Four paragraphs & four things beginning with “A”
Posted on | May 29, 2007 |
A full day back at the classroom. They greet me with eager smiles and two-page weekend news letters in ever more confidant print. They use capitals and periods and I challenged them to write about what they felt, saw and said. One little boy wrote, I could feel the wind and I said to J, “Can you feel the wind?” and he said back to me, “Yes I can,” as we biked down the hill. Such sweeties they are, though they seek to wring every ounce of energy and attention from me. If they learned one thing this year, they learned to be kick-ass writers 
A parent share tomorrow, to celebrate the kid’s final writing projects. Books they’ve planned from storyboard to final hard-cover hand sewn copy. Their smiles and their bright pictures and eccentric text placement is something I’ve been wanting to photograph for a while, so I’m bringing my camera! I miss mixing my life more: art and teaching and writing. I like when it overlaps.
At home, before dinner, we got the chicken coop floor framed out, Bean following after us with a hammer—using it with flawless form. The sun angled long, and for dinner we had flat bread pizza. It’s been the third night in a row Bean has gone to sleep super tired by 8, without much cajoling, and slept through the night in his bed until 6 in the morning, when he patters his way into our room. I cannot tell you how utterly thrilled I am about this. I don’t want to jinx it of course.
And a few more paragraphs tonight. Up to ten pages. The story seems to be fitting together in unexpected ways, as though all the jigsaw pieces are speckled with Rorschach prints. I’m just following along, seeing what I recognize and going with what feels right.
And four things I’m enjoying that start with A:
Azaleas blooming along the back wall of my house, unexpected.
Antinori Vermentino wine: delish with sausages and crusty bread.
Aching muscles from hard work.
Animal, Vegitable, Miracle by Barbara Kingsolver
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6 Responses to “Four paragraphs & four things beginning with “A””
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May 29th, 2007 @ 10:59 pm
Isn’t spring delightful? I’m glad you have found your way out of the gloom of anxiety. I think getting your hands dirty and returning to where you can feel successful in your words and art are most helpful. Knowing that summer is soon definitely helps, and this project with your students sounds delightful! I will be receiving portfolios from my creative writing students–the work they are the most proud of–and look forward to seeing how they have grown too.
May 29th, 2007 @ 11:30 pm
I’m so glad Bean is sleeping in his own bed and through the night again. Sounds like the few GOOD nights of sleep you’ve had have made all the difference.
Thats going to be one great garden. Whatever you plant should thrive in that beautiful soil. Bean is so cute out there working/playing right alongside you like a little man.
Can’t wait to see the chicks!
May 30th, 2007 @ 12:01 pm
ooo, Kingsolver, she’s marvelous. I think I might feel an alphabet good things list coming on.
May 30th, 2007 @ 12:34 pm
I have been lurking here for a while… I have no idea how I came across your blog, but I have loved reading about your rural life. My husband and I daydreamed of moving to Vermont and even looked into work for Vermont Public Radio, before we moved back to the Northwest. We still daydream of that lifestyle and wonder if we might still end up there someday, so I love reading about your life. I’m finally writing to you because I, too, am reading the Kingsolver just now (one of my all-time favorite writers), as I watch my four little semi-urban raised beds come to life. I thought of recommending it to you on Monday when I saw your incredible garden plot taking shape in photos. I need to find a place for asparagus now!
Good luck with your veggie garden. I am trying to learn, too. Where I live, I started planting in March. All I’ve harvested so far are radish, but I think I’ll raid the lettuces by the end of the week.
Thanks for sharing your beautiful life.
May 31st, 2007 @ 8:13 am
I just recently finished Animal, Vegetable, Miracle, and have been exhausting my friends and family talking about it. I’m sure you will love it, especially while starting a new garden.
It is so nice to see you posting here more frequently again - I have missed your words! I’m glad you are feeling a bit better, and looking forward to the summer.
June 1st, 2007 @ 10:07 am
I must comment on the magic of teaching kids how to turn their letters into words and stories - in 4th grade I had a WONDERFUL teacher - Mrs. Luty! - who did this for us. We had a whole long project - and I feel sure that it helped shape my dream of being a writer. I was very proud of my bound book, you know those simple plastic bindings, and a story about me and my two friends - I loved it. So you just never know what small, childish dreams you’re tilling!