I turned in final grades for students yesterday, and so ended my first semester teaching college English in 20 years.
I'm so sad it's over. Students hugged me and thanked me and wrote me notes that made me cry happy tears, and some even signed up for my Composition II class next semester. (Of course, there were also students who walked out the last day without making eye contact and an air of relief that it was over...but we won't dwell on them.)
And I'm so glad there are three new classes on my schedule for next semester.
Seriously. Happy beyond words. Teaching composition again feels right. And perhaps overdue.
So I celebrated yesterday and made some cards because now, well, I have time.
The color combination came from Pinterest. Blues and greens are my favorites. There's something so happy about these colors for me. The stamps used above are from Papertrey (Out on a Limb, Turning a New Leaf, and Life), with an Altenew leaf thrown in for good measure.
The second card also uses a Pinterest color combination, a Papertrey sentiment, and Concord & 9th's Just Because.
Since I felt a little rusty, I stuck to my dependable and much-used layouts, but as you will see tomorrow, I quickly got comfortable and went outside my comfort zone.
And on that note, I leave you with deep gratitude for your patience and for sticking with me as I make this transition back to working, teaching, obsessing on student performance and how to reach them, teach them, help them grow. Oh, my goodness. It's so satisfying.
But I've missed you, and I've missed making things.
Mercy, grace, peace, love, and gratitude,
Susan
Welcome back - we missed you too! So nice to hear that you are so happy in your work, what a blessing. Too often when our favorite bloggers are offline for a while it is because of hard times, so glad that is not the case here. Thank-you for making the effort to share with us - I am loving the color combos on these gorgeous cards.
ReplyDeleteLove the cards. That first one is the bomb! Life is so much richer when one is doing something they love. Good for you!
ReplyDeleteLu C
Love to read your blog. I am happy that you are back. Love your cards! Have a nice holyday season!
ReplyDeleteWe missed you, too! but so happy that you're happy!! thanks for sharing with us!
ReplyDeleteSo wonderful to see your cards. I have missed your inspiration.
ReplyDeleteIn fact I was thinking of you this morning as I was double white matting a card, "does Susan pop them up on foam or just stick them flat?"
Such a joy seeing you passionate about your teaching ... spreading your gifts!
welcome back! It sounds like your students were blessed to have you as a teacher.
ReplyDeleteIt's good to see your creations again. That said, you sound happy and that is what counts!
ReplyDelete"A teacher affects eternity. She can never tell where her influence stops." Henry Ward Beecher
ReplyDeleteYou are making a difference in these young people's lives.
And it is nice to hear from you again!
So happy to see you back. Hope all are healthy. How are Daisy and Cooper?
ReplyDeleteWe all missed you, your cards and your musings! It's really refreshing to hear how passionate you are about your job...how lucky are you!
ReplyDeleteI exclaimed out loud to an empty room "oh boy!" when I saw your post. YES! We missed you and your inspiration and wit and encouragement. But very happy to know your work is so fulfilling. Craft on....!
ReplyDeleteLove your cards and how you made so many different stamps look like they all came from one set. Great color combos too. Thrilled to hear your first semester went so well. You're back where you belong.
ReplyDeleteIt's so good to see you back! I'm glad you're enjoying teaching so much, and I hope your next semester is even better.
ReplyDeleteI'm SO happy that you're back! if even for just a short time... I'm glad to hear that you're enjoying your work, and that it's so immensely satisfying. While I've missed your posts, I'm glad for your students that they have you!
ReplyDeleteThese are very beautiful cards! I've enjoyed seeing your posts the past few days. Glad you are happy with your teaching. Glad you have some time now for card making!
ReplyDeleteBlues and greens are always my favourite. These are gorgeous!
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