Schooled

The world is my classroom...

Julie (and her friend Nick) first day of kindergarten 1999, Aiden first day of kindergarten 2019 (his backpack is bigger than he is)

And Just Like That (hope that phrase isn’t trademarked now:-), our Aiden is a brand-new fourth grader, and Peter is ready to tackle first grade. Tried to figure out what grade their Nana is going into this year, and it turns out I’m about to start 62nd! At this point I am WAY overdue for a new binder, crayons, and lunch box, so it’s off to the store as soon as I finish writing!

But seriously…

Helping to build a school in Guatemala, 2011, one of so many incredible experiences

Though I was always a good student, life (marriage, jobs) got in the way and I somehow forgot to finish college (oops!). Over the years, I have evolved from being ashamed of my degree-free status, to embracing that reality. Many are the folks in my age bracket who return to academe’s hallowed halls (I love the pix of the cute 95 year olds holding up their diplomas), but I honestly have no burning desire to go back for that Bachelor’s at this point. For one thing, the current price tag is too high for me to justify re-enrolling, and for another, I’m getting a truly fine education every day without completing university studies. The world has been my classroom—my experiences, my many interests, and in general navigating a full—and very fulfilling—life.

MUSIC: “School Song”

Here’s a lovely tune by James Taylor’s pianist Larry Goldings…

As our household once more adjusts to getting kids out the door for the bus in the mornings…I love Oliver’s ode to early rising…

POEM: Why I Wake Early by Mary Oliver

Hello, sun in my face.

Hello, you who made the morning and spread it over the fields and into the faces of the tulips and the nodding morning glories, and into the windows of, even, the miserable and the crotchety –

best preacher that ever was, dear star, that just happens to be where you are in the universe to keep us from ever-darkness, to ease us with warm touching, to hold us in the great hands of light –

good morning, good morning, good morning. Watch, now, how I start the day in happiness, in kindness.

Rehoboth sunrise, 2023

BOOKS THAT HAVE EDUCATED ME (TWO OF MANY):

Soul of an Octopus

This book blew my mind, full stop. Octopuses, it turns out, are highly intelligent and sensitive SOULS. Who knew? Not me, apparently…

Finding the Mother Tree

Evan has inspired me to look at trees differently, and this wonderful book just reinforces my new understanding. Simard herself can speak to this far more eloquently than I can…

BLOG PREVIEW: As a new mom, I wanted (badly) to take my cue from my baby. As an exhausted human, I also wanted to sleep (and for the baby to sleep also). My solution? Go back and forth between crying it out (me and the baby), and giving in and rocking. No wonder we were both confused! Now I hear there’s “blanket training” to teach an infant about delayed gratification. What’s new (and nutty) in the world of babies? Find out tomorrow over at Working Title!

INSPIRATIONAL QUOTE OF THE WEEK:

“To know how to grow old is the master work of wisdom, and one of the most difficult chapters in the great art of living.” —Herman Melville

Guess what? You’re all older than you were when you started reading this newsletter! I am, too! My goal for the week is to be more at peace with aging, and to learn to value the process (a heavy lift for sure!) Here’s to aging gracefully and gratefully, my friends!