Sitting Behind the Eight Ball

Switching Gears

Grand Terrene watercolor created by Renee Donley. The little white spots are reflections from the overhead lights. It’s difficult to take a clear photograph in the Round Room where artwork is displayed each month.

Last year I got the news that Iowa Wesleyan, the college I was working at part-time, was closing. Wesleyan along with four other rural universities requested funding from the 1.48-billion-dollar Covid relief fund from Governor Reynolds but she refused. Iowa Wesleyan was forced to close. Donors were willing and able to give large amounts of money, but the funding support from the state was crucial for survival. Long story short, I was out of a job, and the real kick in the ass was the fact that Reynolds gave $40 million to Iowa State University.

A good friend of mine who is a retired art teacher had been approached by the Keokuk Art Center to take over for the art director who had been manning the ship for 46 years. She did not want the job and encouraged me to take it. I thought about it and agreed to apply. Lo and behold, I am now ten months into this new job, a job that was supposed to be part time, a job that requires way more hours than a part-time employee can accomplish. A job in many ways I regret taking on.

Since I haven’t even worked here for even a year, I feel like I can’t bail. Everyone is always complimenting me about the great job I am doing. It’s nice to hear, but I’m really wanting to find a replacement. My goal is to find a replacement before the end of the year. I just want to be able to do what I want to do. I’d also like to have the option to travel more, and I cannot relax the way I’d like as my mind is often preoccupied by the next event, class, job waiting to be tackled, etc. Alas switching gears has been difficult for me. I don’t even have a summer anymore.

Today I helped Renee Donley, an artist from Sutter, Illionois, hang her exhibit. I enjoy hanging exhibits because it’s a joy to see the artist’s enthusiasm and excitement. Most artists want to know who has purchased their work and they love to see others enjoying their efforts. Displaying the work can be challenging as I do not necessarily have an eye for visual composition, but I do my best and today I think we ended on a happy note. Renee seemed very pleased and one of the library clerks bought one of her paintings. Yes, success!

let's rest our heels
          in a golden field
                           and breathe

Barb Edler
29 March 2024
Barb Edler Avatar

Published by

Barb Edler
Hello, I am a retired English teacher. I live along the Mississippi River and enjoy watching birds, the river, and nature in general. Writing for me is a gateway to healing, and I love to wrestle words in hopes of capturing an emotion or image others may relate.
Categories: ,
Tags: , ,

8 responses to “Switching Gears”

  1. kimhaynesjohnson Avatar
    kimhaynesjohnson

    Barb, the eleven syllables of peace and imagery in your poem are more than ten thousand words of explaining. Already I feel the nudge of relaxing my heels in a field and I’m only moments into Spring Break here. Your poem is amazing.

    I’m sorry bout your job and that the new opportunity isn’t what you thought it might be. You have a commitment to do this work, and that is something I truly admire in you is that you keep going and throw your whole self into doing your best!

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Barb Edler Avatar
      Barb Edler

      Thanks, Kim. The really funny or ironic thing is that I worked very hard as a teacher but no one ever said anything about that. What does that say about society?

      Like

      Reply
  2. Glenda Funk Avatar
    Glenda Funk

    Barb,

    Both paintings framing your post are gorgeous, but the last one is my favorite. Your haiku is a lovely accompaniment to it. You, my friend, are an over-achiever, and I in awe of all your many talents and skills. You deserve a summer. You have earned the rest you long for. Is it your responsibility to find your replacement? I wouldn’t think that burden has to fall on you, but I understand where your heart is and your desire to leave the work in capable hands.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Barb Edler Avatar
      Barb Edler

      Since I have a board, they vote on things and may volunteer some time to certain duties but I feel I’m going to have to find a suitable person.

      Liked by 1 person

      Reply
  3. Maureen Young Ingram Avatar
    Maureen Young Ingram

    Gorgeous haiku with that picture – and the desire to rest your heels emanates through this post. That is a very big challenge, I think, to go from teaching to management of an arts center. I feel for you. Really sad to not have summers. I hope you work with interesting and kind folks. The art itself must be very uplifting. You are finding silver linings in your new work.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
    1. Barb Edler Avatar
      Barb Edler

      It’s so sad to not have summer and I wasn’t one who took the whole summer off. That was the hardest thing mentally last year. I think because I didn’t work during the summer after retiring from the public school.

      Like

      Reply
  4. Anita Ferreri Avatar
    Anita Ferreri

    While I am sorry about your job AND about the silent movement allowing small colleges all over the place to fold, your new job sounds like it is amazing. The art alone is powerful. 

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply
  5. Denise Krebs Avatar
    Denise Krebs

    Oh, Barb, I always love reading your honest beautiful posts. All the best as you finish strong in this temporary chapter. I love how you are doing a great job, taking it seriously, and working the hours it requires to meet the art needs. And I hope you find a replacement soon. The artwork your share is lovely, and your poem surprised and delighted me. Yes, let’s just swoon in that golden field.

    Liked by 1 person

    Reply

Leave a comment