Sunday, August 5, 2018

Retired Quilts & A Little Blogging Break

Happy Happy August everyone!
With two weeks of family fun and vacations behind me, I sat down and looked at my desk calendar this morning realizing that a time of transition is once again approaching as my summer vacation begins to wind down and a new school year begins to appear on the horizon. 

This year I begin my 30th year of teaching and with it, a transition out of the classroom as a 
second grade teacher to that of a mentor coach and reading specialist. 
Which means, it's time to retire all my classroom quilts:

So what does that mean? What will I do with them?
Well, I gifted one of the student created story quilts to a previous student who is now starting seventh grade. I'm gifting the polka dotted jelly roll quilt as part of a school auction, the other three I kept.


I'm really excited for this change in my career and the opportunities it will bring.
But, it also means I'm gong to be busier than usual, which I have to admit, I'm also looking forward to that too as I've really needed a change. Along with mentoring new teachers, I'm also responsible for our weekly staff professional developments and admittedly, that is always fun for me too. LOL!
So what does that mean for my blog? For my quilting? I really don't know.

 I have found myself wanting to "downsize" and simplify more and more in every area of my life. In example, my husband and I spent the better part of yesterday cleaning out my classroom and after finding teaching resources dating back to 1987 (Okay....these are literally older than most the teachers I even work with) Yes, we decided to purg most of it. After seven LARGE cafeteria trashcan fulls, I moved into my new office with only a few boxes left to move. I turned the lights off to my old classroom with a smile and a feeling of exhilaration for that which lies ahead and pride for that which has been accomplished over the past years.

I also talked to my mom about my desire to downsize my quilting too. I mean I love my sewing. I'm never without a hand project or two and well, as an avid knitter, she understood that feeling of having a stash of WIP and an overwhelming amount of projects awaiting our attention. She encouraged me to continue my "stash busting" efforts and to give myself  permission to just enjoy the hobby without blogging or completing customer quilts as I enjoy my new transition. So with that said, I am putting Tuesday Archives on hold for just a little bit and will downsize my weekly blogging efforts as well. I'm hoping that come September, life will find me returned to my Sunday sewing as the two things I enjoy most about blogging is being able to document and share my quilty adventures and the inspiration I find from each of you. I appreciate and value our virtual community and just wanted to say thanks for your patience and wonderful support during this transition of mine.


28 comments:

  1. Congrats on your new assignment! What an exciting transition for you. Isn’t it amazing how much stuff you accumulate over a career in education? I hope you will put at least one of your quilts in your office. I have cut way back on blogging lately, too. I found that I was spending more time at a screen than sewing. I’m still blogging to document what I make, but I don’t worry about trying to put new posts up all the time. The posts are longer because I include a lot of detail, but I don’t do a whole lot of little in-progress posts. When I finally do publish, I take time to catch up on other people’s blogs. I also poke around a bit on instagram in between times. I do hope you’ll be able to quilt for relaxation, and of course, I’ll be watching for your finishes.

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  2. Awe, change is good but can be hard too. I will miss seeing you as much in blogland and am glad you are not quitting altogether.

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  3. I think we all go through these fazes of blogging less and there's nothing wrong with that. Enjoy your new normal with work and check in here when you want.

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  4. Congratulations on your move up! I am not surprised that they want you to mentor other teachers, and I am happy for your success! Love the pics with Jackson on today's post!! Quilting should be fun, a relaxing break from work, not another job. Just come by when you can, take the pressure off yourself, and have fun.

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  5. I applaud your wisdom. And congrats on the transition to mentor. I have a feeling that is a special niche you will fill very well. Downsizing is difficult yet rewarding to enjoy the steps you chose to take. Relax a bit and find your new routine. We will look forward to hearing about the changes:)

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  6. Congratulations on this new chapter! It sounds like a great transition and a time to feel really proud of all you have done. I know the burden of creating blog content takes a LOT of time and effort, I feel that stress myself. I am so happy for you to begin this new adventure, you will find your balance soon enough, and I for one will be so happy to hear all about it!

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  7. Congratulations on your new chapter and I think you will fill this new position very well. Family and self are always more important. As you find your stride, I hope we hear from you and you don't lose that magic that you apply to your creativity.

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  8. What a wonderful new chapter. Good for you downsizing your classroom items. Enjoy your new job, and find your groove. Will be waiting for your next chapter to begin.

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  9. How exciting to start on a new path! I'm feeling the need also to down size my stash-it's out of control--lol! Good luck and enjoy your new job as a mentor!

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  10. May your new adventure as a mentor be a blessing to you and all the new teachers that you'll be working with!

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  11. I wish I had had a mentor when I started teaching - it would have made me a much more effective teacher. I miss the kids I taught, but the paperwork that went along with a self-contained special ed classroom and the political garbage are happily left behind. Impart your years of wisdom to the new crop of teachers, enjoy your new assignment and live life the way you want to!

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  12. A hearty congratulations for you, my friend! That's awesome. Just think - you have SO much knowledge floating around in your head from all these years of teaching - how fantastic is it to share. Good idea to take a wait and see attitude about personal quilting and blogging. I imagine everything will fall in place as it should be. Just don't be a stranger - you would be missed!

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  13. Val, you would be the best mentor to other teachers. Your sense of fun and verve and encouragement is a most wonderful thing. The school is blessed to have you! Here's to happy Sunday stitching and blogging when one feels like it. =)

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  14. Good luck. You will be missed.

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  15. Best wishes as you transition your professional life! We'll be here when you get back.

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  16. Congratulations on a well earned transition from teaching to mentoring! As someone who spent a lot of time in my kids schools, I know how important it is for new teachers (and even some seasoned ones) to have senior colleagues they can look to for guidance in best practices and to bounce new approaches to reaching their students. Your new job is just as important to the future of education as your old one was! I'm glad you'll get to take some of the classroom quilts home for your personal enjoyment and that a few special students get a memento of their favorite teacher. Couldn't just one be left (maybe to hang in the teachers' lounge?) to remind your colleagues that their personal interests can go far to inform and engage the school environment?

    If along with the transition you get to spend more time on your own projects then it's a bonus! I too think of downsizing the WIPs but realize that what I really want is more focused time to work on them. They'll disappear if I get 'em done! I'll miss the weekly Archives but will continue to look forward to reading about whatever you post about your own new doings. Have fun and enjoy your "new normal"!

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    1. Thanks Viv. Tuesday Archives will be back....but yes, I am excited about my new normal.

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  17. Yay for change and new opportunities Val!! I am so happy for you. I can imagine the conflicting feelings as you packed up your classroom after such a long time. The teachers you work with are so fortunate to have you. Somehow I suspect you will settle into a routine and find the right balance between work, home life, quilting and a bit of blogging. Keep in touch and all the best to you.

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  18. Good luck with the change and take the time you need. We will be waiting here to hear all about it.

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  19. I'm so happy to read that these upcoming changes are making you smile! Change and growth and challenge are good for our hearts and our brains! I know you will be an excellent mentor and leader in your school. Blog when you want and I'll eagerly read your latest news :)

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  20. Congratulations and best wishes on this new adventure, Val.

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  21. I wish you the best in your new position and downsizing efforts.

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  22. Sounds like a lot of changes for you, Val! A great time to step back and see what rises o the top. I hope your new adventure as a mentor to teachers is fabulous and that quilting continues to bring you joy, not pressure.

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  23. Enjoy your new adventure. My daughter could have done with you and all your experience last year as she started her teaching journey. I'm sure you will find the role challenging but very fulfilling. Your amazing creativity will also prove most helpful in your new role. I looking forward to updates now and again on how the role unfolds.




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  24. I’m so very happy for you and your next professional adventure! I’ve no doubt you will be an amazing mentor! Simplifying is a wonderful feeling. I am trying to do that in all aspects of my life. Which is not easy for someone who is so detail oriented! I don’t go shopping unless it’s an absolute necessity. I’m still not a great cook but I’m learning to make meals with what is on hand. I’ve dramatically reduced my social media time (but I miss my blogging friends!). And so on. Enjoy your last few days of summer Val!!

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  25. Good luck with your new role, it sounds like you are definitely ready for it. Transitions are hard, but it's always good to reevaluate what's important before moving on. Looking forward to catching peaks of your sewing projects when you figure out your new groove.

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I have to admit, your comments make me smile! Thanks for sharing and for letting me know you stopped by. I Hope your day is awesome!

Val:)

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