Reading and Inferring with Giggles {1 of 31 Slice of Life}

"Catman wasn't consumed by a cow?"  a line in a current read aloud and the room softly erupts.  Why hasn't Catman been consumed by a cow?  What does that mean?  Catman wasn't eaten yet?  Why not?  I read on and puzzled facial expressions grew.  As we continue reading the book, Goony Bird Greene we learn Catman snuggles in with a cow.  We learn Catman follows the cow.  We remind ourselves Goony Bird Greene uses words that have two meanings.  Goony Bird Green tricks us.  We use some context clues to figure out what consume might mean in this situation and the word love comes up.  I try to play around with words and with big outstretched arms I say, I consume you!  Giggles galore explode and my heart is warm.  

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for fostering this writing community.

Oops {21 of 30 SOLSC}

I knew earlier I wanted to slice.  
I decided to do a few things and it slipped my mind.  
I've never skipped a day but realize that's just fine. 
Sometimes challenges have set backs.
Sometimes challenges need reboots.
I hope to be back later today.

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.

Did you order? {20 of 31 SOLSC}

What are you reading and where are you?  Our transition from a reading workshop mini lesson to independent reading guides our sharing circle each day.  I have one reader fixated on the Captain Awesome series who replies with his answer, tossing in the chapter he is on too.  Every time he shares the chapter he is on, I remember the day our reading conference was about the difference between pages and chapters.  He then adds, "Did you order number 9 yet?"  I replied, "no but let's do that today during reading."  Then I realize I purchased 7 and 8, maybe even 6 so maybe I should check the public library.  Together we find a list of books in the series.  He giggles at each upcoming title.  Watching him anticipate the new book coming, giggle, and be interested is pure joy.  

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.

Second Daughter - Second Humane Society Trip {19 of 31 SOLSC}

As I'm walking around the Human Society on a sunny clear sky Sunday afternoon, I watch my middle daughter in a pen with the same dog for a very long time.  He's a nine month old chocolate lab.  He's big and he's beautiful.  I wander over and meet him.  His coat is soft and has that puppy softness still.  He's calm and she's content hanging out.  

I leave her and visit with my younger daughter who started this adventure yesterday.  She's visiting with a black lab puppy again who hasn't been released for adoption.  She needs to be evaluated by a vet this week and have some assessments done.  She appears pretty calm and sweet for a seven to eight month old puppy.  She has a spring in her step and is moving a bit more.

I look around and my middle daughter is not leaving that chocolate lab.  I venture back to share a little that I read on the website.  He was in a puppy mill his whole life.  The kind volunteer said he was actually in a crate for most of that.  His back legs are stiff.  He might grow out of it but may not.  He has no clue how to walk on a leash.  She tries to walk him.  I think he went three feet and flopped down.  He had no ambition to get up.  I try to explain I don't think he's a good match.  I walk a mile twice a day with our dogs and depending on their adventures it's about 18 minutes per mile.  She's convinced he just needs some love.  I know he does.  She's convinced we could teach him to walk better.  We might be able to.  She's convinced we should get him for the two years she's away at college and then she can take him to her apartment.  She left for school today without breakfast...how will she remember to feed him?  They say sometimes dogs find you and I'm convinced this dog found her.  She likes to rest more.  She enjoys laying around.  She is cute and adorable.  

I have to stay focused and really this adventure is helping the soon to be only child at home have a project, something that is hers for many reasons beyond being the only sister at home in August.

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.

Warning: Don't Skip the Humane Society Trip {18 of 31 SOLSC}

She bounded up the stairs and opened the bathroom door a smidge; "Dad and I are going to the Humane Society to look at dogs."  I was in the middle of a shower and said, "okay - have fun."  

I run to Target and my phone rings.  "Mom, you have to look at the pictures....and she rambles."  I start shaking my head.  Two weeks ago we went for a visit and she found one I just didn't like.  Overall I felt that trip was a bit like the three bears story; too small, too big, and maybe just right but not really.  I looked at the picture and she had joy on her face and the puppy looking right into her eyes.  It was a breed I didn't recognize and I thought a bit small.  I'm thinking I want more fluff in my next dog (aka longer hair).  

Suddenly, my phone starts rapidly vibrating with text message notifications.

Her name is Savanna - attached to a new picture, a new dog.

She just got here today an older lady dropped her off she couldn't handle her bc of how old she was getting she's 7/8 months and dad is filling out an application bc we wanna get her first

My reply - ummm, what????????

haha

surprise

My reply - just joking?

not at all

picture of dad with the application clipboard comes next

she's a black lab

Prequel - We lost one of our dogs at Thanksgiving due to a year of heart failure and lots of medications.  I've been thinking maybe this summer we'd get another dog with her middle sister going to college and our dog Cooper is 11 years old.  We are all home in the summer - that makes sense.  

Sometimes things have a purpose and a reason we don't see, stay tuned there might be more slicing potential here.

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.

Hosting Teenage Girls {17 of 31 SOLSC}

Friends gather

Laughter is joyful

Friends eat together

Laughter is noisy

Friends sing

Laughter is hopeful

Friends tell stories

Laughter is healing

Friends support

Laughter is love

Tonight I'm grateful for seven freshman girls spending time at my house.  I will make spaghetti, salad, garlic bread, and angel food cake with strawberries any time for this group of girls.  It's important to help kids navigate growing up and life.  It gets tricky.

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.

Writing Slump Anyone? {16 of 31 SOLSC}

In my previous years of slicing, I've never really felt any bumps or this was hard but this year I am.  I was wrapping up my evening and thinking about going to bed early when I remembered I hadn't sliced yet today.  I felt frustrated.  I felt like I had to slice.  I was surprised and caught off guard.  I don't have to slice, I chose to slice.  I could skip a day - I don't think the world would end.  I wanted to slice to feel a pull towards writing.  I wanted to slice to belong to a writing community.  I wanted to slice  -  I can't finish that sentence.  

It's a Friday night and my thoughts haven't been as intentional as I wanted or my awareness during the day hasn't been as keen this slicing year.  Slicing is public and not all writing is public.  I've thought about fake news and fake slicing in my head and realized it's more about willing to go public and willing to keep inside.  My slices so far are personal and can go public.  Maybe I need two slicing projects - personal and public vs personal and not public.   I have some time this weekend and am going to process my thinking for the second half of slicing.  

I tell my students all the time; writers get stuck, writers think about their audience, not all writing needs to be shared, and writing can make you feel better.  I do wonder if any one else is having a half way writing slump?  I do wonder if others are writing outside the SOLSC?  I wonder if rambling counts as slicing, it's in the moment.

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.

SaveSave

Just Five Items, No Way {15 of 31 SOLSC}

I had an idea.  I hopped in my minivan and started driving with a specific shopping list.  As I got closer I wondered if I could just stick to my list.  I've NEVER dashed to this store for five items or less.  I pulled in the parking lot and notice it's not that busy in the middle the day.  I go pass through the huge revolving door and get giddy with excitement.  I feel pulled to go upstairs and explore one of my inspirational places but I don't.  I stay focused.  I turn to the left and sneak through a check out lane.  I begin wandering the going against the flow of traffic exiting.  I kept thinking, "I love midday shopping here; midweek."  I went to the plant section my specific shopping list destination.  

I checked off - 

tall plant

basket for plant in the pot

3 succulents in planters

I started to feel a pull to explore the whole store.  I began seeing things out of the corner of my eyes to look at closer.  I had a schedule and a time to be at a new destination.  I talked myself out of wandering and headed to checkout.  I put my smallest order ever on the conveyer belt.  I checked out and decided to add a return trip with fish, lingonberry juice, and some Swedish fish to my spring break plans because it's so fun to have an IKEA right here for quick trips and not so quick trips.

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.

Environment and Mindset {14 of 31 SOLSC}

I visit a new place with a bit of worry and anxiousness.  Immediately I'm intrigued about the environment.  White walls making everything bright. A projector is showing a whimsical simple solid orange fox playful walking across some landscape.  Just a few colors against white grass backgrounds.  It takes my mind of my worry and anxiousness.  

I ride an elevator up to the foyer and I'm greeted with walls of windows.  Natural light pouring in.  I check in with friendly people and get some directions.  As I walk, I can feel my shoulders relax.  I hear bird sounds inside the foyer.  I look up and see "flocks" organized in fleets by bright colors above my head navigating a tall artistic 3D tree with birdhouses hanging from it.  The tree and bird houses are white.  I think I like these sounds and reframe my thinking from worry to, I've got this.

It's interesting how white, simple art with bright colors, natural light, and sound can change my mindset.  

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.

Questions on a Walk {13 of 31 SOLSC}

Isn't it cold?

Why are they in the water?

Isn't the temperature chilly?

Can they move very fast?

Which is warmer the water or the air?

How long will they stay in the water?

Just some questions as I walk in the dark past a neighborhood pond early in the morning.  

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.

Confirming a 7 Year Old Decision {12 of 31 SOLSC}

I had goals to be an early morning slicer this year.  I thought I could write the night before and post in the morning.  I thought I could have a couple of slices prepped for a pinch and none of these things have happened.  Life is happening.  Tonight I walked away from a conversation and thought this is why I late night slice, sometimes.  

I was at Target to pick up a couple of things tonight and I ran into a former student's mom.  I asked right away what grade her son is in now.  She told me fifth grade.  She then went on to share he's running before school with a little group in his neighborhood.  He's playing lots of sports.  He has a book group and they are reading all the Haddix books.  He scored high on his state testing for social studies, he loves history.  She shared he is still sometimes wiggly and when his teachers bring it up she can ask him about trying medicine again and he "straightens" up.  She talked about his reflection that social media brings him down, he feels better outside with his friends.  Our conversation wandered a bit.  

Before we parted she told me he recently thanked her for holding him back in kindergarten.  He liked being taller than his peers.  He liked being more mature.  He liked being a leader.  She said something like, we (she and I) talked so much and I cried so much but we made the right decision.  Seeing her tonight confirmed; sometimes students need more time.  Sometimes we start school because of a date and that isn't just right.  I was so pleased to have run into her tonight.  It brightened my day.

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.

Self Care {11 of 31 SOLSC}

Yesterday I had a sewing class scheduled for today.  Something came up  for the weekend and I cancelled the class.  Then it looked like Sunday was going to look a little different so I reschedule it.  Self care is something we all need to do.  This isn't a poem but a gathering of words about my self care.

read measurements

layout fabric

rotary cutter

quilting ruler

using math in my life

squares 

rectangles

layout interfacing

rotary cutter

quilting ruler

using math in my life

squares 

rectangles

humming

stop/go

backstitch

snip threads

handles

punch holes

line up hardware

attach

self care complete

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.

While Walking {10 of 31 SOLSC}

The sun was out.  The sky was blue.  The air was chilly and walking was what we did while we waited for an appointment today.  It was in an area of town we don't often visit.  New places make you stop and notice things differently.  I noticed some buds on a tree.  There were patches of green grass brightening up.  The playground looked ready for action.  There were a few people waiting for things outside bundled up soaking in the sunshine, just like us.  Then I spotted my first patch of daffodil blooms.  They were miniature in size which increased their cuteness.  This patch felt like a celebration of hope, spring, and fresh starts.  I regret not taking a picture but will be back to this location soon and will stop and capture those celebrations.

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.

Rise and Shine...{9 of 31 SOLSC}

The door is shut.  The light is sweeping through the crack at the bottom.  The sky is trying to approach to dawn.  The signs are all there she should be up and vertical.  If I let love and logic lead the way I'd walk past that door and hop in the shower.  Maybe she needs a little love and attention.  Maybe she needs something a little different.  Maybe I need to make sure she is up and moving, seizing the day.  I think about entering and if I do, I need to change it up.  I start thinking about a good wake up call.  I decide a rooster might work and I don't have a rooster; I have a golden retriever.  She loves youtube and I bet there must be one there and I enter the room.  

I confirm she is horizontal and think internally why does she physically get up and turn on the ceiling light and return to her bed.  I find a rooster wake up call on youtube and I start the video only to discover there's an ad.  I cringe there is an ad because what I think might be funny is delayed.  The ad worked to my advantage; it was bird noises - soft and soothing.  I stop the ad.  I start the video and her expression is one of what is this?  We have a little side chat which turns to giggles while our pseudo rooster is outside waking up my imaginary mini farm.  Yes, she did get vertical and seize another day of her senior year.  Go get them baby girl, you'll do great things!

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.

Listening with an Open Heart {8 of 31 SOLSC}

We have scheduled times of the year to conduct parent teacher conferences but the reality is they need to happen when there is a need.  I met today with a parent because we as a team had a need.  We were wrapping up our time together and I offered to loan her my copy of, A Mindset for Learning by Kristine Mraz and Christine Hertz.  I had found some things to use specifically for their child.  I asked her to purchase a backpack so we could try a weighted backpack for sensory integration and offered the names of some coaches previous families have worked with.  She then brought me a book she had read to help at home and there was a teacher version she bought for me.  She was very kind when she gave me the book and said I could return it but she knew I liked to read.   We each brought something to the table; while listening with an open heart.

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.

PS - a fell asleep finishing up my post and luckily woke up before midnight.  Late night slicing is tricky.

Squeals for a Blizzard? {7 of 31 SOLSC}

I walked my students out to recess and the day had turned to your normal, dreary gray day here in the Midwest.  I busy myself with small errands for approximately 15 minutes.  As I come down the hallway towards the recess door there's a class already coming in and they seen to be in a bit of a hurry.  I round the corner and see lots of snowflakes swirling around in the sky.  The movement of the  snowflakes looked like a ballroom dance floor.  As I opened the door to go outside I was met with lots of second graders squealing.  Then I realized they were all a chatter because, "it's a blizzard."  After I rationalized why it wasn't a blizzard and how the snow won't be sticking, I felt sad.  The last blizzard in Ohio was in 1978.  I didn't leave here then but Google did!  

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.

I Wish There Where How To Directions {6 of 31 SOLSC}

I had to visit a building today with twelve floors.  I was spending my time on the tenth floor.  I checked in and used the elevator to go up with no problems.  It's easy.  There's panel of numbers and push the button with 10.  I also needed to visit the lower level so I made a plan.  Get back on the elevator and push LL for lower level.  Someone else got on and pushed 1 so we stopped there first before LL.  Then I got "trapped" in a moment of time.  I kept trying to push LL but the elevator wasn't shutting the doors.  A gentleman got on and pushed 12.  I asked about going to LL and he said this elevator is going up.  I think he could tell I was puzzled and he told me this elevator doesn't go to LL (even though I can see an LL button).  He then told me you have to get off this elevator and use the one across from it to go down to LL.  For my speedy ride up 12 floors and back down I kept staring at the elevator buttons and wishing there was a note of some kind.  A mini poster with how to get to LL in three easy steps.  While wishing for this note I also realized I had a classroom of friends who could make an easy how to note for other elevator riders.

This is a rough draft, I'm going to bed.  It's been a long day.

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.

It's Sundae! {4 of 31 SOLSC}

I'm buzzing through the grocery store this morning and I'm passing the frozen section.  I grab an apple juice and two orange juice concentrates without added sugar.  I cross the intersection to the ice cream section and attempt to walk backwards.  Okay, I didn't literally walk backwards but I did some self talk and thought - 

back it up Mandy 

you don't need this

you got some last weekend for movie night

I wrestled some more with my self talk and decided my mini sundaes probably have another week of goodness as we approach spring.  There's something about sunshine and ice cream that go together in my world.  It makes me stop and embrace them both.  I find it relaxing and a moment to slow down.   These two weeks I'm embracing Edy's vanilla ice cream with Hershey's cold chocolate sauce and peanuts on top.  I really prefer Spanish peanuts if you can find them.  Sometimes I add slices of banana to the bottom.  I never add whip cream but you could.  I just ate one before this post in a small bowl for portion control.  Then I realized it was Sundae on Sunday!  Maybe I'll make Sundae on Sunday a summer project and we'll make a different one each week for dessert.  I just took a giant leap there skipping the spring we are trying to embrace early and lept to summer.  Maybe I better slow down and take each day at a time.

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.

Dinner Adventures {3 of 31 SOLSC}

Shrimp Scampi?  Here.  I ignore what he said to my husband.  I was admiring my dish.  I take a bite and think it's lighter than a red sauce and seems like a spring is almost here dish.  I'm deciding this was a great dish for me tonight when I look up across my table and scrunch my eyebrows together.  There's something long, green, and skinny on my husband's plate.  He ordered lobster ravioli.  That should be in the shape of squares.  I ask, "Did you order something with celery?"  I don't think so.  He says I don't think there's any lobster here but it's delicious and offered me a taste.  It was delicious with a great sausage taste and I'm not always a sausage fan.  We keep eating and about half way through our waitress let us know they delivered the next tables food to us.  He asked what he was eating and learned it was stuffed hot peppers.  I'm excited to know my detective celery thinking was right and it was something else.

Prologue - We got our correct meals too and free of charge and now I have lunch two days this week.

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.

Fumbling...{2 of 31 SOLSC}

I've been fumbling here for a bit.  I had a full day.  I was busy at school and busy after school.  My ideas are bouncing around without any real thoughts behind the initial thought.  What's the difference?  Yesterday's writing was fun.  I gathered it via listening.  I captured it on paper with a pencil.  I reflected later in the day.  Today I did neither.  I'm trying to remember cute phrases she said while we visited the conservatory, visited a new diner, and then a new book store with an author visit and it's a jumble.  I think I've learned the benefits of using my notebook during the day, along the way.  It's a spot to hold my thoughts until I can embrace them with intention.

Thank you Two Writing Teachers for not only bringing together a community of writers but inviting us to push the pencil daily and nudge our writerly life.