Well, it’s not quite fall–certainly not here in SoCal where it’s steadily been over 100 degrees this week. But it is back to school time! I always have to laugh when all the back-to-school advertising has fall leaves and cool temps. When I was in high school, all the fashion magazines had these cute fall styles that I would have smothered in if I had attempted to wear them. Maybe in December. 🙂
First day of school fourteen years ago
I remember walking home from school in the heat, the smell of hot asphalt, cooked dirt, and rotting oranges surrounding me. Sometimes other kids walked with me, but if not, my mind played out different stories. My imagination was my best friend growing up. It’s no wonder I became a writer.
I also think that it’s no coincidence that I do my best thinking when I’m out on a walk. When I get stuck on a plot point or feel like I’ve written myself into a corner, a walk is just the thing to get me away from my desk and get that creativity flowing again. Must be connected to all those hot walks home from school.
My youngest is in his senior year. It’s hard to believe both my kids will be in college next year. But there’s something about this time of year that always reminds me of fresh starts. The schedule changes up, and new things begin. It’s a chance to try something different. My brain is whirling with new ideas for books and how I might get that accomplished.
And I also have a fondness for school supplies. Anyone else struggle with this? I’m past the years where my kids had a supply list from their teachers. Now they just get new binders, more paper, and more pens. So I have to restrain myself. I can’t throw a packet of colored pencils or markers or cute Post-it notes in my cart and pretend they’re for my kids. But I did pick up some colored, erasable pens that I love using in my planner.
At this time of year, there is this wonderful mix of nostalgia and relief. I remember my school days, and I remember my kids’ as well! I loved school, so there are a lot of good memories for both. Here’s to making more memories, no matter what time of year.
