Starving artist in New Orleans

Okay, I'm not exactly starving. Not yet, anyways.

I've started writing again. In fact, right now I'm writing in a local coffee shop, in between chickory cafe au laits. Here, a small cafe au lait costs $2.07, with tax, and includes a free refill. 

I'm also surrounded by art by local artisans, who don't have to pay to have their works displayed on the walls. I want to buy it all, especially the hand woven rugs that cost $90 each. I hope I get a real teaching job or sell a novel soon (although my first responsibility is a new car). 

I've started substitute teaching, and it's given me a bunch of inspiration for stories. I'd forgotten how repressive and depressing the school system is. So far, all of my classes have called me "the nice lady." I've watched teaching aids tell kids to shut up and throw things at the students. I've worked with aids who refused to tell kids in an alternative school what to do, because they were afraid of them. And, what can I do? I'm just a substitute who's going to be gone in a day. 

Here's what my current schedule normally looks like on the weekdays:

Wake up at 6 a.m.

Fight sleep.

Drive to work. 

Start the work morning around 7 a.m. (but it can be as late as 8:30).

Work with the kids with an hour break and half hour lunch.

Drive home around 2:30 (but it can be as late as 3:30).

Maybe scarf down something quick, like a peanut butter sandwich.

Drive to school for classes and get out around 8:30 (but it can be as late as 10 p.m.).

Write a little or watch TV online or read until it's time to go to bed, which always come to soon.

But, did I mention I'm writing? I'm also going to print out my novel at the college and start editing it, for serious.

Also, anyone who thinks teaching is easy has never had to deal with two emotionally disturbed students heckling each other until one becomes hysterical and vomits on the floor.

Comments

[Sally]

I've never understood anyone who thinks teaching is easy. Don't they remember being a student themselves?

You have some busy days there wendy, I hope you do find time to write amongst it all.

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