writing, a new year, and an addition #sol18

Slice of Life is hosted at the Two Writing Teachers

Join in and share a slice of your life.

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I've become comfortable with this pattern of writing the last couple years. My slice of life writing slows and eventually stops as the school year is in full swing and the holidays arrive. Then January rolls around and I feel that I'm missing out. I'm not recording my stories and I'm missing your stories.

But I have enjoyed this time away.

For the last two weeks, it's been all about family. Family time. Making memories. Busy living. And not living busy. Just being in the moment. More chances to say yes. Time to relax, nap, and just sit and be. Time to think, read, reflect.

I've been thinking about my one little word. I don't have a word just yet and I'm okay with that. I'll be patient and wait for it to come to me. I'm really in no rush as I enjoy these two weeks at home before the busyness of school begins again.

Time with my girls ... and the newest addition to our family. A new puppy. She arrived Christmas Eve. She has stolen our hearts. Even though we are living like we have a new baby on the move. Baby gates are up. Interrupted sleep. Middle of the night potty. Increase in laundry. But lots of puppy kisses and snuggles.

"You know, Mom. You are talking to her like a baby."

"You and Dad are paying way more attention to Harley than to us."

"I'm starting to think you love her more."

Yes, a puppy takes more energy and patience. Harley has been great for our family. Yes, she gets quite a bit of attention, but she has taught us to be in the moment, slow down, relax. She has been very therapeutic for us. (Most of us ...)

So, for now, I wish you a happy, healthy new year! I'm excited, as always, to jump back into my writing as the new year begins ... I'm sure I'll have plenty of puppy stories to share! (Or words of neglect from my girls ...)

Meet Harley! She is a black lab mix that we rescued and adopted at 13 weeks old.

{40 reasons} #sol15

Slice of Life hosted at the Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life. _____________________________________________________ Today my husband celebrates a big, BIG birthday -- and I'm so lucky and thankful to have spent the last sixteen years learning about everything that he loves the last (almost) twelve years learning about everything that I love about him the last (almost) five years learning with my daughters why we love our Daddy. Created at canva.com _____________________________________________________ Happy, happy 40th birthday Jon!

{#sol15} 10 Tips for the Challenge

Slice of Life hosted at the Two Writing Teachers Join in and share a slice of your life. Last Saturday morning, I didn't need to wake up early. I wanted to go back to sleep. But instead my brain was awake and thinking. Creating this list. Writing this post. Many of us are embarking on an adventure - the Slice of Life Story Challenge. Writing, sharing, and commenting for thirty-one days in March. Want to learn more about the SOLSC? Check out Stacey's post {HERE} about the challenge hosted by the "Fab Six" over at the Two Writing Teachers ' blog. I hope you find these tips for the challenge helpful whether you are a first-time slicer (cue confetti!) or a year five slicer like me. 1. Before the challenge

{#sol15} deeper than beauty 8/31

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted at the Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! I have twin four and a half -- almost five! -- year old daughters. I try to be consciously aware of what I say and do in regards to my body image and self-esteem and also with their body image and self-esteem. First of all, because I don't want them to believe everything that society says is true. Even if they don't fully understand it today. In addition, because they are fraternal twin sisters, I want them to understand they are individuals with unique and different bodies that God created for each of them. However, society -- including my loving family and friends -- tell a different story and harmlessly create a comparison war. My girls constantly hear how beautiful, adorable, cute, fill-in-the-blank with any other

Carol VarsalonaJanuary 2, 2018 at 10:36 PM
Michelle, Happy New Year and congratulations on your little puppy. It seems ages ago that I met you and was intrigued by your little girl stories. I remember talking about my daughter and how someday I would be able to share stories. My post today does just that. As a new grandma, I savor every moment of grandmotherhood when I am with my little granbaby, Sierra. I am sure that your holidays were enjoyable and I love the fact that you had time to think, read, and reflect. I look forward to more stories from you this year.
CarolJanuary 2, 2018 at 10:36 PM
She's cute!!!! Nothing better than a lab mix. Terrific kid and family dogs.
Terje January 3, 2018 at 3:51 AM
I am so glad to see you at this space, Michelle. We can all approach writing as mindfulness practice. When your mind drifts off the breathing, you simply return to your practice, treating yourself with compassion. A puppy? Looking forward to your stories about you, your girls, the puppy, school, and all other bits you choose to share, when you have time. Happy New Year! Head uut aastat!
Deb DayJanuary 3, 2018 at 7:26 AM
Oh my! She is a darling! I can't wait for Harley stories!
RamonaJanuary 3, 2018 at 11:21 AM
I was intrigued with your teaser about an addition to the family. Harley's adorable! I love hearing your stories whenever you can stop by. Happy New Year!
StaceyJanuary 3, 2018 at 5:19 PM
Oh, a puppy! How wonderful!

I always wonder where you go when the school year starts. Now I know! GREAT to have you back.
LoraleeJanuary 5, 2018 at 3:12 AM
How wonderful! We are envious of your puppy! We lost our Rozz in November and our home is missing her tremendously.

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