Tuesday, June 27, 2017

Milestones


Thank you Two Writing Teachers for creating this space for me to share my corner of the world.

I am in the midst of two milestones.  I wrote my 500th post on Sunday, and four years ago next week, I wrote my first slice of life. 

Little did I know how writing about
milk jugs would change my life.  
  • I have met and connected with some wonderful people, not only in the blogosphere, but also face to to face.  
  • I understand how my students feel in the writing process.  I understand their struggles of a blank page, and I understand their celebration for having written. No greater feeling exists than to put down the pen and say, "This is a pretty good piece of writing."
  • I have become an advocate for teacher writers.  My writing instruction is so much stronger because I write. I want other teachers to understand this connection too.
  • I see the importance of story.  Our lives are made up of stories; we just need to open our eyes and our hearts and our notebooks.
  • I have become brave.  I have written about topics close to my heart.  I have shared my passion, and I have stood up for what I believe in the best interests of my students.
  • I have become a better writer. We tell our students that they become better readers and writers through practice.  Well, that works the same for adults.
  • This space has become a catalyst for opportunity.  I have presented at conferences. I have taken my writing beyond this space.  And I know many more opportunities are within my grasp.
These are just a few reflections today, but I know there are many more.

So thank you Two Writing Teachers, my readers, and my friends, for introducing me to this writing community, encouraging me to continue, and letting me share a day in my life as a teacher, a reader, and a writer.

12 comments:

  1. Writing to teach writers seems to be so basic, and yet so underestimated. I don't get here often enough, but enjoy reading when I do!

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  2. 500!!! That is a milestone to celebrate, for sure!

    Connecting, understanding, and advocating, seeing the importance of story, becoming brave, and grasping opportunities- you have described so well what this writing community can give to all who take part.

    Congrats!!

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  3. Congrats on two wonderful milestones! I loved seeing you in the pic from All Write. I still remember how fun it was to meet you in person! And yes, I think of you each time I pick up a jug of milk and check the date. Love these words form your post: "Our lives are made up of stories; we just need to open our eyes and our hearts and our notebooks."

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  4. Wonderful lessons learned. I'm so glad to know you through your words. Thank you.

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  5. Way to go on reaching your 500th post and four year anniversary! I couldn't agree with you more on your reflections. This is a wonderful community. I also enjoyed your tweets for #allwrite17 this past week. You made me feel like I was there too!

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  6. Wow, Leigh Anne, isn't that just awesome! What an accomplishment ... and it all started with one little slice about milk jugs and dates. I remember that slice! And my comment then still applies today:

    "Wow - welcome to the Slice of Life community! We all start with the baby steps, but then you realize what you have gotten yourself into and you can't turn back. It's an amazing experience!"

    You realized what you got into and here you are 500 posts later! Bravo! And here's to many, many more stories!

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  7. Congratulations on your milestone! I will absolutely be reading your first post about milk jugs.

    I would love to know some specifics about how your writing has improved. What exactly have you noticed? How will I get the sense that my own writing improves as I travel on this journey?

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  8. And to think it all started with writing about how many jugs of milk you and your family consume in a week! One never knows where writing small can take them.

    Congratulations on this milestone, Leigh Anne. I hope to celebrate many more with you.

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  9. Congratulations! It's hard to imagine a time when you didn't have a blog and write, Leigh Anne - what a fabulous journey you've been on.

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  10. That is wonderful!! Congrats on your accomplishments! They are huge!

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  11. Congratulations! I agree with all of the points you've made here. My writing life has developed beyond any expectations I've ever had through blogging. And the friendships... who knew? Let's keep writing and connecting and maybe one day we'll meet face to face.

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  12. Congratulations on the 500th post!I love your list and how empowering you have found blogging to be for yourself as a teacher and learner.

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