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Monday, December 15, 2014

Pondering Wandering

Time for the weekly Slice of Life at the Two Writing Teachers blog.  Tweet at #SOL14  

       Thanks to Stacey, Tara, Dana, Beth, Anna and Betsy for all the support in this community.


at my old cabin
         Time to consider a new one little word, and to reflect upon the year past with my word, wander.  Merriam-Webster states that wander means “to move around or go to different places usually without having a particular purpose or direction.”  Although I have wandered to other places this year, usually with intent: the All-Write in Indiana (to see and be with online friends, to learn), to Missouri with daughter and all three grandchildren (road trip to see my brother and family), and to Pennsylvania to join a poetry group (writing, writing), I feel that those trips and others closer to home still mean “wandering”.


         Part of this ambling, meandering, and sashaying (all synonyms) is to find a new kind of life to live. I want to know what’s important to me, where I want to be in these next years, and “how” I want to be. Because I’ve accepted this new teaching position for this year, it feels as if I’ll need to delay some wandering, and perhaps discovering a new word will help me settle into this teaching life first, then carry me into “what”, I’m unsure. There are good words to ponder. Perhaps I’ll re-read Jen Bryant and Melissa Sweet’s new book The Right Word, and perhaps it will have "my" word?

        Here we go into 2015, as Rilke says, “Full of things that have never been.”

26 comments:

  1. I've been pondering that OLW too. I love reading about all of the OLW choices and HOW people find them. Looking forward to yours.I love Melissa's book and need to channel my inner "Roget" to find the "just right" word for 2015.

    PS
    I believe you may have wandered into that teaching job. Even though it might have curtailed the wanderlust for a while.

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    1. You're right, it is fun to see how others discover their words. And also right about the teaching. Did the word take me there?

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  2. I am all about the meandering (see my blog title).
    :)
    And you are right, it does seem about time to revisit the One Little Word for 2014 and then think ahead. It sort of slipped my mind (meandering, again).
    Thanks!
    Kevin

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    1. You're welcome, Kevin. Over the next few weeks words will be flying around, saying "take me, take me".

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  3. Linda-I have not heard of The Right Word. Always up for looking at new titles! This was the first year I had a OLW, and was surprised at how that journey went. Of course, not like it was planned, but lovely just the same. My word for 2015 has already surfaced, and I've been in my writer's notebook a bit working that out! I agree with Julianne, perhaps you wandered right back to teaching. :)

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    1. Oh, you must find The Right Word, Kendra. It is beautiful! This sharing of our OLWs makes me happy when I read them. Looking forward to yours.

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  4. You are on such an exciting path, Linda! I know there will be shorter paths along the way for you, leading to overlooks. Enjoy, enjoy. xo

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  5. What a great OLW. Sometimes "the road less travelled by" does make all the difference.

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  6. Wandering,ambling, meandering, and sashaying...each has it's own particular connotation and intention, together they point to a joy in the adventure, and being receptive to the process. Perfect word for you in the year to come, Linda - as you pursue so many endeavors.

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  7. I've just started thinking about this too. My word for 2014 was Focus, and it is high time for me to sit down and reflect on how this word presented itself over the past year. No idea what my word for 2015 will be!

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  8. Is it time for a new OLW already? It still puzzles me how people seem to choose the just right word. Or is it that after they have chosen the word starts living its own life? Looking forward to reading about the words and the word choosing process.

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  9. It's funny how those OLWs morph and come to fruition in the year in ways we could never have imagined when we chose the word. I love the idea of wandering through new places and learning new things.....I might be going there next year...meandering...kind of a slowing down and appreciating....

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  10. I don't think your wandering has come to an end. You always find the most interesting paths to explore. Perhaps wander will take a backseat and allow a new word to be front and center.

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  11. I have a list going for my 2015 OLW. I know what I want it to mean but it has to feel right, too. This year Open was just right for me. I think I'll write about it this week. I love the Christmas song, "I Wonder as I Wander."

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  12. Wandering...may it never stop. There is always something new out there to see and do whether it be near or far. Enjoy wherever your meandering takes you.

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  13. Your path this year may take to many places that are closer to home or just in your mind or perhaps wandering through books and your writing. Wherever you sashay to, I hope you enjoy every moment.

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  14. It's been a long day today, so instead of replying to each of you, I'll say thank you to everyone. I'd rather take the time to read your slices today. I love hearing what you have to say about this OLW.

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  15. Hmm...love your olw wander...mine was well-...thanks for the reflection reminder and the other to remember to start seeking my word...

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  16. When I read your post this am about wander, it made me think about "The Happy Wanderer." Because I couldn't remember the 2nd line (along the mountain track), I had to google it. The song has lots of verses and they're all wonderful. Check them out here - http://www.scoutsongs.com/lyrics/happywanderer.html
    Another perfect example of how easily I can get sidetracked. I purchased The Right Word at NCTE, but still haven't read it. You've inspired me to check it out and search for my new word.

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    1. Thanks Beth & Ramona. I know the song, but will look up the rest of the lyrics, Ramona. Do read The Right Word-marvelous book!

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  17. Beautiful post and a good reminder. I need to consider my one little word for the year too.

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  18. I love the idea of wandering, ambling and meandering, Linda, and being open to the possibilities that present themselves to us when we're open to finding them. Thanks for sharing!

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    1. Thanks, Catherine. Hope you have a good holiday with all the family.

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  19. Oh your wandering so have taken you places. And then wandering into a new job. I need that new book. Love the quote at the end of your piece.

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