Unlike life,
a book
can be
rewritten.
It is almost like
rebirth
when something
new
is created from
all that existed
before.
Like rebirth,
I hope for
a
better outcome
this time.

Even though
I've been a school librarian
for over 3 decades,
God knew
this profession
would be constantly changing
when He called me
to be
a media specialist.
Card catalogs to bar-codes to Chromebooks,,,
no time for boredom
at this job.
Some nights
I feel like I would like
to do something else.
Tonight, for instance.
But while some
would call me a teacher,
I'm really just a learner.
I will embrace the
learning curve
that has made
my life so interesting,
and trust my
Savior
who brought me
here.

The 50 days
of summer 2016​
are coming to a close.
Did I go to the beach?
No.
Did I lay by the pool?
No.
Did I finish reading a book?
(Shhh...no.)
Yet, it was the
best summer ever.
God is giving me back
the gift of Art.
Certainly,
an unexpected
turn of events.
​Thank you, Lord!

Initiated.
I have officially
joined the ranks
of famous authors
everywhere
having received
my first rejection letter.
Correction:  email.
(It is the 21st century, 
after all.)
As I told agent Stephanie,
thanking her for
her correspondence,
 one day
her letter may be framed
on my wall.
The 13 week wait was worth it
because it will be a reminder
of God's faithfulness
to guide me
in the direction
He would have me to go.
Meanwhile,
I think I am
to revisit my manuscript
in the days to come.
To Be
or not,
God is faithful!

​

It seems silly
that I never made
the connection
before.
I was asked to write
a short bio
​last week.
(I find that
there is nothing like
writing a bio
or a blog
to bring you
face to face
with who you are.)
In the bio
I mentioned that
journalism
was an early unfulfilled
career choice.
Revelation!
No wonder I loved
researching and writing about
​the fascinating life of
Edgar J. Banks! 

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.

Shhhh!
Don't tell anyone.
My students have been
free-writing
for two weeks
on Storybird.com
just for the joy of it.
Perhaps, I should correct
their spelling
and give them tips
on structure...
but they write,
then carry their 
Chromebooks
to the next table
to share.
The room is filled
with laughter.
Asher's story made
me laugh so hard,
tears were streaming
down my face.
I hope
they write
all
summer.