Day Before Mother's Day

A month has passed since my last post. The end of the semester's undercurrent  pulled (in all directions) with such a force that it took all of me to keep balance.  I kept up with all of the work, teaching five college courses, plus internships and  independent study and directing a program, and teaching several residencies in schools, PDs; some of which will be happening in the next two weeks.  The work has been so satisfying that instead of feeling blown over, I'm energized by it.


This week, I will finish grading my two courses at SUNY Brockport and the Spring 2015 semester will be officially over.  I have been blessed in so many ways.  My Dad once told me to find work that doesn't feel like work; and even though there is A LOT of work in writing classes, I am intrigued by my students discoveries of their writer's craft, their art, their ability to think critically, and astutely.This year I had so many students who embraced their education, their art, and because of that I am so proud of them.

Yesterday (5/8/2015)  I went to the Senior Awards Ceremony at St. John Fisher College.  I go every year  because this event is a big deal and it's a thrill to see our students and their parents-- all beaming in the flash of photos.  This year, I think I ,taught over 20 of the award winners, which means I meet a lot students over the course of their 4 years at Fisher, from all majors and minors. With each name, I sat up on my fold out chair and clapped. Oh my!  What a thrill knowing I was a part of their success, that I actually had the opportunity to know them in my classes. 

Today, they graduate,and their brilliant career awaits.

~

Since my last post, the beginning of National Poetry Month, I participated in the 30X30 and managed to write 26 poems.  Some of the prompts were difficult, and I'm still trying to find a way in. The end of the semester, especially the last two weeks is so busy with events, presentations, and  grading. I fell a bit behind in my challenge.

But now, it's quiet and the weather is gentle and warm, and I'm adrift in the slower pace.  Time to think.

~

What should I do this summer?  I think we're going to have a summer like 2012, which was fabulous for tomatoes.  We live for fresh tomatoes. So we're in for another year of gardens and putting by.

But what to do in my creative life?  Oh, I just don't know . . .I need to finish some projects. I want to do some drawings. I have to write a bunch of reviews (pronto).  I want to travel a bit.  I want to swim and soak up the sun. I want to hang out with Carmelita and Charlie (our cats) and read for pleasure..  I want to take long walks, and bicycle here and there, and canoe, and thrift shop.


~
Two days ago, my son George sent me a package of chocolate covered strawberries from Sherri's Berries.
We opened the bag and immediately put them in the fridge. Smelled gorgeous. The packaging said to eat in 48 hours.  So today is the day!  I wish my mom were here to enjoy these.  She loved chocolate covered strawberries.

Happy Mother's Day!!!