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)

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)