Transitions

August 27, 2006 at 8:50 AM

The trip Outside and back again was well worth it; I’m satisfied with my purchase, and everything unfolded without a hitch. I haven’t experienced summer in the lower 48 since I left it seven years ago. The air smelled familiar, of back-to-school and hay and warm asphalt. Cupping and slicing the heat with my fingers while sailing from state to state, I felt grateful for the memories provoked by my senses.

Still, it’s good to be back home. Did anyone miss me? Eight messages on my machine confirmed my importance. I act hassled when confronted with business affairs--wedding gigs, orchestra rehearsals, and lesson inquiries--but secretly I cherish the attention I get from my trade. Someone wants what I can give, and this is good.

So it’s back to school, is it? Time to polish the shoes and sharpen the pencils. Spiral bound notebooks and crisp method books for the students, new stickers and receipt books for me. The end-of-summer dread that has accompanied August for most of my life is gone, now that I’ve found a career that I can anticipate instead of loathe. Teaching brings me joy.

Having progressed from student to teacher, now I’m donning the role of student again as I enroll in college violin lessons for the first time in twelve years. Has it really been that long? Can an old dog in fact learn new tricks? He must, or stamp out his existence once and for all, for what is life without growth?

From Jim W. Miller
Posted on August 27, 2006 at 10:38 AM

You took 36 hours to make a trip I would have taken a month to do. I guess you were anxious to check your messages :)

From Emily Grossman
Posted on August 27, 2006 at 4:21 PM

Ha, it took 75 hours. To do 36, you'd have to go 100 mph all the way, which I didn't. Not all the way.

From Pauline Lerner
Posted on August 27, 2006 at 4:35 PM

Welcome back. I love your photo. You didn't post much this summer, and I missed you. Does that make you feel good? I hope so.

From Kelsey Z.
Posted on August 27, 2006 at 4:38 PM

I always enjoy your entries, Emily! Awesome pictures and yes, you were missed!

From Emily Grossman
Posted on August 27, 2006 at 11:41 PM

Pauline, I don't post much in the summer because I don't do a lot concerning the violin, and I don't stay inside much, either.

Kelsey, I enjoyed listening to Vancouver's classical station through the Whitehorse area. I thought of you.

From Emily Grossman
Posted on August 28, 2006 at 7:45 AM

PS Pauline, thanks for the smile, and yes, you made me feel good.

From Kelsey Z.
Posted on August 28, 2006 at 5:04 PM

Thanks for thinking of me Emily! This place really is one of the most friendly, supportive places I know of in terms of the connections and friendships one builds.

I didn't even know Vancouver had a classical radio station and I go there all the time. How crazy is that?

From Wanda Jenkins
Posted on August 29, 2006 at 2:29 PM

About to pass a truck going 85mph, while taking a picture. You are multitalented! :-)

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