J45: Advice for Seniors

Dear Graduates,
This is the first year that I've really known and cared about the senior class. Though many memories fade, in my mind's eye I can still see you as squirming little freshmen in English I. My first piece of advice would be not to forget that youth. In every public act you seem to want to show yourself as older. The ever-growing wall of senior portraits behind my desk is a testament to that. I have to say that, for the most part, you don't look that grown up yet. Perhaps that is how you would like to be remembered by others and yourself, but I know better. You still have more of those squirmy qualities than you would like to admit. And that's a good thing as long as you don't take it too far. It is not a shame to, like Peter Pan, never quite grow up. I speak from experience on that one.

On the other hand, you will have to make a lot of changes. The universities and workplaces don't generally want adults who act like kids. It's a balancing act, but you can do it.

Most of all, be well always. I know you can't control everything that happens in life, but you can control your attitude about it.

Sincerely,
Bewls

P.S. Don't forget where you came from. Literally. It's okay to visit now and then.

J43: Personal Best

I haven't been as good this year about writing with you as I intended before all hell broke loose in the fall, thus my choices are a bit limited. I honestly think that my personal best of this year is an episodic piece of nonfiction I'm currently working on. I also think that some of my journal entries are worthy of note. Perhaps revising some of them would be a good thing to do.

J42: Character Sketch - Park

The cool water of the small man made lake was still and dim. This spring has been chilly, but today the warmth of coming summer flooding the park, the pond, and all their occupants.The great trees (some native to the park, others planted in the six decades since this place was named to the sacred honor of being Salem's only public green space) stood along the banks. The soft maples dropped their helicopter seeds across land and water. One by one the seeds that fell over the pond became waterlogged and sank in their twirling fashion. Benny had never seen such a thing. Swimming out from the shade near the banks and out to brighter waters, he chased what the maples had so kindly thrown his way. Before long other fish joined in and they developed a sort of a game of it. Soon it would be summer. The kids with their fishing poles would be about. But this year that is no worry for a playful fish so wee, only his mother would call him a keeper.

J41: Weekend or Summer Plans

My weekend was mostly on the unexciting side (what's new?!), so I guess I'll talk about my summer plans. First off, I plan to spend a couple of weeks sleeping late and watching late night television till one or two in the morning. Geez, I miss that quite a bit during the school year. By that point I'll probably be a bit more worn out from gardening/farmer's market. Sometime in mid-June I have to start making good on my commitment to the National Writing Project and start attending the Summer Institute of the OWP at MSU. That sounds like a lot of fun and work; I'm not sure yet which side will take the majority. I do know that I will have a nightly assignment of a solid hour of writing. I know you all are intimidated by such an idea, but I'm really anxious to get started. We'll see how long that ambition lasts. After the three or so weeks of SI, I have a bit of a break (which includes my birthday), and then (assuming my application is accepted) I'll have the Advanced Institute to complete so I'll be an official NWP Teacher Consultant...woot! So, to my kiddoes I'm sure this sounds like quite a drag, but I think it will be fun.

J40: Open Topic

Oh, how I wish we had the originally planned five day weekend. Usually the weeks fly by for me, but this one has dragged on. Perhaps it's MAP testing, or simply the fact we're not supposed to be here, but I'm ready for some rest.

Anywho...on the bright side, literally, the past couple days have been amazing weatherwise. It's about time we have some days that resemble Spring. With the possibility of showers today, I'm just delighted. How nice it would be to be at home this afternoon and catch a nap during a thunderstorm. Perfect it would be.

I've been having strange dreams recently. Of course I probably wouldn't even know this if I didn't wake up so often, but oh well. It makes life more interesting. For instance, during my afternoon nap the other day I met the pope. My subconscious is obviously insane. I'm not even Catholic! It was a good, brief visit though ;)

J38: Dream Spring Break

Well. If our school actually had spring break and I actually had the money to do anything, I would definitely want to get out of Missouri for a while. I'm not sure where I would want to go - a week sounds like too little time to leave the country. I think heading north would be good. That's one area I haven't been to, so it'd be nice to see somewhere different and nature-y. But New York would also be a good adventure. I'd love to see some shows that are a little higher class than the ones my troupe produces. Anyhow. Instead I guess I'll just hang out here and teach you guys. It'll be a pretty good adventure by itself.

J36: Spring, etc.

Ah, the first day of Spring. With all the rain we've had the past several days sure does make it feel like a new season is on its way (although the stark lack of warm temperatures makes me wonder!). I like Spring for several reasons (this sounds like the opening to a bad five-paragraph essay). First off, it is an obvious time of growth - trees getting leaves, grass greening up, people preparing gardens. Also it is my last set of hurdles - the spring play (OMG next weekend will come too soon!!!), mid-quarter grades, early finals for the seniors, a blessed week with only three classes in the building, graduation, and that's it - another year behind me. Here's to hoping they ask me back again. But the classic downfall of Spring is my chronic snot nose from allergies. All in all, a worthy trade for all the benefits.