2015 SOLSC 7/31 and Celebrate This Week!

                               

Today I join my fellow bloggers in "serving up a slice" 

to the Slice of Life (SOL) community.

Thanks to Stacey, Tara, Betsy, Dana, Beth, and Anna

for hosting this meeting place each day in March

                                                      and for nurturing our writing lives. 

                              Join us each weekend for Celebrate this week with Ruth Ayres.  

 When we pause to celebrate, we find the joy.

  A week filled with moments to celebrate and remember!

Back to the Schoolyard!

Our women's group at church celebrates a yearly birthday every March to mark the anniversary of its founding.  We've planned many different celebrations over the years, but the one this past week was filled with fun.  We invited all the girls (not just the women) in our congregation to the party.  It was a delightful girl's night out. My only disappointment of the evening was that my buddy, Imi, was home in bed! But I loved playing with her sisters, Kilee and Lenna.  Hope you make some time to play this weekend!

Hopscotch on the playground before school

Bell ringer activity was making name tags, followed
by the pledge of allegiance led by a first grader, and 
school (as I remember it) reports from
a retired physician, 
a young mother of three girls, 
a gal educated in Denmark,
and a current sixth grader.

Lunchtime recess fun!

School lunch was never like this! One of the

girls made these beautiful and delicious cupcakes

to top off our evening of play. 

2015 SOLSC 6/31 & Poetry Friday: Big Red X's

Today I join my fellow bloggers in "serving up a slice" 

to the 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. 

I'm also sharing my narrative poem at Poetry Friday.

Robyn Campbell is hosting this week's poetry round-up.  

Be sure to stop by for a taste of poetry love.

Remember the trembling feeling in the pit of your stomach over a paper with red X's?

An e-mail signals the time of the big red X's is here once more,

that trembling feeling returns as my search uncovers . . . 

two books about world myths for Ms. Moore's and Ms. Gaffney's classes,

  The Velveteen Rabbit exquisitely illustrated by Gennady Spirin, 

a Patricia MacLachlan Christmas book with black and white illustrations, 

 Making Books That Fly, Fold, Wrap, Hide, Pop Up, Twist & Turn

(who can resist that title?),

a six word novel by Nancy Pearl 

girl discovers reading then discovers life (blank journal),

each with big red X's slashed through the price tag

signifying 75% off  and

for good measure, a tear-off Seize the Day calendar 

from the 90% off table.  

I no longer tremble in fear when I see a big red X, 

instead I tremble in anticipation of University Books 75% off sale!

Big Red X's Rule!
Six books and a calendar - all for $15.84.

2015 SOLSC 5/31: Adventure

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. 

I don't consider myself an adventurous person.  I don't like taking risks.  I prefer to stay on solid and familiar ground.  I prefer to avoid this definition of adventure, "the encountering of risks."  Yet I'm drawn to another definition of adventure, "an exciting or remarkable experience."  

Slicing every day is an adventure for me.  I take risks every single day when I share my writing with others.  While the results each day are rarely exciting or remarkable, arriving at day 31 is exciting and remarkable!  Trust me, it does arrive although it is still 26 days from now.  These words of support from Isaiah 41:6 mirror what happens in our community ~ "They helped every one his neighbor; and every one said to his brother, Be of good courage."  I rely on my fellow slicers:  your posts make me laugh and sometimes cry, your comments remind me that someone out there is reading my words,  and your dedication encourages me to keep trying (even on the hard days).   

Ad~ven~ture, three little syllables. And a three word invitation, "Come follow me."  When the disciples of Jesus responded, they were unaware that they were signing up for high adventure.  Not the cozy comfort of solid and familiar ground, but the call to be changed, to turn their lives over to Him, to trust Him.  I want to embrace wholeheartedly this adventure.  I want to trust His words from Isaiah 41:10 ~ "Fear thou not; for I am with thee:  be not dismayed; for I am thy God:  I will strengthen thee; yea I will help thee; yea I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness." 

The bloggers at Spiritual Journey Thursday are            

writing about the spiritual focus of our community's   

One Little Words.  This week, we are writing about 

Libby Mueller's OLW, ADVENTURE.  

2015 SOLSC 4/31: My Slippery Slope

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 slippery slope is not snow and ice related.  It's a behavior challenge that I face.  One would think that someone who is retired would have all the time they need.  I do have more time available than before and love that I no longer spend my evenings grading papers and planning for the next day.  However, I'm highly distractible.  In fact I'm so distractible that I could be the poster child (woman) for the distractibility movement!  

I woke up at 5 this morning and headed for the computer.  I wanted to leave a few comments on some of the newer slicers before writing my own post.   But first, I had to check to see if I had any new comments.  I made a couple of revisions to yesterday's post.  Then I decided to give some comments to the late night slicers.  That was always me last year.  Before I knew it, it was 5:39.  Shortly after that I clicked on Twitter and noticed that today is World Read Aloud Day.  I had to retweet the fact and wished that I could read aloud to someone today.  Do you think my contractor and plumber would enjoy a nice read aloud?  I clicked on some of the posts from yesterday (there are so many of us) and even managed to comment on some newer slicers.   But one of them had a link to her Pinterest boards.  Oh my, that is a rabbit hole I should always avoid.   Once I climbed out of that hole, I stopped at the blogs of some old slicer friends and clicked on blogs that lured me in with an intriguing teaser.  And before I knew it, it was 6:30 a.m!  Time to shower and head downstairs since the contractor said he would be here at 7 ish.  I hadn't penned my own slice, but I had several ideas for future slices and a longing to visit more blogs.  

That's when I came up with a new acronym SAFTS to guide me for the rest of the day.  You read that right, SAFTS (Step Away from the Slices) became my mantra for the day as I focused on several other important tasks.  So the next time you lose precious time meandering among the slices, you may need to remind yourself to avoid my slippery slope and to SAFTS (Step Away from the Slices) for at least awhile.  But tonight when I get home from my evening commitment, you'll find me meandering among the slices to read some posts, leaving some comments to show I was there, and collecting ideas that will inspire my future slices.  When you are able to successfully SAFTS, then you are entitled to some fun time to MATS (Meander Among the Slices)!

2015 SOLSC 3/31: Memories to Last Awhile

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 OLW word "stretch" rescues me on a difficult day:

Today's airport drive time is different from the drive three days ago.

On Saturday, hubby and I excitedly left for the airport

Eager to greet son and his wife arriving from DC.

We took advantage of a gorgeous day to drive to North Bend.

First stop was Scott's Dairy Freeze, second stop the outlet mall.  

Stefi remarked that it was the first time she'd been shopping with Lance, 

it's amazing what a dad will do with the in-laws.

On our way home, the group indulged me with a stop by Slater Park,

Blake showed me how to get rid of the filter on my phone,

No gorgeous sunset, but Blake filmed the setting sun,  

and advised me to use his tripod to capture it sometime.

Sunday is time to worship, see friends, and get Dad's help on the tax return,

Sunday dinner is sloppy barbecue chicken in the crock pot

(kitchen is still a work in progress).

Stefi remembers to check the vibrate setting on my phone.  

We settle in to enjoy the last Downton Abby of the season. 

Monday we head out to enjoy the day,

Find the Hello Robin bakery recommended by Stefi's friend

browse Eliott Bay Books,

walk around Capitol Hill, and stop by Dick's Burgers. 
After a visit to the Tom Bihn Factory Showroom, we hit Costco.

Come home to painting and tile work in the kitchen, 

grab dinner at Georgio's to escape the fumes.

 Then it's home to visit, but still wearing our coats

since all doors are open to air out the house.

Giggles as Stefi learns more family history from Addison Road, 

Pride as Blake shows me his method of bullet journaling,

Excitement as everyone heads to bed by 9 p.m.

Love it when east coast kids come home to visit, 

they're on my schedule - early bedtime, early rising.

I pack Blake's muddy buddies for tomorrow's travel,

and squeeze in some quick reading and commenting on slices.

Wake at 4 am, but without my usual morning chirpiness,

drag my feet unwillingly toward early morning drive to airport, 

our longed for visits always pass too quickly.

I shake off the doldrums, and head downstairs,  

a quick breakfast, hugs all around, and off we go.

I'll linger in these memories for days, 

it's a long time until our fall visit to DC and their Christmas visit home.

I'll savor our technological connections - messages, instagram pics, and Facetime.

I'll saunter through these memories of meals and laughter shared.

I'll cherish each hug and happy moment,

stretching each one to last until our next time together.  

2015 SOLSC 2/31: Strolling Down Memory Lane

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.

It's Read Across America Day, one of my favorite classroom celebrations, and I'm not there to celebrate this year!  When I read Catherine's post, I started thinking about the different ways I've celebrated this event with my students.  One year we wrote postcards about our reading lives and requested a return postcard, attempting to connect with someone from every state.  That would certainly be easier in today's age of virtual connectedness.  We didn't reach our goal, but each and every postcard we received was proudly suspended from the ceiling over student desks to remind us of the power of reading.   

We ventured across the playing fields to a neighboring elementary school several years to share favorite picture books with students.  My students laughed when I insisted on plastic bags to protect the precious books, but banned umbrellas for our walk.  (Ever tried to herd a group of 30 sixth graders carrying umbrellas?)  They insisted that I cared more about books than I cared about them.  One year we paired with fifth grade classrooms to share favorite books.  My students were amazed that many fifth graders were reading the same books they were reading and came away with books to add to their Want To Read lists.  One year we listened as students read to us.  My students were reminded of the power of sharing what we're reading with someone else.  

One year we did state reports.  Another year we read books set in specific states.  One year we focused on favorite Dr. Seuss books.  Another year we celebrated with games and quizzes based on Dr. Seuss books and Theodor Geisel's life.  It didn't matter that our celebrations changed from year to year.  Regardless of a particular year's focus, we always found a way to celebrate this beloved day.  Next year, I may have to adopt a classroom so I can share in their festivities for the day.  How are you celebrating Read Across America?

2015 SOLSC 1/31: The End of the Road

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.

Stair climbers . . . I remember my first encounter decades ago at a health club.  Modern man's instrument of torture, second only to the stationary bike.  I banned both from my life. But yesterday I  indulged in stair climbing with weights.

In June 2013 I brought home several boxes and crates from my classroom promising to spend some time organizing them over the summer.  Sunshine, lunch on the deck, good books, and walks with friends enticed me more than organizing.  I never moved those boxes back to school.  If there was something that I couldn't find, I just reminded myself to look in the boxes and crates in the guest bedroom.

Fast forward June to 2014, the end of the school year and the end of my teaching career. I moved 30+ boxes out of my classroom and into the garage at home.  My husband kept reminding me that the boxes had to gone by January since our contractor would need the garage space during our kitchen remodel project scheduled for February.  I whittled away, a box or two a week, but as the weather grew cooler working in the garage was not on my list of desired activities.  So in December I moved the remainder of the boxes into the guest bedroom.  A perfect activity for the slow days of January, right?  And then a friend took a medical leave, and I stepped into her shoes as school librarian for six weeks.  Plus I had my share of moving and packing of boxes to do in preparation for the kitchen project.

Yesterday I lugged the teaching boxes and crates upstairs into my son's former bedroom, now dubbed the junk room by my husband.  My son, Blake and his wife, Stefi were coming for a quick visit.   No one wants to sleep in a room surrounded by boxes.

My organizing project has reached the end of the road.  There's nowhere else to go, no more stairs to climb, no other place to stash my treasures.  It's time to purge and organize. My six weeks in the school library are done, and I'm filled with hope.

March looks promising . . . except that it's almost time to start moving things back into the kitchen!