Today was the kind of day where things get done. No procrastination. No dilly-dallying.
Awoke at a reasonably early time for a Saturday (8 a.m.). Made food for the writers' group: taco bars, spinach-cheese dip, brownie squares (that my girls made into an adorable crossword pattern to celebrate several group members' successes).
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Attended a luncheon in honor of one of my amazing students. She's one of about 20 Kauffman Scholars from the Kansas City metro area. She's a dynamo and one of the most intelligent and articulate students I've ever had the privilege to teach. I felt honored to be asked to attend (she had chosen me as her most influential teacher). Teaching is worth the pain when an event like this surfaces, I can tell you that!
I got home with only three minutes to spare before the writers group showed up. Fortunately the girls had tidied up the house in addition to playing Martha Stewart. It was wonderful to look around my dining room at all the creative people sitting at my table: poets, essayists, short story writers, novelists. My friend who scored big with the publishing houses talked about her journey. Says she's feeling overwhelmed with what's being expected of her (revisions and new synopses on projects she hasn't yet written).
Another group member lingered for a full hour to discuss a community issue.
It does feel like a kind of family, meeting with these folks ... .
"Come, let's take a night ride," I said to my oldest daughter, after the last guest left. "It's beautiful out. "
And so the two of us got into the Grand Prix and drove around the town square, the moon suspended low and large in the sky. We talked. I sang along to a song on the radio -- Celine Dion's "Taking Chances," and felt, truly felt, that I am ready to do that very thing.
