School Daze

Today is the first day of school. The children come in excited and wondering. I have worried all night about the little guy who came yesterday to open house with his baby brother’s blanket wrapped around his head and body. I never once see what he really looks like with his face all hidden in shadow like a six-year old grim reaper.

I love school! Always have…whether I’m a student or a teacher. Or both, because boy, do I learn a few things from these kids all the time.

These are the things I love now: the smell of newly sharpened pencils or a brand new box of crayons. But the best smell is so wonderful: a brand new book! When I get new books, I always have to take a whiff; don’t you? The most wonderful books seem to be children’s books with gorgeous pictures. In a workshop I learned that the smell is clay that is used to “fill-in” the paper. No wonder it has such a heavenly aroma. I love clay, too! Go ahead. Find a lovely new illustrated children’s book, open it, and sniff. Hmmmm. Better than freshly baked bread.

I love little girl outfits. They’re so cute and colorful. I love slicked back, braided or curled hair on little kids….especially the ones that look like smack ramen noodles. What do YOU love about school…or taking classes?

A special acknowledgement has to go to The Graphics Fairy. Actually the Graphic Angel is more like it because her vintage photos and ephemera are so lovely, and she is so generously giving. I’m still learning about blogging so I don’t know how to make this a link to her blog. But go there. It’s wonderful. Just do it now….or you’ll have to put your heads down on your desk!