In this first photo a student hangs a wreath. His family – his grandfather? – owns a Christmas tree farm. Is "farm" the right word to use? I'm not sure.
There are three notable things about this photo – the community and spirit, of course, but also that we had to take the wreath down just a few hours later. We move out of these cabins almost every weekend, and cannot keep anything on the walls or at our desks. The desks are collapsible too and find themselves placed in storage for the weekend. It's minimalist to a fault; I do not feel like I have a classroom. I cannot keep a plant, for example, but we make it work.
The last thing worth noting is that Paige and I had been discussing whether or not to buy a Christmas tree – a real, dead tree – to put in our home. I've never really been a Christmas tree person, and the next day I talked with someone who isn't just a Christmas tree person, but has real Christmas tree ties. I suppose it could be a sign. A pine fresh sign.
The wreath was hung in celebration. We weren't just celebrating the holidays, we were celebrating Presentation Day. When presentations happen, there is a festive feeling in the air. Cookies are bought and lemonade is served and students beam with confidence. One student shared his love for artist John Kenn Mortensen. Aping Mortensen's style, he drew his own sticky monsters and sold them for a quarter apiece. He made a few dollars too. I loved to watch him navigate the attention. He's pretty good!
Tibet Kitchen isn't where my night ended, but it might be sometime. It's my new favorite spot in the city. It's close to me, they have great food, and one of the best drink deals in town. It's 2-4-1's seven days a week from four till eight. It's the kind of place that doesn't seem to judge or care. Part dive bar, part neglected room at a house party where the anxious and outcast gather to mumble awkwardly and shift their eyes. I love it.
After Tibet, we sat in the hot tub at the YMCA and headed home to bed. It was all very relaxing.
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