Thoughts on Back to School

I rolled into Summer 2023 with a great need for some peaceful days and the high hopes that would happen.  More than mid-way through August, and with my eye on the start of a new school year, I’m able to reflect on the last few month with a full heart.  

Miserably unhappy right hip not withstanding, this has been one of the nicest summers I can remember.  The weather was terrific for much of June and even when the heat arrived, it was not unbearable in New Jersey.  I spent countless hours outside on the back deck or the front porch, relaxed and glad to turn my face to the sunshine.  

But the real star of this summer has been its stark difference to the anxieties and worries of last summer.  I am incredibly grateful for that and though it will be some time before I take such ease for granted, it was nice to have it.  JT worked hard and found some measure of peace.  I found pleasure in my own company and took the time to reach out to friends for companionship when I needed it.  

Whereas last September I was glad to start school because it meant a break from the tension at home, this year finds me approaching the start of the year with genuine excitement for what the school year will bring, not just relief.  It’s nice to value back-to-school for its own prospects.  

My classes are ready to go.  I love prepping a new class but there is a certain amount of tension involved in the process, as so many new lessons means nothing familiar to fall back upon. This year is my fourth year of teaching Civics & Citizenship to 8th graders and I’ve made some adjustments that I am excited roll out.  At this point, the class is still a new-enough prep that I am pleased by its newness.  At the same time, I’ve done it enough that I have a sense of what works well and what needs fine-tuning.  

But, honestly, most of my ease as I approach the Fall is in the fact that my boy is finding his way.  He is excited about the school he will teach and coach at this year.  He remains at home but for both of us it’s a place of rest and respite, no longer layered with the prospect of minefields.  As Fall approaches both of us look to the new season with excitement at the prospects it offers.  That’s happy!

Gratitude Journal : Vermont

I took my last chunk of time off at the start of August.   JT and I headed north to Vermont for a few days.  It’s a place JT loves, with mountains and quiet that feeds his soul.  I’ve been a few times and always enjoyed it; it was nice for him to share his favorite place with me.  There was nothing special on our agenda - just some relaxing days in a beautiful location before the school year starts.  I spent a lot of time on the back deck of the tiny cabin we rented, soaking in the green woods and blue skies, reading, writing, and relaxing.  

JT went for runs on familiar trails and I went for walks.  

In the evening, we enjoyed a soak in a hot tub in the back yard of our Air B&B.  We spent a day noodling around Manchester and its amazing book store.  The trip and the days surrounding it are my last big patch of time off before the start of school.  The time was the culmination of one of the nicest summers I have enjoyed in a while.  It was nice to wrap it up with time together in Vermont.  

Everything about the state and its relaxed vibe is nice.  There is beauty around every corner.  The sky is filled with magnificent light.  These are people whose magnetic poetry kit includes the word “community.”  Right there, you know you are in good hands.