breaking for spring

Last week, I asked one of my students how she was doing. She said she was not good. She said she had never seen pollen.

This seemed incredulous to me. How could anyone not have seen pollen?

She told me she was from Illinois, and there was no pollen.

My curiosity is aroused. I did not know that there were pollen-free places where a person could live. I've grown up covered in a fine film of yellow. I've always lived in places where spring has arrived overnight and with abundance.

I am now officially on spring break. I had nightmares last night about drowning, a Dakota Fanning book signing where Oprah Winfrey yelled at the attendees for talking in line, and losing control of the car I was driving. I am hoping that this was my subconscious way of purging all the anxiety and stress of work so that I can relax for the next seven days.

I have purchased books to read that are probably the equivalent of literary geek crack - a trilogy of novels retelling Pride and Prejudice from Mr. Darcy's perspective. I will be spending three days looking at the ocean and thinking what a rascal George Wickam is.

I've taught my students to love the dash and respect the semi-colon. I am still at my happiest when I am in the classroom.

Comments

[Bob]

From IL: I've never "seen" pollen, but it definitely wreaks havoc with my allergies. Snow, however, we have in abundance! ;-)

[Gypsy]

So good to hear your voice Amy. Enjoy your rest time! I'm enjoying my precious weekend with my family after a long, lonely week. The boys and I had a bad time in the Square playground on Friday and it started a cold stone growing in my heart against a lot of the people in my neighborhood. I don't want that to happen so I'm soaking up the weekend-happy-love and praying to remain open and loving amidst this silent, staring culture. Sometimes I just think, "What the hell am I doing here?" But most of the time I know how much God is showing me. Hugs to you!

[Kate]

I haven't read this author's P & P retells, but I liked the other author's. Forget the name, though. If you want to borrow them, let me know.

[amy]

bob - i took pollen pictures yesterday, i am going to try to figure out how to post them soon.

gypsy - i've loved hearing about your visit from grandparents and i love seeing pictures of your world. it's such a pity that the neighborhood is so stoic and cold. your home always looks so warm and alive.

kate - are those the Mr. Darcy's Daughters books? i'll give you a call this weekend. i'll be back thursday.

[mary]

Definitely call me when you get back in town and want to sip tea or eat muffins.

I read the 1st of that P&P/Darcy series. The P&P spinoffs are addictive, like Austen porn or something. Enjoy!

[Courtney]

I too read the first of that trilogy- I was sucked in completely, but could never find the other 2- seems they've reprinted them. I recently read Darcy's Story by Janet Aylmer or something. I shall not give it a rave review.

[Kate]

Indeed, they are the books about Mr. Darcy's daughters--and they are fabulous. Give me a call soon and we'll meet up for breakfast!