Leaving my teaching gig back in May was so hard. Most days I go about Blue Happy business and try not to think about it. I loved those kids so much, still do, always will. I will always and forever hold a special place in my heart for that little school in the grove of trees. Most drive by it every day and don’t even know it’s there. When I left I told them I needed to go away for awhile, remove myself from being so involved. I also said I’d be back to give when I could. Well we didn’t even make it through the summer before I got a text.
The office was in for a bit of updating and they wanted to redo some office chairs. I’m gonna be honest I donated these chairs like 5 years ago. They were ugly then and now they were ugly and dirty. The admin support ask if I could tell her just how to redo them. I would have loved to help them out and redo them but my surgery was in 3 days. No time so I texted her directions, dropped off some paint and clear coat. I thought I had covered it well and she could handle it. Three weeks after my surgery I got a text asking me more questions. They hadn’t even started the project of redoing the chairs. I said if you can bring the chairs to me Greg will set them up for me to paint. Within an hour the chairs, paint, clear coat and fabric for the seats were sitting on my front porch. I’ll be honest I was so excited to get to love on the school.
These chairs had lots of back slats so painting was detailed. I’m really glad she didn’t start them because this was so detailed it would scar the best of crafters out there. I went with Chalk Country Santa’s Coal because the office desk were black as well. I gave them a heavy sand back because I knew that children will be sitting and moving in these chairs. Over time they will get more worn and that way you can’t tell it. They picked the fabric and it was perfect for the chairs cushions.
I loved doing this project. I think I needed it more than I knew. It made me feel like I could still give to this sweet little school. I miss them, all of them. I miss teaching and loving on those kids. I miss bringing donuts on Mondays, cause we all need a donut on Monday. I miss my candy drawer. Even kids that didn’t take my art class would come by and ask for candy. I just miss it. With that said I also love this new life journey God has lead me to. I have found comfort in the unknown of where this is leading and comfort in the people I’m meeting. I love all of it and run the minute my feet hit the floor every morning. I’m learning things, teaching things and find a smile on my face at the end of the day. I’m so grateful for the past journey of teaching and so very grateful to be allowed to reinvent myself at the age of 54. As often as I can I will be giving and loving on that little school. They are forever hooked to my heart. Always be giving of your talent and passion. Both were given to you as a gift not to hold but to share with those around you.
