Learning Letter

Dear Everyone,

I learned that food is always important, and I learned that I know some of the best teachers around. I just can't get over how productive the night and day felt. So much thinking and discussion occurred, and I felt like it sparked ideas and ignited a writing fire under our hands and minds. (I'm not very good with metaphors). We've had several writing project get-to-gethers down here, and each time it takes about five minutes for the group to feel like family. I learned a lot from Laura this weekend. She did such a fabulous job organizing the food, schedule, materials, and computers. Because of Laura we had everything we needed to do the writing we needed to do.

I'm sure you all felt as I did that it was nice not to have to make decisions. The most important thing was to talk and write about teaching, and it was energizing. Kelly's word last night was "un-isolated," and I bet that speaks for a lot of us. I feel that warm companionship and bonding of being in the trenches as we try to type out our thoughts that deserve to be heard.

Several times I wondered why I don't give myself time like this. I hope this becomes an annual event. Of course, you are all invited back. I hope you bring some new friends. Thanks so much for being here. I hope this feels like the kick-off to our small writing groups that will meet throughout the year. Think about a writing goal--maybe by May we can all have a piece of writing ready to send out.

I feel tired, happy, and satisfied. It was such a good weekend. Sometimes I find myself looking to the next thing and watching th clock. I never felt that way once. Barb's word was "gift," and it feels like a gift to know and learn from such wonderful people.

Thank you again for your commitment to writing.

Keri