Yes, one of the biggest perks of being a teacher is having the summer off work. And if anyone tells you differently then they are lying. For many educators this isn't as freeing as it sounds, as many teachers work other jobs or teach summer school, and for the majority of my colleagues they have their own children to entertain for those 8-10 weeks. But for me, I am free- childfree to be exact. I only have to really worry about keeping myself busy during the day.From September to the end of June I hone my attention on the approx 150 students I teach per year, and the arduous task of educating them in not only writing, reading and oral speaking skills, but also how to be responsible and caring citizens of the world. By the end of June I am exhausted mentally and physically. So when my last work day ends and I'm driving home, I imagine the song playing in the background of the movie of my life would be Alice Cooper's "School's Out". It is finally time for me to recharge my batteries for next school year. This past school year was no exception; it was one of the most challenging years I have ever taught; from starting late to a rocky navigation of the linear/semester hybrid template, I found myself worn out by June 26th. Not to mention the medical issues at home keeping me busy, I had no time or energy to indulge in my passion of writing. Something had to give and regrettably it was my new manuscript and the push to publish the first one that had to take a back seat to my profession.
The only way I could get back on track was to get away from everything and everyone. I packed up the vehicle and the dog and off I drove to my sanctuary- my parents cabin in Shuswap Lake. For three days I only worried about me and what I wanted (and Triggs of course). I ate, and slept when I wanted to, and swam when I needed to keep cool from the 38 degree weather. One day all I did was read an entire book. I'm not sure how many adults get that luxury. It was blissful. Then on my third day before my husband and friends were coming up to join me, I wrote for four hours straight and it was amazing. I finally felt like myself again. With enough sleep and my imagination full the words flowed out of me like wine at a family dinner- endless.
Every summer I come up a mantra or a goal for my blessed 8 weeks and this year I think it is going to simply be: Writing. With no kids to mind of my own, I can get up when I want and drink coffee outside on the deck with my pen and paper or laptop and let the words flow. And when the words aren't flowing I'll be the best domestic goddess I can be as that seems to simulate the imagination, I'm not sure why, but doing dishes or hanging laundry on the line it the best remedy for writer's block.
Enjoy the summer all!
