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A Moment to Last

 In February, I was doing the normal perusal of emails when Cindy's (@MsChiubookawrites) email popped into my inbox. There was the usual department information from district, but also, an invitation to join this "Slice of Life" writing challenge. I thought to myself, writing for a month? I could probably do that.

A thus began my journey as a first-year Slicer. Upon the second day, I griped to Cindy about not knowing what to write for a second post. Looking back, I have learned so many strategies from so many of you: Cento poems, writing about specific objects, looking out the window, writing about specific places, having a plan, not having a plan, and so on.

I write from my work computer, as my brain classifies this challenge as "work-related". I have over 50 tabs open in a "To Be Read" sort of browser list of slices I didn't get to read that I wanted to. I have a section in my Notes App for how to use ideas from some of the slices I have read in my classroom. I do not have a plan curated for next year, but I hope I might spend some time on Tuesdays continuing to write.

I know that community is what you put in, and truth be told, my contributions in comments were not much. I always felt that a post either resonated with me or it didn't, but I did not spend a lot of time stretching to see the why of that resonation. When I looked at the glimpses of everyone's worlds, I did not spend the time to deconstruct for author's choices or "moves" you may have made. That will be my goal for next year: to intentionally read to learn.

As many of us have already shared, I want to thank this community and the organizers for helping me to stretch and feel comfortable sharing experiences. The "anonymity" of being behind a screen, only words/pictures on a page, even with those that see me in real life, has allowed me to open up more than I naturally would. As a teacher, I have been inspired. As a writer, I have learned new ways to engage with the world around me. As a person, I have become more comfortable in my ever-changing skin..

See you Tuesdays and Thanks for the Memories :)

Comments

  1. RamonaMarch 31, 2026 at 10:24 PM

    I've been doing this for fifteen years, but never with someone I knew. Although I have met many slicers over the years at conferences and know them now. I'm jealous that you got an email inviting you from someone I know (@MsChiubookawrites) through this writing world. There is never enough time to read all the slices we would like to. I even have a tab open with one of your slices. Headed back there to comment now. Congrats on finishing!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Alice GMarch 31, 2026 at 11:17 PM

    You're lucky to work with Cindy! Congrats on your slicing this year. Each year is different and sometimes my comments are quicker than I'd like them to be. I have many saved slices I plan to read as well, although I should do a better job at organizing them. Thanks for joining in!

    ReplyDelete
  3. MschiubookaApril 1, 2026 at 12:37 PM

    It has been an absolute honor to write alongside you. Yes, we are like covert literary operatives (teach by day, write by night). I cherish the peek into your unique writing style, amazing organizational structures of thought, and your deep reflection and learning. Your questions and plans are on point. Thank you again for joining me on this writing journey, which has only begun. Slice on!

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