SOLS #26: Are You In?
"Blogging is using a new medium for what it is good for - connecting and interacting." George Siemens
Blogging
What brings one to this blogging madness? I first began blogging a few years ago at Reflect and Refine: Building a Learning Community. I suppose it was a combination of conversations with friends and spending time on Twitter that pushed me to begin. As I spent more time on Twitter I'd find that sometimes conversations would begin, and I had more than 140 characters to say about them. Imagine that.
My first post, The Walls Are Coming Down, documents the beginning of my journey. I try to post once a week on this blog, and usually keep it focused to literacy and technology. I've never really pressured myself to post beyond that goal, though there are times I seem to post more often. I told myself from the beginning I wasn't going to stress about it. (I have a habit of stressing about everything.)
The Challenge
Then last year I started this blog, Merely Day by Day. It was an attempt to join the 365 daily photo challenge. Yes, I just love a challenge. Well, let's just say that went about like my plans to exercise. Not. So. Well. Looking back I see I made it 58 days which is better than I remembered. When the Slice of Life Challenge started I decided it was time to rejuvenate this blog. The way I wanted to participate in this challenge didn't really lend itself to the writing on my other blog. This has actually worked out perfectly.
What's Next
So what's my plan? I have enjoyed this blog for trying to improve my writing ---- which still needs A LOT of work. If I have heard the rumors correctly Slice of Life will continue weekly on Tuesdays. I plan to post here at least that often. I have also heard rumors of an April Poetry Challenge. (Yes, I apparently hear a lot of rumors.) When I figure that challenge out I hope to participate here next month --- just to keep life interesting. A little poetry is good for the soul.
That is my plan, but honestly (and I wish this was at the beginning of the post because I want everyone to read it) I hope everyone else will continue to blog. I've come to enjoy the writing of so many people participating in the event. I would miss not being able to stop by to read their thoughts. This challenge has let me put stories with the people I have followed on Twitter, blogs, and in the cyber-sphere. The thought that everyone might disappear on April 1st is not something I want to consider. Are you in?
I started last year and haven't stopped yet, with no plans to stop. I'm glad to hear that you will continue on Tuesdays. It is much more relaxed, after all it's once a week. Sometimes I wonder what will I have to say then I think about March. I put on my big girl panties and write. So the new battle cry is: Write On! (it's good for you!)
ReplyDeleteI'm in. I did SLICE OF LIFE last year, then intermittently through the year on Tuesdays. I want to do something-- not sure what, with Poetry in April. I haven't heard the rumors about that one though :) And like you, I have loved the community that has been created through Twitter and slicing. Happy first day back! We are on Spring Break this week. I have Jury Duty!
ReplyDeleteI'm glad you wrote this. I've been getting a little sad thinking about this community falling away after March 31. It is comforting to know that things will continue!
ReplyDeleteI'm feeling the same way. Although blogging daily is a huge challenge for me. I'd like to think of a writing project to get involved in, but right now, I haven't got a clue what that would be. I plan to continue with the Tuesday slices, and I hope the rest of you will too. I've so enjoyed reading your blogs!
ReplyDeleteThis gives me a lot to think about. I never thought about what would happen to my blog after the challenge. Your writing has given me several ideas.
ReplyDeleteSo glad that you shared Kathleen's post and captured your thoughts too! It is a struggle. I remember last year on April 1st -- itching to write, but would anyone be around to listen? Some days I write just for me and that's okay. Other days, like Tuesday Slice of Life days, I write knowing there will be a willing audience. I will tell you it can be a huge let down, but I also think because of the sheer number of participants this year -- blogging and reading will go on. Plus, I always have my mom to read my blog! :)
ReplyDeleteCathy, I have not been part of this Slice of Life Challenge, but have just begun blogging....and found out about your blog though Facebook. I do hope you continue...and you MUST submit some of your poetry if there is a contest. It is beautiful as well as meaningful. I would like to read more of it. Your 'Pink Awakening' made me smile.
ReplyDeleteI plan to continue! Tuesdays will seem like a piece of cake, right?
ReplyDeleteI plan to join in on the Tuesday slices. I'm sure I can slice once a week, even as things start to get crazy with the school year coming to a close.
ReplyDeleteThank you for this post! I have been thinking about this coming to an end when March is over. It makes me sad! This is my first year to participate in the SOL challenge and I have loved every minute of it. I plan to continue with my blogging and writing...probably not every day but often. I look forward to the Tuesday slices already! I hope my new "regulars" will continue to both read and write often so this community will continue to write on!
ReplyDeleteI am most definitely in!! Like you, I can't bear the idea of not having my blogging friends to interact with after March 31. I'm hoping Bill won't mind if I use our blog to continue slicing on Tuesdays. I also need to write more on our blog as well.
ReplyDeleteThanks for putting the challenge out there for all of us. Hope we will see many of our friends continuing.
Keep us posted on the April poetry challenge, I am intrigued. I hadn't put much thought into the ending of this challenge, but now that you have said it, I too will miss it greatly. This has been beyond good for me. Thanks for your post and nudge to continue!
ReplyDeleteAnd don't forget the blogging A to Z challenge! I posted more about it today. I have loved all 26 days so far and am sad to see our month of March slicing end, but I'll continue slicing on Tuesdays and using #nerdywriterclub for all my other bloggy word love. :) So glad to have been getting to know so many new bloggers, teachers, readers, writers -- FRIENDS. :)
ReplyDeleteThis my 5th year for the March challenge and I generally post every Tuesday. But this year I feel more connected to the writers And I too will miss everyone. I will keep writing and look forward to seeing your weekly slices too.
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