I think I know part of what’s going on with me. It’s time to be getting ready for school !
I’ve been buying paper, pens, binders and notebooks everywhere I go these days.
I stood transfixed the other day at a store, marveling at the variety of things available to write on and with. There were families there piling their baskets full of things. One man had two older daughters and a young son. The girls were trying to decide what kind of folders to choose of dozens with beautiful pictures on them of horses and flowers and waterfalls, and the young boy came galloping up with a ruler. We need rulers Dad! I found one! Practical little cuss.
I loved going to school. I loved everything about it. As a matter of fact, one year, I was the very first one to show up for registration day at the high school. I had the pick of any locker in the whole hallway. I chose locker number One. I loved it. It was in a small bank of lockers right next to the door of the library on one side and the girls bathroom on the other. A choice piece of real estate, and it was mine for the whole year. Oh was I smug about it!
I could hardly wait for school to start. The feeling of starting fresh, with the full potential of having a great year was exhilarating. I was a good student, if not a brilliant one. I was above average I guess. I did my homework without being nagged by my parents. I struggled with math, but excelled in English…
So with my own positive experiences and then raising 3 boys and going through the school rituals with them for all those years, “getting ready for school” this time of year is firmly entrenched in my psyche. Even though my youngest son is now in his early 20’s. It all seems fresh in my mind.
I should find a class and go to school myself. Just for old times sake. How about a nice creative writing class? Maybe in October. I saw a little store front community college the other day near the vets office. I may have to go over there and see what they have on the menu.
I could write the classic first essay of the first day of school:
“What I Did On My Summer Vacation.”