what matters

everyone knows teachers don't teach for the money.  i like to say if i have enough to cover what i need, some of what i want, and always enough to share, then it's just right.  it's paychecks like this, from an anonymous middle schooler, that motivate, "ms. smith, personally i think your style is exciting and fun.  art hasn't really been fun for me in the past but since i've had you, it has been.  i really appreciate your positivity and energetic spirit.  thanks for always cheering me up!" 

i'm a "to-do" list person.  voted most likely to go back to her to-do list to write down an additional accomplished item for the sheer satisfaction of crossing it off.  but yesterday, i went to the girls' volleyball game even though i had a long post-it list of teachery things to do.  and i don't regret it.  because i remembered what it was like to be a student and how epic it was when one of my teachers showed up for a basketball game or orchestra concert.

another girl this week said, "you don't need kids, you have us.  you can be our art mom!"  and i did feel like a mom who realizes her kids are growing up fast and doesn't want to miss a moment.

i have another new long post-it of things to do this morning (it's a new day, after all) but i'm choosing to join their middle school retreat, just to enjoy them and be present.  the thing is, people are fascinating and have interesting stories to tell if we have room and time to listen.  i feel like i'm seeing them for the first time in some ways and there is no amount of money in the world you could pay me in exchange for such riches.