I am participating in my ninth Slice of Life Story Challenge run by the team behind the Two Writing Teachers website. We are challenged to write a blog post a day throughout the month of March.
I wasn't going to do the "woohoo, last day of SOLSC!" post.
I wasn't going to highlight that it's my ninth one, and threes are my favorite numbers.
I wasn't going to write about how wonky my old computer is getting, how frustrating it was some mornings--and evenings--to highlight and revise, upload pictures, make the spacing just right when the cursor wouldn't comply.
I wasn't going to write how this year seemed just a bit easier than the last, which, let's face it--SOLSC '20 was really a COVID diary, with plenty of fodder for posts.
I wasn't going to discuss how I've managed writing a full morning page BEFORE each day's Slice, and how I think it's helped me with my posts, even on days when I didn't Slice about what's in my morning pages.
I wasn't going to moan about not being involved in a Writing Camp with students this year, so I didn't get to share their prompt and hold up my writing for their scrutiny, talk about the commitment to putting words on paper every.single.day.
I wasn't going to gush over writers both familiar and new who have dazzled me with their words during this Challenge. How they've inspired me, stretched me, made me rethink how I string words and spaces together to make sense, make a story, record a memory.
I wasn't going to talk about all the book recommendations that I gleaned from Slices. Or all the posts I've bookmarked in a task bar folder, waiting to go back and read. It may take months...
I wasn't going to talk about how I will be a bit relieved tomorrow when my time is just a little freer, the obligations of writing and reading and commenting lifted--but I'll miss those obligations, too.
I wasn't going to write about any of those things...and yet, here we are.
Thanks for a wonderful ninth year of Slicing with me, writing friends.
I love the repetition in this Slice, and how, as much as you weren't going to write..., you did. This is my second year, and the experience has been profound.
ReplyDeleteI was bound and determined to just write a "regular" Slice, Donnetta...but I just couldn't! I am so glad you jumped back in for year two; I hope you are already thinking of year three.
DeleteOnce this day actually gets here, it's hard not to reflect on the experience. I loved reading your thoughts. Until next time...
ReplyDeleteExactly, Cara! We have to have some sense of celebration for a completed challenge! Congrats on finishing your own.
DeleteI am glad you didn't write about these things Chris (SORRY, couldn't resist!) I am immensely glad that you did. I am glad of everything you write. You are the one who often gives me the perfect book recommendation, who inspires and dazzles with the stringing of words. I am amazed that you did morning pages AND Slices ... talk about exponential writing! I count it among life's great gifts that we met here in this Challenge venue and that we are more than just kindred writing spirits but friends, a genuine presence in another's life. What a magical thing is that - wrought by writing. Congrats on the completion of your ninth year! I am grateful for you and your words and the way you see the world - you have enriched mine.
ReplyDeleteFran, it truly is a mutual admiration circle, then. And yes, friendship across the cables connecting us from one state to another. How fortunate we are to live in a time where communication is almost instantaneous, penning our thoughts (hopefully revised as we write, and carefully considered) and sending them at any time of day, even if read later? I think of those handwritten letters which still have their place, but are better suited for topics which can withstand the wait time...See, Fran, you've taken me in a new direction yet again. Congratulations on completing your alphabetic Challenge!
DeleteThank you for brining me to this space, Chris! You are always an inspiration and your words are well crafted. You share unique perspectives and your precision with descriptions pull us along for the ride into the worlds and memories you share. Congratulations on year 9. WOW!
ReplyDeleteAlice, I have been the one enriched by your joining of the circle! Your writing is always a breath of fresh air, a little Easter egg in each piece just waiting to be read. I look forward to "seeing" you on Tuesdays...and hopefully, for your second SOLSC in 2022!
DeleteCongratulations, Chris. I am so glad that we met while slicing during a previous challenge. May you continue to shine a light on your writing for your students' sake and continue your journey with renewed energy from this month.
ReplyDeleteCarol, it is a pleasure to know you in this space as well! I am in it for good I think, now. Reading and writing is so inextricably woven, it can only enrich my librarianship by continuing to model both for my students.
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