Five years ago today, I wrote my first slice of life.
I remember starting my blog and hitting publish for the first time. It was exciting, yet terrifying. I, typically a very private person, was sending my words out into the blogosphere for other people to read. What in the world was I thinking!
I wrote my first introductory post in April and didn't find the confidence to write another until June, which was when I tried to participate in Kate Messner's Teachers Write. That lasted one day! I began to doubt myself and again, wondered what in the world was I thinking!
Then in July I branched out and wrote my first slice, and my life as a writer was forever changed. I have met some incredible people through this writing community - in my virtual life and in real life. Because of them, I began to see that my words did matter, even on those days when I was the only reader.
My writing and my blog have provided me with so many opportunities. It is through my blog where I realized that to be called a writer, one only has to write.
And I have.
And to think it all started with a silly slice about milk jugs!
Time has a way of slipping by, and the older I get, the faster it goes. And NO I did not believe that when my grandparents would say those words when I was a child.
I have this quirky way of watching time go by...especially as it relates to school--reading the date on the milk jug.
We go through about three jugs of milk a week at our house and paying attention to the dates is just something that I do. Those dates have a way of marching through time. At the end of the school year, I can't wait until I finally see May, then June with the anticipation of summer break.
Last week I grabbed two jugs of milk and I couldn't believe my eyes...JULY8th! I gasped, my heart started racing and I broke out into a cold sweat (well maybe I just gasped!) It couldn't be! I blinked to make sure I was reading it correctly. Yes, it did say July. I knew then that it was all down hill from there. Summer was flying by and not even a jug of milk could stop it.
This week as I timidly approached the refrigerated section and opened the door, I opened one eye and then the other. Oh no...July 18th! I slammed the door shut and said, "No thanks, I think I'll try the OTHER store!"
I have this quirky way of watching time go by...especially as it relates to school--reading the date on the milk jug.
We go through about three jugs of milk a week at our house and paying attention to the dates is just something that I do. Those dates have a way of marching through time. At the end of the school year, I can't wait until I finally see May, then June with the anticipation of summer break.
Last week I grabbed two jugs of milk and I couldn't believe my eyes...JULY8th! I gasped, my heart started racing and I broke out into a cold sweat (well maybe I just gasped!) It couldn't be! I blinked to make sure I was reading it correctly. Yes, it did say July. I knew then that it was all down hill from there. Summer was flying by and not even a jug of milk could stop it.
This week as I timidly approached the refrigerated section and opened the door, I opened one eye and then the other. Oh no...July 18th! I slammed the door shut and said, "No thanks, I think I'll try the OTHER store!"
First, thank you for sharing how you began your blogging journey; having just started, this inspires and encourages me to stick with it! Second, I laughed out loud while reading your missive on milk carton dates. As a teacher, these summer months are important, and I feel your pain about seeing July roll around on the calendar. I tell my family that its really the end of my summer; once July ends, I'll be back to school in the blink of an eye! Enjoy the lazy days of July; they don't last forever!
ReplyDeleteGreat post! I think I might take a little stroll back in time and find my first slice of Life Story.
ReplyDeleteA thoughtful reflection on your writing journey...and yes, July always brings a gasp. This year, I have so many school-related meetings this month (and my work calendar year begins on July 31st) that I almost feel like my summer is already over.
ReplyDeleteI love all of the interesting people I have gotten to know through the slicing community! And you make me want to go back and check my first slice. I think I started on New Year's Eve, maybe in 2008 or 2009. And such an interesting way to measure the passage of time! You make me wonder how I measure time....
ReplyDeleteHappy SOL Anniversary! I love this post. I'm grateful you hit publish. This blog and your writing connected us and gave me a wonderful friend! You are amazing!!!
ReplyDeleteI'm in awe-5 years of blogging! Amazing accomplishment! I always look forward to reading your posts
ReplyDeleteCongratulations! Isn't it great to look back and see how you have grown and know that this writing journey continues?
ReplyDeleteCongratulations to you! I always enjoy reading your blog.
ReplyDeleteOh, those dates on the milk cartons. I never buy milk without thinking you're right there beside me looking at the date too! I love that I was one those commenters on this slice and even more I love that I've met you in person. Congrats on your five year anniversary!
ReplyDeleteHappy Anniversary!
ReplyDelete...I know what you mean about dates! Yikes!