Today I had the privilege of working with the Warren Writing Project in Indianapolis. They invited me to present a keynote and a few breakout sessions about meaningful minilessons for their first annual summer institute. I was honored. My first year of teaching I attended a keynote session at a conference and left thinking what a cool… Continue reading Full Circle (Ruth’s SOLS)

It's been one of those days where I've spent too much time wishing I were something else. Wishing I were older, with the luxury of experience. Wishing I could walk away without caring so much. Wanting to be less sensitive. More patient. I think we all battle days like these. The days when we feel… Continue reading This One’s For Me: Ruth’s SOLS

"Yessssss," a little voice said as I pulled out of the garage. Smiling, I asked, "What are you so excited about?" "Look at the sky," Sam said. It was grey. Overcast. Dreary. Cloudy. Dark. Foreboding. I checked my rear view mirror. He was still smiling ear-to-ear. I was curious about his excitement. "What makes you… Continue reading Looking for a Wink (Ruth’s SOLS)

Last week my dad turned sixty. My brother, his wife, Andy, and I decided it called for a party. So we planned (and pulled off) a surprise party for him. Saturday evening nineteen people came to my house to celebrate with us. It was great. We serve prime rib (Andy is an expert at steak),… Continue reading Ruth’s SOLS: I Love My Dad!

Sam: Momma, guess what. Me: I don't know, what? Sam: Get ready, because this is a big one. Me: Okay, what? Sam: Are you ready? Me: I'm ready. Sam: Okay, brace yourself and hold out your hands. Me: Okay, tell me. Sam: (arms stretched toward the ceiling, the biggest 5 year old grin you've ever… Continue reading Guess What (Ruth’s SOLS)

March reminded me to take care of myself. March reminded me of the power of a writing community. March reminded me I am determined. March reminded me my words make a difference to other's lives. March reminded me I'm busy. March reminded me ordinary days are my passion. March reminded me to let go of unrealistic expectations. March reminded me to breathe.… Continue reading March Reminded Me (Ruth’s SOLS)

So this slice is found poetry. "Found" in the sense that I'm completely swiping Ruth Metcalfe's idea because she "found" a poem in her iPod today. Then she told me about it and sent me a text and it sounded so fun I decided to try it too. Since her excitement was inspiration, I thought… Continue reading Found Poetry (Ruth’s SOLS)

A few days ago I read this line: The world needs more people being themselves. You know, it's easy to get caught up in wanting to be more like this person or wishing to be more like that person. It's easy to think, if only I could be like that slicer. Or if only I… Continue reading The World Needs You (Ruth’s SOLS)