It’s been a very long time since I posted here, but as I’m sitting here, I can hear a woodpecker, the conversation of crows, and the little chirps of wrens and sparrows. It feels good to slow down for a few moments and appreciate the beauty of spring in Virginia. The setting sun illuminates the many shades of fresh green leaves against the blue sky. I’m grateful.
Some months ago, I wrote an article that was published in the Virginia State Literacy Association’s new online journal, The Collection. The topic was how I came to make peace with “the reading wars.”
The story I want to tell here, however, is not of the debate in the reading world, but a small story of friendship. It’s a story of a teacher who cares for other teachers as much as she cares for her students.
When I retired, the pandemic lockdown was only a few months along. I needed a way to bring closure to my teaching experience. While talking with my friend, Sally Donnelly (who writes here), she suggested that I write to process this transition in my life. Weeks went by. Finally, I had a draft which she volunteered to read. She gave me feedback, and I revised and then revised some more. Later, she sent me the call for proposals for the new VSLA publication and encouraged me to submit my article.
I had never submitted my writing anywhere except here on this blog. Sally’s encouragement helped me extend my reach. More time passed. I assumed that my article was in a rejection pile, but finally I was informed that it had been accepted for publication. Another round of edits and revision followed.
Another month or two passed. One morning, I got an email from Sally with the link to The Collection. I saw my name in print! It felt so good.
Later that week, Sally and I met for dinner. Very quickly, she excitedly pulled out a print version of The Collection. She turned to the Table of Contents, put her finger down, and said, “Now sign it.” Sally gave me my own “Dot Moment” which I will never forget. I felt like Vashti, whose attempt at art was celebrated by a wise teacher.
Whose work can you celebrate? Reread THE DOT, by Peter Reynolds and consider whose creative spirit you could nurture. You can make a difference like Sally did for me.
pelicansandprose 
Congratulations on being published. That is what you call a good supportive friend. I’d have you sign a hardcopy as well. And now I must read “The Dot”, not having heard of it before. Thanks.
Your slice is so encouraging. Thank you for sharing and inspiring budding writers. Congratulations for your publication.
Congratulations on your publication! Funny thing, I have this book sitting on my nightstand. It belonged to my now 7th grader and she brought it down from her room accompanying her pile of outgrown books. I considered donating it to one of our elementary schools or adding it to our middle school picture book collection, which is small. There are three Little Free Libraries in my neighborhood and I considered dropping it off at one of those as well. For some reason, I can’t part with it yet. Thanks for the reminder of how special this book is, no matter anyone’s age. I might keep it for myself.