Unwritten – Outside the Lines

May. Graduations are bountiful.
On the cusp of marking my 25th graduation at St. Aloysius School I find myself more sentimental than usual at these occasions, feeling both lucky and grateful to be included in the lives of so many students and their families over 33 years of teaching. It’s hard to believe that 40 years ago this week I was lining up between classmates Brad and Joy for similar festivities on the evening of my parents 28th wedding anniversary, wistfully gazing toward the future.
Mother and me Wossman Graduation
 To the class of 2017 from a mother, teacher and  fellow traveler from the class of ’77:
  • Some days will seem incredibly long while the years and decades slip past rather quickly.
  • If you haven’t discovered it, journeys are sometimes better shared with companions…Form them wisely. That includes yourself.
  • Be kind. Be grateful.
  • Money isn’t everything.
  • Respect yourself and others. Don’t confuse respect with entitlement.
  • Failures are a part of the journey. You can’t change history, only learn from it.
  • Never loose your sense of humor. Don’t take yourself too seriously.
  • Be humble.
  • Dream big.
  • Love bigger.
Beth Sings at Wossman Graduation
“I hope your dreams take you…to the corners of your smiles, to the highest of your hopes, to the windows of your opportunities, and to the most special places your heart has ever known.” Anonymous
Godspeed

So Long Summer

Summer 2015 is quickly coming to an end. It’s been a lovely, eclectic time. A few weeks each year filled with spontaneity, reflection, productivity and just plain being lazy on some days. Dare I admit it, summer is fun even without my kids.

http://www.puckermob.com/lifestyle/11-things-sentimental-girls-want-you-to-know

Being sentimental doesn’t make us pushovers or weak. Reflective. Future thinking. Grounded in kindness.

These summer days brought me to a deeper understanding of connecting the past to the present.

Next week school starts. Thirty plus years teaching music, private voice and now theater has taught me that maintaining connections are important. This art is a new addition to my classroom this Fall. Stars

Each one of us is on a journey with

Texas State Fair Grounds
Texas State Fair Grounds

a unique story.

A new school year is always a time of re-commitment and discernment. New journeys and stories to share.

Ghost Bridge-long view
Ghost Bridge-long view
Ghost Bridge
Ghost Bridge
Tower
Tower

Dallas View

On the Road - Dallas
On the Road – Dallas

Looking for signs along the way.Bass Hall Angels 2 Ball Hall Angels

Chicago and EWF - July 2015
Chicago and EWF – July 2015
Beaux Arts Ball 2015
Beaux Arts Ball 2015

Companions to sweeten the journey.

Time for quiet and gratitude.

Flag Sunset

I recently read that energy and wisdom need each other. That idea is what still draws me to teaching: youth and it’s energy encountering whatever wisdom I may have. I certainly don’t have all of the answers but life experience and “journey”. If we listen to one another we both learn. A collaborative experience.

Here’s to summer’s refreshment and here’s to the new school year in whatever you do.

Let it Go