I've been thinking about school a lot lately. In my part of NY, kids went back to school last week. The school supplies in the stores are slowly being replaced by Halloween decorations. Schedules are being set and fine-tuned, and soon the newness of the school year will settle into routine.
I don't have children, but I remember my school days vividly. Some more so than others. I remember that sense of anticipation as the leaves began to turn, picking out school clothes and figuring out what to wear that all important first day. I remember the thrill of discovering which friends were in your classes and the excitement of all the new - new teachers, new subjects, new dances and club meetings. Schoolwork was important, but c'mon, checking out the cute boys was too!
The world brimmed with possibilities back then, and I think my melancholy when I remember my school days probably stems from that. Admittedly I didn't have the best time in school. Elementary school was awesome. Junior high and high school...not so much. I had friends and probably didn't suffer as much trauma as some kids did, but those days definitely left a mark on me. I lost a lot of my enthusiasm during high school, choosing to hide it under cynicism and sarcasm. Maybe I figured things would hurt less if I pretended I didn't care. I'm not really sure. But I miss that hopeful, excited person I used to be, so I'm trying to embrace learning again. I'm trying to let go of some of the cynicism and instead let what I love best about fall - the sense of upcoming possibilities - motivate me to try new things.
One new thing I'm trying new is a workshop taught by Candace Havens that starts in a few weeks. It's about revising your work, and I hope it's the kick in the pants I need to get going on some stalled projects. I also just bought a new camera. As much as I love writing, I need to pursue other creative avenues now and then to keep myself fresh. I miss taking pictures and can't wait to take my new red pretty camera for a spin.
What about you? Do you have fond memories of your school days? And what new things are you trying or exploring this fall?
6 comments:
I remember feeling the same about the beginning of a new school year. Being EXCITED is fun and memorable. To be honest, I've met very few people who would revisit high school. So much drama, angst and uncertainty. Nope. I'd never do it again. And MEAN GIRLS? Please. That stuff never ends, does it?
I loved school. I know, I'm weird. In high school, I was on our drill team and had a few girls that I was buddies with but I never got into the whole sorority thing. Plus, I didn't date from my own school so I didn't have the mean girl thing going on. I had just the opposite since my brother was a grade below me and ALL the girls wanted to be my friend. UGH! My brother was very picky and we both saw right thru it. LOL!
To say, I'd go back...you've got to be kidding. I went to 20th class reunion in 2005 and while it was nice to see people and hang out, nope...still wouldn't go back.
Plus, with a 1st grader now, I'm having more fun watching through his eyes.
Good luck with C's class. She can be a task master. I'm still in one of her classes.
My jr and sr years were good, but I HATED the drama in junior high and sophomore year! I'm currently doing 'Flashback Friday' in which I've been recalling events from the past 4 decades, and since I don't really remember a whole lot from 1971, the years 1981, 91, and 2001 have been interesting to relive.
Yes, there is still drama at times, but maturity helps.
I know what you mean about the drama of high school and the cliques. Went to one reunion and it was same all over. haven't been back since. I'm trying new things too. Took Sign Language Class to learn something new last spring and want to look into a photography class myself. Want to take learn what to do with my camera.
Really School days are very awesome days my frens...after reading ur blog, i too remembered my pretty and beautiful days..Cheers !!
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