Saturday, April 26, 2008

BHT

"You're blogging!"

Says ESOS.

"I'm going to write one." I say.

" About how I'm feeling." I add.

"What, about being depressed?" He says. "Then you'll be like every other blogger."

The vote of confidence is inspiring. It does however have a good effect, in that suddenly I see humour in what I am about to do.

"Say "hi" from me to all your bloggy friends." He adds. "Make sure you do." I smile again, and as I start to write, I remember BHT. Similar to BLT in its effect but quite different in form: Blogging Humour Therapy.

It is the first day back at my Stage School. We hurry all the children out of the door, as usual. We all leave at the same time as usual. And we all arrive, as usual.

It has of course been a very busy few weeks. Two parts and several performances in two shows. Easter. Some teaching. A surprise party from the stage school teachers for me. Masses of presents and thanks from wonderfully grateful parents. A positive whirlwind of events.

And now it is a usual Saturday again.

And there the "usuals" end. For in fact, I personally was never there usually when the others were getting ready. And, on a "usual" Saturday I was always already at my stage school when the rest of the family arrived.

But not today.

For it's finished. I am no longer Principal of my stage school. Instead I am a parent of attending children. The whys and wherefores are extraordinarily complex and far too emotionally draining to explain in detail at this point. They will of course be written about in full when I write my autobiographical novel. That will in turn require a modicum of fame and a little more money to allow such a luxury. Neither of such seem to be imminently around the corner - so you'll have to wait......

As I wait today. Sitting outside the stage school as Hubby follows the offspring inside.

Nine years of my life.

Nine years ago I had started. Teaching the 4-6 year olds. Seven years ago I had taken over as the School's principal. Hundreds of children have passed through the school, some briefly, some for quite a while, and some for the whole period that I was there... and now beyond.

ED goes in. She, as well as being part of the most senior set is now also teaching ........... ironically, the 4 to 6 year olds. She teaches brilliantly and fully deserves the job. I am proud. Very proud.

We return at the end of the day to collect. Some of the parents come up and hug me. Some of the children run up to me gleefully. One of the teachers Looks at me doefully and puts her arms around me. She barely speaks, but we both know what is being said.

"She's nice" says another teacher about the new Principal. "It's odd without you though." He adds, almost as an afterthought.

I think back to a few weeks ago, to a very emotional leaving party with everyone declaring undying allegiance to me.

Well........ of course........ they can't really, can they? They all need their jobs. The school still needs to run. The children need to adjust. The new Principal needs to do her job.......... and life must go on.

As the weeks pass they will all miss me less and be involved with the new routine far more.

As they should of course. That is how it should be.

I cry inside. I irritate the family by crying openly.

And then I decide to write a blog.

BHT.

And I start to feel a little better.......

18 comments:

ChrisB said...

Sally I have been thinking about you and wondering what you have been doing lately. I can now see so much has been going on in your life. You are entitled to be sad, after all your stage school has been such a big part of your life so a long time. So do you have some exciting new project in mind or are you just letting the dust settle!! Whatever you are doing I hope blogging is on the agenda I've missed you so welcome back x

sallywrites said...

Hi Chris!

Thank you!!

At the moment I am supply teaching, but I do have a full half term cover - a maternity leave, in a nice school. (It can still be quite tough at times, but the staff are lovely.)I plan to do some more acting too - when the opportunity comes. (I did Romeo and Juliet at The Everyman over the holidays.) And yes.... I will blog. Maybe not as frequently as i used to, but I will certainly write. It's very cathartic!

pierre l said...

Supply teaching in a nice school.. Good for you Sally. It was lovely to see you at the Everyman. Do tell us the next time you are acting, please.
Please blog whenever you feel like it; your club of readers is always there.
So sorry about the stage school!

Unknown said...

It's about time we have the pleasure of your words again!

Anonymous said...

Blimey Sally your life is a whirlwind of twists and turns. Am very glad you are blogging again though as it was getting dull around here without you. What plans now? New jobs or are you looking to scale back your insane schedule?

sallywrites said...

Thanks Pierre, JOhn and Ig!

Nice to know that I am so appreciated!

Alice Band said...

At last! A normal person! No shmaltz! No God! Welcome, welcome back!

meredic said...

Good lord you are back!
Hello Sal.
Here when are you lot all going to visit my mountain??
Eh?
Come on now... you know you need a break.
:-)

Ailsa said...

Hi Sally,

Welcome back! You have been missed.

Beccy said...

Oh Sally what a lot has happened, glad to hear you have some work and I hope you find time to write that book soon.

thefoodsnob said...

Sally, welcome back!
I've been checking every time I get on the computer for you, glad to hear everthing has been well.
You are a very busy lady.

Lisa

Anonymous said...

sally, enidd is so glad you are back. you cheer her up and make her laugh, even if you are a little bit sad. keep blogging, please.

headless chicken said...

Glad you're back Sally! Please don't be sad. Give me a ring and when you're not teaching and we both have a spare hour or so we will get together, drink coffee and chat!
Btw thanks for coming to help on Sunday! XXX

Anonymous said...

Very sorry to hear that you've been sad Sally, but glad that you're at a nice school now. Was a bit worried that the many evil children might have abducted you and taken you off to their home planet! Good luck with everything.

Norma said...

Although I don't know the details, I'm glad you updated us. I get concerned when a blog friend goes blank! Best wishes for your next successful project!

Anonymous said...

Sally!
Glad to see you back - you have been missed in this part of the world!
Hard to see things you put so much effort into change and evolve.
good luck with everything and keep blogging!
belle

~ej said...

have missed you...glad the supply teaching is at a good school now...

meredic said...

April the 26th! Here this blog has gone off!
Now dont try and tell me you are busy.....