This is the third year I'm attempting the Slice of Life month long challenge. In each of the previous two years, I managed to write and post daily until about the middle of the month, when life seemed to get in the way. One obstacle has been the Illinois Reading Council conference in mid-March. Attending the conference tends to derail my blogging and commenting efforts because I get so caught up in the social aspect of the conference. This year, I am resolved not to let that happen.
I chose to attempt the month-long challenge again this year because I know that when I am writing regularly, I am a better writer. I went back through my blog archives earlier this week, and I was amazed that I had actually written some of those entries. There was one in particular that stood out for me, this one, where I describe cooking with my children. I almost cried, thinking about how much they have grown since I wrote the blog. It's also kind of cool, though, that I have written memories of these times, not just photos in a scrapbook that don't tell a whole story.
I've also decided that I'm going to try to spread my slice stories out between two of my blogs: this one, where I tend to write about my life and family, and Making It Work In The Middle, my sadly neglected professional blog. I may also cross post some posts to the Illinois Writing Project blog. We'll see.
So here it is, March 1, and already I'm off to a great start. Tonight I'll go through the links and comment on others' posts, a task I enjoy, as it leads me to new voices to follow in my Google Reader!
This is my first year trying the challenge, and I am afraid that life will get in the way before the month is out. Even if I don't make it the entire month, I know I will treasure what slices of life I do capture with my writing.
ReplyDeleteThird time is the charm, right? I hope you will make it all month, but even if you don't some is better than none. That was a sweet post of cooking with your girls. It helps us to remember. So when you are at the conference, just jot down who you've heard that day or what fabulous book you've just learned about and make me totally jealous.
ReplyDeleteThis is my first time attempting the month-long challenge! I'm really hoping to make it happen everyday, too!
ReplyDeleteIt is fun to go back and read old posts! I read your post on cooking-it's so wonderful that you're having your kids learn to cook already! I need to do more with this! Thanks for sharing this story!
ReplyDeleteGood luck, Mindi! I loved the challenge last year and am hopeful I can complete it this year.
ReplyDeleteMindi-
ReplyDeleteSo glad you are trying the challenge again. I've done it for four or five years. Sometimes I post really consistently, other years not so much. Think the important thing is just to give yourself permission to do what you can do- if you miss a few days during your reading conference, no big deal! And I've met so many nice people through slicing!
I couldn't help but shake my head and agree with you when reading your post. I read through my past posts and was taken by the memories that are forever recorded. That alone will motivate me to write daily. Good luck!
ReplyDeleteI try to keep up with two blogs while working full time too. I feel your pain, and you've made me feel less alone in my guilt--ha!
ReplyDeleteMindy - I'm happy that you are given the challenge another try. I truly enjoy "catching up" with friends, both old and new, online as they share some honest truths about their lives during this month. I will eagerly look forward to your posts now as well.
ReplyDeletewhoops - meant to say "are giving" - my apologies
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