June 16, 2011
It is hard to describe my feelings as I left Angola for a five week adventure throughout the Midwest. My excitement far overshadowed my nervousness at the prospect of being alone for at least four weeks. It was difficult to leave my mother, knowing that she looks forward to spending time with me on a regular basis. I am counting on my siblings to whisk her away for a day or two this summer. Mom won’t want to leave her cat, my husband, or my plants. But my husband will take care of her cat and the plants.
Receiving a Lilly Teacher Creativity Fellowship does not reflect the efforts of one individual who has the opportunity to write the grant, it reflects the many, many people that have shaped and impacted the life of the person writing the grant. My parents gave me freedom and the desire to see how others live. I refer to this as “my itchy feet” or my unbridled need to travel. When I was 19 my parents gave me their blessing and $500 to use as I spent the summer in Europe with my high school pal, Kathy. My parents never questioned me, but always offered support for my endeavors.
My husband’s quiet encouragement means the world to me. His world is so different than mine. He is content to stay at home, putter around the barn and care for his multitude of critters. I’m not like that at all. I need to get out and see the world. Doc understands this need of mine and gives me the freedom to explore, learn, and grow. He knows where my heart lives.
Laura gives me inspiration and such great joy. She pushes me and constantly challenges me to move onto the next level. I wouldn’t be quilting if Laura hadn’t taunted me with her beautiful creations. We both quilt for different reasons—I think anyway. She loves to create and I love to learn how things were done before me.
My siblings—one of God’s many gifts to me (and no my fingers aren’t crossed) bring meaning to my life. They are all successful in their own right, all have wonderful families and they have taught me to fight for the good things in life—the last popsicle in the freezer, the front seat of the car, the purple dinner plate and the coveted spot in front of the register on a cold winter day.
My great, great grandmother Caroline is my kindred spirit and I bring her with me on this journey. I’ve never met her and know very little about her, but I feel a closeness to her that I cannot describe. She would be proud of me.
Last but not least, I am grateful to my friends for their support. My co-workers at Angola Middle School help me keep things in perspective. We joke that we could write a book and laugh because nobody would believe what we witness on a daily basis. My mentors Ann and Brant push me forward; Chris H. inspires me to learn. Of course, where would I be without Anita—she has spent hours and walked miles listening to me plan this trip. What a blessing she is in my life.
With this said, I begin my journey.
I read today's blog and just smiled. I can imagine the butterflies you had as you took off. I remember when I left - trying not to think about the negative possibilities, and focused on what the positive possibilites might be ahead of me. You are so right - without the support of friends and family, it wouldn't be near as thrilling.
ReplyDeleteI also smiled as I read your first blog. As your plans took shape and were worked and re-worked until you knew exactly where you were going and what you wanted to experience. I wish I could have gone along in your suitcase, but I applaud you Joey and cannot wait to hear all about it.
ReplyDeleteI read this and smiled. You are my inspiration. Your words are so true, so heartfelt.
ReplyDeleteExcellent writing, Joey! I'm really looking forward to your posts! I have really enjoyed blogging this past year about our travels. It is so much fun to take photos and write about it in a blog! A new kind of photo journaling....
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