The Larger Pot

After four months indoors all day, I sit outside in the morning cool, enjoying the first day of summer coffee. I'm back in the garden with bees buzzing and purple finches everywhere. Our Rainier Cherry Tree fruited and they're delicious! Of course, we leave most of them for the birds.

I wrote in my journal that I wanted to do something life-changing in the New Year, to allow myself to be in a time of intense transition. In February I had a real scare with cancer that changed my perspective. I had been missing the joy of teaching kids for a while, feeling root-bound in my tiny pot and longing for growth.

This time, I didn't want to go chasing doors of opportunity to kick down. I wanted serendipity to bring opportunities effortlessly. I have been practicing being more present and less worried, less attached to a final outcome, to see where life will lead with a kind of ease.

It was shortly after this resolution that I received the call. A local principal happened to see my resume online. "Hey there, I'm looking for teachers. I know you're a music educator, but would you consider teaching art the rest of the year?"

I said yes.

It was 700 students, kindergarten through fifth grade. I survived. Some days it was 12,700 steps because I had to teach in a cafeteria, tear down and then set up the classroom so kids could eat lunch. The kids were wonderful.

I learned a lot about myself in such a pressure cooker. My incredible partner was there every morning with a top brass send off. He made strong french press coffee and helped cut yarn for 700 art projects with a smile.

Idea credit: Cassie Stephens blogging art teacher

I discovered much about the state of current academia, the term "teacher tired" and students post covid. I was gifted new friendships and sincere heart connections with students...still deeply reflecting on the entire experience.

This morning I noticed last year's pepper tree has come back to life. All winter long it sat by the window pathetically wilted. Now it's lush with new life, so I think I'll plant it into a larger pot and and let its roots expand...

Make today an adventure,

Wen