October in August

A Summer Tree

I look at the calendar and it says August 21st. I know this to be true. I have more tomatoes in my garden than my family can eat and it is hard to find homes for them because most everyone else with one or more plants has more tomatoes than they can eat as well. This is a true sign that it is August. I see the large yellow school buses driving down the road and know I need to plan a couple of extra minutes to get where I am going because the bus will be stopping to pick up anxious young people headed for bright sunny classrooms with new bulletin board ready to make a good first impression. I know it is August because the plans I have been making all summer are finally coming true in my own classroom. Lessons are being planned, open house events are being held and attended; yes, it is definitely August!

Then why did I need a jacket when I went to sit on my back deck last night? That usually happens in October. Why did I see a fully mature pumpkin in the garden at my school? Why does the old cottonwood tree near my house have brown leaves? All these are signs of late September or October. This may be confusing--but I feel that it is not my place to wonder why--rather it is my place to sit back and enjoy.

I felt the cool breeze on my legs as I sat on my deck last night with a sundress and a coat. I took pictures of the cottonwood tree. I smiled when I saw the pumpkin and thought about how much the children will enjoy thinking about what kind of jack-o-lantern face they would draw on the long and skinny gourd. I don't mind taking the extra minutes to get to work or do an errand because it helps me remember the excited feelings I had as a child, standing at the end of my driveway waiting for "Bob", my bus driver to pick me up, take me into town, and start another exciting day of learning, talking with friends, playing sports, and learn to be an independent thinker.

Those days---my own exciting school days---those are the moments that I like to draw upon now that I am a teacher. I want my student to have those excited feelings about the world, their friends, and most of all about the classroom. I want them to love life and love learning. If I am a small part of that----WOW! That makes me feel GREAT!

Enjoy the weather where ever you are--rain, shine, cool, hot, cloudy, sunny, there is good to be found in all of these gifts of nature. Just appreciate what you have and have a wonderful day.

Take Care,

MissT