Weekend with my Momma

 "Got any weekend plans?"

"Yeah, I'm gonna see my momma."

#SOL21 | 31 | A Series Of Titles Becomes A Slice Itself

I saw many slicers reflecting and writing about the end of the SOLSC for this year.  I didn't necessarily want to write a traditional top 10 list, so instead I gave myself the extra challenge of composing a poetic piece using words from every title of my slices for this month.  

That's right.  

What follows are 30 lines of poetry, each linking one of my slices from this month.  I did not plan this ahead of time, so some lines were definitely more of a challenge, but I think this is a fitting end to a month of SOL writing as we move into what many consider to be a month of poetry writing.  

I've really stretched myself as a writer these past 31 days and I am so excited that I get to own the honor of being a slicer for the full 31 days!  This has been a thrill for me and I'm so glad I got to share this journey with all of you.  Thank you.

#SOL21 | 30 | Never Gonna Give Up On Pranks

Tomorrow is the last day of the annual SOLSC month long challenge.  The day after that is April Fool's Day.  Today's slice is a nice blend of the two, as I decided just now that I would write about my plans for the days ahead.

#SOL21 | 29 | Senioritis Strikes Back

Today was our first day back from a week long Spring Break and the school was already off to a great start.  I had arrived to find that at some point over that week the power had been lost to the school and our clocks/bells were no longer working.  Not a big problem, at least, not compared to the Internet outage we would suffer a few hours later into the day.

But this slice isn't about the internet outage.

#SOL21 | 28 | Some Assembly Required

Last weekend, my mom requested that I make a dessert for Easter this Sunday.  I pointed out that it wasn't Easter yet, but she countered with the fact that she wanted to celebrate early while my brother was still in town.

"Alright," I said, "Did you have something in mind?"

"What about an ice cream cake.  It's not very Easter, but it could be nice."

#SOL21 | 27 | Chatting Over Coffee

Welcome to another weekend of sharing a nice warm mug of coffee (or your drink of choice) and some time together thanks to Natalie's link up: Weekend Coffee Share.

This is also the last Saturday of the Slice of Life story challenge (see the information at the bottom of this post).  I can't believe we're in the final stretch.  Last year when I first did the SOLSC I don't think I came anywhere close to blogging all 31 days!  Now here we are at the end and, though I hope I'm not jinxing myself by saying this, this time I may actually manage to share a slice every day this month.

But there are still a few days to go before that happens.  Instead I'd like to tell you about my week as we sit sipping our coffee.  I've really been inspired by how Tammy structures her coffee share posts, so I am going to try and mimic that writing style today.

If we were having coffee, I would lead us outside to my patio with our mugs.  I would mention how I just got a new order of coffee in from Grounds and Hounds that I hope we can both enjoy.  We can hear the birds singing in the trees and a quiet lofi song plays from my laptop.  It's cloudy and cool this morning, but pleasant if you have a warm beverage to enjoy.  It's a little disappointing after the sunshine of most of the week, but at least it's not raining yet.  There are likely to be storms later, but at least we're outside for now.  There's a small window to enjoy temperatures like this in the southern US and I want to take every advantage I can to be outside.  

If we were having coffee, I would point out my nearly empty bird feeder and the new hummingbird feeder I put out.  According to what I've read the hummingbirds should be migrating through my state soon and I want to make sure I catch their attention this year.  I just hope it doesn't draw ants or wasps instead.  The other birds are happily partaking of the bird seed at least and I'll probably need to refill that soon.  Unfortunately, it looks like they may have also attracted a cat to skulk around this morning.  Her belly is low to the ground though and I'm starting to wonder if maybe she is a pregnant cat looking for a safe place to give birth.  I really don't need a cat or her kittens -- my dog Cooper doesn't share attention easily.

If we were having coffee, I would tell you about the adventures I went on with my dog this week.  It was our Spring Break and I forgot how nice it was to just take things slow and go out into nature.  I took Cooper to several parks and gardens.  I tried to get him to ride in a special dog-back pack I bought, but he was pretty stubborn about that and insisted on being on the ground.  I think he enjoyed getting to smell and leave his mark on all the trees and bushes.  While he did that, I would try and leave my mark on the pages of my notebook: sketching the plants and creeks and scenery in either drawing or words.  It was pleasant and did wonders for my anxiety and stress, the opposite of having to brave certain crowded places in a mix of masked and non-masked individuals.

If we were having coffee, I would definitely share those pages of my notebook with you, as well as, some of the pictures I took of my time out and about yesterday with my friend Katie.  We are both vaccinated and felt a little more comfortable eating outdoors at a restaurant in Hot Springs called Diablos Tacos & Mezcal.  We ordered tacos and margarita flights to top off a day of shopping and garden walking.  It was delightful, though I'll admit I probably drank a few two many margaritas.  It was a nice treat for myself though and I don't regret the money spent at all.  

If we were having coffee, I would sigh and say that unfortunately we are going back to school next week and that I'm not sure I'm ready for Spring Break to be over.  It was relaxing and I have not yet prepared lessons for Monday.  It's still break though and I need to focus on that, not the fact that I didn't grade anything over break.  It really is hard to get out of the mindset that I should work during this time -- I shouldn't!  I've also reached another snag in my novel writing because I've reached a part in the story that's new and not just revisions, so it's causing some frustrations for me to write.  I know I just need to push through it, but it's not always easy to find the motivation to even open the document.

If we were having coffee, I would reach over and pet my dog's head for comfort.  He's sleeping soundly, even snoring, likely still exhausted from yesterday's adventures.  I would offer you a smile and invite you to share your celebrations and frustrations as well.  No sense in me doing all of the talking.

I'll sip my coffee and wait for you.  After all, it's not raining yet and the coffee is still warm.

This post is part of the 14th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge.  

                    #SOL21 and information around Slicing can be found on Two Writing Teachers. 

#SOL21 | 26 | Hot Springs

 Approximately 1 hour from where I live is the semi-famous historic town of Hot Springs.  Today my friend, Katie, my dog and I ventured down there to walk along the shops, eat tacos, and check out the gorgeous views of Garvan Woodland Gardens.

My favorite part was sharing my notebook for doodles and drawings — Katie didn’t think to bring her notebook but we made it work:

It reminded me of high school — we came here as a special trip when we were teenagers and high school was also when we used to pass notebooks back and forth.  

It was a good day out and I might write in more detail at a later slice when I am not trying to slice while riding in the car.

This post is part of the 14th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge.  

                    #SOL21 and information around Slicing can be found on Two Writing Teachers.  

#SOL21 | 25 | Short Hair Don't Care

This was inspired by the writing of my friend and fellow slicer, Britt, who wrote a slice about her hair.  I started thinking about my own hair journey and this came to mind.  Thanks for the inspiration Britt!

They tell me I should keep my hair long because boys find that attractive. They tell me I should "do" something with my hair -- blow dry, straighten, style. It's more mature, they say, it shows you care about your appearance.  People will take you more seriously.

Of course, by "they" I mean my mom and by "people" I'm pretty sure she means men. 

#SOL21 | 24 | Cooper's Three Stop Field Trip

Hi!  My name is Cooper and I'm a dog.  I had a busy day today because my mom took me to not one, not two, but THREE different parks.  

I didn't pay attention at first as she prepared food in the kitchen, though I did start to get suspicious when she packed food and a book and a metal box in her backpack.  Usually that's what she does when she is going to work and about to put me in the kennel.  I started following her around, hoping to remind her that she shouldn't leave me!  We were doing so good this week -- I thought we had finally broken the cycle of putting me in the kennel.  It looks like she was backsliding though.  Again.

Luckily, it must have worked.  She slipped on her shoes and put my leash on me and we headed out to the car.  

#SOL21 | 23 | Modes of Transportation

I wasn't sure what to slice about at first.  However, when looking for inspiration I found a question about the modes of transport I've used.  I didn't want to just list them, so instead today you are getting three memories related to modes of transportation and one memorable mode of transportation that I don't remember.  Enjoy.

#SOL21 | 22 | Small Sounds

I love listening to music while I write, but sometimes I forget about the little sounds just outside my window.

Far off in the distance, I can hear the call of the train passing to parts unknown.  But even that is drowned out by the twitter and chatter of birds conversing among the budding foliage.  I feel like I blinked and suddenly there was green among the browns and greys of the copse behind my apartment.  

Occasionally the birds are invited closer by the promise of bird seed -- even now I can hear one picking at the seeds -- or just as easily driven away by sudden movement from either myself or someone walking their dog.  They kick up leaves that have yet to be reclaimed by the wind, or decomposition, or the lawn maintenance the apartment hires.  The last dregs of fall hang around a lot longer than those of winter -- though the chill in the air reminds us that it isn't so far gone.

As the wind gusts through, it catches hold of the small "Hello Spring" flag I have hanging out there and sometimes if the wind is just right I can hear it flap.  Of course, that assumes it isn't drowned out by the windchimes that dangle just above them.  It's a set my mom bought for me when I moved to this apartment: the top part is a bronze sun and below, hitting the chimes, is a grinning crescent moon.  Every time they ring I think of her and my dad, as their backyard is filled with two things: bird feeders and windchimes.  

And then, as if summoned by my thoughts, my mom calls and I answer the ringing phone.

This post is part of the 14th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge.  

                    #SOL21 and information around Slicing can be found on Two Writing Teachers. 

#SOL21 | 21 | A Slice for my Sister

My dad likes to make a joke "We should have stopped at one."  Usually this is reserved for when my much younger siblings -- Julia, age 21, and Jared, age 18 -- slip up.  But if he had "stopped at one" I would not have DeAnna in my life.  At one point I used to laugh and hold up my finger in solidarity.  But as I have grown closer to DeAnna, I have started to correct him.  "No...though maybe two."

Because I cannot imagine a life without DeAnna in it.

#SOL21 | 20 | I'm Currently Stealing

 Living up to her blog name, Tammy B has accidentally inspired this blog with her post using the starter "I'm Currently."  Which I will now shamelessly steal and use for my own SOL this morning.  Thanks Tammy!

I'm currently...

Listening to a Pure Imagination remix.

Loving the joy my friends on Time to Write bring me.

Drinking coffee loaded with sugar and creamer.

Thinking about how I'm going to squeeze novel writing in today.

Wanting to go outside to enjoy the sunshine.

Procrastinating on grading more papers.

Needing to get dressed for the day.

Reading Slice of Life blog posts for inspiration.

Worrying about my family members who refuse to get the vaccine.

Wondering how I can persuade those family members to get it anyway.

Anticipating the freedom of next week as it is Spring Break!

What's everyone else up to?

This post is part of the 14th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge.  

                    #SOL21 and information around Slicing can be found on Two Writing Teachers. 

#SOL21 | 19 | What's More Spring than New Things?

Weekend Coffee Share is a new link-up I am joining starting today and, much like the IMWAYR link up, I have no idea if there is a right or wrong way to do this.  I am going to assume there is no wrong way -- which is reassuring and actually something I stressed to my students' today when we were doing a practice with sentence structure.  The point is to experiment, stretch, and try something new right?

I am hoping that this break will give me a lot of opportunities to stretch myself in writing.  My SOL post streak is still 19 days strong, but I also have a novel I am continuing to revise and I am hoping I can carve out a lot of quality time next week to focus on it instead of the burdens of reading student essays.  

I actually started a new notebook today and one of the first things I wrote in it (aside from a note to the notebook itself) was a brainstorm for a new novel idea.  That brings my novel idea count up to 3 and finished revised drafts at 0.  It's getting really hard to stay focused on the revision, but I am determined to see it through.  Also, I think idea is being generous -- I have a premise or concept at best.  But we all have to start somewhere and at least now I have a means of writing it down and coming back to it for later.

That's not what I want to blog about though.  It's been awhile, but I finally got back into the habit of using my notebook to do a 5-4-3-2-1 Recap of my week.  My new notebook is completely without lines and that's a first to me, but I've already noticed that it makes me want to play more with layout and drawing on the page.  That's what I caught myself doing between the novel idea notes and the recap.  I'm looking forward to seeing what I produce on the page now that I have no restraints with lines or dots or anything.

As for the recap.  Here are Five Things That Made Me Smile this Week (in no particular order):

5. The picture from my sister of my niece wearing a Captain America mask.

4. S's notebook share about music that included a subtle nod to the music we listen to in 3rd block.

3. My new story idea.

2. Attending wake up and write every morning this week.

1. Finishing one notebook and starting a new notebook.

Now, if you will excuse me, I am going to leave some comments and then make time to watch the latest MCU show: Falcon and Winter Soldier -- something I have been excited for since it was announced YEARS ago.

This post is part of the 14th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge.  

#SOL21 and information around Slicing can be found on Two Writing Teachers. 

#SOL21 | 18 | A Brief Exchange About Dreams

"Do you remember your dreams?"

I don't know why a small group of senior boys was having this conversation, but that's the part I overheard.  For the purposes of this slice I will give them the names Edward, Jeff, and Ned.  Edward was the one who had asked about dreams.

"I've been writing my dreams down.  Otherwise I have a hard time remembering them," I said, jumping into their conversation.  

Ned nodded while Jeff leaned back in his chair, "I can usually remember mine that day, but not for much longer."

"What's the last dream you remember," Ned asked me.

"Well, last night I had a dream about catching a koi fish.  I had nowhere to put it, so I stuck it in a garbage bag with some water and then I had to carry it onto the subway."

"Why were you on the subway?"

"I don't know.  I think I was in London?"

"London has subways?  I thought it had trolleys."

"No," I chuckle, "I think you're thinking of San Francisco."

"Oh! Right."

"A couple of weeks ago I had a dream I was a detective," Jeff added, sitting forward, "I was solving someone's murder."

I thought that was pretty cool.  I could actually see Jeff as a detective and would definitely love to read or see a story like that.  He'd be pretty cool solving crimes.

Ned seemed to agree with me, but then added: "I had a dream I was with these giant spiders and they made me the king of the spiders.  I had a crown."  He raised his hands to his head, miming the placement of the crown.  I would not want to rule over spiders, but again I thought it sounded like a pretty cool dream.  

We looked to Edward, the one who had asked originally, but he just shook his head, "I actually never remember my dreams.  I don't know what dreams are really like.  Yours all sound pretty cool though."

It made me a little sad that Edward didn't remember his dreams.  We continued to share a few we remembered and even had a brief discussion about flying in dreams -- especially if lucid dreaming was involved.  For Jeff and Ned flying and hovering came easy, but for me I always struggled with it.  But, at least I could have those dreams.  Unlike Edward.

This post is part of the 14th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge.  

#SOL21 and information around Slicing can be found on Two Writing Teachers. 

#SOL21 | 17 | Sideways into Writing

Today's slice was the culmination of a few challenges.  And so I want to preface this by mentioning those challenges that led to the creation of the piece I'm about to share.

First, it was yesterday's #10min10days challenge with Tammy B.  The prompt was to write for 10 minutes starting with the phrase "Right now..." and then look back at what you wrote and look for sparks.  My writing happened outside on my patio and focused on the usual sights and sounds with the occasional intrusive thought.  And then, source unseen, I picked up on the smell of cigarette smoke.  

As soon as I smelled it I was reminded of my Grandma Sug and I wrote about how I hadn't actually sliced about her before.  By now I've written plenty of slices about both of my mom's parents, but not my dad's and definitely not my Grandma Sug.  That was interesting to me, but at the time I just let it sit in my notebook.

And then today I visited EthicalELA's final Open Write invitation for the month I saw that the prompt was Backwards Poetry.  Katrina Morison provided examples there, but then also suggested when trying this form of poetry to "...take on change. Deal with something that is or needs to be turned around. Then, the form will truly reflect the content of the poem."  The aspect of "change" really struck me and after having written about my Grandma Sug yesterday. I decided to not only write a poem about her, but also dedicate this slice to her as well.

It was after I had written the poem that I realized it could also serve as a slice -- but I didn't want to just post the poem without some context and backstory.  Which brings us here and now to today's SOL post.  That's three challenges woven together for one blog post.  Pretty impressive I would say.

#SOL21| 16 | A Day in the Life

I couldn't think of what to write today and wouldn't you know it, Leigh Anne had my back with her party invite ready to go.  So here's my id for the party and if you want an invite you can see Leigh Anne here.  Below you will find the mentor text, followed by my version.

“Depending On When You Met Me” by Devon Gundry, Soul Pancake
Depending on when you met me, I might have been: a checker’s champion, the kid who squirted Super Glue in his eye, a competitive Ping-Pong player, Tweedle Dum, a high school valedictorian, a fake blond, 1/12 of an all-male a capella group, a graduate of the Vanderbilt School of Engineering, a nomad, a street musician, or a pigeon assassin.

Depending on when you met me, I might have been: a 'Most Beautiful Baby' trophy winner, holding a pair of scissors and a chunk of my sister's hair, a gifted student, a penpal, a daddy's girl, wearing a shamrock green soccer jersey, an alto, a bus rider, a drama student with frizzy hair pulled back in a scrunchie, a voracious reader, a keynote speaker at Graduation, a Wal-mart cashier, a waitress, a secretary, a roleplayer, a fanfic author, an anime convention attendee, a cosplayer, a giant nerd, a graduate with a Masters' degree, a tea pot collector, a sniper of Silent Auctions, a Bingo queen, constantly questioning my sexuality until settling on the ace, an aunt, a teacher, and a would-be novelist.

This post is part of the 14th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge.  

#SOL21 and information around Slicing can be found on Two Writing Teachers.

#SOL21 | 15 | Socks

Every day I ask students an attendance question.  Something simple and fun -- either/or questions or favorite/least favorite thing -- to start the class and sometimes even prompt conversation.  Much like stickers, my high school students can get strangely into it depending on the topic and sometimes I am completely shocked by what will get them excited.

Today's question was "Describe your socks."

We are coming up on weather that makes for less sock wearing, so I thought this would be a good day to ask this question.  My own socks tend to be colorful and fun.  I actively try NOT to wear just plain socks any more and I'll be honest it definitely makes folding/matching a lot easier.  

However, that doesn't seem to be the case with my students, which surprised me.  Most students' socks were black, white, or grey.  Many added the detail that they were wearing Under Armor, Nike, or Adidas socks.  Some mentioned whether it had a stripe or other marker.   There were only two that stood out as "fun" though: polka dots and llama socks.

One students reported they were wearing one sock due to an injury requiring a boot.  

Another student specified that they had stolen their mom's socks today because they didn't have a matching pair of their own.  

One student decided to provide me with a series of alternate names for socks: "Achilles Blanket" which I was amused by and "Foot Jacket" which made me cringe for some reason.

I proceeded to end the attendance question time by describing my own socks: white with pictures of records in alternating blue and yellow.  I expressed my disappointment that more of them weren't wearing "fun" socks.  A girl towards the front of the class replied, "Sorry.  We just don't have socks as cool as yours."

"That's okay," I replied, "I pride myself on my sock game."

What socks are you wearing today or what's your craziest pair of socks you own?

#SOL21 | 14 | In Honor of Pie Day...

It seems only appropriate to write about pizza today on Pi(e) day, especially as I sit here waiting on my own pizza order to be processed down the road from me.  I'm not a math person, but you can bet I'll take an excuse to celebrate food any chance it presents itself.  Really, who needs an excuse for pizza though?

Besides, it's doubly appropriate when you consider this is Slice of Life writing and what better slice is there than pizza?  I mean I suppose your dessert pies, but my preferred pie was always the "pizza pie" variety as opposed to apple, coconut creme, or key lime.

Pizzas were reserved for Thursday nights at my Grandma's house.  Or was it Tuesday?  I can say with certainty it was NOT Friday nights, as those were reserved for going out to eat at sit down restaurants with my grandparents and family.  Honestly, as and adult I can't help but imagine it was whatever night there was likely a deal going on.  My Grandma was the kind of person obsessed with couponing and specials after all.  The pizza was always from Little Caesars (Pizza! Pizza!) and the order was almost always a cheese, a supreme, and a pepperoni.  Oh, and of course, an order or two of crazy bread.

Pizzas were also reserved for sleepovers, once my sister and I were old enough to start having those, and even now it's hard to shake the urge to want pizza whenever a friend is visiting.  Boxes would be piled high in the kitchen ready to fill the bellies of ravenous teens.  Usually they were also from Little Caesars, though sometimes my mom was feeling particular and would order from a restaurant called Shotgun Dan's.  However, that was only if it was a smaller gathering as those pies tended to be a bit pricier than the "Hot & Ready" cheap pizzas of Little Caesars. 

I don't get Little Caesars as much any more nor do I get pizza quite as often.  Perhaps because pizza is such a social food and for a lot of reasons I have not been social as of late.  Though luckily there is a place down the road from me that makes a decent personal sized pizza which I must leave now to pick up for lunch.  After all, it's pie day!

This post is part of the 14th Annual Slice of Life Story Challenge.  

#SOL21 and information around Slicing can be found on Two Writing Teachers.

#SOL21 | 13 | Inside the Box

March 13 - 17 is Open Write over at Ethical ELA and so today's slice was inspired by the prompt there: "Weddings at Recess."  After reading the prompt and the example, I was immediately taken back to the summers I spent in the care of my grandma.  The grandkids -- usually me, my sister, and my cousin -- would take over an entire room off of the living room.  

It was appropriately called "The Play Room" because it was where we were allowed to play, spread out our toys, and do all the things kids love to do when given free reign of a place.  This was where all the toys were kept, as well as the children's books, dress-up materials, and whatever else our young hearts could desire.  Funny enough, it's not the toys I remember well, it was the cardboard boxes our grandma would bring home.  So this slice is about that.