Today I returned to school to organize my desk, pare down the papers in the file cabinets, and file the stuff in the tubs and baskets that got filled up and shoved out of site during the school year. I had made a promise to myself I would do this before July. Good night! How could I accumulate so much paper? I left the house with a thermos of good coffee, my favorite mug, some James Taylor CDs, Dove Promises, and a box of garbage bags. I needed reinforcements for this undertaking.It was quiet at school and the only sound heard in my room was the soothing voice of JT. Actually, once I sorted out the extra copies of every handout I had given students this year, the pile of paper dropped quite a bit. I don't know why I don't just recycle extra copies. Do I really think at some point I will make a file each time I have three extra handouts on participles? I don't think so.
In the file cabinet I dumped the reading data on the students that graduated two years ago. I doubt their parents would call me now and ask me how many words per minute their child read in sixth grade! What did I think I would do with the sign -in sheet from fall open house in 2004? Did I need the list of who went on a field trip during summer school in 2000? As quickly as I dropped paper in the recycle bin, I also relabeled the file folders. The corner of the room began to take shape.
The tubs and baskets I pulled out from under my desk and on shelves in the closet were the scariest. I was thrilled when I found a recipe our transportation director gave me. I loved that salad at a potluck. Whew! I also found the secret password that gets me into the state website to register for workshops. I ended up throwing away the Werthers candy in the bottom of the basket even though they were still in the gold wrappings. I couldn't recall when I had them at school.
I packed up the fork, some Ziplock containers, cough drops, and three CDs that had been missing. I defrosted my little refrigerator,hauled bags and bags of paper to the recycle bin, and took other stuff to the garbage. At 2:00 I stopped to enjoy a Dove Promise, listen to a little "Fire and Rain", sip some coffee, and gaze at an organized corner of the classroom. The message inside the dark chocolate fit the occasion perfectly.
It just worked out that I have early blooming lilies now and other varieties that bloom later. I didn't really plan this, but is works out beautifully. Many have them have also naturalized so where there used to be two now there are four or five. The orange and green contrast stands out after a few weeks of pastel colors. 
I facilitate the writing retreat with Bev. The two of us posed on our cabin steps before we left McCall. Bev is on the left, I am on the right. We met three years ago when I attended this retreat. We share a love of writing, family, gardening, camping, drama, good wine, good food, and good books. She has helped me grow as a writer. She listens to my words and gives me honest feedback. She has shared book titles, recipes, and stories from her home country of England. We have traveled the road to McCall and back three times and each time have deepened our friendship. Bev, as you head to England tomorrow have a safe journey. Enjoy your dear family and friends across the pond. Thanks for your friendship.
