This week I celebrate mentors.
I celebrate ideas that guide my life.
I celebrate people who invite me in and support me through the questions and doubts life presents.
I stand beside them. Watch. Imitate. Follow. And join in.
I fly path a path of my creation with their guidance in my pocket.
Sometimes the mentors are professional books.
I celebrate the texts that grace my teaching life this summer. I’m writing in the margins. Writing reflections. Imagining how this could go. Each one will find its way into my teaching next year.
Sometimes the mentors are books that transport and inspire understanding.
I celebrate these books and the journeys I’ve been on.
Sometimes the mentors are bloggers:
I celebrate link ups and the communities they foster. Without them, I would not be the teacher, writer, or person I am. Ruth, your invitation to join in and celebrate opened the door for me. I was welcomed. Without that I would not have been brave enough to venture on to Slice of Life with Two Writing Teachers and then to Poetry Friday. Each place has been a safe spot that nurtured me.
Sometimes the mentors are virtual discussions.
I celebrate the Good to Great Voxer chat. This group is like family. Offering unconditional trust and compassion. Their actions and words show me how to be my best in this world. Thank you, Mary Howard, for your infinite support. Thank you. Jenn Hayhurst and Amy Brennan, for your wisdom in finding Mary and creating such a group of individuals.
Sometimes the mentors are right there in front of me.
I celebrate the opportunity to learn and be with friends.
Last week, Jan Burkins and Kim Yaris extended an invitation to be with them at ILA as they presented their new book Who’s Doing the Work. Those moments of learning and friendship will hold me up this coming school year.
In two days, I will be with Tara Smith, Kimberley Moran, and Margaret Simon. I can’t wait!
This week I celebrate my many beautiful mentors.
To Read To Write To Be 