Today is one of those quiet, contemplative days with a steady sprinkle of rain and grey skies. As a person in my late teens and early twenties, I used to love to sit in a chair by the window in my parent's home. On rainy days, I would always find myself reading or writing in that chair. The chair was a cue for slowing down, reflecting and thinking about my place in the world.


I recently came home from a two-day writing retreat with Choice Literacy friends and writers at the Inn at Cedar Falls in Ohio. We had two days of wonderful weather - mild temperatures and sunny days. It was a wonderful time to begin to reinvent my life as a writer and find my new place in the world. I have recently retired from public education. I have had 37 wonderful years connected to teachers and children. I taught for 24 years and have been a principal for the last 13 years. I wouldn't change my life in education. It has been many years of sharing, growing, learning. However, it's time to think about the coming years and the opportunities I have for new adventures. I can't abandon my connection with children, teachers and other colleagues. I won't abandon my reading and writing. They will bring me new journeys and new discoveries.


The last few days at the writing retreat have helped me to begin reprogramming my brain. Instead of juggling the tasks of opening a new school year, I have the gift of time and choice. What a treasure!