When one chapter closes...

I have finished my last day at Hartman Reserve Nature Center. It's been an amazing adventure for which I will always be grateful. I have learned a great deal along the way. This position pushed me to discover new talents and conquer new challenges that I had no idea were within my realm of capabilities. I know I couldn't have done it without a great group of individuals who lent their support, guidance and time in those efforts.

My last day began with a card from a dear coworker and friend that left me in tears. It's a good thing I still had a box of tissues in my office. If there is any regret at all in leaving my position, it is surely in not being able to take her with me! She has been such a source of strength and encouragement along the way.

On a side note, my colleagues surely know that I love the color pink. (Yes, I'm taking my pink Swingline with me to the next place...I know you'll miss everything pink from my office.) Sheryl noticed a new, pink flower blooming here at Hartman Reserve this week and said it was waving at me. The naturalists did some research to find out that it is called Queen of the Prairie. At first there were two flowers, essentially one on each side of the entrance to the Interpretive Center, but this morning there were four of the cheerful pink bursts standing ready to wave their goodbyes. (Thanks for that memory, Sheryl.)

For my respected coworkers, I'm trying to leave things in the best possible condition. I hope that makes it a little easier for the next person who dives into this adventure. Earlier this week, I found a great quote that has helped me to stay focused on closing things out well. "Every job is a self-portrait of the person who does it. Autograph your work with excellence" (Unknown). Hopefully, I'm closing this chapter with a flourish and leaving behind a great legacy. I'll miss this place and the people that have truly come to be my fans and my friends.

And just as this chapter closes, another begins. Monday morning I will start writing on a fresh page. I am thrilled to be working at Hawkeye Community College as their Grant Writer. This means at long last the word "writer" is actually part of my title! That's a big deal to me. (All of these papers for my master's program have been great for me, but not quite the same.) I can't wait to see how it all unfolds.

In other news... Michael submitted his missionary paperwork yesterday. Woo-hoo! Kodi is very excited about his senior year of high school (well, except for the new dress code policies). He loves bragging about his co-op time that will mean only half days inside the halls of West High. Lucky guy! William is loving summer vacation and is busily making plans for more fishing trips with each of his grandfathers. Jonathan left today for a week long scout camp. Andrew is off to Gramps & Grammy's house for the week as well. It's going to be strange to have just the three oldest gents in the house this week. Chad is prepping to get that Mustang of his into the body shop at long last ... possibly just two more weeks until the restoration begins.