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Friday, March 27, 2020

Friendship and Spring Air

This month I am participating in the 13th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge. Visit Two Writing Teachers for more information.

Yesterday was one of those days that hint at the warmer, greener days that are coming. There was bright sun and the temperature rose into the fifties. March days often still require a jacket in New England, so it's always welcome when we get a sweater-only day.

I actually almost missed it. I had gone outside for a run early in the morning before the sun had fully risen and the temperature was still chilly. Then I spent the morning in front of my laptop checking and responding to emails, attending a videoconference, and gathering ideas and resources to support students' remote learning. If not for the message a friend had sent me in the early afternoon, I think I would have been oblivious to the treat that Mother Nature had sent.

My friend had suggested a walk on the bike path in the town where she lives with the promise that we'd stay six feet away from each other. We met up in the parking lot. We haven't seen each other for months, but we didn't hug. We walked together, at an appropriate social distance. We chatted about teaching and learning - she's also an educator - and about life. This was the first time all week that I saw someone in person for more than just a passing few seconds.

The isolation of the week has been hard, so the friendship and the spring air were just what I needed. And to think I might have missed this opportunity! Feeling these days like my laptop is an extension of my body, I am going to make a more conscious effort to step away from the screen every day.

3 comments:

  1. Good decision, Lisa. The sun just came out and that means I am going to take advantage of the great weather to take my walk. Nature gives me a pick up and seeing sun is a healthy sight for eyes that have seen gray way too often.

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  2. My morning walk is sacred to me these days.

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  3. Hear you about getting out, Lisa. My daily walk outdoors is very much needed and I feel great afterwards! Sometimes I walk by myself & other times with my husband. We have had his mother here with us to mostly to keep her from going to the store. Her generation doesn't want help. I need my space so an outdoor walk is heaven! I'm also participating in yoga thru Zoom. Connecting with Zoom and Facetime has been a major gift since I'm an extrovert and constantly involved in group classes, outings, socials, dinners etc And, Twitter connections are engaging & supporting as well! Have a great weekend!

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