“Time for me to fly
Oh, I’ve got to set myself free
Time for me to fly
That’s just how it’s got to be
I know it hurts to say goodbye, but it’s time for me to fly”
I have a secret love for REO Speedwagon. Up until now only two people really knew about it, Daniel the Kitchen Nymph and of course, Jordan. However, the lyrics to this song are so appropriate for this time in my life that it was worth outing myself as a fan.
Over the last year I have been reflecting on my experiences at summer camp, most notably in my role as the camp cook. There is no doubt that my time as a camper growing up and as a camp staff person the last 24 years has made me who I am today on so many levels. But as the song lyrics clearly say, it’s time for me to let that part of my life go. Clearly I will always have the experiences, the memories, the life lessons, and it will always be an integral part of who I am. However, last summer I knew that a change was on the horizon and I spent a lot of time debating how one knows when it’s time to let something so profound go. I can’t say I could answer that question point blank if someone were asking my advice for themselves, but for me, I just knew it was time.
And so, as staff training for summer 2011 began yesterday, I found myself both waxing nostalgic and breathing a sigh of relief…thankful for the times i’ve had but knowing that I am leaving a role that has been so important to me in very capable hands.
It also doesn’t hurt that my arms were full of my new full time summer job, Miss Lilia Eleanor White <3, born 06.07.11.
As my “last hoorah” I finally assembled a long-awaited Camp Fowler Cookbook (went to press a week before Miss Lilia was born), and will be available at the camp store this summer! Next time you are in Speculator, stop by and pick up yourself a copy :)
Have a great summer!
“DANIEL THE KITCHEN NYMPH.” Lol. He never knew he would be bound for Internet fame.
Hello! I just discovered your blog! Your writing is wonderful! I kind of wish I had interesting things to write about too,but even if I did I have no idea when the blogging would actually occur. Anyhow, the REO reference caught my eye b/c they actually came to Jamestown a few months ago and Mike and I snagged ourselves some pretty good seats. They were so awesome!
Lilia is gorgeous, we’re so happy for you and Jordan! I also love the keep calm sign- I’ve seen that before and it’s truly great and useful advice. Enjoy your time with the baby- pretty soon she’ll be mobile and prying the keys off your laptop keyboard like my darling katie likes to do! :)
Aunt Jenna:
It’s been 15 years since my last ‘first day of training’and I still get nosatalgic every second week of June!…now you can be a prayer warrior and cover those who serve during these precious weeks of summer!
Aunt Dawn
PS I still listen to REO Speedwagon on vinyl -
First, huge congrats on the birth of Lilia! That is just such great news. You both will be in my thoughts in your transitions.
Second, I am so glad you were the head cook when I was in the kitchen at camp. I learned so much from you–that summer totally altered my view of food, for the better. Thanks for that.
Third, God willing, we will be sharing in new motherhood come January. That’s right, I’m 11 weeks pregnant. Cheers!
Laura V.
Camp doesn’t leave us. And, in your case, you won’t ever truly “leave” camp, either- you’ve left too deep an impression. A legacy! And this next chapter— so good. We are so happy for you!
Congratulations Jenna! I can’t wait to have a copy of your cookbook down here in Peru. I’m sure camp will miss you every single day, but you’ve made such a great impact there on the way we eat and the way we live. I know you certainly guided me and taught me a lot over the years (who knew you could learn through eating?). I wish you all the best and happiness to you, Jordan, and Lilia.
OMG- You Can Tune a Piano But You Can’t Tune a Fish. I have sung this song with my fake band so many times. I can’t believe I am admitting this. I am thrilled for this new chapter in your life. Camp becomes a part of our souls and we are all better people for having been allowed to breathe it in. Thank you for your dedication to this special place. You will be missed but you are part of this piece of God’s creation. Looking forward to making the trip to “our camp” and getting me a Jenna cookbook!
Congrats on all your successes at Camp Fowler. The Mullen crew MUST get their hands on your cookbook! And congrats again on Miss Lilia – she is precious! There is a package for her heading to the post office today as a matter of fact!
Love,
Michelle