I feel like there is both too much to talk about and nothing worth blogging about all at the same time. Work is back in full swing and while subbing affords me the liberty of taking time off whenever I want it, I’ve been trying to work every day so that I have more flexibility later in the month without the pocketbook guilt. I did snag a long term job in the coming months and I couldn’t be more thrilled about it. The steady hours and income will let me go back to school the way I want so that I can earn my proper credentials this year. Oh 2018, while there are a lot of things I could say about the crap you’ve put us all through, it hasn’t been all bad. There have been a couple of really nice surprises.

Sometimes in a school year, I like to remember all the names I get called by students. Today I was called a prison warden. Ms. Prison Warden to be exact. Which made me both laugh and cringe. Was he saying my class is like a prison or the school? Oy with the poodles already. Of course, this was all while I bit my cheek trying not to laugh through this kid’s tirade. He’s funny and he knows it, which is bad for me. When they’re a little older they usually know when to stop and work but at 11 and 12 they don’t know where those lines are. If you give them an inch they take a mile.

Things with North Sound Writers are changing and we’re going through the processes of figuring out what that looks like. We had our once a month meeting last night and this month it meant talking about all the uncomfortable things. I don’t want to continue as President, three years is my personal limit and it’s time for someone else to take over. Our VP of Membership also brought up that she too is looking at moving in the next year and continuing to hold her current position would not be prudent. So we’re at this weird place. We’ve lost 7 members from our core north end group this year alone for various moving reasons. The weight of this feels heavier now then it ever has before. But what does all this mean for our little organization.

I’ve always believed in utter transparency so I don’t feel weird blogging about this. I think it’s better to be open about things, especially in this case. One of the things we’ve always wanted to do was offer scholarships. And there’s no reason we can’t do that, except that we’ve been saving for a couple of years on the hope of something bigger. I floated the idea of doing something smaller instead. We give away our money to high school students who want to pursue writing. We still consider doing a book but maybe we do it in conjunction with a project involving high schoolers and we fundraise to offer them scholarship money. We encourage the crap out of these young minds. That’s all I ever wanted to do in the first place. Somewhere along the line, that vision got lost. It got bigger and bigger without ever accomplishing the little things we wanted to do originally.

I didn’t want to force a vote this month but I did tell everyone to talk it over, and come next month we’d need to start making some decisions. We don’t have to see NSW go away, but I don’t think it’s going to continue to look the same as before. Some things are going to change and I really hope it’s all for the better.

Anyone out there like to can things? I’ve always wanted to know how to do it and so a couple of years ago I taught myself. Turns out it’s super easy, and when those jars line up across the counter, it feels incredibly productive. This year I’ve canned Apple Butter, Pumpkin Butter, and Blackberry Jam. I was just given two HUGE zucchinis and have been mulling over how to can them. I’ve had zucchini pie in the past, which is a lot like pumpkin only a bit sweeter and denser. So I’ve been wondering if I made zucchini butter if it would be any good? I might try it this weekend. Or send me your favorite zucchini recipes cus I have 30lbs of the stuff!

I’ve dug out my sweaters and cardigans (like they were ever put away) and picked out scarves. I found my gloves in my car and the layering has begun. It was 45 degrees out this morning when I started my car and I’d nearly forgot that warming up my car is a thing. Oh Fall I don’t care what everyone says about summer, you’re my favorite time of year.

I suppose I have to go adult now, so until next time.

Cheers,

M