Trivia Night (SOLSC 15/31)

I wanted to try something different.  Since this slice is about trivia, I have written it in the form of trivia questions.  Enjoy!

Q: How many years has the Vilonia AGATE program hosted a trivia night?

A: Three

Q: What was the name of last year's winning trivia team?

A: The Winners.

Q: Name the 8 members of that team.

A: Erica (me), Terina, Marion, Jessica, John, Tracy, Nathan, Brian

Q: Who answered most of the questions?

A: John

Q: How many rounds did they play?

A: 7 rounds

Q: What was the only question they got wrong?

A: The question about Robert DeNiro's baseball drama Bang The Drum Slowly.

Q: Which question did Erica provide the correct answer for that no one else did?

A: Ben Franklin as the first post master.

Q: Which round did Erica perform the best in?

A: The 4th round, naming secondary Disney characters based on silhouette. 

Q: How many points did The Winners wager for the final round?

A: 12 

Q: Name the three teams that tied in the final round.

A: The Winners, Take 3, and The Saltillo Stallions

Q: How many tie breaker questions did they end up having?

A: A ridiculous amount (at least four)

Q: What did The Winners place this year?

A: Third

Pick Up Sticks (SOLSC 14/31)

I am seeing more and more evidence of the beginnings of spring.  The itty bitty buds on the tree -- leaves just barely peeking out at the morning sun.  It's new life on a tree that was otherwise completely bare.  It still LOOKS bare until you get up close.  

Below, there is a smattering of sticks scattered around the base of the same tree.  It's old life shed from encounters with all of the wind and rain we have experienced in the past few weeks.  

I can't help but smile and remember a time when I myself was just beginning and the sticks I used to see everywhere in my pawpaw's yard.  The tiny buds remind me of my own tiny hands, clasped around the cool metal handle of a bright red wagon.  

In the summer, my pawpaw would set us out to pick up objects in his backyard -- I assume now that it might have been to help him have an easier time mowing.  I was accompanied by my sister as we dragged that wagon among the many trees of my pawpaw's backyard.  Every few feet we would stop and begin the process of picking up the trees' discarded items: sticks, pine cones, and green apples.  

Each would be tossed into the wagon and we would move on.  When we were done, my pawpaw always awarded us with some of his pocket change for our efforts.

Now, as I navigate the sidewalk with my dog, I have to resist the urge to stop and pick up some of the sticks.

Today's writing was inspired by one of the March Daily Writing Prompt from Teach Write.

Green Thumb (SOLSC 6/31)

This was a piece I originally wrote in June of 2022 for a Garden Party themed writing challenge (though Teach Write as usual).  I have not posted it to my blog before and wanted to do so now.  Especially since today is my dad's birthday and this seemed like a great way to honor and celebrate him!  The style of writing is called a "haibun" which is a form of poetry that combines prose and haiku.

Happy 62nd Birthday Dad!

Dusting This Off: Slice of Life 2023 Pre-Gaming

One of my favorite chores as a child was dusting.  

I would gather up each knick-knack, doodad, and trinket and gently place them in a pile to the side of wherever I was to dust.  Then, I would spritz the dresser or table or desk with Pledge Furniture polish.  The burst of lemon would make my eyes water a bit, but I would quickly wipe the lemon-scented residue away with the tattered cloth my mom had long ago designated the dusting rag.  

It made me happy to see the furniture glisten afterwards -- the scent of citrus still in the air.

I don't dust nearly as much any more and I'm afraid I've let far too many things grow dusty with neglect: my apartment, my classroom, and now this blog.  I think I can live with my furniture gathering dust a little while longer, but not my blog.  Not with the Slice of Life Challenge starting tomorrow!

I may not be able to take a can of Pledge to an online platform, but I can pledge to show up for this year's Slice of Life Story Challenge and take up blogging once more.  Specifically blogging for a personal reason and not just blog posts for Teach Write!

If nothing else, I could certainly use some of that citrusy scent in my life, but I will settle for the familiar logo: