Slice of Life: Stuck? Look for the Mentors 4 of 31
It's probably too soon to be struggling for an idea, but here I am struggling to write. I've had a few ideas but they're either too long, too complicated, or too fresh to get onto the blog this late into the evening. Since I'm stuck, I did what I often do: I hopped over to my Slice of Life Pinterest Collection for some inspiration. I started the collection during the 2013 challenge and have sporadically added to it across the years. Sometimes I read something that gives me an idea, has an interesting structure, demonstrates interesting craft moves, or in some way piques my interest. When I think about it, I try to collect these posts in one space so I can return to them again.
It was fun to click back through posts I have been collecting. I smiled as I read through posts from community members when their kids were much smaller, when grandchildren were born, or when they transitioned to different careers. It made me realize how much just one month of participation can tell about a person. When that month is multiplied across years there is so much captured. I also was reminded how much life story I know about many of the Slice of Life community members.
Sometimes I clicked a post and was reminded how much I enjoyed someone's writing. When this happened, I couldn't resist a click into their blog to see if they were participating this year. Often I was pleasantly surprised to see they were joining again this year. I look forward to stopping by their space again this year. Sometimes, however, I would click to find a person was not participating in this year's event. I get the challenge - especially with all that has happened this year, but I did worry. My hope is that all is okay in their worlds.
Sometimes I clicked on a post only to find the entire blog had been taken down. I was always a little disappointed to see some writers I had followed had taken their blogs down. I know these are complex decisions and I completely understand, but I hope they realize their voice is missed.
I suppose this evening was a good night to struggle with an idea. Pulling up the Pinterest Slice of Life board reminded me how much I enjoy reading posts in this community. It also reminded me of the power of taking the time to sit down and write.
It's March and I'm diving back into the March Slice of Life Challenge! Buckle in! This will be my 8th year joining the community (though I must confess to a two year break). Yep, some of the writing will be messy. Honestly, most of it will be messy. Thanks for stopping by. I'm excited to dive back into the madness. Thanks to Two Writing Teachers for hosting.
What a great idea! I flip back through old notebooks each year. Pinterest - or something- would be much more efficient.
ReplyDeleteI do the same thing- looking at bloggers from the past years. There are a few I am concerned about. I remember topics from last year that showed what trying times they had- above the rest of the 2020 stuff. It’s been nice to see familiar faces too. Funny how an online forum really can grow into community.
So good to see YOUR name show up on my page! I really almost didn't participate this year, but then thought of all of the friends I would miss seeing and chatting with. I try to respond to some new posters every day, but I also spend time looking for old friends. Like you, there are voices I really, really miss. I hope someday we will all get to meet in person!!! I don't do Pinterest much, but I love the idea of a collection of slices. There are some really talented and creative writers in this group.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great idea to keep a Pinterest page for SOL ideas! Of course, I had to go there to explore, and I found one of my posts there! How wonderful! I loved how you talked about the SOL community and the bonds you feel with fellow Slicers. I've been mostly absent from blogging for a quite a while, so I joined this year just to feel that sense of community again, and you're part of that!
ReplyDeleteOne of these days I really need to create a Slicing board for the ideas I want to save. I do visit other people's boards or padlets to get inspiration on blah days when I just can't land the right slice. I always love a metaslice that reflects on slicing, so I thoroughly enjoyed your thoughts here.
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