It was fifteen years ago that I began working at the church office. Along with the other duties that the job entailed, I was asked to put a monthly newsletter together. It was a bit daunting at first because I was learning a new computer program as well as about the church and the various boards and committees that needed reporting about, but my lifelong love of writing made it an enjoyable task and in a few short months it became one of my favorite jobs there.
When I left that job in 2002 I assumed that a new editor would be writing this column, which had been titled “From the Front Desk” at the time. Apparently the secretaries that followed me did not share my enthusiasm for prose because in turn they each asked if I would agree to continue writing, which I have - albeit with a different angle (from the pews instead of the office)! It has been a wonderful opportunity for me to write about my thoughts, both spiritual and otherwise, and I love writing about the things I see and the ideas that come in and out of my head. It’s my therapy, if you will, and I have enjoyed it immensely. It’s made me feel connected to all of you in a unique way, as various ones engage me in conversation about the column nearly every month.
It recently occurred to me that perhaps I am taking up space that someone else might like to use. Are there other writers out there who would enjoy being able to share their own view from their very own pew? It would be wonderful to hear from someone else!
So this is an invitation to anyone who might like to try their hand at composing and editing a column for the newsletter every month. I would gladly turn over the reigns to someone – so please let me know. We would love to hear from a new voice, with a new perspective. Or maybe there are many of you and a revolving series of writers could be used in this space.
May is a month of beginnings – most notably the beginning of the season here in East Hampton. It could also be a new beginning for this column. How about it – any takers? If no one speaks up…...
Until next month!
Barbara
Friday, April 25, 2008
Wednesday, April 16, 2008
April 2008
I’m looking forward to spring this year with more than a little enthusiasm. Despite the fact that it was a mild and pleasant winter, I find myself longing for the sun and the warm weather this year – unusually so. I’m really not a hot weather person generally speaking so this comes as a bit of a surprise.
I’m not sure what to attribute that to, but I normally enjoy winters more than I did this one. Perhaps because there wasn’t one really nice snow storm the entire season to give me a good excuse to sit inside all day reading a book and eating popcorn. Whatever the reason, I found it a melancholy time and so I’m looking forward to coming out of the doldrums real soon. Because April is here!
In April I look forward to the warmer weather and of course the wonderful greening of the East End. Many places have much earlier springs than we do, but to me it’s just right the way it is and April is the perfect month for spring to begin in earnest.
I remember many years of sitting in school classrooms in April, with windows opened to the warm air allowing the smell of fresh mown grass to float in for the first time in the season. It was a heady smell and it still triggers all sorts of memories – of friends and classmates, teachers and lessons, and even the colors and accessories in certain classrooms come vividly to mind. Every year I look forward to that first mowing.
As of this writing it is still a few weeks away. But in no time at all we’ll be catching the scent of that newly mown grass and watching the daffodils pop up all over town. Because East Hampton is awaking from its winter sleep and we are all glad.
Until next month,
Barbara
I’m not sure what to attribute that to, but I normally enjoy winters more than I did this one. Perhaps because there wasn’t one really nice snow storm the entire season to give me a good excuse to sit inside all day reading a book and eating popcorn. Whatever the reason, I found it a melancholy time and so I’m looking forward to coming out of the doldrums real soon. Because April is here!
In April I look forward to the warmer weather and of course the wonderful greening of the East End. Many places have much earlier springs than we do, but to me it’s just right the way it is and April is the perfect month for spring to begin in earnest.
I remember many years of sitting in school classrooms in April, with windows opened to the warm air allowing the smell of fresh mown grass to float in for the first time in the season. It was a heady smell and it still triggers all sorts of memories – of friends and classmates, teachers and lessons, and even the colors and accessories in certain classrooms come vividly to mind. Every year I look forward to that first mowing.
As of this writing it is still a few weeks away. But in no time at all we’ll be catching the scent of that newly mown grass and watching the daffodils pop up all over town. Because East Hampton is awaking from its winter sleep and we are all glad.
Until next month,
Barbara
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