For most moms, summer means more why's, more noise, and less 'me' time. But for this mom, summer means just the opposite. You see, during the school year I teach seventh grade math (I know...weird for a writer, right). I am surrounded by noise, why's, and, with mounds of papers to grade and lessons to plan, I most definitely have less 'me' time.
But, this summer has been a little different. My daughter, Danni, is preparing to embark on her very own college adventure and journey into adulthood . It's a time of change for both of us, and each day--each moment--has been bittersweet. It has been a time of reflection and a time of thanks for all the wonderful memories we have shared over the past eighteen years. Time really does fly...I can attest to that. And God is so good...I can attest to that, as well.
So, I find myself the meat in the sandwich, with my mother on one side and my daughter on the other. It's a strange place to be. What's there to do on a warm (OK...hot) summer day in this time of transition...
Write, of course. For me, summer will always be associated with luxurious sun-drenched hours of my keyboard and me, alone, while I sip coffee (half-caff vanilla bean) and the voices chatter in my head. My husband has given up on trying to understand how my brain works, but my writer-friends...they understand completely and I thank God for them each and every day.
Summer daze...wonderful.
I certainly understand the luxury of uninterrupted writing. I have a small child, and the thought of him growing up and moving out is-- well, I can't go there yet. When I'm going through hard times, though, I do the same thing. I write. It helps.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Patty. You are so write. In my entire life, through ebbs and flows...peaks and valleys, writing has been the one constant that has helped me to make it through and to stay rooted in my faith.
DeleteI used to live for those long summer evenings when the kids played outside and I could write. Great memory. Thanks, Mary!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tanya. Hope your visits are going great!
DeleteLove alone time for writing, but it rarely happens. I've become quite adept at "managing" to do it with stuff going on around me, but I still love those times when I can be alone. Just me, my characters, my keyboard...and God. Couldn't do it without my best Friend!
ReplyDeleteAmen, sister! And, isn't it amazing what kinds of chaos we can adapt to and work through with His guidance???
DeleteEnjoy! Last summer was my first one being retired from the day job and I was where you are now. It's lovely!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Liz. Yes, the sunshine and longer hours to write are truly a blessing.
DeleteMary, you have awesome energy and are prolific in your service for the Lord.
ReplyDeleteSummer daze? Yep. Re: the heat wave that is predicted for a couple more weeks. Hubby asked what we were going to do on the 4th. I said, "It depends on the wind chill."
Excuse me? The heat index!!!
Thanks so much, LoRee. Definitely no wind chill here. It's painful to run, and nearly impossible except for my kind neighbors who keep their sprinklers pointed toward the road while they water their lawn!
Delete