Ruth Ayres invites us the celebrate each week. Click over to her site Discover. Play. Build. to read more celebrations.
August oppresses me. I know I shouldn’t let it. But the heat and heaviness of the air gets to me. Yesterday was my anniversary. I’ve been married an amazing 33 years to the best guy in the whole world, but I was in no mood to celebrate. I was hot and tired. But then this came: a package and a poem.
Heidi Mordhorst sent me a poem. We are exchanging in the Summer Poem Swap designed by Tabatha Yeatts. Heidi visited Greece this summer. We had a connection because I went on a trip there 4 years ago. The image captures the amazing blue of the Aegean Sea. And her poem captures the magic. Thanks, Heidi, for lifting my soul.
Laura Purdie Salas is one of my favorite poets and teachers. She has a great website and has published a number of teacher aids for writing poetry with students. I can’t wait to share this newest publication with my students. Catch Your Breath: Writing Poignant Poetry.
School started this week. I haven’t started pulling my students yet, but I saw them and hugged them in the hallway. I love having this kind of connection with my kids. I teach them year after year, so our relationship strengthens each year.
At one of my schools, the year theme is reading and books. We all wore Dr. Seuss t-shirts on the first day. I love the quote on the back. Reading is magic. I strive again this year to open this magic door for my students.
What are you celebrating this week?
Reflections on the Teche 
I can’t imagine how oppressive August heat is! What a treat to receive that package!!! I just ordered that book, it looks amazing!! Happy Back to School for you! I’m still a few weeks away from seeing students. Stay cool!!
How much fun to wear a Dr. Suess shirt the first day of school. It lends a light note to the return to the routine.
Happy Anniversary! I just ordered the book too. Thanks for spreading the book love. I can imagine that heat ;( Hard to breathe let alone think. Love the shirt! What a wonderful thing to welcome your students back year after year! Lucky them.
I hear you on the heat! I welcome cool days honestly. Love the shirt! How wonderful that everyone wears T-shirts like this on the same day. Great way to build a reading community.
Glad your spirits were lifted! I like the quote on the shirt! Very powerful message. Hoping you have a wonderful year!
I celebrate with you and for poetry and for friends who come through when we need them. My hubby and I celebrated 33 years this summer, too.
My Celebrate Today
I do think August can be a bit melancholy – one of my favorite story beginnings is the one in Tuck Everlasting – “The first week of August hangs at the very top of summer, the top of the live-long year, like the highest seat of a Ferris wheel when it pauses in its turning. The weeks that come before are only a climb from balmy spring, and those that follow a drop to the chill of autumn, but the first week of August is motionless, and hot. It is curiously silent, too, with blank white dawns and glaring noons, and sunsets smeared with too much color.” Doesn’t that describe it perfectly?! I’m so glad your spirits were lifted with some creative and fun mail! Happy Anniversary and Happy Back to School week!
This is the second time I’ve seen this quote recently. Such a perfect description.
It seems too soon for school to start! Have a wonderful year. I love your Dr. Seuss shirt!
Margaret, I felt the August heat sitting heavily over the world when I was in St. Louis for ILA15. I was shocked at how hot it was but during the trip I had so many wonderful memories and meet-ups that the heat took a back seat. Happy Anniversary and I know that you will fill your students’ world with so much magic this year that they will blossom as learners.
Where did you find the great Dr. Suess shirt?
A local tshirt company designed it. Thanks.