Most of my family and friends are back in the business of teaching or learning now that summer is over. I guess that is why I consider Labor Day a day of reflection, thinking about the summer as well as ahead. This summer, I saw two special shows that have shaped my thinking.
Crying on the Camino
featured Celeste Manicelli, who inspires laughter and self-reflection through retelling her trek of the Camino de Santiago. She recalls the challenge of your undies dangling off your backpack reminding us to change what we can, but to accept what we cannot change. Communal sleeping and eating arrangements are reminders that we are pilgrims on the same journey where we hope for the best and take what comes. I certainly was inspired to reflect on my own journey!
featured Celeste Manicelli, who inspires laughter and self-reflection through retelling her trek of the Camino de Santiago. She recalls the challenge of your undies dangling off your backpack reminding us to change what we can, but to accept what we cannot change. Communal sleeping and eating arrangements are reminders that we are pilgrims on the same journey where we hope for the best and take what comes. I certainly was inspired to reflect on my own journey!
I also saw Mamma Mia 2, where crazy dancing, gaudy clothes and ABBA songs presented, at first, a different image, yet, similar lessons including having faith in yourself! As we danced in standing ovation, every single person in that audience was smiling no matter what else had happened that day or what might loom ahead.
I am at the filled with hopes and prayers for all those heading back:
* Have faith in yourself and keep a song in your heart (Mamma Mia, here we go again...)
* Begin this journey with hope! (I have a dream, a song to sing, to help me cope with anything...)
* Begin this journey with hope! (I have a dream, a song to sing, to help me cope with anything...)
* We are all on this journey, just at different places!
Schoolbag in hand, they leave home early morning
Waving goodbye with an absent minded smile
I watch them go with a surge of that well known sadness
And I have to sit down for a while.
I try to capture every minute, the feeling in it
Each time I think I'm close to knowing
They keep on growing
Slipping through my fingers all the time
7 comments:
Anita,
One of the things that struck me as I read your post is the sense of community both experiences evoke. We really do need people and shared experiences in our lives. I also thought about a student speech from decades ago. My student organized her thoughts around country music as offering a philosophy for living a successful life. I share the hope teachers have a wonderful, productive year.
Anita, if there are two things I love, it's anything about the Camino and Abba. I was just telling my husband yesterday that this time feels like the new year for me. I love that I have a found a kindred soul in your post. Wishing you a year ahead of joy, love, and peace.
Your post resonates with me. September is my personal New Year. In the first week of September, I celebrate my birthday and I kickoff a new school year.
What better time to make some resolutions and imagine the possibilities. I love that you send all this positivity forward to this community!
You have added the perfect ending - - the lyrics to my favorite Abba song in the musical as she brushes her daughter's hair. And what a tear jerker of truth it is - - we only have them a little while. I'm so curious about the other play you mention - - I have not seen that one and want to check it out! Great slice, and happy back to school time!
When I was still teaching, Labor Day was like the beginning of a new year especially when we didn't start classes until after Labor Day. It was a time to reflect on the previous school year and make plans and changes for the new school year that was just beginning. Even for the first few years of my retirement, September still felt lie the start of a new year. arjeha
Anita, I love how watching the two shows filled you with hope and prayers. Such a great image. I like that you were paying attention when you were watching! Have a great school year.
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