SOL26: March 3: Jolt of Joe

During March, I write daily with the Two Writing Teacher Slice of Life group sharing bits and pieces of my life. Sometimes, the "slices" are really "sips."

I stopped going to Dunkin regularly a while ago; however, every once in a while, after a fitful night or after an intense workout, my car finds its way into the lot seeking a Jolt of Joe.  Yesterday was one of those days and the fact that I found 4 singles in an old purse headed to the trash seemed to justify my actions. 

There was a customer in front of me pawing through her purse. I assumed she was in search of a means to pay for her coffee but there was a panic in her movements suggesting something more was at stake. I must admit I felt a bit of annoyance in the moment before my Lenten promise to do "acts of kindness" stopped that annoyed sigh in its tracks.

"I've got it," I said to the cashier putting my found-cash on the counter.  "We've all forgotten our wallets," I chuckled to take away the tension. She nodded her gratitude as I ordered my own cup, this time whipping out the Visa card. 

She was still standing there as I prepared to leave, so I queried if she was ok. That created a watershed moment where the tears rolled and I suggested we sit down in in one of those comfy plastic chairs designed to be easily disinfected. She was quiet for a minute and then whispered, "He called to tell me he was being deployed. I'm a mess." 

The headlines flashed through my mind as I reached across the table, mom-to-mom. There were no words needed. There was nothing I could do to make the situation easier. However, I am sure we both needed a Jolt of Joe, at that moment, in order to get through that moment.

SOL26: March 2: Piles of Crocs

I am writing as part of the Slice of Life Story Challenge to write every day in March.  Here is a slice of my day, yesterday.  

I started the afternoon in a large, windowless gymnasium where guests and grandparents were sent to await the "big event" that was, of course, running behind schedule. 

There were lots of boys clad in competition swimsuits and team-logo caps tossing every kind of ball imaginable along the floor and in the air. Those who could not find a ball, tossed balled up socks, bags of chips or their Crocs! The sounds of excited eight year-olds playing air and floor hockey, volley and basketball, as well as boy-in-the-middle echoed off the walls. Some of the rowdiest took to frenetic games of jumping over swim bags or piles of Crocs! The noise was deafening; yet, the boys and those parents assigned to protect them from serious injury seemed as if the scenario was a normal part of a swim meet delay. 

To be honest, to me it seemed like an absolute worst case, after a month-long indoor recess scene from a teacher nightmare! Then, in an instant, they were silent and bouncing down the stairs to their destination where all that energy was put to good use!  They smiled and talked softly to each other as they waited patiently for their turn to jump into the pool, and swim back and forth with all their might! I even overhead that at least some of them were tired after they located their Crocs and headed home.

SOL26: March 1: I'm Excited

Today is the first day of Two Writing Teacher's Slice of Life Challenge. During the month of March, I'll be focusing my writing on bits and pieces of life. This first slice is about me.

I'm excited to be "slicing" again, year fifteen,

To "meet" new slicers and reconnect with "friends,"

I'm ready for the reminder that we are all inspired

To write more with comments from our readers.

I'm anxious to exercise my writing muscle and become inspired

To work on unfinished, masterpieces littering cyberspace.

I'm concerned about the state of our country and the world, holding on

To a belief that both our environment and the "good guys" will prevail.

I'm an avid consumer of paper, kindle, kid, books, news, dreams, I hope

To make this world a slightly better place for all those I meet.

I'm thankful for my busy agenda with students, meets, museums,  

To be teach, share, catch Broadway shows.

I'm grateful to be living this chapter with lots of coffee, aquacise, music,

To have the honor of watching my grands grow, explore their world,

I'm living my best life with lots of bruises, some apprehension, gratified

To have faith, hope, and people I love.

February 26: As Winter Gives Way

On Monday, as a State of Emergency kept everyone at home this gigantic snow-person was born. I have been driving past every day watching the clearly forlorn creature.

Kids, did you forget about me?

What happened to your mittens, snow pants?

Remember the fun we had on Monday with all the snow?

Did you forget about the shovels, ladders, flowers from the table?

Did you know I've been hanging out waiting for you?

Where have you been all day?

Can't you stop and play today?

Why are you just wearing sweatshirts?

Did you notice I seem to be shrinking, fading away?

It is not easy to be a late-season-snow-person

As winter gives way reluctantly to spring.

February 25: Why Write?

This Sunday, the TWT Annual Slice of Life Challenge will begin, meaning we will write and read each other's writing for every day in March. I've been doing it every year since 2012, and every year around this time a little bit of me wonders if I will be able to find enough "slices" to fill the days even though I know I do not need to write about a trip around the world or classroom miracles!  Every year around this time, a part of me gets really excited, like going on a trip or perhaps even first-day-of school anticipation because the SOL Challenge starts on Sunday.  

"Why do this," she asked as if it was a choice,

I will look more closely at the awakening earth, 

The adventures of family, the experience of living 

To see if a slice is hiding in plain site.

I will be inspired by other writers who share 

The adventures around the globe,

The tales of families, students, the wonderful

The mundane aspects of life that bind us.

Someone might just notice my thoughts, ideas,

Lift me up with their words, comments,

I will be, in March, a writer 

Who really does needs to write 

Every day!

SOL26: February 24: Stone Soup

I used to make soup from whatever was in the fridge every time a wind-driven storm blew in. I lived at end of the power lines and electricity disappeared, sometimes for days. I used up meat, veggies, and even cheese that would spoil and fed my family an ever changing version of Stone Soup without per-storm shopping madness!  

I now live alone in a civilized area where outages are brief; yet, as the Blizzard of '26 descended, I was craving soup. I started with one very old leek, some celery past its prime, and a package of sprouting carrots. I added some water and a pinch of salt smiling as I thought of Stone Soup.  I threw in a packet of frozen veggies, some barley from years ago, and let it simmer. 

"Would you like a bit of Stone Soup?" I asked the neighbor wielding his snowblower down my walkway in gratitude for his big orange blower but also because he was the first person I had talked to in more than a day. 

"Um, sure." he responded, taking the container hesitantly. I wonder if he knows the story of Stone Soup?

 

February 23: Beach Is Best

 

Today's Ethical ELA prompt asks us to consider something we love and to have fun! There's a blizzard today with heavy snows, flickering lights, and hesitant internet and while I am trying to embrace finishing my book, I am thinking about how much more I love to read at the beach! My fluffy  Robe hugs me While snow falls. The warm sand Ocean breeze Warms my soul. I'll read in Both, for me Beach is best!

February 22: A Memorable Winter

Today's Ethical ELA prompt asks us to think about two emotions you want to spend time with or invite to your table. Honor your emotions the way you would honor a loved one. 

Today, as a major storm descends on the Northeast, am worried about the state of the world and the physical well-being of loved ones. My thoughts went quickly to one of my Dad's favorite quotes from Rachel Carson's, Silent Spring.  Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature—the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter." My sort-of "golden shovel" poem finds hope in spite of my fears.

Those who contemplate the beauty of the earth find reserves of strength that will endure as long as life lasts. There is something infinitely healing in the repeated refrains of nature—the assurance that dawn comes after night, and spring after winter.

The predictions of devastating winds, epic snows,

Terrifying, frightening, dire news, again,

Fear infuses every breath as evil approaches.

Yet, the dawn did brighten the night sky, again,

Morning comes even if there is panic at the grocer,

Shovels will be ready after the snow falls to-night,

And the longer days assure spring is nearer, and

After this blast, this winter will be memorable!

February 21: Remembering The Grand Canyon

Today's Ethical ELA asks us to write an ode to remember a place or location that nurtured you or taught you a lesson. I learned about harvesting strength and when to say no from a 2 day hiking experience up and down The Grand Canyon.

The idea germinated in the empty

Canyon created loss, sadness, 

"Do it now," echoed in our hearts,

Common sense muffled by sobs

Made reservations, bought

Hiking boots, hydration bladders,

Leaving at dawn, we walked,

Step-by-hesitant-step, over and under

Rocks, more rocks, death defying cliffs

Ankle sprains, aches and pains, 

We arrived exhausted at base after 

Dark, after dinner, where the bunks

Provided brief rest before an arduous

Return across the river, under cliffs,

Through endless switch-backs

Arriving after sunset in spite of those who said

We would not, we made it to the rim.

We are persistent and tenacious

And perhaps, foolhardy. 

February 19 A Side of Engagement

 In my new career as an aquarium teacher, one of the most important parts of my lesson planning involves my playlist.  A good one with just the right songs, with just the right rhythm,  stirring just the right memories can make the jumping and kicking more enjoyable. Sometimes, you can even foster a sing along among the exercisers!  "Sweet Caroline, uh, uh, uh..."   This week, the conversations have been with fellow instructors about how I create my playlists! I am reminded that all good teaching is founded in solid planning around a purpose with a side of engagement.

Never before have I been known for my, 

Stylish clothes, gourmet food, great song pics,

Now, my black suit and coffee are

Perfect foils for Elton, Bruce,

Music from themes, movies,

Google, Spotify,

Aqua searching,

Listening,

Who knew

I

Could blend

Mamma Cass,

Cyndi Lauper and

The Beatles into

Monday, Monday, Wanna

Twist and Shout, and Have Fun.

Purposeful planning with a

A plan for student engagement

Highly effective aquacise folks

Are serious planners in bathing suits!