Today I am doubling up with my celebration post and my slice of life.
I started blogging the summer of 2013. I joined the Two Writing Teacher's Slice of Life on Tuesdays and eventually participated in the March challenge. Soon after that, I followed many slicers over to celebrate on Saturdays with Ruth Ayres.
Both of these communities have allowed me to grow as a teacher, a reader, and a writer. Through these communities, I created friendships which have become so important to me. Two years ago I attended the All Write conference in Warsaw, Indiana and finally met many of my blogging friends for the first time. The following summer I added more to that list.
This past week I began finalizing my plans for All Write 2016. I am thrilled that I will finally get to meet Michelle Haseltine at One Grateful Teacher. I not only to get to meet her, but I also get to room with her. (I bet those two days will be filled exclamation mark moments!!!)
During the Slice of Life Challenge we begin to "meet" people and find that many are just like us. We make connections. We find our tribe. When these connections are nurtured throughout the year, special friendships form. And when we finally to get meet them face to face ~ well, those are just special moments.
It is one thing to know people through their writing, but to spend time with them and eat, laugh, talk, cry, and yes, even learn together brings a whole new perspective to the power of our words we share each week.
Leigh Anne! I think this will be amazing! I cannot wait to read and follow your adventures at All Write. Thanks for a smiling post this morning!
ReplyDeleteLove that you are going to All-Write. That is something to celebrate.
ReplyDeleteSo true! It is only 5 days in and I am learning so much!
ReplyDeleteI agree. Being at the NCTE Slicers dinner two years ago was extremely powerful. It was so great to meet the face behind so many powerful words. Going to All Write is on my bucket list! Maybe next year!!
ReplyDeleteI LOVE this post, Leigh Anne!!!!!! YES! There will be lots of !!!!! moments, I'm sure!!! :) Hahaha! :)
ReplyDeleteIt's such fun meeting those slicers that we've connected with over the years. I was fortunate enough to meet up with Lynn (Inspire). Our get together was like we had been friends forever and couldn't stop talking. Have fun!
ReplyDeleteIt is so fun to meet these friends in person. I am still trying to figure out if I can get to the All Write conference this year. I love that you have your plans and are ready to go. So fun!!!
ReplyDeleteI have loved seeing you at All-Write too, Leigh Anne, still haven't decided if I can make it this year, sad to say. I will have just returned from another vacation, so it's hard to go again. Hopeful for next year. It has been a joy to connect. I wrote about this today, too!
ReplyDeleteLucky you. I think that slicers should take a filed trip to Estonia. :)
ReplyDeleteLeigh Anne, our tribe is strong because we believe in the power of friendship, story, and sharing our paths. Enjoy your writing conference time with Michelle.
ReplyDeleteMeeting blogging friends is the best! I have never gone to All Write. It always sounds so wonderful. I think I'll go check it out right now. :)
ReplyDeleteThis post is both educational and inspiring. Enjoy All Write and keeping connections strong.
ReplyDeleteDitto, ditto! Conversing through comments is great, but face to face is the best! All Write is special because of the people. Looking forward to another year.
ReplyDeleteHow wonderful for you to connect with your friends face-to-face! Blessings!
ReplyDeleteSo sad that I don't get to join the tribe this year. My niece is getting married that weekend. I will be looking forward to wonderful posts keeping me up-to-date on the All-Write fun and learning.
ReplyDeleteIt really is a wonderful thing to be able to meet our online encouragers in real life. I wish you a fantastic time when you meet up and get to share face to face.
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