I don’t know how to begin this piece. I am in the midst of another dry spell when it comes to writing something that feels worthy of publishing. Still, I want to connect with my followers and other Medium readers and writers.
The school year has started here in southern Louisiana. I was dreading the beginning of this new year because every classroom I went into last year was consumed with negativity. Teachers were walking out and students were apathetic.
Something feels different.
Entering the teacher's lounge of an elementary school to use the restroom I had a small, courteous conversation with the vice principal:
Me: Hi, how are ya?
VP: Any better and it’d be illegal!
Me: Wow! That’s so refreshing.
After attending to my needs, the disciplinarian was also there when I exited the restroom.
Me: Hey, how are you doing?
Disciplinarian: I can’t get any better!
Me: OK, I don’t know if y’all are just blowing smoke or if you really mean it!
All: Laughter.
Disciplinarian: Oh I mean it! It’s going great.
VP: Now, thats the kind of smoke you want to inhale.
I walked out of that school feeling light and airy. I have experienced this kind of back-and-forth cheerful banter more times in the short beginning of this school year than I had in the entirety of last year.