After school I went to my friend Jami's house. It's been too long since we've seen each other and I found myself looking forward to Monday afternoon all weekend . I called her after lunch today and said, "Will you share the beginning of your YA fiction with me if I share my first chapter… Continue reading Writing Workshop is Worth It (Ruth’s SOLS)

I just started reading a new YA novel. And I'm hooked. For a normal person this wouldn't be a problem. For me it is detrimental. See when I'm hooked, like I'm hooked with this book, I keep reading and reading and reading. Laundry needs folded. I read instead. My lunch needs packed. I read instead.… Continue reading Uh-Oh (Ruth’s SOLS)

I love to get up early on Saturday mornings. When Stacey and I were working on the book it was a habit I developed. I could score a few hours on Saturday morning for writing which didn't steal from family time. Now, a year after the book was complete, I still find myself getting up… Continue reading Morning Love (Ruth’s SOLS)

It is 10:57. I just got home and my bones are tired. Why am I facing a computer screen and writing, even though I left the house at 6:15 am, led writing workshop in four classrooms, joined two teachers in reflective practice meetings, planned a writing celebration, started a new book study with a group… Continue reading Why Write Tonight? (Ruth’s SOLS)

Trying to think of a creative way to collect a slice today... Tomorrow I'm giving a minilesson in second grade about adding sensory details to writing, which leads me to collecting my favorite of each sense from today. I see Stephanie's new purple glasses. I hear Hannah's voice as she sings her latest original song.… Continue reading 5 Senses (Ruth’s SOLS)

When I posted my photo on March first, I fully expected it to be the last of the snow. It's one of the things I like best about collecting slices throughout March -- we get to welcome Spring. For a few days Spring visited, but she is long-gone now. The wind is howling. The sky… Continue reading Sunshine on a Plate (Ruth’s SOLS)

My body has been speaking to me the past few weeks and it hasn't been very happy. My arms and legs tingling, my joints burning, and my muscles sore. After several tests bringing normal results, I began to worry. My everyday routine was significantly altered. Computer work was painful, writing with a pen impossible, exercise… Continue reading Taking Care (Ruth’s SOLS)

I like Fridays not just because... I get to dress casual. It's the end of the work week. I come home to a clean house. We spend the evening with friends. I pick Sam up at the library. Everyone is more relaxed. But because tomorrow is Saturday.

Tonight was just us. No getting ready for something. No running to someplace. No expecting visitors. Just us. Hannah and I made mint brownies. Sam and Stephanie played puppy sale. Andy read the mail. We went for a bike ride. After dinner we lingered at the table. Talking, laughing, breathing in and breathing out. We… Continue reading Happy Family (Ruth’s SOLS)