Saturday, March 1, 2014

SOLSC #1 - The First Day

This post is part of the
March Slice of Life Story Challenge
sponsored by Two Writing Teachers


A year ago I was lurking among the slicers, completely mesmerized by the dedication and skill of these writers.  I knew that in 2014 that I wanted to BE a slicer, not a bystander in the March Slice of Life Challenge.

The Longman Dictionary of Contemporary English defines challenge as something that tests strength, skill, or ability, especially in a way that is interesting,

I can guarantee this challenge will test my strength.  Finding time to write everyday will take effort, work and endurance and will exercise writing muscles that I don't use on a regular basis.  I think I am ready for the "post pressure" of writing everyday.  

I can guarantee this challenge will test my skill.  I hope this challenge will open my eyes to new craft ideas, push me in new directions and encourage me to try new things.  I want to be able to show my students, "Hey look what I did."  I want to be able to show them slices and use them as mentor texts.

I can guarantee this will test my ability.  I have always been one who wants to learn and get better at just about everything I do, especially my teaching.  I spend many hours reading and trying to improve my teaching ability.  This challenge is no different - it will test my writing ability.

I cannot guarantee that it will always be interesting, but I will give it my best shot!

Ten days ago I wrote a slice about my fears concerning this challenge.  I received wonderful advice from many slicers, especially from Terje.  If you are a new slicer, please read her words of wisdom here.

I am still amazed by the outpouring of support and encouragement I received from this community after writing that post.

I know the support will continue...because that is what you do.

Let the challenge change begin!


11 comments:

  1. Exciting time for everyone! So glad you are joining this year! You are so right, this challenge will change us. I'm ready. Happy writing!

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  2. You are so much smarter and more prepared than I was in my first year. What I didn't realize when I started blogging and slicing is that world gets much bigger and brighter. I had no idea how much it would change me. Happy writing!

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  3. Leigh Anne,
    Glad you are joining in the challenge. Don't be afraid. It's a learning experience! I love how you structured your first slice of the challenge. I agree that the challenge will change us...

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  4. Leigh Anne, I can so relate. This is my first year of doing the challenge and I worry if I have 31 ideas in me to write about and will they be of any interest to anyone else but me. I guess I will find out. You can do it. I can do it.

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  5. Leigh Anne, you will love this. On days I'm struggling, my posts are short. I love using photos for inspiration. Most of all, I love that what I learn by doing transfers to my classroom. Get ready for a terrific month!

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  6. Good to read your thoughts. I am thinking about what it means to write daily and who does that!? I'm also comparing it to how we view reading. We read daily. Why not write? Hmmm. I'm looking forward to doing this with you.

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  7. You sounds very ready to accept this challenge. You already have great insights. I look forward to reading your posts!

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  8. I felt the same way last year (and still a little nervous this year), but I was so inspired by the support and encouragement of this community that I keep coming back for more!

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  9. Leigh Anne,
    Welcome to the challenge! We are all in this together. One of the things I love about this community is how everyone cheers everyone on. I'm excited to take this challenge with you. Here we go! :)

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  10. I'm so glad you are jumping in and REACHing beyond what you think is your comfort writing zone. I think we all have a little fear of the challenge, otherwise it wouldn't BE a challenge! But the rewards are plentiful! Congrats on day one and I look forward to reading more of your stories. Also, thanks for your sweet comment. :) I really appreciate your kind words.
    Michelle

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  11. Leigh Anne - I am you last year... "a lurking bystander" reading through others blogs and feeling amazed and inspired by their dedication. I hope to be you this year - joining in the challenge! Yours will be one I will be following and I know that you will have much success as you go through this month of writing and reflecting. Good luck to you!

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