This summer, I had the opportunity to do some playing for the Ohio Light Opera. It was amazing. I never knew that I love performing just as much (if not more) than teaching! I found that what I loved the most was being around people who love music, literature, art, and all of the things that make life so sweet! I loved just sitting and listening to conversations (I'm usually too shy to join in when there is a big group of people). I love laughing (Last night, during Bluebeard, I laughed so hard I cried several different times!). I love being around creativity, like the Looney Tunes song as Bluebeard hunting horn tune or the various costume changes of the musical director. I love being around people who make me think, sometimes about issues in the world, other times about what I believe or any other random topic, but it is refreshing to think critically about things. I love being around vocalists. Don't get me wrong...instrumentalists are fine too, but there is something so fun about the personalities of great singers! I could go on and on about all that I love. I have so many great memories that I should start a blog just for that (although I think four is enough). My mom commented the other day that she has never seen me happier. She's right....this has been the best summer of my life (I think it even tops my Africa trips, and that's hard to do!)!
Next week, I start back to school. Honestly, I am struggling right now because I don't really want to go back. I love the kids and my subject area. I enjoy being in the classroom, teaching what I love so much. I know I feel like this every year. Until I see those faces staring at me, I don't want to be there. Then, I walk into the school and hear, "Hi Miss Gray. How was your summer? I can't wait for our band trip." And I am reminded that I do love what I do during the year too. Life is good!
