I retired on June 12 after 43 years of teaching middle and high school English language arts with a few years of entry-level college English classes thrown in as well.

I’m at the “Now what?” stage. What will I do with my time? How will I spend it productively?

I have a summer bucket list of sorts:

1. Catch up on reading for pleasure. So far, I’ve read three of five books in the “In Time” series by Julie McElwain; Ana and the Fox by Liana de la Rosa (the first in the Luna Sisters series and a Book of the Month selection from April, I think.)
2. Get back into a regular contemplative photography practice. I need to dig out my photography books. In addition, I joined the Girls with Cameras community for inspiration.
3. Visit some SC state parks and start working toward my Ultimate Outsider “badge” (as if I’m a Girl Scout!).
4. Do some crafting. Already I’ve made a floor pouf for Sully, my grandson, finished an entrelac afghan, started an afghan from Annie’s kit clubs (this one), started a new shawl. I have some patterns for some cute kitty cats to make for a friend. . . .
5. Visit my grandson whenever the notion strikes me! He’s a cutie!

In addition, there’s the “spring cleaning” that I’ve neglected while teaching. I’m also thinking about starting a consulting business for teachers. I’m just not sure how to get started. Right now, I’m just resting and reframing myself for this next adventure.

In the meantime, I’ll keep reading. . . . and getting lost in Regency English with Kendra Donovan and her guardian, the duke, and her beloved marquis as they solve some sticky crimes!