On Summer's End and What Lies Ahead

 Although my personal bible is Le Petit Prince, some of you will know that my soul-author is Lucy Maud Montgomery. (I love Anne of Green Gables, but it is her Story Girl, Pat of Silver Bush, and her own journal entries that reach my core.)



Well, her words written over a century ago about a summer long gone also speak about this surprise summer. I'm a traveler, a peace activist, a historian, a language learner....and oddly, this is the second summer I have spent entirely in two states (NY and NJ.) I ache for the Flint Hills of eastern Kansas and my friends there. I yearn to visit Sammy in California, Dorothee in Germany, and "faraway places with strange sounding names." This was the second summer in a row I planned to get to France, Spain and Portugal to see the key spots in my research...and the second summer when travel was not possible. This was a summer I planned to see a lot of people, but Covid kept many visits at a distance...

All the same, this was a magical summer. I found joy in unexpected places. The cast of Annie was so cohesive and we became a wild and beautiful family. The support I received (even when I struggled with imposter syndrome) while finishing my doctorate helped me so much. I cherished a few visits with Anna Lea, a celebration of Richard's 80th birthday, a nature walk with my big sister, a bridal shower, an inner sanctum chat with Donnetta, a fairy trail walk with the "Snerster Pod", a GPS mystery journey with friends in New Brunswick, a visit with TJ to the Grounds for Sculpture, deep talks with Mina, Sharon and Dawn, laughter with Alex and Holly, outdoor choir rehearsals for Kol Ahava, a beach visit with Scout and Crow, and lots of talks with my parents.
I also had some quiet for reading and writing, bubble baths and walks. I taught lots of classes online (Drama, the Classics, Invention, Poetry, QuizBowl) and taught two camp classes in person (The Art & Science of Thinking and a Debate class.) I learned that I have to breathe deeply; taking time to water my new Redbud tree helps, as does playing the flute. I have soaked in the great outdoors, deep inner peace, and lasting connections.
Now it is time for this teacher's summer to end. I don't know what's ahead. I'm me-- so I'm anxious! I hope the virus doesn't spread more now that kids are having lunch at school. I hope I can keep my peace. I hope I can keep my fire within as I keep reading through the FBI hate crime report that just came out and as I move forward in my advocacy. I hope I can remember the love that has lit my summer days.
I don't know what magic you have created or experienced this summer...but I hope that you found moments that will be beacons of joy for you when you need them.
For all of you starting adventures anew...be safe, be joyous, and stay connected!

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