And Just Like That I'm Returning to My Frog-Self and Trying to Find May Way Towards the Pond Life I Cherish and Need. It's May. Bring on the Peepers

I always say it's best not to make any big decisions in the final-stretch of a semester, especially after carrying so much heaviness for so long. I'm very much looking forward to summer and the rejuvenating part of my year working with teachers and young people from around the southern part of Connecticut. I'm also ready to have another root canal. Advil works miracles, but when it wears off my ear, jaw, and neck are infuriated. Amazing what a tooth-nerve can do. I now understand why cowboys used to have horses yank out a tooth.

The frogs are from the Walsh Gallery and I don't know the artist (or the exhibit) but loved seeing them when I went to see The Percy Jackson Lightening Thief on campus in April. So great to hear Rob Rokicki's lyrics added to Rick Riordan's middle grade story. It made me long for the days of Brown: the creativity, the diversity, the connections with kids, and the funk of a school year. 

Today it is school visits, the dentist, more grading, and hopefully a semblance of sanity after a crazy year. Much has happened and I'm proud of it, but self-care, joy, and purposeful work is what I need to stand for from now one. 

Life's but a walking shadow. This is true for my frog friends, too. 

I sort of like having prompts to kick off my day...to write...to play with words. I also like sleep and good heath, both physically and mentally. I think we all deserve better. That's what I'm concentrating on as we transition out of the 2023-2024 school year. 

Resume normal posts...the fury, the frantic, the contemplative, the disturbed, the curious, and the wonder.