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{writing my stories} 8/31 #sol16


The March Slice of Life Story Challenge
hosted at the Two Writing Teachers
Join us for a month of writing!
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"Mommy? Why do you go on your computer every morning?" P., my almost six year old, asked me after I flipped open my laptop and waited for the internet to connect as I was rushing her to put on her shoes.  She had noticed my change in routine the last couple days.

I prefer to post my slice of writing in the morning before the girls are up for the day.  Since mornings are not easy at my house, I haven't been posting before they get up. So the last couple mornings I have tried to sneak in posting in the very last minutes before we leave the house to start our school day.  Not the usual part of our routine, hence her perfectly timed question.

"Well, I'm participating in a challenge. A writing challenge, where I try to write a little each day and then share it with others on the computer. I even share with Grandma. Today I wrote a poem about our weekend that we enjoyed because we had nothing planned. See?"  I scrolled down for her to see.

"Wow. You wrote a lot for that poem. What did you write?" P. wondered as she moved in to get a better look.

"I've been writing a long time. I've had lots of practice! Want me to read it?

Even though our minutes were fleeting, and we needed to leave, I did not want to pass up the opportunity to share.  Her curiosity was contagious.   M., her twin sister, walked into the living room after brushing her teeth, overhearing our conversation.

"What's this?  You write about us?" M. interjected.

"Yes, I love writing about you!" I exclaimed.

"Why do you want to write about us?" M. wondered.

Laughing, I responded, "Because you're the best to write about! And I want to remember.  I write to remember these little stories of our life."  I hopped up to grab my pen and paper.  

"Now what are you doing?" P. inquired.

"Now I know what I'm going to write about tomorrow."  I began scribbling their questions and conversation on several post it notes to capture this moment.  "I'm writing down some of your words to help me remember this moment ... otherwise I may forget later!"

"When will you write the story?" P. asked.

"Today's a busy day.  I'll probably write it later tonight."

"Can you read it to us tonight instead of a bedtime story?" M. inquired.

"Of course! That's a great idea." Catching a glimpse of the time, I smiled and said, "But for now--we have to go!"

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Their curiosity continued with question after question as we drove the four minutes to school.  I explained why I write every day and that I write slices of life to always remember.

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After a busy day (with no time to write), I picked up the girls after school, I was surprised at the first question in the car.

"Mommy?  Did you write the story yet?"  P. asked.

"Not yet.  But I will.  I will."  

I'm so proud to be able to share my writing with them.  They see me as a reader and a writer.  They know they hold that power to be readers and writers too.  I can't wait to see where this conversation takes us!

Comments

  1. What a great example. Love that they are curious and supportive.

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  2. I can fully understand why this is your all time favorite slice. Almost six, source for inspiration, connecting with the writer in you, so much to celebrate.

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  3. I love the example you've set for your girls! I know I'm conscious about making time to read in front of the kids, but your piece served as a great reminder of how important it is to write in front of them, too. Such a great slice!

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  4. I love that your girls were asking questions about your writing habits and the stories you tell. This is so exciting! I have a feeling we'll have a third generation of Slicers from your family in the next couple of years!

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  5. This is why we write! I love their reaction to learning that you write about them. This is the way to get them hooked on telling their stories too. Sweet slice!

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  6. This is lovely - you have planted the seed of reader writer in your girls!

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  7. I love this! What a wonderful moment to teach your daughters the power of writing and reading. I can see why this is your favorite. It has to be so inspiring for you to keep going.

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  8. I do believe they will be writing their own slices of life very soon. They have the desire to learn and you have the desire to teach them. Maybe you should share "your books of slices with them". I'm sure they would enjoy hearing those stories. Love ya, Mom

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  9. So sweet! My kids are old enough to get self conscious if I write about them too directly, but they love it if I make up wacky stories featuring kids who happen to have their names. I love that they were clearly waiting all day to hear what you'd written!

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  10. Your words pulled me in, Michelle, & I'm glad they did. How wonderful is this, you reading your slices about the girls to them. Special bedtime stories for sure!

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  11. I always had a reading role model growing up, but never a writing one. Lucky kids!

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  12. Yay! What precious cheerleaders you have.

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  13. Michelle, What important lessons you taught your children - first take the time to stop and listen and then secondly that writing is a way to mark the important things in our lives. You are indeed a role model.

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  14. OK. This brought tears to my eyes. What a great story. Do they have their own writer's notebooks. Because I'm pretty sure they will want to start writing their stories!

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  15. Oh my goodness - I can't believe they are as old as they are! Such precious, curious girls. my oldest asked today when I plan to write a slice about her! I think all our daughters need to be guest slicers!!!

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  16. Love, love, love this! Love that they remembered you were supposed to write a story today! Go Mommy!

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  17. Aww, so sweet! I love that they wanted you to read it as a bedtime story! :-) I can't wait until my baby is old enough that I can share my slices with her! (I already love sharing them with my students!)

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  18. I love this slice, too. Initially I thought, "Oh, maybe this is going to be about their new house!" But, this was so much better. I love that your girls recognize you as a reader and writer and what wonder than holds for them. Such a tradition. My mom, who does not write, left me with that thought the other day -- "Look how many stories you have saved about your boys; so special!" So true. I'm glad they know family is your best, deepest writing territory. :)

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  19. Your message on the link was so enticing, I had to pop over. I'm so glad I did. Charming story. I hope your girls will remember how special you feel about your writing. My girls are grown ups. They know I write a blog, but they rarely read it. I don't know if that is a good or bad thing.

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  20. When you wrote that you grabbed a piece of paper to "record" their words, I thought about what conversations I had with my daughter that I've forgotten. You've reminded that the everyday is sacred. You are a wonderful role model for your girls.

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  21. WOW! Michelle I can see why this is your favorite piece! How exciting to share your love of writing now as well! I actually have tears in my eyes thinking about the years to come with these two little angels of yours! And I am so excited to have a glimpse into it! xoxo

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  22. ...and two writers were born. I love Stacey's comment about a 3rd generation of slicers. What a very special way to stay connected with your family!

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  23. I love that your girls are being exposed to their mom as a writer. What a powerful model! We have walked with them through potty training and the start of kindergarten, I'll bet it won't be long before we will reading their slices!

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  24. I love listening in to the conversations you have with your children.

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