Sunday Blessings

Yet another beautiful, awesome Sunday in which to be thankful.  My week was better toward the end....the beginning was still filled with uncertainty, tiredness and yes, some crying children who missed their moms...in the end, they were learning the boundaries and figuring out some routines.  That was cool...Friday was pretty smooth and gave me hope again.  People don't realize how challenging it is to get 23-24 Kindergarten bodies all on the same page, especially when they all want to go in different directions!  In Idaho, we still don't have all day kindergarten (and it's not madated by law), so we still have quite a few kids that haven't ever been exposed to a classroom.  Parents are in awe when they spend the day with me because they don't realize all the things that go into making a successful learner or a successful school day...but we get it done and have a good time.  Friday, we were all happy, and NO CRYING!  YEAH!

Sunday Scribblings is about The End.  I'm in agreement with Guatami in that with an end there seems to be a sadness and a sense of loss for a loved, relished adventure, but nature always has a way of carving a path of new growth and new beginnings.  Those of you who have been reading my posts know that it's been difficult for me because my daughter leaves for Portland in two weeks.  And though I'm very excited for her, it's the beginning of the end of a cherished era of being a mom.  My oldest daughter has decided to stay for a little bit longer, but she's never home.

The nest is changing and reforming and it's time to build a different nest.  What shall I make it of?  Shall I change jobs?  Shall I change interests?  Create new possibilities or recharge old possibilities?  Shall I write that romance book or children's book that I've always wanted?  What is my identity now?  That's the biggest question of all.

The challenge of building a new nest, possibly one of my last nests, is that I want the materials to be the best quality, and I want the nest to be comfortable and peaceful and cozy enough for me and my husband.  I get to relearn who this man is who helped me raise these girls...I get to find new growth and a way to grow old together, happily.  It feels strange contemplating this, and yet, exciting thinking of all the possibilities and directions I can go.....

Good news!  I am taking a printmaking class, and though I stink at drawing...yes, I have limited skills, the teacher wants me to stay.  There is no time like the present, and she said she would help me get better.  I'm so excited about this!  She was supportive and caring, and wanted to be there to assist me in my dream of being an artist.  One class at a time, one piece of art at a time, I will be there...new growth...slow growth.  This week I shall make a post to show you what I'm doing.  Remember, the skills are basic, but it will be fun to show you the process.

I do know that in addition to art, my future includes many friendships and writing...because these things sustain me and bring me happiness.  I LOVE creating.  I LOVE the feeling of completion. 

So my friends, thanks for being there for me.  I look forward to visiting you on this blessed Sunday for a little bit, and then I go boating!  YEAH!  Bless you.

Comments

[Tammy]

I'm an empty nester and I LOVE IT! This is your time, so savor your life because grandchildren will one day change things again. lol

[jen]

glad you are enjoying the printmaking and sailing! what is our identity...how we identify ourselves is interesting..our jobs, our goals, our interests, our roles, our relationships...some things are constant and then there is change, growth, new adventures...
It seems like you are at a place where you can see in many directions..a place, maybe to consider what would make you happiest today....reading this post makes me feel excited ...you taking steps that you can and want to take..you are becoming the artist...you will always be the mom, the teacher, YOU : ) Have fun sailing!

[odessa]

hi marie,

what a wonderful post. i realized just how much hardwork kindergarten is when i was hanging out in their classroom last thursday. whew, everyone going in different directions. it takes a special person to teach kindergarten that's for sure.

and oh, i'm so glad your taking a printing class and sailing! both sounds fun. happy sunday!

~odessa

[leah]

what a wonderful teacher! soak in that encouragement and soar! enjoy it all. you are an artist! xoxo

[carole]

Marie:
Go boating and let your lovely spirit sail : )
I am 58 and my nest has been empty for quite awhile and I am grateful for my girls telephone calls, visits and e-mails.
Take care
carole

[gautami]

We are both in agreement in our thoughts about endings. It never ends. Always a new start.

I have joined an art appreciation course. I have already attended 5 classes. I am enjoying that.

BTW, as I read this blog of your, I will link this to mine. You too can remove me from that other blog and add me here.

You have misspelled my name there..:D