Goodbye, Classroom

Last week, I took one last look at this place:

My classroom.  It's hard to describe the emotions I felt as I took one last look at the little tables and chairs and remembered the tiny people that used them.  Their energy was still there, even a week after classes had ended.  My energy was still there too, but that energy had shifted a bit.

For several months now, I have been contemplating whether to make The Move.  As in becoming a Writer.  Full-time.  As much as I love teaching, it doesn't leave me with enough time or energy to pursue my passion for writing.  So last Friday, with the help of the Sous Chef, I packed up my things and left.

This was a very difficult decision to make.  I know there are aspects of classroom teaching that I will miss with all my heart:

• The moments when I really reached a child; especially one that had been having difficulties
• The expressions of wonder on their faces as they discovered something for the first time, usually something that we adults take for granted
• The joy that only comes from working with children

From the first moment I realized I wanted to teach the children about food, they took in the information like little sponges, craving the knowledge on an intimate and deep level.  I've said it once, and I'll say it again - Children want to know where their food comes from.  Just like everything else in their world, they are utterly fascinated by food.

I loved so much about teaching.  The children, the summers off, having the opportunity to pass on knowledge...but it's time for me to move on.

A look back:

My First Class Quilt - with a little help from my even littler friend

Making Applesauce

Back-to-School Teacher's Luncheon

An Impromptu Discussion of Factory Farming

"Thunder Cake" Quilt

Yes, I'm definitely going to miss it.  But whenever I get sad thinking of what I gave up, I'll remind myself of the wonderful adventure I'm embarking upon.  I'll remind myself of my passion.  I'll remind myself of all the things I have more time for now:

Friends, I'm not sure what the world has in store for me, but one thing is for certain:

I'll be writing about it.