Tinker Toys and Slicers

Image by Aldren Gamalo from Pixabay

What do the numbers 12, 1000, 2013, and Tinker Toys have in common? It's the history of this blog and my connection to the Slice of Life community.

This is the 12th year of participating in the challenge for me. The past three years I debated on participating, but the community is what kept me signing up. Last year, I didn't complete the 31 days, but I was still proud of what I did write. This year was not as hard as what I thought it would be, but my knee injury provided much fodder for writing.

I started this blog in April of 2013, not knowing what I was doing or who, if anyone, would ever read what I wrote. Two months later, I was brave enough to write my first slice. It was about milk jugs, of all things! A year after I started my blog, I participated and completed my first challenge. This challenge gave me confidence and was the catalyst for creating a true writing life.

Through those early years of blogging, many slicers became very dear friends. The following summer, I attended an All Write Conference and met many of them in person:  Ruth, Elsie, Linda, and Christie. I attended a slicers get-together at that conference. Since it was my first time, and I knew no one and am an introvert, I stayed on the outskirts. Stacey and Betsy were there, and I regret not introducing myself.

Through time and at other conventions I have met many more slicers:  Diane, Erica, Margaret, Denise, Glenda, Heather, Christie, Cathy, Arjeha (Bob) and I am sure I am missing others. 

It is one thing to have online connections, but face-to-face connections and real hugs are so much better. 

This blogging community is like the picture of Tinker Toys, different parts coming together to create something amazing. I am so grateful for the friendships that have developed and the friends I have met in person simply by sharing my words these last 12 years.

The number 1000 stands for my 1000th post. And I think it is only fitting that I write it on the last day of this challenge with the community who built my writing life and who continues to sustain me.

May you keep writing and may that writing continue to create connections.

Thank you to Two Writing Teachers for creating 
a space for me and other teacher-writers to share our stories.