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Friday, February 28, 2014

Slice Number One - My Fourth SOLC - Plus Celebrating!

Discover. Play. Build.

FOR FUTURE CREATING: Try this link from Brainpickings: http://www.brainpickings.org/index.php/2014/02/28/creative-block-krysa/


           Three years ago I published my first post, entering the Slice of Life Community for the first time. Today I am starting the challenge again hosted by the blog, TwoWritingTeachers, who have now become six writing teachers: Stacey Shubitz, Tara Smith, Betsy Hubbard, Anna Gratz  Cockerille, Dana Murphy and Elizabeth Moore , and cross-posting because it’s time for Saturday Celebration with those who share with Ruth Ayres.

FYI - For the Classroom Challenge: If your last name begins with A-M, contact me, Linda Baie: LindaB414[at]gmail[dot]com  If your last name begins with N-Z, contact Margaret Simon: margaretsmn[at]gmail[dot]com or her school email masimon[at]iberia[dot]k12[dot]la[dot]us   She blogs at Reflection On The Teche. Please do ask any questions that arise. We are happy to help you, again and again if needed!

           To start the challenge, and to combine it with celebration, here are some thoughts from the past, present and future.  


Past:  At work this week, just returning from a winter break, I’m celebrating that I taught a lesson about self-discovery for an early adolescent class, about researching one’s name. I posted here about it and will return to that class next Monday to see what they’ve found so far.  The end goal is a spoken word presentation.  It was such fun to be with the ages (middle-school mixed) I used to teach, and I’m looking forward to more.  I also met with a book group twice, met with colleagues, and led the core staff (the classroom teachers) in a discussion of formative assessment. Friday afternoon as many of the classrooms that could joined in the NCTE/Black Caucus-sponsored African-American Read–In where we read pieces from African-American writers all afternoon.  It was a full, busy, and rewarding week.
       Personally, my writers group met, re-connected to each other’s particular style, worked to give helpful response to everyone. One additionally good thing is that another staff member has joined us. Those evenings are always a boost.
       And, I’m celebrating that I’ve written a poem nearly every day all month for another blogger’s birthday month challenge, Laura Shovan, who blogs at AuthorAmok. Her challenge was to take the Pantone colors and post a few each day and those of us who were writing chose one color or more, to write about.  It was not an easy task to find some way to connect with either the color or the color’s name and then write.  There are a few days left.

Present: I’m loving a Saturday morning at home today, with a cold drizzly morning outside, I’m happy to be inside, writing and keeping warm.

Future:  My mother was an artist, and at one time, we gave her a loom for her birthday, thinking she might like to try this new media.  She did not, so I brought it out yesterday, have the instructions so I can assemble it.  My need to do something different has been a nagging one, so I’m going to try this. I have lots of beautifully colored and different textured yarn, and plan to mess about with this during the weekend.

I hope everyone enjoys this month of slicing and celebrating!

photo credit: dennis-sbirenda via photopin cc


      

60 comments:

  1. I'm so happy you are slicing all month too! I always love reading your posts. A loom?!?! Wow! I hope you post pictures of your progress. I'm intrigued!

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    1. Should be fun to try the weaving, Michelle, & I'll look for you too this month!

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  2. I love the way you combined celebration (past, present and future) with your slice this morning. I have not yet written today, but might just use you as my mentor text!

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    1. Thanks Anita-will see how you write it too!

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  3. Happy Day 1, Linda! I'm in for Year 4, too! Let the fun begin! Have fun with that loom. I got one for my daughter once, because I'd always wanted to try it. She's never used it. I think I need to try it now, too!

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    1. I know, Donna, there are a few of us who began that year, aren't there-quite a lovely journey with you!

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  4. A full week behind, enjoying a cozy morning, and a fascinating project waiting - a lovely spot to be at.

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    1. Thanks Terje-I really am happy to be home this morning. Now the dilemma is going to be reading or writing or weaving!

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  5. How fitting to celebrate starting the challenge. You've had a busy week and it's good to take some time to relax. I hope the loom will be relaxing (once it's set up). Can't wait to see what you create.

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    1. I've done some weaving with my class in the past, & it is relaxing. The students loved it too. Thanks Elsie!

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  6. Hi Linda. I am entering my second SOLC and thank you for your support as I was a fledgling last year and your continued support as I blogged through the year. I love how new friends are forged through this work!

    And I love your organization of past, present and future. Your future sounds fun. This weekend (my present) I am at a workshop with Julia Cameron at a place called Kripaula in MA where I am exploring my own creativity and expression of it. I am sure it will be part of my blog this month.

    Thanks for all that you do to support fellow bloggers!

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    1. You are so welcome, Deborah. I appreciate all the words! Your workshop sounds wonderful, will be good to share with us about it!

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  7. I didn't realize we both started the slice challenge in the same year. I just remembered you were one of my blog's biggest cheerleaders - then and now. Thanks so much! Enjoy your weekend.

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    1. You're welcome, Katherine. I think there is a group that started then, and are still here, including you! Hope your weekend is good, and not too snowy!

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  8. Great post, Linda! Thanks for being a part of our community of writers!

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  9. Thanks for putting in my contact info for classroom slicers. We are here to help. I remember my first year, so intimidated and nervous.
    You deserve a break today after your busy week. You amaze me with your involvement and that you still have time to support so many bloggers.

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    1. And thank you for continuing to be a support to me, Margaret. This month is going to be quite interesting, isn't it? Have a great day!

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  10. Linda, love that you are trying something new. This time of year is not only good for writing but it is great for new things. I have become a kitchen chemist (in lieu of baking). I am creating my own cleaning products and having a blast experimenting. Today's recipe...laundry tabs (on the cheap)!

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    1. Oh wow-that sounds so interesting, Wanda. I hope that's what you're sharing with us today. Winter does seem to be a time for trying things, doesn't it? Great observation! Thank you!

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  11. I love the structure of this, Linda, and so glad you mentioned those poems - they have been such fun to read and keep up with. Makes me wish I was a bit more courageous about being a poet. What fun to try the loom - especially on a dreary day, with lovely yarn at hand. You'll have to slice about the experience, naturally!

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    1. Thanks dear friend! Yes, I will write about it, with pics, but will also have to grab the time to do it. Today might be very, very busy, right? Have a fun weekend with the birthday celebration!

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  12. Hi Linda! Three years and counting for your posts - so inspiring! I'm only 3 months but am enjoying the challenge! I really liked how you posted in "past, present and future" - I will remember that! Your color poetry sounds very interesting - I will be checking that out later! Good luck with your loom! Perhaps your weaving of colors will inspire another color poem! Happy weekend to you!

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    1. Great idea about that 'later' color poem, Adrienne. So happy to see you here, I'll look for you among the slicers! Hope you enjoy every bit of this month!

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  13. Looms, colors, rainbows - sounds wonderful and warm on this snowy day!

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  14. Trying something different from what your normally do definitely tends to spark something inside one's creative brain! Happy writing, reading, and looming!

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    1. Thanks Earl, I think that's what I'm after, something new for another part of my brain! Hope your day is terrific too!

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  15. So much to celebrate and be thankful for. Your slice covers it all. Glad to hear that you are venturing into something new. I look forward to hearing about your progress with the loom. I start thinking about doing something new and then I take inventory of ALL that's on my plate and decide I just need to stay constant and finish what I have started.

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    1. I know what you mean, Judy, sometimes "one more thing" feels daunting, but I think I need to access a new part of my brain sometimes and this might be it! Thanks for coming by!

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  16. You are amazing with all that you do and accomplish! So much to celebrate and I'm so glad to continue on this journey with you again this year. Looking forward to reading more!

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    1. Hard to believe there are many of us who have been together all this time, isn't it, Michelle? What a lovely journey it has been-all the kids are growing up! I'm reading and commenting fast, but there are a lot of slicers & celebrations today! Thank you!

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  17. Can't wait to see what you will create with the loom!

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    1. I'm going to start putting it together tonight, Jaana-I hope it will work! I will share!

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  18. What a fun day you have ahead of you! Grading papers is on my to do list, but that is because next weekend is my book club retreat and I must get caught up. This will be my third year to participate and I'm a bit nervous about the midnight, east coast time deadline. I think I'm up for the challenge. Thanks for hosting the classroom challenge. Hoping to figure out a way for my students to participate.

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    1. Maybe you could do a day ahead, Ramona, then post the next day? I usually post in the am because that's easier for me, but I know that everyone has their own rhythm. I'll look for you both personally and in the classroom!

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  19. You definitely have a lot to do, with your teaching, your writing, your helping other writers, and now your weaving. I always look forward to reading your words, so I am glad March is here and I get to visit every day!

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    1. Yes, it'll be fun to see what so many are doing, won't it? And I hope part of that will be welcoming spring! It's time!

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  20. And here we are, starting our fourth slice of life challenge. Doesn't seem likes it's been that long. Glad you are here!

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    1. I loved the list you made of all that's happened to you-it goes fast! Thanks Deb, glad you're here!

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  21. I can't wait to hear more about the loom too! What a neat new adventure. Thank you for welcoming me into the slicing community. Your words always lift me up and inspire me to look for the good. I'm exciting to begin another challenge.

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    1. Back home again after an afternoon adventure, so will try to find everyone, & meet a few new ones, Lee Ann. I love reading your posts too, always, always learn a lot! Thank you!

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  22. Linda, Congrats on blogging for three years. I admire that you are an assistant with the SOLSC challenge. Since I have two blogs, I get to write two posts for Saturday. Which is fine. I love how you resound to everyone who comments. I have to get better at that.

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    1. I only managed two blogs for a while when I taught a blogging class, Jone, but gave it up after that, couldn't see a reason to keep them separate, although sometimes there have been some personal moments as you know. I try to keep the teaching part emphasized. So glad you're taking the challenge!

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  23. I admire the fact that you were able to write so many poems for Laura's Pantone project. I have one that I've been polishing for 2 weeks! Maybe it will be in shape to share by Friday. Can't wait to hear more about your weaving!

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    1. Well, Catherine, I must say that mine are not polished, but just written quickly with some work. They "all" can use more. Please share. I know we'll all enjoy your poem! The weaving is going to be a challenge, but I'll get there!

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  24. It sounds like a wonderful week for you. I'm intrigued by the loom. All 3 of my children are creating in fabrics right now...my daughters are quilting and my son taught himself how to knit. I find that I'm missing that creative outlet. (I guess my baking gives me some outlet). I'm going to check out Brainpickings. I love that site. I look forward to slicing with you this month. :)

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    1. We have kids at school that love the fabric work, & used to have a staff member teach some to knit, girls & boys. We actually thought it helped some in their reading. I think the weaving is intriguing because it is a different outlet as you say. And yes, baking/cooking is that kind of thing too, Julie. I love when you post about it. I'm looking forward to slicing with you too! See you tomorrow!

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  25. Linda- Sounds like you have had a terrific week! I love that you are getting out the loom, can't wait to hear more about your ventures into this media, so different from our usual world of words! Hope you are staying warm!

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    1. Carol, if you've sliced, I haven't been able to locate you! I'll keep trying. This cold wave after Friday was definitely unwelcome, right? I'm messing with the loom, but it's different, so will take some time & thought! I'll find you!

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  26. I love to hear what you are up to and what is happening at your school. I imagine the loom out, the yarns and wonder what you will come up with. The flakes are coming fast and furious today here. I love the cozy feeling, like you. xo

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    1. Thanks Nancy, love to hear from you, too, your stories & from school. Hope all else is good. Your story today was lovely, and sad too.

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  27. Can't wait to see what comes from the loom, Linda! : )

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    1. Oh, thanks much dear friend-this will be an interesting journey, won't it?

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  28. Oh, a loom! It's my fantasy craft equipment! I haven't done any weaving since I was 12, but I haven't lost my love of it. I hope you have fun setting up and using yours!
    ~Stacie

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    1. Thanks, Stacie-I know it will be fun, but some learning will be involved too. I wrote about it in my next post.

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  29. Linda,
    It is so fun to get to participate in this event alongside you.
    My Mama, too, has a loom, though it is up in the rafters of our garage right now. Someday, she vows, it will come down again, once there is room in the house for it.
    Looking forward to reading the rest of your posts.

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    1. Thank you Kam-it is fun to have coworkers along, & the students too! Love your loom story-wonder how many are sitting idle somewhere? Happy Slicing!

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  30. So happy to be part of SOLSC with you again, Linda! Yes!

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    1. Yes! It will be fun seeing your posts every day, Maureen!

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