“There was high school and there was retirement; then there was that year in between.”
–Dallin Malmgren
Thirty-two down and one more to go. God willing, that is the plan. Some people worry that they won’t know what to do with themselves when they retire. Not a big concern here. I frequently joke that I’ve already been retired for over six years because I never work in the summers, and I’ve had thirty-two of them. One thing that I’ve already learned about retirement is that I’m good at it. Never get bored, never run out of things to do, always come up with new projects.
There are so many things I will especially enjoy when I am truly retired. The feel of a well-struck iron headed right at the flag. The smell of a Granzin steak grilling on my backyard barbecue. The slice of orange at the bottom of an Old Fashioned. The chatter of the mockingbirds outside my window in the morning. Watching the sun set in a cloud-streaked Texas sky. Harper Leigh.
But there is really only one thing I will miss about my job—you. Of all the manifold pleasures God has created for us, the most exquisite ones revolve around people. The importance of family is obvious. The joys of friendship are undeniable. I think real fulfillment extends beyond these. It’s the countless other people who pass through our lives—the acquaintances, the co-workers, the unexpected encounters, the interest sharers—who give us the chance to shine. In my case, it’s the students who passed through my classroom, the hallways, the tennis courts. The opportunity to affect them and be affected by them has been one of the greatest blessings of a very blessed life. The Beatles taught me years ago that “…the love you take is equal to the love you make.” I believed them.
I got my first book published about three years after I began teaching. My plan was to teach about three more years until I really got the author thing rolling. It didn’t work out that way. Looking back, there’s not a doubt in my mind that my true calling was to be a teacher. I’m proud of my career. But I always wanted to write too.
Which leads me to my next career: internet writer. The miracle of e‑publishing has made it possible for me to reach out directly to my audience. The miracle of social media has made it possible for me to re-connect with many of the dear souls who have passed through my life. My website has given me a space to cultivate the garden of my mind.
So this is my invitation to you. A solitary garden is a waste. A writer longs to be read. I want to share and interact and exchange. The demands of my calling are fading and my next career is beckoning me. It’s my intention to write a weekly blog. I also want to post a Former Students’ Writing of the Week, because so much of the work I’ve received has moved me. And a Photo of the Week. Maybe a Video of the Month. Tons of ideas. I already have three of my novels available as e‑books that you can buy at Amazon or iTunes or Barnes and Noble. I hope to add two more by the end of summer.
I’m all in. You can follow me on Twitter or share stuff with me on Instagram (I don’t really know what that is yet, but I’ll learn). I hope that you will “Like” my Facebook “Author” page. And should you read one of my books, I’d be grateful if you’d go to GoodReads and do a quick review. I am told that is how e‑authors grow. Word of mouth is my primary advertising plan, so talk about me. (It doesn’t even have to be nice.) Thanks for reading this far. Keep in touch.
Dear Mr. Malmgren, How glad I am that I took your Photojournalism class. I greatly wish I had taken your Creative Writing class, but my decision to not take Health my Freshman year ended up returning to haunt me during my Senior year. I’m also glad that you’ve decided to continue writing, I will be sure to, once I get some money, begin to read these novels that you’ve written. I’m looking forward to wherever God brings me in life. At this moment, It might be film, due to my fascination with film. I know I’ve been inspired to that partially by your class. I look forward to meeting with you again someday, to show you what I’ve accomplished. Thanks for everything and good luck with your writing career!
thanks for the note, sam! i did show “bleep” in my class this year, and will certainly consider it for the website. thanks for offering. i’m glad you like my website, and that we have this way to kind of keep track as life progresses. i feel confident you’ll be successful at whatever you decide to pursue. you have a good combination of talent and perserverance. my best…
Yeah, I’m serious — just don’t know when I’ll kick my butt into the car for a long overdue and much needed road trip. Let’s just say — provided I haven’t flown off into the great hereafter — within a year. I hope. Bill Taylor (do you know him — passed through Columbia at a pivotal point) lives in Houston and I’ve been threatening to show up on his doorstep one day as well.
But seriously — I do want to hit the road in the not too distant future, if not for one but for several trips. I have the time and means so…
Btw — just googled Granzin steak… Now I know.
E
i hope you’re not just talking. both karen and i would love to see you. we have plenty of room in our house (do you golf?), and i’ll get the steaks. do it!
Im reading and following :)
thank you, christine! i would appreciate any feedback.
Always been fun to read.…
thanks, daniel. nice to re-establish touch. i would appreciate any feedback you have for me!
Dallin — great to read you, bro’. I don’t know what a granzin steak is and an old fashioned isn’t my usual whiskey cocktail of choice, but you make it sound so good I just might have to make a detour to your “hood” for some chow and chat. Been too long.
i don’t know if you’re serious, but karen and i would both flip out with joy if you came to visit us. and i will make you the best Old Fashioned ever. thanks for the response!
You were an AWESOME teacher and I’m glad I have a way to follow you on your next adventure! :)
thank you, calli! you were an awesome student!
If anyone can do it, you can Mr. Malmgren! I can’t wait to see what you come up with. :)
thanks for the encouragement, becky!
I’ll post ya on Pinterest if you don’t mind?
It’s a good way to reach the female/mommy community.
that is so thoughtful! i would love it. thank you!
You got my attention!!! I’ll be following.
not sure who you are, but i’m glad you are reading.
Does scientific manuscript writing move you??? hahaha http://djbresearch.net
i know how hard it is to write anything, so yeah, i’m good w/ scientific manuscripts.
I always love reading your stories and blogs. They are thoughtful, reflective, sometimes funny and always interesting. Good luck in your new endeavor, and I look forward following your progress.
thanks, laura. i appreciate how supportive you have always been. it is one of your gifts.
I’m impressed! You make it clear that life is a gift you appreciate!
why thank you!
you know that i’m reading your blog! Love the idea of also posting pictures and videos.
That was easy.