Dear Artemis,

I’m afraid I’m writing this very late–your month birthday fell the day before our Spring Break trip began, and I was too busy packing to do it on that day. Then we were gone all week, and I didn’t pack my computer, and composing this entire thing on a phone was too daunting. I’m going to try to save all the Spring Break content for next month, so I’ll try to remember what happened prior to the trip.

We got your final grades, and you did just splendidly. I’m proud of your hard work and how little prodding you need from me to get your tasks done. You’ve decided not to do marching band next fall, which meant that you had to get a couple of other classes added to fill out your schedule. You said you signed up for some art classes, which I think you’ll enjoy. One of them is digital photography, so I’m interested to see what kinds of projects you complete. You’ve had good experiences in the art department at your school, and I hope you continue to find satisfaction in the creation and appreciation of beauty. I always enjoy attending the end-of-trimester art show at school, so I’m glad you’ll have items on display.

I’m not sure what else you signed up for. I seem to remember my parents having more input into my schedule when I was in high school than I do for you. You just assured your dad and me that you are all under control. I guess the school counselors have a pretty good handle on what students need in terms of classes and hours for graduation, but I really don’t know because it all happens free of any conversation with me.

Your biggest out-of-school interest lately has been film. You’ve been going to movies a lot, sometimes with friends, sometimes by yourself, and sometimes with me. I semi-jokingly told you that even though I suspected you only invited me to movies because you know I’ll pay for both tickets if we go together. You told me it’s actually because some of the movies you wanted to see were rated R and you could only get in with a parent. Oh well. I’m not too disappointed, because I saw a lot more of the Oscar-nominated films this year than I have in a long time. You saw almost all of them, between going to the theater in person and watching them on streaming services. It was interesting to hear you talk about your impressions and critiques. I’m glad we have access to Filmscene, an independent movie theater that shows a lot of films that might be hard to see otherwise. I got you a Filmscene gift card for Christmas last year, and it turned out to be the gift you most appreciated. Next year I’ll get you another one and put more money on it.

You had a busy month with musical events, including several trips for concert band and jazz band. It’s hard to get much out of you in terms of any enlightenment or enjoyment that comes from those events. I have the impression that in your ideal world, you’d just be in your room playing video games or watching movies. You do usually walk to school, even when I offer you a ride because it’s cold and I worry that your sweatpants aren’t warm enough. Your social life is opaque to me, but I think you like walking to school with a friend or two, so I guess that’s a good combination of physical and interpersonal exercise.

Your current favorites: cream soda, pasta, ice cream, watching movies, wearing sweats and pajama pants, the color red, and making us laugh with your dry wit. You’re an interesting, unusual person, Art, and I am glad to have the opportunity to get to know you. Thank you for including me in your world sometimes.

Love,

Mom