What is it
that makes people
want to write a book?
It was always my
father's dream.
He did write a children's story
but never attempted
to have it published,
as far as I know.
The agent to whom
I sent my manuscript
received over
4,000 submissions
in just a few weeks.
4,000!
A tidal wave
of writing.
A tsunami of hopes
and dreams.
Knowing that
makes waiting to hear
a lot easier.

Where I live,
many people have stickers
on their vehicles
that say "Salt Life."
My vehicle should say
"Art Life."
It is the focus
of my family.
Whether
writing, drawing,
designing, decorating,
dancing, choreographing,
cooking,
​or making music,
it seems like we all
have an
Art Life.
I like it that way. 

Who experiences more
​endings
than teachers?
Dramatic, climatic
last days of school 
filled with tears, hugs,
and waves goodbye
that signal the end
of the brief time
we spend with
our students.
We are together only
90 days
when we teach
on the block.
It seems so long...
Goodbye, 2015-16.

Hello, summer.
In 50 short days
I will wave goodbye
again.

 

Crafter.
It is a word
 you don't hear
very often in terms
of writing.
I think it describes my work
fairly well.
I certainly didn't create
the life stories
I tell.
And
truthfully,
I hope to do more
than just tell them.
I would like to
craft the stories
in such a way
that they change
the reader's
heart
the same way
they
changed
mine.