Two days ago I got a new student. Yes, it's true--there are revolving doors in schools. Sometimes one kiddo leaves and a new one comes the next day. *
And new students--like new projects and new colleagues--bring the need to look with "new" eyes.
While we were in the middle of our read-aloud on the first morning our new student was with us, in the middle of the story, she couldn't help herself.
"You have beautiful red hair. It's the color of sunset."
Well, on the box it said "Hot Cinnamon." And just wait a week or so...the red will soon succumb to the always-victorious gray. "Thank you."
A few minutes later she--again--could not help herself. "You have something on your arm," she noted.
"Yes, a tattoo." I tried to continue with the story.
"How many do you have?"
"Just one." But if I said twenty-seven, would you all pay more attention to me, in the hopes of catching a glimpse of the other ones?
That of course led to comments about the tattoos their family members have, while I forged ahead with the read-aloud. In a moment, we were all back together, immersed in the story.
I'm in the middle of working on a project that is new ground for me. A writer of memoir--usually--I'm walking on eggshells as my beta reader (Julie) reads my manuscript. Fiction is not my thing, and perhaps Julie will wholeheartedly agree after she finishes it.
What new things/people/pets have caused you to look at things with new eyes?
* And to paraphrase John Mellencamp, "Teaching--it ain't for cowards."
I can't imagine your fiction would be as fun as your real life, but then your fertile imagination may indeed sprout something amazing. If you ever need another reader...:)
ReplyDeleteJono--I can't imagine this would be a book you would like, but who knows? Thanks for the offer.
Delete"You have beautiful red hair. It's the color of sunset." That comment is what I love about children. They hold the world awe!
ReplyDeleteBirdie--Yes, kids say exactly what they're thinking and feeling. AND they have their thumb on the pulse of what's truly important in life.
DeleteI think every spring allows me a fresh look to see how well this earth is able to function on it's own. Your question also made me think of and article I read recently which I thought was interesting: http://goo.gl/2OTxQx Maybe you'll like it?
ReplyDeleteMara--Spring IS good for that. And hopefully it's coming soon...
DeleteThe saying is "Growing Old is not for cowards!"
ReplyDeleteMichael--You must have not noticed the phrase that I was "paraphrasing." Both teaching and growing old are not for the weak-minded...
DeleteWhat a lovely question. New Eyes. I think there's a poem there...
ReplyDeleteWhenever we have moved (and that's a lot) I am a newbie trying to figure out the physical and social landscapes. This has led me to watch the locals and observe how they are comfortable with their environment and each other. It's sort of a reversal in the new vs old eyes saga. I'm forced to see through their eyes and see beyond my preconceived expectations. It's fun, usually.
And your hair is beautiful.
Marcia--Looking at the world with old eyes. I think there's a story or essay in there. (And thanks.)
DeleteWell, you know that this last week has been all new with new dog in the house! Things coming along for all three of us...adjustments but love too. I think at moment worst problem is doggie smell. Two baths in a week and still she smells doggy...and thus does the house. She is getting spayed on Tuesday. After she heals maybe a professional bath would help. What do you think?
ReplyDeleteClaudia--I think dogs teach us what is important and what is not really important.
DeleteCuddling and naps on the weekend and taking the time to take walks--important.
Always clean floors--not really important.
Wow. The lengths SOME people will go to in order to garner compliments! Recruiting new students is a clever approach, Madam.
ReplyDeleteI must say, finding out a few short weeks ago that England is an ISLAND has made me look at Europe with new eyes. New eyes that weep for my substandard geography education.
Yeah, the compliments have died down, so I'm going to recruit more students this week. I don't have any more desks, but the new ones could sit at my table.
DeleteThe new puppy. I think that says it all.
ReplyDeleteCathy--Color me green with envy. Those tummies to squeeze (not too tightly). Puppy breath. Their little tails that never stop. I am soooo jealous.
DeleteChildren are so frank, and the younger they are the less they concern themselves with social niceties. I do a first day exercise. I show them a picture of the ugliest dog on earth just to see who the "trouble makers" are going to be :) Some kids gasp wide-eyed, but there's always one or two who will tell me exactly what they think. Kudos to you for stretching your writer muscles. I want to read it!
ReplyDeleteLinda--They ARE frank, and almost every day, they give me something to laugh about.
DeleteWhen I was in school, a discussion of what tattoos our family members had would have been extreeeeemely short!
ReplyDeleteShay--The same for me. Now, everybody is tatted up. It's against the law to NOT have a tattoo, didn't you know?
DeleteI love the conversation from the kids. And you are hilarious!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Lynn. So many times I am the butt of the jokes. Thank goodness I have a broad butt.
DeleteYou made me feel as if I've met your new student...and I hope I do get to meet your project--soon! Funny that I was just thinking about how our cat has made me change my perspective since we got him almost a year ago. We all need new eyes now and then.
ReplyDeleteWhat an inspiring post. Your new student sounds like a wonderfully curious girl.
ReplyDeleteMy cataract surgery improved my vision to where I can drive without glasses.