Fear of the Firsts

There are a number of firsts this year, despite it being my ninth year teaching.

A Forgotten Town

Today’s Slice of Life writing comes from inspiration I had while driving south to see my sister and her family. I don’t mind long drives because it gives me time to listen to audiobooks or podcasts or just reflect on the scenery as I drive. It can be dull, but sometimes you drive through little […]

A Storm Rolling In

All I could see as the storm rolled in was the darkened sky and the wind moving the leaves of the trees — green shifting through an entire spectrum of its shades. I watched, leaning back in my chair, tucked safely under the awning. I suppose lightning could still strike me — but the storm wasn’t […]

A View from my Balcony

Now that the weather is reaching that spring-time sweet spot of partially cloudy-to-sunny and cool without being cold, I would like to enjoy the outdoors a bit more from my balcony. Thus, a cleaning has been prompted. I step out onto the small balcony of my apartment, big enough to hold two lawn chairs and […]

#NPM: This Is Not a Poem About Toilet Paper Shortage

I apologize in advanced for this particular poem. Usually we think of poetry as celebrating the beautiful aspects of life. This is not that kind of poem. I almost didn’t want to share it, a slice of life poem highlighting a current failing of mine. But, then again, I believe it is fairly relatable. And […]

#NPM: Doodling & Writing

I must confess something to you all. I am a writer, that much has been clear for awhile, but what you might not know is that I am also a doodler. Today I was reminded of that when I saw an infograpic and brief piece about “What Doodling Says About Your Personality Type.” Much like […]

#NPM: A Monday Twitter Chat

I am doing well with writing poetry every day. In fact, sometimes I even manage more than one poem — though of course more are in my notebook than on this blog. Today’s poem I am posting serves as both a slice of life (since it is Tuesday) and a found poem inspired by last […]

#SoL20: Looking Back, Moving Forward

This week I shared with students we were going to do the Classroom Slice of Life Story Challenge. I’m nervous and excited for them, but mostly hopeful that they will see the benefit and joy of doing it. I actually got to speak to two students over Hangouts today and address some points of confusion. […]

#SoL20: Frogs

There was a show on television when I was a kid, though I don’t recall the name, but I recall the premise. A kid would have a secret/weird talent or collection or hobby that a panel of celebrities would have to guess. It was on Nickelodeon so the once infamous “green slime” was involved if […]

#SoL20: New Reading Spaces

This weekend I have spent a lot of time with my nose in a book. I tried changing things up by reading in different places in my apartment that I don’t typically read. Mainly to avoid falling asleep in my bed when I shouldn’t. One day, it was the spare room in my apartment. Despite […]