The March Slice of Life Story Challenge
hosted at the Two Writing Teachers
Join us for a month of writing!
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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 publish the next morning. Usually didn't cooperate this year. My schedule and life didn't allow myself this time or energy. Many late night posts squeezed in and published in the last hours of the day. But I wrote every day.
I usually spend my down time reading your slices. Each year there are more and more and more writers joining in this journey. It makes it difficult to keep up and read all my special slicers' writing and new slicers' stories. Again, time did not permit me to join in and read as much as I had hoped.
However, it still mattered more than ever that you were here to read my stories. I appreciated each and every comment, adding your voice to the conversation and connecting with my story. The community at the Two Writing Teachers amazes me. Thank you for joining me on this journey.
I believe that over the last five years, I found that I had the urge to continue writing days into April. That writing habit was formed and the writing bug bit me. Hard. This year is different. This year I'm looking to put my laptop away and refocus my life on other priorities. I need time for my family. I need time to read. I need time to reflect. I'll still have my notebook and I'll still capture stories. But I need this time for me.
And I'll still have my Tuesdays. See you back here then.
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 publish the next morning. Usually didn't cooperate this year. My schedule and life didn't allow myself this time or energy. Many late night posts squeezed in and published in the last hours of the day. But I wrote every day.
I usually spend my down time reading your slices. Each year there are more and more and more writers joining in this journey. It makes it difficult to keep up and read all my special slicers' writing and new slicers' stories. Again, time did not permit me to join in and read as much as I had hoped.
However, it still mattered more than ever that you were here to read my stories. I appreciated each and every comment, adding your voice to the conversation and connecting with my story. The community at the Two Writing Teachers amazes me. Thank you for joining me on this journey.
I believe that over the last five years, I found that I had the urge to continue writing days into April. That writing habit was formed and the writing bug bit me. Hard. This year is different. This year I'm looking to put my laptop away and refocus my life on other priorities. I need time for my family. I need time to read. I need time to reflect. I'll still have my notebook and I'll still capture stories. But I need this time for me.
And I'll still have my Tuesdays. See you back here then.
Yes, you are a writer - someone who provides mentor texts for others. Thanks for the writing nudge every March. It's incredible.
ReplyDeleteLife is a journey - you need different things at different times. Listen to what you need, don't regret or feel guilty. It all comes back around. Thank you for sharing and responding. Look forward to connecting on Tuesday.
ReplyDeleteClare
Your slice echoed so much with me this year. My slice offers some of the same tidbits tonight. I wrote it real-time, and enjoyed making the time to do it, but I'm not sure I did it well...and sitting here, tonight, that disappoints me. But, like you say, we have our stories, right? And these are valuable with littles -- these are what will stay even when we don't. So, we have 31 new ones! And next year, we'll have 31 new pieces to add to the patchwork quilt of childhood. :)
ReplyDeleteHave you moved? Wishing you and yours a delightful spring!
b
Your slice echoed so much with me this year. My slice offers some of the same tidbits tonight. I wrote it real-time, and enjoyed making the time to do it, but I'm not sure I did it well...and sitting here, tonight, that disappoints me. But, like you say, we have our stories, right? And these are valuable with littles -- these are what will stay even when we don't. So, we have 31 new ones! And next year, we'll have 31 new pieces to add to the patchwork quilt of childhood. :)
ReplyDeleteHave you moved? Wishing you and yours a delightful spring!
b
As usual you said it perfectly Michelle, the slices didn't have to be "perfect" because after all, life isn't always perfect. It's funny I felt more relaxed this year, I attributed it to being retired but maybe not .... Loved connecting with you each day! Big hugs!
ReplyDeleteDitto what Lynn said. It was easier for some reason this year. The stories came without a lot of "what am I going to write today" questions. You have a knack for putting life into perspective showing the wonderful side as well as the vulnerable side. Keep the notebook handy and continue sharing on Tuesdays. Love ya, Mom
ReplyDeleteI loved the slices you wrote about the girls this year. When the girls get older, I know they are going to love reading back on these. I'm trying to get up my courage to write poetry with Mary Lee this month. Not sure I can pull it off!
ReplyDeleteSitting on a train, Friday evening at 7p.m., after a school day and a workshop ( one I didn't have to lead, thankfully), heading home, I read your words and smile. Many who started slicing with us six years ago have stopped. I miss them. The more joy it is that you keep writing, showing up, sharing your every day moments, connecting. Hugs to you my friend. See you on Tuesdays!
ReplyDeleteEnJOY your me and family time!
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing your wonderful words.
Thank you for encouraging me.
Sometimes we just need to log off and slow ourselves down. See you on Tuesdays!
ReplyDelete