my life? Just knowing I survived this loss makes me realize I am tougher than I think - no drama, here, just this dog was extremely important to me. And now "IT" has happened and is over. And...
h) Sometimes a puppy helps. Just like when food is unappetizing after being ill, the thought of a new puppy seems impossible after losing one so special. But then the heart gets hungry again, and needs a place to throw all that love that has nowhere to go without the lost cherished pet. Coming soon...the whole mixed bag experience of a new bundle to love. Will never be my Tilman, but she will be her own adorable self.
i) Forgiveness matters. I was thrown for a major loop recently when I found out something that revealed a betrayal by the people closest to me. It was devastating to experience this. I do know, though, that holding on to that sense of devastation and throwing away friendships in spite isn't the way to go.
j) I am looking forward to a new school year, with terrific kids and all the fun, creativity, and challenges they bring. We only have about 182+/- days to do this -- game on!
That's enough self reflection on this summer. The end. Cheers and happy creating, peeps!
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