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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 am exhausted after a full day of learning with Ruth Ayres.
Exhausted in a good way, of course. And, yes, I said THE Ruth Ayres. One of my edu-superheroes, whom I admire and adore.
My head is swimming with ideas and thoughts. Ruth shared insights, teaching moves, and, of course, stories, about her own children and students that come from hard places. I was mesmerized by her every word.
I always knew Ruth was an amazing momma-teacher-writer through her work with TWT, her blogs and articles, Instagram feed, and books. She does the hard work. The research, the writing, the balancing of this life. It's not easy, but she does it with a smile on her face and celebrates the biggest and tiniest of moments that matter.
But then to meet Ruth in real life and hear her real voice and her real stories from her heart. Spending the day listening to her was a gift. A gift of words I will carry with me in my heart and my notebook.
But then to meet Ruth in real life and hear her real voice and her real stories from her heart. Spending the day listening to her was a gift. A gift of words I will carry with me in my heart and my notebook.
Ruth is real. She is honest. She is giving. She makes me laugh. She loves hard. Like, she just loves so much. Her caring smile puts me at ease. I gently hold onto her every word. She makes me feel good about who I am as a momma-teacher-writer. She gave me the gift of HOPE.
I have a lot yet to process about the day. Ruth still encourages teacher writers and allowed us the opportunity to write yesterday. I wrote a slice, of course. But this is one day I will be thinking about for a long, long time. Ruth is really good at that ... sharing, nudging, encouraging, inspiring for a long, long time.
Thank you for sharing your inspiring stories, Ruth. The impact of your words are immeasurable. Continue to be the light for so many ... Shine on!
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How exciting for you! I'm happy that you were able to listen to her inspirations and to actually meet her. Looking forward to hearing more about the seminar once you process it. Love ya, Mom
ReplyDeleteI'm so happy you met Ruth in real life. It is such a joy to spend even a few minutes in her company.
ReplyDeleteYou are so right, Deb. A few minutes with her is awesome. A whole day with her? Amazing. Finding pockets throughout the day to just be with her? Priceless.
DeleteEven though you were in awe of meeting her, she had that same feeling meeting you. I know this because we've talked about you and your writing. She's a fan of you, like the rest of us. Ruth is simply amazing! Glad you had a chance to meet and enjoy her words.
ReplyDeleteelsie ... your comment made me cry! Thank you for your kind words. Those are huge words of encouragement. It was hard to get much time one-on-one with Ruth, but oh is she just something special. I am so thankful our paths crossed ... it took a long time, but it happened!
DeleteShe is a very special person who has inspired and encouraged so many of us. What a joy for you to have that day with her! Hearing her stories is something that definitely will stay with you.
ReplyDeleteI remember your post when you found out you were going to be able to meet her, and it brought me right back to when I got to meet her a few years ago. Your joy and excitement are evident throughout your writing, and I'm so glad you got to have such a special day! :-)
ReplyDeleteWOW! What a cool opportunity. She seems like a very kind and easy to talk to person.
ReplyDeleteI have to tell you that when your post came through my email, I had to hold back the tears. I totally get the emotion of that moment of meeting Ruth for the first time and hearing her stories in person, instead of words. And I know that sounds really corny. I remember being excited for you when you wrote about the workshop and getting the opportunity to meet her. Today, my heart is smiling for you.
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of all the lives Ruth has touched with her writing and her parenting and her living, I'm in awe. She has a way of being there for each of us. So glad you finally met in person, but I totally get that you would buy something for this friend you had never met. Our connections through writing together are deep.
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