

Phoebe in her "Barcelona" dress
Willa at work at Earth Dog -- with customers Aunt Sylvia and Granpa Jack
Summer is coming to an end, but new beginnings are here. Our practice continues to flourish; every day brings another stack of new patient registrations and the schedule is busy. I'm getting used to the idea of working again; although I've been very busy these past 9 years doing volunteer work and going about my daily business, the idea of being at a "job" every day was actually pretty easy to get used to. I did miss my traditional summer with Willa; we didn't get to do as much as we usually do. But we managed to get to New York twice, and sleep in and stay up late. Her job hostessing at Earth Dog Cafe kept her pretty busy. And now, Willa starts her new school tomorrow. I think this is going to be such a transitional experience for her. I'm so glad she'll have the opportunity to get out of this tiny little box we've been living in for the past 9 years. Oh, it's been a nice little box, but I think kids really need to learn to operate in the larger world. Not that Hagerstown is such a metropolis, but it's a step. I always thought it was good for Phoebe to grow up in the DC area: DC is not such a big city as it is a series of very connected-together neighborhoods, easy to get around, and lots to do and see. She went from there to Philadelphia for school, and then on to New York City. It was a pretty easy transition for her from a small city to the ultimate city. I have to wonder if kids who never leave this place are really happy. I think it's really important for kids to leave -- *really* leave their comfort zone -- and then if they *want* to come back, they'll come back that much smarter and sure that they *want* to be back. You have to go out into the world, that other, big world: make mistakes, maybe even start over a few times, learn about different kinds of people, eat strange food, sleep under different stars. I can't imagine never leaving my little hometown: when I think of all the places I've lived and been, and how they've shaped me into the person I am. To live in the same place, wearing out the same streets, seeing the same people day in and day out just get older but still the same.... maybe it's just me, but it would leave me wanting!
Anyway, she'll start the Barbara Ingram School for the Arts tomorrow, in the musical theater program. At the orientation the other night, all the faculty was sitting on the stage, and I was again struck by how excited and happy they looked! Even the academic instructors have roots in the arts. It'll be a challenging program academically, since all the classes are being taught on the honors level. Not only that, but some of the classes are condensed into one semester -- so instead of taking 40 minutes every day of Language Arts for 2 semesters, she'll have 80 minutes every day for one semester to earn the same 2 credits. That, of course, allows for 4 hours of arts programming every day. The principal, Mike Thorsen, was formerly the principal of the Pittsburgh High School for the Creative and Performing Arts -- he seems like a great administrator, and a nice guy as well. Everything has been going on plan -- we got updates when we were told we would, there have been parent and student orientations, and he's available by phone and email. As far as getting her to Hagerstown, it's a nice coincidence that her bus leaves Hancock just around the time either I or Matt need to be there for work, and it arrives in the evening just as at least one of us is ready to go home!
And Phoebe and Jonathan are in Spain! I took a peek at the hotel they're staying at in Barcelona -- I am extremely envious of that rooftop pool! I can't wait to hear all about their trip - i've been enjoying watching the photos get posted on her Facebook page. Talk about getting outside of your every day life -- I wonder what inspirations Phoebe will bring home from this trip?
So the critters outside are making a huge racket, the ironweed is in bloom, and there are huge rolls of hay in the fields.... all signs that summer is coming to an end. But I suppose all that's happening is evidence that every ending presents a new beginning!