Harvesting Ideas #SOL24 Day 7

Today I will spend the day reading fellow slicers blogs and sharing ideas that I find! Hopefully, this will me if I’m searching for a topic on a challenging writing day. Hoping to edit this and add a few more as I check in with more posts this evening.

• Write about an interesting place you’ve visited…perhaps an egg vending machine like Stacey Shubitz visited. I’ve never heard of an egg vending machine, but you can be guaranteed I will be looking up where the nearest one is to me. Such a fun, whimsical post!
• Try a True/False list like Denise Krebs. I love thinking about all the ways this could be used at school! As an identity activity with students, or possible a review at the end of a unit of study in science or social studies. Excited to try this one!
• Think about a memory that comes full circle, as in Steph’s interview day. I love the vivid memories she shares of her campus visit.
• A descriptive observation of a body part and it’s different uses throughout the day. Britt’s post on hands has me thinking which body part I might choose…
• A play by play of your morning routine, or lunch routine, or weekend routine. I love Becky’s minute by minute morning schedule.

write~share~give

Dear Adriene, #SOL24 Day 6

You are part of my morning routine. A grounding presence each day to get my body moving and my mind centered. In addition to scriptures, prayer, and writing, your yoga videos have cultivated healing for me at a most difficult time in my life.

As I step on my mat, take my first deep breath of the day, and exhale, I begin to awaken my body. Your fluid words guide me through stretches and poses. I build flexibility and strength with each move. It’s been amazing to see how 20 minutes every morning can compound. Movements that once were challenging, are now articulated with minimal effort.

I look forward to each month’s calendar, an open invitation to move and breath with you. Even though we are separated by many states, you occupy my living room each day before the morning light has risen. I appreciate the generous gift you have given your viewers. And I know there are thousands out there like me, who look forward to their morning Yoga with Adriene 💕

write~share~give

6 Word Memoirs Weekend Edition #SOL24 Day 4

• Coffee with cream, add a book
• A pizza, a brew, a date
• The last fire of the season?
• Vegging out with a Netflix show
• A room full of yoga energy
• Feels good to check off chores
• A night with life long friends
• Film fest movie about National Parks
• Best burger in all of Franklin
• Sourdough with avocado, egg, and sausage
• Singing praises to my faithful Lord
• Remember that pizza, reheated to perfection
• Heat off, windows open, fresh air
• Washing the windows feels like spring
• A long walk in a tanktop
• Necessary errands on a mild day
• Long chat with a dear cousin
• Coffee with cream, add sun
• Fish tacos, beans, rice, good company
• Said Netfilx show, each episode cheesier
• Bath, clean sheets, lights out, smile

write~share~give

A Saturday Treat #SOL24 Day 2

The owner of a quaint bookshop in a nearby town introduced me to the author Margaret Renkl. I became an instant fan when I read Late Migrations: A Natural History of Love and Loss. Margaret writes about nature, life experiences, small joys, childhood memories, etc. Her books are little slices of her daily life in Nashville, Tennessee.

Her most recent collection is titled The Comfort of Crows: A Backyard Year. She writes of observations from her own yard throughout each season. There is a weekly entry full of description and wisdom that the plants and animals share with her.

Every Saturday I look forward to spending a little extra time in the morning savoring one of her entries. I’m eager to start the spring section…only a few more weeks.

write~share~give

Me By the Numbers #SOL24 Day 1

A lot has happened in a year! Here’s an update by the numbers…

• 29 years of teaching elementary school
• 5 of those years as an instructional coach
• 4.5 inches of hair growth (I was at zero inches one year ago)
• 1.5 years cancer free
• 2 yoga classes taught at Zen Wellness Company each week
• 15,000 dollars funded in my Lilly Grant, “Namaste in Nature”
• 7 road trips in our new to us RV, Miss Tilly
• 1 Florida getaway
• 5 staff book club gatherings
• 4 amazing concerts: Indigo Girls at the Ryman, Natalie Merchant, John Batiste, Yacht Rock Revue
• 1 year closer to retirement for my hubby
• 2 years of rocking it as a 4th grade teacher for my daughter
• 1 year until graduating with an exercise science degree for my son
• 14.5 years with my best dog, Josie
• 15 days completed in #SOL23

These topics may pop up as full posts in my #SOL24 entries. Although I only made it through 1/2 of the challenge last year, I am hopeful to complete it all this year. But, if I don’t, I will celebrate each day I am able to write, post, and comment on other blogs. Happy Slicing to all!

I am participating in the Slice of Life month long writing challenge hosted by Two Writing Teachers.

We are all writers #SOL23 Day 13

“Not everyone sits down to write a book, but everyone is a storyteller, in one form or another.”

Charmaine Wilkerson, author of Black Cake

I recently finished Black Cake by Charmaine Wilkerson. (I recommend it if you are looking for a book to read!) As I read the author’s note, I was struck by this quote. Isn’t it so true? We all have stories to tell. Most people would not say they are writers, but they would love to tell you a story about something in their life.

This was so evident at our last staff meting. We did a version of “Think-Pair-Share” that we called “Mingle-Pair-Share.” (More about this in a post I wrote earlier this month.) As teachers partnered up to share about a picture on their phone, you could see a change in their facial expressions. Their eyes got brighter, their faces softened, and their shoulders relaxed. As they hunched into each other sharing pictures and stories, you could see joy emanate from them. As they shared photos of a meal or recipe they loved, I noticed family dinners, or decadent desserts being displayed. The anecdotes shared and laughter that rolled throughout the room showed a love for sharing these details with each other. When friends shared pictures of their favorite places, something that makes them smile, or a favorite person or pet, they all become oral writers sharing a part of their history. The next step would be writing down or recording these accounts to preserve them for the future.

As the activity wrapped up, I prompted teachers with this thought, “If I asked you to write about any of the pictures you just shared, I’m sure your pencils (or computer keys) would be moving quickly.” Talking can be a portion of the writing process. It can be a valuable part of brainstorming or prewriting. Something good to remember as we teach students who often struggle to get started on a piece. Maybe find pictures to prompt ideas, encourage students to talk out their thoughts or both.

I am participating in the Slice of Life month long writing challenge hosted by Two Writing Teachers.

Brain Dump #SOL23 Day 7

This is how I woke up feeling today.

I was up before my alarm…4:45 am, after much tossing and turning.

Let the dog out, fill the water, place the coffee filter, add 4 scoops of Starbucks Pike Place, press start, let the dog in, scoop two cups of food, pack my lunch, pour a cup of coffee, add a dash of cream, get settled in my spot to begin my morning routine.

But something didn’t feel right. My brain was a jumbled mess. So many thoughts swirling. After missing school yesterday to be with my mom as she had surgery, I felt overwhelmed with my to do list on top of health concerns for her and me.

Over the weekend I listened to Stephanie Affinito’s podcast Get (Lit)erate on Journaling for Mental Health. She talked about 3 types of journaling, and one of them was doing a Brain Dump. I’ve done brain dump’s before. Today I was happy for that reminder, because I needed to do one!

I grabbed my notebook, turned to the next blank page, and began listing everything that popped into my mind. As I wrote each to do and worry down, I envisioned it drifting off on a cloud in the sky. By the time I was finished with my list, I felt more calm. I felt lighter. I was ready to begin my day.

I am participating in the Slice of Life month long writing challenge hosted by Two Writing Teachers.

Aren’t I Lucky #SOL23 Day 1

“Wow, she got old!” And all I could think was, “Aren’t I lucky?”

I recently finished listening to Katie Couric’s autobiography, Going There. Growing up watching Katie on the Today show, I was fascinated by the story of her life…behind the scenes at new shows, her grief at losing her husband and sister, raising her daughters, new loves, and much more. But I had to stop and catch my breath at the last line of the epilogue. In response to a comment left on an Instagram post when she was working in the garden with no make up on, someone commented, “Wow, she got old!.” And Katie’s response was, “Aren’t I lucky?”

When I look in the mirror, I see a face I don’t recognize. No hair, full, puffy moon face. My body doesn’t feel the same way it did five months ago. I walk and don’t feel like myself. I have a foreign object inserted on the left side of my chest just below my collarbone. But when I heard these words, I was reminded I am here. I have endured this battle. There is light at the end of the tunnel, and I can see it approaching. Much of 2023 has been a dark time for me, but Aren’t I lucky?

March 1st. I’ve been eager for this month to get here. It signifies spring, new beginnings, and my journey back to health. I knew winter would be hard, but this date marks rebirth and renewal for my body, mind, and spirit. I’m not sure what type of writing #SOL23 will bring, but I know there will be many themes of “Aren’t I lucky?”

I am participating in the Slice of Life month long writing challenge hosted by Two Writing Teachers.

My Version of “How to Be Perfect”

Every Sunday, I receive Suleika Jaouad’s newsletter, The Isolation Journals. (sign up here to be be included in her mailing list) Each week is a letter from Suleika, along with a writing prompt. Recently, she shared Ron Padgett’s poem “How to Be Perfect” and encouraged her readers to create their own version.

Below is my draft version…I’ve been adding to it throughout the last few days, and I surely will continue. I think it will always be a work in progress.

How to Be Perfect

Rise before the sun.

Appreciate the beauty of trees.

Read instead of watch TV.

Savor a good steak once a month, preferably a filet.

Drive a Subaru.

Hold hands with your loved ones during the closing prayer at church.

Live with a dog.

Create a routine for a "sacred hour" before anyone else in the house is awake.

Take a short walk after dinner every night.

Appreciate the beauty of trees.

Never miss a sunset at the beach.

Make enough money so you don't have to think about money.

Breathe a lot--take deep inhales and slow exhales.

Go to church every Sunday.

Find poetry that speaks to you.

Be eager to learn and grow in your profession.

Feed the birds and watch them, too.

Add cream to your coffee; you won't regret it.

Move your body everyday.

Pay off your car.

If you see a piece of trash, pick it up and dispose of it.

Listen to songs your remember from your youth--the ones your parents listened to in the car, the ones that you can remember every word to.

Have a comfortable spot where you read and drink coffee.

Read scripture and pray every day.

Remember, no one is ever perfect; allow yourself room to grow. 


 

Photo by Akil Mazumder on Pexels.com

Things I Know by Heart #SOL

My poem today is inspired by Emily Yamasaki’s post Core Memories on Ethical ELA’s #verselove April poetry writing challenge.

the exact spot you turn, turn, and plop into the crook of my legs in bed
the sound of Bubba's horn from across the lake
the time needed to boil the sugar, cocoa, milk and butter to the perfect consistency
the exact location where scar tissue replaces a lump
the eight digits pressed in order to reach you
the feel of the worn three panel leather ball resting in my hand
the sound of my father's whistle in a crowd
the boards that creak as I sneak out of your room
the woody scent of your cologne
the place between your ear and nose where I nuzzle you for a furry kiss
the blended sequence of breath and movement in a chaturanga
the harsh words spoken to me 40 years ago, 28 years ago, 3 years ago