I’ve Missed You!
Hello out there!!
Remember me?
I have been so utterly absent from hereonly because I have been so very, very present in my day to day life. There is so much to write about…photos to share, stories to tell, events to record boys and Don capers, plays and art and theatre trips and mentoring and crafts andandand .BUT all of that will have to be written later. And there is so much catching up to do with all of YOUbut I will have to ease into that as well.
Now that my frantic wonderful is turning to serene wonderfulI have one of several overwhelming feelings that I want to try and write down today.
Making a difference is a neatly phrased concept that is nearly a cliché these days. But Ive discovered late in my life, that the reward that has come to me as a result of working with the young theatre/costume/tech people at the high school– is the greatest salary I have ever received.
Ive found that getting outside my own self-centered “me!me!me!-ness” and consciously trying to make lives around me a little better–is one of the greatest charges and challenges I have taken on.
I do not claim to have answers for anyone else–but for me, working to get outside of my self(and out of my own way)–has made a tremendous and positive impact in my own life. The love you make is equal to the love you take. (or is it The love you take is equal to the love you make.?) Same difference, I suppose.
So I look with great affection on these brilliant young theatre people and see their shining souls and their efforts towards excellence. I am so proud of them I can barely breathe. I speak simple truths to them tell them that they are beautiful and talented and loveable and that I believe in them. I squeeze their hands for encouragement, brush hair from their faces, wipe occasional tears from their cheeks, listen to their happiness and woes, and laugh to see them dance around me in excitement. They know that beyond making them look great on stage, showing them a hem-stitch, or helping to paint a set—I will do anything in my power for them.
And is the return equal?
Oh my dears, no. Their response is so far beyond equal I hardly know what to do with the rush and the joy of it.
I have found what I am meant to do. It doesnt get much better than that.
It is snowing today in Colorado and we will have a deeply white Christmas. Tomorrow Trevor is coming home for a few days from DC a surprise to his twin brother who hasnt a clue. Charlie is home from college for a monthand so we will all be together. This makes me sigh happily. I am baking cookies this afternoonwhich will make my weary and snow-sprinkled UPS man happy tonight.
All is well in my little world.
Wishing all of you diverse and delightful and dear ones a wonderful holiday season!
:)xo
Adagio
You are such a dear. I have MISSED you. I’ll bet Don is like a dead man walking these days. I’ve been handing out random smiles to strangers today, which is enough for today. I’ve got to badger Morgan’s writing teacher to see if she’ll let me come work with her classes in January or February. I MISS teaching, I do. But this month, or the rest of it, is writing, reading, resting month. I’m glad youwill have a white Christmas. We may not even have cold toes here. Love you, elizabeth
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how wonderful to “see” you again…you’ve been missed. Much love to you and yours during this holiday season
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How I’ve missed you. So happy you’re having a wonderful white Christmas…enjoy those boys. xo,
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You are fabulous. And thank you so much for your beautiful note! Be well,
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A place to give one’s gift is a very important thing. Your title, State of Grace, is the experience. It is very heartening to read of such, to feel your energy from it beam strong and joyful. Hugs,
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How wonderful your update! You sound extremely happy!
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You are right that it doesn’t get any better than that. I wish Happiness and Health to you and your family this holiday season!
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How great to see you again! I’m glad your life has been full. I’m looking forward to your catching up. Have a very Merry Christmas!!
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So much love here. You are a joy and a delight. Jim and I wish you the happiest Christmas you’ve ever had.
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we’ve missed you too. but you’re totally forgiven for your long absences because you’re doing such incredible work. thanks for the affirmation you give to your students… and to us here too 🙂
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welcome back! I’ve checked your diary often, but knew you were neck deep in projects as usual. hopefully I can squeeze in some time for cookie baking, and have enough to share. 🙂 merry christmas.
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It’s good to see an entry by you. How wonderful for you to find yourself making a difference. Just great!
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You sound so happy and fulfilled. I so love volunteer work too… does wonders for depression and self esteem. You are so talented too. I think it’s wonderful that you can do so much for the kids. : )
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You are missed, too! I’m so glad all is well in your world 🙂 Happy Holidays! Love,
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…I have missed seeing you around here but know how busy BUSY you have been. I can’t wait for Abe to see his Hokie graduate that you made for me those years ago when you made the one for Tab’s graduation year. It makes me smile! You have certainly found your niche AND you are all benefiting from each other. I’m so happy for you. Hope Charlie had a wonderful time at school! What a wonderful Christmas you’re going to have with everyone there! And I think of your UPS guy every time I see one driving down the street or running up my driveway. I know he’s been working like a madman! Or…I’m watching the news right now…is he even able to work right now???
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Have a wonderful holiday !!
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What a fabulous transition you’ve been able to make – if I may be so bold as to surmise – you haven’t suffered nearly that ache of the empty nest so much as refilled it, ten times over, in a brilliant and creative way! (and garnered yourself some little lady birds in the process! Hee!) I was only on the fringes of the theater, but I know how huge a difference it made to my own daughter… and even, belatedly, to my son. This is truly a fantastic thing to do… especially with your generous and caring approach. So many teens need this affirmation so desperately… So, thank you so much for sharing this, and I hope your Xmas is as warm and wonderful as you deserve! XXooXX (This is a kissy spider – hahahaha! Sorry, had to share the joke!) (
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This entry gave me shivers – I love you and what you do, You’re a joy to have as a friend – was wonderful to see your note but I am supposed to be running off to work right now but I just couldn’t resist coming to visit first when I saw your note. I’ll be back later to catch up with the rest. Please give my love and best wishes to all your guys and here’s wishing you all continued joys and the richness that you already enjoy in this wonderful world. Much love xo DL
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