Please do not grade my writing!

The warm evening air surrounded me as I sailed down the road on my bike, accompanied by a plethora of sights and smells that enhanced the cycling experience. The odiferous scent of sheep dung accompanied me for a good part of the journey. Fortunately the delightful aroma of sun ripened blackberries wafting across the road negated the former nose-wrinklng redolence. The golden orb of the setting sun in the pink western sky and the reflecting light glowing on the diminutive clouds clustered across the eastern sky reinforced my belief that the sky is one of creation's most scenic wonders. I congratulated myself that I did not disturb the twilight calm by shrieking when I nearly ran over a coiled snake on the road. I went by Tyler's memorial in the park and inhaled the sweet fragrance of the petunias there, while trying not to be too grumpy about the empty Pepsi can that I had to get off my bike to pick up.

I am indeed fortunate, after a busy day working with awesome teachers and students, that I can come home and enjoy relaxing on my lovely patio as I listen to the fishing adventures of my happy husband, and then take a bike ride in the country.

Today I walked a visitor down to our Basic Skills classroom and enjoyed observing those awesome staff members caring for the special kids there. It was such a calm and happy place, with so many things going on with different students, including a busy boy crawling around who I managed not to trip over! I know it can't possibly be that calm and happy all the time, but it was really cool to be in their environment and see how caring those staff members are with challenging needs of students. I need to get out more!

Sunday in church, Pastor John asked us to think about our most influential teacher. My high school Creative Writing teacher came to mind. He encouraged, complimented, and laughed at things I wrote, but the main thing I remember he said was that I needed to work on my descriptive writing. That was 34 years ago. It's never too late. I thought I would start working on it tonight! I believe long sentences were sometimes an issue also. I don't want to even think about what kind of grade or comments he would put on my first paragraph! But it was fun coming up with it anyway!

I have so much respect and admiration for all my friends who are teachers and classroom support staff. It is a very noble calling! Sometimes I wish I would have become a teacher...