Compromise

          Following up yesterday’s blog: I didn’t have the heart, or desire, to kick Audrey off the bed last night.  But I did keep her at arm’s length. Not an easy task. But I was steadfast.  I thought if I covered her with a little blanket she’d be warm enough.  It’s so dry, with the heat running all night, that the blanket crackled and snapped and sparks flew when I pulled it over her. (I know, I should get a humidifier.) When she got up in the night and jumped up on the bathroom counter I told her if she was hungry she had to go in the kitchen. So, like in all relationships, com-promise is important and I think we’ve reached an agreement we both can live with.

          The best thing that happened this week was my new adult class. Eight had signed up but two more showed up, so we had eight women and two men. I had them do an alliteration exercise, ten minutes of writing, then reading aloud. I loved hearing everyone’s unique voice. Then they got to tell why there were here, what they want from the class. It’s a diverse and interesting group, from a bow-hunter who wants to write articles, to a woman who has never written but was told by a psychic in Croatia that she should start.  Several of the women write regularly in their journals.  One woman was a journalist all her life and now wants to write her life story. One man is a songwriter. I’m constantly on the lookout for new writing exercises or ideas that will spur them on. Already, after only one meeting, I’ve developed a fondness for them and want to nurture their talent.

          I’ve got two more interviews lined up, too, for local magazines. I’m doing research on the subjects beforehand so that I can ask pertinent questions. Now that these are ongoing gigs I want to be professional and prepared.

          My 4^th grade class will end in a few weeks. I sure wish I could keep working with these kids! I’d really love to do an after-school class but the principal didn’t like the idea when I first proposed it.  I’ve made up a resume and a list of more schools to contact. But I’m thinking maybe I should see if I could do After School Writing Club at the local library. 

      It’s a beautiful, clear Saturday. 20 when I took Walter out but now at 10:30 it’s already up to 42.  Jane kitty is acting squirrelly from being in the garage so long. I brought her in the house but she just growled at Audrey, so later today I’ll bring her out and sit with her in the sun.

          I’m so happy I hung my Indian tapestry in my office. It is so beautiful. I just love looking at the beadwork, how the light sparkles in the little mirrors, the deep rich greens, purple, magenta. In Coarsegold it hung over the tall fireplace so I never got to see it up close.  I think it will inspire me. Each section complete and self-contained, yet part of a bigger whole. Like the memoir I want to write about my interesting life growing up a Gowland Girl.