The school year is here.
Solomon starts 6th grade at Southeast Middle School. Samson starts 5th grade at Horace Mann Elementary. Katie is teaching at the University of Iowa. Young Samuel is serving as interim co-department chair.
So it begins.
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I keep a journal as well as this blog. A physical journal. Pen and paper. I use this journal to doodle and jot. Jot and doodle. Most of the words in this journal are illegible. My handwriting, much to my first grade teacher Mrs. Robinson’s chagrin, has not improved with age.
I started keeping this journal last fall during my something-of-a-breakdown. Each week, I make a list of everything I need to do. This is a simple practice that helps me stay present. My calendar for next week is busier than my calendar for last week.
Here are things I’ve enjoyed doing lately: I’ve enjoyed walking back and forth from campus. Listening to music on my headphones. My Morning Jacket, lately. I’ve enjoyed sitting in coffee shops and writing. I’ve enjoyed recording cover songs. Banging away at a guitar and crooning. I’ve enjoyed doing improv with friends in Iowa City without feeling the need to start a business or open a theater. I’ve enjoyed playing basketball. I’ve enjoyed going for runs. I’m going to keep enjoying these things even though my schedule is busier. Better to enjoy things, I think, than to worry about things.
There really isn’t anything to worry about. In the words of the venerable lion Aslan at the end of one of my favorite childhood books The Voyage of the Dawn Treader: Do not be afraid. Okay, Aslan. Easier said then done, but do it all the same.
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My friend Josh sent me Clair Obscur: Expedition 3. One of the best gifts I’ve received in years. I love the game. I love Josh. The video game is a masterpiece. I can’t remember enjoying a role-playing-game as much since Final Fantasy 7.
No, I will not have as much time to defeat Nevrons and level my characters up this week. But I’ll find a little time. Defeating Nevrons is important work. Casting out darkness, speaking truth to lies, and casting light in a fallen world is important work. This is true in Clair Obscur: Expedition 3, in teaching and learning, and in finding the way to Aslan’s Country.
For those who come after.
Samuel Jaye Tanner 