Spring Break Fever

By: Laura Stennerson

I could hardly remember my user name for News and Views. I think it’s been at least four weeks since I have posted. That is how long it has been since I have written anything but comments, lesson plans, and a few random poems. Yes, I have found a paying gig. I have stepped up to join the ranks of the working poor. But luckily, I have found; creative minds, a piece of native silver in the wash, and a $1,000,000,000 bill on the sidewalk in downtown Phoenix. My family couldn’t believe my luck. My children all wanted to know who this Richard Nixon was, and how did he get his face on a million dollar bill?  They were happy to know we were richer today than we were yesterday. It is good to be lucky.

So my absence from events and writing about events has been due to the all encompassing nature of teaching. Yes, I am teaching again. And to all those who will remember and mention, how I said I would never teach again, well you know how life goes. For one reason or another I have found myself back in the future minds, and as usual, the privilege is mine. Our youth have voices, and I don’t mean all the swearing, I think that is just the big shocker of this generation. We all had them, we just forget, because after the shock, what’s left? It becomes mundane. So, for those many students, who do refrain from cursing in class and in the halls, more power to you. You will always appear more thoughtful, mindful and intelligent. And in this world that’s a plus.  And adults, don’t stop talking to them just because they do curse.  They do not necessarily view cursing the way you do.  It just might be a generational gap.  But then again, how do we speak?  What are we saying?

Our youth have voices, perspectives, perceptions. They have perspectives about us. Think about that! Students well on their way to adulthood, our future thinkers, decision makers, providers to us and our grandchildren. These people deserve our ears. It is hard for my adult me to stop, telling and talking, long enough and just listen. I am grateful I was at least quiet long enough to hear some of their words, their thoughts, their voices. I have learned so much, felt so much, thought so much. I have hardly slept or eaten in days. My family and friends are patient, and supportive. And for some reason, it has been worth the paltry sum of money, the policies, the data entry, and the taxing overload on my minuscule mind. I can say all this with complete certainty only because of two words. Spring break.

Spring Break Fever. The pollen is flying free, the weeds are encroaching, the skunks are waking, and so are the rattlesnakes. The twitterpated sparrows take over the streets in chaotic flying masses. The male grackles are posturing with impressive fervor. The little hooded wrens that match the winter trees and ground are leaving. But the buzzards are back flying overhead. Spring is arriving and we know it too. Just because we work jobs and feel removed from the natural world, doesn’t mean we can escape the same pull that fueled our ancestors to migrate, cultivate, rejuvenate, to shake off the vitamin D and C deficiencies, to bury our toes in the warming earth, and to breathe deep the transformation.

Joyous Spring break for me will entail time with family and friends, writing and posting  covered events, finishing art for the Miami Loco Art Show and Art Walk. Write some lesson plans and comments, and a few random poems. Along with de-cluttering, shaking some dust around, and opening a window to catch a glance, an aroma, a sign of Spring.  But right now I think I will go outside, stand in the rain, smell the violets, and dream with gratitude. Ahh Spring.