Literacy Learning Zone

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ I did it.  I wrote for all thirty-one days in March. This being my sixth year participating, it felt different than any other year.  I never stressed about the writing.  I never worried the stories wouldn't be there.  I wrote for me, to capture stories, to live in the moment. I let go of any worry about my writing.  It was quite a relaxing March challenge. All my slices were written in real time. The true meaning of a slice of life.  A story from the day. None of it was perfect.  Some slice were well planned, thought out, and crafted.  Others were just written and shared. I usually like to write at night.  Reread, edit, and...

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ Yesterday was just another day.  It happened to also be my birthday. A special kind of birthday. I don't like big surprises.  I did not want a big surprise for my birthday. I warned my family, particularly my husband, Jon.  I. Do. Not. Want. A. Surprise. Of. Any. Kind. I got a surprise.   And I liked it. You see, my husband woke up early at 4:39 AM as he usually does on a Tuesday.  He got dressed and said his quick goodbye to go play racquetball. I dozed back asleep. My alarm buzzed me awake an hour later.  I hit snooze.  No need to get up early on my birthday. Six o'clock glowed brightly in the darkness.  I dragged myself ou...

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ I've been dreading this birthday for over a year now. When I say forty, an {ugh} comes before it. Why does a number bother me so? It's just a number.  It does not tell a story, more specifically, my story.  It's merely a number holding my time here in this world. Yet, I let it bother me. I hide from any thoughts of it.  Honestly, I don't really want to talk about it. I tease my girls that I want them to stay five forever -- it's just such a perfect age to enjoy. "Mommy, we can't! We have to be six and then seven and then eight! We can't stop growing!" So I'm told by a five year old. My {ugh} forty comment came out recently with t...

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ Goodnight and The End closing my heavy eyes reading slices of your life opening up my laptop snuggled under the blanket plopping on the couch kisses and hugs and sleep tight tonight girls tucked in bed and prayers another chapter or two (or three) pjs and bathroom and teeth the nightly bedtime routine dishes carefully loaded -- start lasagna, garlic bread, and salad homemade with lots of love reheating my pre-birthday dinner leftovers easy dinner plans a full day back to school sharing about our spring break adventures lots of talking, chatting and writing good morning! I missed you! So good to see you! welcoming greetings and smiles and the beginni...

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ The girls woke up this morning seemingly forgetting about the visitor.  I could hear them talking, but not quite able to make out their words.  Just a lot of chatter back and forth.  But no one was bursting from the bedroom wanting to rush downstairs. Daddy went to check on them first.  He found them excitedly trying to get dressed in their new Easter dresses.  He suggested they leave their PJs on because we had some time before church. "And ... aren't you forgetting something else?" I paused, waiting. "Happy Easter!" "Oh! Happy Easter! Can we go downstairs?!?" It dawned on them about that special visitor. The girls raced down the stairs -- ...

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ It's one of those writing days.   I have been writing, like you, for almost twenty-six days straight.  For most of those day, I've written with minimal problems.  As a writer, I'm taking note of moments that may become stories.  Each day I think about a story I want to capture in my words and share.  I try to weave in a little word play and craft.  Time seems to be my only and biggest struggle. But, it's one of those  writing days. There is so much I could and should write about today.  I could write about a full day of birthday parties, roller blading fun, an amazing Easter worship service, an egg-cellent Easter egg dying part...

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ Dearest Friend, I miss you.  It's been way too long. I was happy when you arrived this month, but you were here for such a short time.  You felt distant to me.  I saw only a glimpse of your bright, cheery face.  Seeing you warmed my heart and brought a smile to my face.  You were like a breath of fresh air.  You whispered soft words of hope and renewal. And just as quickly as you arrived, you were gone.  In the blink of an eye. I was surprised at your decision to suddenly leave.  Your change in behavior was unexpected.  There was a chill in the air and your words pelted like snow. Why, I wonder, do you feel the need to tea...

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ This is not my first choice of a day trip during spring break.   But I had to go. I wanted to leave early to be sure I gave myself enough time to get there.   I wasn’t exactly sure where I was going, plus it was raining this morning.   Last night I plugged the address into my Maps app so I was ready to go. After climbing in my car, and cranked up the heat, I pressed ‘start’ on my app.  She guided me on my journey through the rain.   The drive was easier than I expected. I guess perhaps because of spring break and just days before the Easter holiday.   There was a crowd of people walking in from the drizzling rain. We narrowed into a ...

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ I saw them hide the gold, sparkly bag last week. Then this morning I heard the whispers. The girls were getting ready and dressed for the day as I was finishing up in the bathroom. I peeked around the corner to see what they were up to. I could see them whispering to each other and deciding their next step while watching me. Moments later ... "Mommy? We want to give you something. For your birthday," M. said. "Oh, really? Are you sure you don't want to wait until my birthday?" I responded. M. looked at P.  P. looked at M. Without a word, they agreed that now was the right time for this gift. P. pulled the gold, sparkly bag f...

The March Slice of Life Story Challenge hosted  at the  Two Writing Teachers Join us for a month of writing! __________________________________________________ Monday was our first day of spring break ... I could write about my alarm beep-beep-beeping me up earlier than I wanted on day one of my break thanks to my hubby setting an appointment for work to be completed at our house. I could write about how thankful I am for my parents to be here and that they are so willing to watch the girls so that I can get away without feeling any guilt. I could write about a quicker-than-expected round trip to an allergist appointment and then sneaking away to the library, where I sat and wrote a slice in my notebook before heading inside to browse in quiet by myself. We have a library adventure planned for Wednesday, so this trip was just f...