February 20, 2006
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Finished?Oh, I’m enjoying these suggestions of what I should do next year. Keep them coming! I’ve finished the first draft of the play. I am sure there are plenty of changes left to be made, but at least for now, I’ve got something to hand the kids on Thursday night. The Loeschers have gone, much to our sadness. Poor baby Kendall had a fever.
I thought I should explain about my AP decision for those of you who didn’t know before my one-liner. I’ve taught AP Language and Composition online for four years. It’s been wonderful, and I’ve enjoyed the students and their parents immensely. I’ve got many new friends due to the class, and lots of great memories. But, it does take up a lot of time. When I’m not grading, I’m thinking about the work I should be doing. When I’m caught up, I’m thinking of the work to come or the discussion question set I didn’t read over or some other ball I’ve dropped. Even in the summer, my time to relax and catch up on all the undone things which have been waiting isn’t free of AP-thoughts. “Got to revise that syllabus. Can I take 22 students, or is 21 really my maximum? Got to read the new books I’ve chosen for the class…”
So, I thought it was time for a sabbatical. I’m not saying I’m finished for good, but I’m taking a year off. After that, we’ll see if the two people lined up for AP next year want to teach another year or more or if one of them wants a break or what not. Just like King Arthur, when I’m needed, I’ll return to Camelot! But, I know I’ll miss those students! I’ve already “turned away” four students, and they seemed like good ones. Oh, well. We can’t have it all, nor should we even want it.
Strange that two of you should have said I should write a book. I’ve been kicking around an idea for a year or so, which has merit. TGDJ has been suggesting that I write one for years. Maybe now I’ll make the time to do it. (Maybe not!)
As to sleep, I actually dozed off today for a brief nap. Thankfully, I was lying on the bed and not driving the van. Thanks for praying for Rip Van Winkle’s antithesis and for the play writing and for any other prayers you might offer for me.
For those of you who might be interested, PBS will begin airing a six-part series highlighting favorite Monty Python skits. I believe the first episode airs on Wednesday. Just wanted you to expect the Spanish Inquisition.
One other thing–I’m in a Yahoo group called Literature Alive! (It has the “!” I’m not showing undue excitement.) We will be starting a book discussion on Gene Stratton Porter’s novel Keeper of the Bees. If you are keen to discuss this novel with a bunch of literature-loving, mostly-homeschool and Christian moms, then go HERE to sign up on the message board. I ordered the book from Amazon, and it’s not here yet. So, I don’t expect the discussion will start for another week or so.
I think we need a picture–a summer picture! Here’s David and Rachel at Del Grosso’s park two years ago (or so).
Comments (10)
I like David’s bracelets . . . that brings back the memories.
You should without a doubt write a book; I’d buy it.
Monty Python…if only we owned a TV. I’m now inspired to go rent the DVD’s, they’re too funny! Write your book or at least write down your ideas…I can’t wait until I purchase the first book by Mary Sellers (as Rob says, as long as it’s not too expensive)!
Loved the picture Mary! Not many brothers at that age would share an ice cream cone let alone with their sister–that ‘s a keeper! What is Del Grosso’s Park? What would your pen name be if you did write a book?
That picture is ADORABLE!!! I love it.
Book reccomendations. . . *spit, spit, rubbing my hands together*. I love reading! And I love fairytales. I recently read Beauty, by Robin McKinley. I’ve always loved the story of Beauty and the Beast, so I enjoyed that one very much. Ella Enchanted is very good, too. Although it’s for children, it has a strong plot and I enjoyed it a lot. Right now I’m reading Maid Marian by Elsa Watson. It’s not exactly a fairytale since there’s no magic in it, but it’s about Robin Hood so it kind of fits into the genre. I’m over halfway through and haven’t stumbled across anything foul, so I’m grateful of that and I’m enjoying it.
I’d love to have some book reccomendations myself, and since you’re an English teacher I’m sure you have some good ones!
~Brittany
Lol, I overused the word “enjoy” in my comment. But hey, I did “enjoy” all three books!
Thank you for all your great suggestions of books to read! I will definitely have to look into some of those.
~Brittany “Valancy
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Hi Mary,
What is “Keeper of the Bees” about? I’m not a big novel reader but I might be interrested.
We ought to start a blog ring just for people named “Mary”. There seems to be many of us.
*interested* sorry! I’m really not a bad speller that word just gets me everytime.
Lol, that discussion of Maid Marian was a bit harsh, but mostly true.
I enjoyed the book because I was in the mood to read and the subject matter was the kind of thing I like, settingwise and all, but it really wasn’t the best book ever written from a literary point of view. However, I would be most interested to read something written by the people discussing it. Can they write any better? Anyone can criticise (I don’t think I spelled that right) but can they write?
Speaking of writing, if you do decide to write a book I would love to read it! Do you have a subject in mind for your story?
Yay! You said you were “lying on the bed” rather than “laying on the bed.” Hardly anyone gets that right.