In the same way....

Slice of Life #5 - #6

*Update*
 Looks like I missed the cutoff time for day 5, so I am going to submit this on day 6

I started a new exercise program recently.  So now everyday I prepare by gathering the proper equipment.  I wear loose-fitting clothes and tennis shoes.  I get a water bottle full of cool water and the resistance band the exercise program sent me with the DVD's.

Once ready I can begin!  I push play on the remote and the fun commences.  (Although not always fun, it is important to have the right attitude. It helps with motivation. ) For the next 30 minutes or so I am stretched. twisted, and put my muscles to the test. The nice trainer on the DVD encourages me to keep at it and I'll get stronger the more I repeat this.   Many days I really don't want to perform this new routine of mine and it is hard to get started.  But I always feel good after I am finished and I am glad that I did it. 

In the same way........

I started a new writing challenge recently.  So now everyday I prepare by gathering the proper equipment.  Sometimes I get my notebook and pen first, but usually I just need my trusty computer.  I fill my coffee mug and get comfortable.

Once ready I can begin!  I login to my blogger account and the fun commences.  ( Although not always fun, it is important to have the right attitude. It helps with motivation.)  For the next 30 minutes or so I am stretched as a writer, twisting and wringing my hands as my writing muscles are put to the test.   The nice readers, by way of comments, encourage me.  I know that I wll get stronger the more  I keep at it. Many days I really don't want to perforn this new routine of writing daily, but I persevere and I always feel good after I am finished and I am glad that I did it.

Determine that the thing can and shall be done,

and then we shall find the way.

-Abraham Lincoln

Fishing Boy

 Slice of Life # 4

"Grandma, I went fishin' !"   The little voice came across the phone and I could hear how excited  my gransdon still was from his expedition yesterday. 

"Did you catch any fish? "  
 "Two"
"How did you catch them?"
"With a pole."
"Are you going to eat them?"
"No!!!  We are going to eat other fish."
 "Well, I'm gonna call you the 'Fishing Boy' "


I love and am amazed as I watch my grandson grow.  He is a country boy just like his father, my son-in-law.   My heart just swells when I hear him call my name.  He is my heart.  There is no love like a grandmother's love.  Especially for her Fishing Boy.   

Date with my Daughter

Slice of Life #3











Standing there so lovely
in a flowing gown.
Gazing at the mirror
looking up and down.

A tuck here and a tuck there
the seamstress pins it all around.
We're here for the first fitting
It's the most beautiful dress to be found!

Hair up, hair down
The decision not yet made.
Twirl around once, and then again
She imagines their promenade.

It all began quite innocently
The day my daughter met a boy.
They fell in love, he asked for her hand.
Now this mother is full of joy.

There is much to be done, our lists are full
Flowers, dress, cake; nothing can we miss
But today we smile, the time comes quickly 
The day my daughter enters wedded bliss.


Celebrating Dr. Seuss

Slice of Life Challenge #2

A few years ago on this day I was up early preparing a special treat for the 4th grade class at school.  My grade level colleagues and I took on this project to serve our kids scrambled eggs and slices of ham for a breakfast celebration.  I should mention that the eggs were green.  That's right, we were giving our students "Green Eggs and Ham."  This was to celebrate both the birthday of Dr. Seuss and a reading/writing project they had finished. 

Fast forward three years.....

Today I watched my four month old granddaughter so that my daughter could take my three year old grandson to the newly released movie The Lorax.  This movie is based on the Dr. Seuss book by the same name.   Of course, I said I would. 

What do you do with a four month old?   Besides the necessities of eating drinking, sleeping, and diaper changing; we stretched our arms & wiggles our toes, we cooed at each other, and we played with the Cat in the Hat!  It doesn't take much to entertain a baby! 

I am glad that both my grandchildren interacted with the Dr. Seuss today - the day of his birth. I hope they will come to love his books as they grow. 

Some favorite Dr. Seuss quotes:

"Why fit in when you were born to stand out?"

"The more you read the more things you will know. The more that you learn, the more places you'll go."

"Be who you are and say what you mean.  Because those who mind don't matter and those who matter don't mind."

And a Dr. Seuss quote especially fitting for this Slice of Life Challenge:

"Today was good. Today was fun. Tomorrow is another one."   

 

A Challenge!

Two Writing Teachers are hosting their annual Slice of Life Writing Challenge.   For the month of March we are encouraged to write daily a "slice from our life." 

This year I have decided to take up the challenge and write.  I plan to write daily and hope that I can pull it off.  I know from teaching children to write that it is not easy to pull out your notebook and joy down snippets of life.  It takes practice, determination, and perseverance.   I hope to be diligent enough. 

...and somewhere down deep, I am a little afraid that this might be too big of a step and I might be a failure...  But then my teacher-self steps in to tell me that even if I don't get everyday accomplished, any writing is better than no writing and I will have learned and be better off for doing whatever it is that I do get done...    

I'm keeping my fingers crossed that I can carry through till the end of the month!