Already, their happy memories of Christmas and holidays at the beach will be a fading memory. Families will be scrambling to buy all the books and pencils and uniforms necessary for the new school year. Dads could well be assembling new flatpack desks from Ikea or somewhere similar. Some kids will be nervous about a new school. Some will be excited about seeing all their friends again. Some could be trying to pretend it isn't happening.
Meanwhile, teachers (including many of my friends) will be enjoying one last weekend of summer freedom -- or possibly the conscientious will be planning lessons.
The back-to school busy rush always seems such a hassle when it's happening, but there's always an edge of excitement for everyone facing a new school year, isn't there? I can't believe
my grandson Thomas is starting high school this year. He'll be doing a German immersion program -- v exciting.But where have the years gone? It was only a moment ago he looked like this on the right.
There are many times, when we think back on those years, when E and I really miss our kids, as kids. So much. They grow up in a flash and then they're gone.
I can't say I've suffered from the empty nest problem, but there are times when I wish we were still all together. Just the same, I thank heavens that I have my writing job and that it keeps stretching me and keeping me fulfilled.
And when I hear from readers that one of my books has given a few hours of pleasure, I feel very grateful.
That said, I've been lazy, lazy, lazy lately -- at least lazy about writing. But I've planted lots of lovely things at Tarzali. And Elliot and I have wasted hours with tape measures and pen and paper, dreaming up a plan for a master bedroom that hangs off the edge of the hill (on poles). And I actually have a beaut idea for a new book, but I've dithered around and let it go stale.
But I know once I immerse myself in the new story (which I must do very soon) the characters will take me by the hand and show me the way.
They always do... and it's been nice to have a laid-back January.
3 comments:
We still have two more weeks of holidays here. I used to go back to school the day after Regatta Day: a trip on the train, the greasy pole, always a photo with mum and dad as we went into the grounds-happy memories!! Time passes so quickly, I don't think you are wasting your time at all, your plans sound very exciting.I would entreat you to put pen to paper soon for your readers' sakes!!!
Going back to school is always exciting (for some, at least!) because it's all about possibilities. And there's nothing like the smell of a freshly sharpened pencil or the feel of brand new clothes on the first day of school.
On the other side of the world, we're about to have an ice storm in OK and my 4 year old is constantly asking when it will be warm enough to swim.
by the way, your bedroom on stilts sounds like a dream. Will there be a balcony to sit on and watch the sunset or stars??
I love the images you both have given here -- the Regatta Day outing and then the sharpened pencils and brand new clothes --(in all Australian schools the kids wear uniforms).
I'm afraid the pole bedroom idea has been nixed by our building friend, so it's back to the drawing board -- literally!
But I'm pleased to report I've been writing today and the new story is taking shape.
I've changed my heroine's name about five times, but I'm finally happy with her.
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