"Whew!"

I teach piano to an elementary school girl.  She comes every week with a positive attitude, usually with a story to tell about her week.  She is kind and considerate, and wears a big smile.  She is progressing, alright, but most weeks I sense her mind wandering.  When a student doesn't look at the music when you're explaining something, that is a red flag.

The problem I have discovered, is not her.  It is me.  I'm not that much different from the norm. Everybody likes to be accepted, don't they?  Being a teacher, it's nice to know your students think you're OK.  There are a few positive signs however, like looking at the music, that are important when you're trying to learn a piece.   But this girl's eyes,  most weeks  are not on the music.  Two guesses where they are . . . .

Like an owl, her neck slowly turns her head towards me and then she stares.

I pretend to carry on without the distraction.  But how do you ignore when you know someone is looking at you for whatever reason?  And then my mind wanders.  What is she looking at?  Did I miss my lips again with my fast application of lipstick?  Is there a hair, or heaven forbid something else in my nose?  Do I have a comb over?  Did I miss my top buttons?  Is she comparing me to her great grandmother?

Yesterday it happened again.  I lost her.  She slowly turned her head  to me, but this time she spoke.
"Mrs. Clawson . . .  Do you wear contacts?"
As I looked back at her over my spectacles , I answered, "Nope."
Then she said. . . . ."Because your eyes are SO blue."

I politely thanked her and heaved a sigh of relief.  How about that?  I think I just got a compliment when I expected the worst.  There's a lesson in there somewhere. . .

"Whew!"