Tuesday, March 1, 2016

2016 SOLC 1/31: A Glance Back to Remember

Today I join my fellow bloggers in "serving up a slice" 
to the Tuesday Slice of Life (SOL) community.
Thanks to Stacey, Tara, Betsy, Dana, Beth, and Anna
for hosting this meeting place each Tuesday
and for nurturing our writing lives.

My first slice was written on March 1, 2012.
 The previous day, on February 29, my students encouraged me
to take the leap, to go public and to post my slices on my blog.
My first comment came from Ruth Ayres.
I was over the moon excited!
In 2013, I toasted those who encouraged my writing life
and invited a new group of sixth graders to join me for the challenge:
"You'll find words are waiting for you to write."
I encouraged fellow bloggers with a favorite word, meander, in 2014:
"You'll be amazed at the words that will trigger memories and ideas 
as you allow yourself to meander through March."
I've dreaded getting started this year because I'm missing 
Miss Hadley, my  2015 writing buddy.  
 This is the cat that I had to beg, cajole, and coax for years
to join me for lap time and even then, she often refused. 
Last year, as soon as I reached for my laptop,
Miss Hadley was on the bed, curled beside me and ready for writing time.  
And even though it's been a long year since she left us in April,
some of my sweetest memories are of writing slices with her by my side.
And now it's 2016, my fifth year to participate and slice every day of the month.
I'm excited.  I'm scared.  I'm hopeful.  I'm here.
Let the slicing begin!

16 comments:

  1. I hear you Ramona. Actually, I feel you. This community has brought us together in so many ways. I woke this morning filled with mixed emotions (scared/excited), but now I'm just so happy to see everyone. Here's to year five for you, year three for me! Happy day 1.

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  2. What a wonderful community you have - O am so excited to wade into it! And how lovely, lovely, lovely to have now met you!!

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  3. I love that we will be meandering during March as writing pals. Let the slicing begin. Sorry that you will be missing your longtime friend as your immediate slicing pal.

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  4. Your words are such a good picture of the emotions of writing in the challenge! I find these words so true -"You'll find words are waiting for you to write." I have not been as faithful as I would like with my writing, and my soul has missed it. It will be so good to find those words again!

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  5. Aww.... to have a faithful writing buddy! I have one, too! I hope you find your way to continue on without all those cuddles!

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  6. When Sassy tries to lay across the keyboard I'll give her a Slice!

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  7. Ramona, you are one of the faithful at this blog. Love to read your writing and hear your insights. Glad we are doing this together! (This is my third year!)

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  8. I need to go back and look at the memories of slices over the years. I have met so many friends. I'm happy to be back for another March. Happy Day One!

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  9. Over the moon when Ruth commented, I know exactly what you felt. I'm still a bit star struck. So sorry Miss Hadley is not by your side this year. I am so happy that your students pushed you into this journey that has brought me a sweet friend in Seattle.

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  10. One of my first commenters was Ruth, too, and I still miss her, but enjoy those who have joined in to be writing mentors too. I will miss your writing about Miss Hadley, always loving, always fun to read about. I'm glad you came along for the ride with your students that year, Ramona, and treasure our friendship, glad we've had a few good times together for real!

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  11. Love the reflection! Makes me think I should go back and see when I started! So sorry you have lost your writing buddy but so glad you are still writing with us!

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  12. Glad we're back together again for another great March of writing :)
    DigitalBonnie

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  13. I loved the way you structured this, Ramona - I couldn't imagine SOL without you and your warm and lovely stories.

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  14. So many reflective posts from you long-time slicers! Now, you have me wondering who my first comment was from! Thank you for your kind comment on my post today! I can't believe you remember the milk jug post! But I still do that! I was so excited to March because it is one jug closer to summer!

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  15. This is my 3rd year, and I love it! I love this group! Have fun Slicing in the month of March. Will I see you again this summer?

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  16. This is my fifth year, too. I will reflect through the years sometime this month, too. What a wonderful community we have!

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