Today’s post serves a dual purpose. To mark my 21st post in the Slice of Life Story Challenge and to Celebrate this Week with Ruth Ayers.
Today…
I am celebrating blogging daily. Writing is a gift I’m giving myself. It’s exhausting and defeating at times, but the benefits far exceed the costs.
I am celebrating the Slice of Life blogging community. I can’t express my gratitude towards this virtual writing group. You keep me going. Without this community, I would not be celebrating writing.
I am celebrating reading and commenting on blogs. I could (and do) spend hours in front of my screen and not realize it. Your posts lift me up. They make me laugh and sometimes shed a tear or two.
I am celebrating picture books. I don’t do enough picture book reading with my kiddos. This week, rather than jumping into the next chapter book, I did a planned week of picture book reading. Reading these beautiful books offered the benefits of pictures, story told in one sitting, and accessible text that allows for deeper thinking and introduction of new strategies.
I am celebrating that we made it to the weekend. All together. My father-in-law entered hospice on Monday. We knew this was expected, yet it’s a shock. Our daughter is devastated, she knew this would happen, yet still. Our son’s last final was on Thursday; we didn’t want to say anything till he got home.
The world stops when this kind of thing happens. We made it to today. I exhale and celebrate our family being together, for now.
Happy Saturday. Happy Slicing.
To Read To Write To Be 
I just adore this piece for so many reasons. Love the way you used repetition that felt incredibly natural, and I certainly agree with all of your sentiments about this writing community. You are right about needing to celebrate each day and I am so sorry for your family as you are having so many emotions play out with your father in law. Big hug to you, writing friend.
This is so true for many of us! “Without this community, I would not be celebrating writing.” I also love the idea of taking a week for picture books between chapter book read alouds. I do not have a consistent picture book strategy. I may try incorporating this one. Thanks.
“Writing is a gift I’m giving myself.” – never to forget it. I enjoyed reading your picture book week slices. I like the way my minds starts buzzing with ideas when I read someone else’s slices. From all the celebrations possible “family together” is the one that moves my heart the most. Always.
Love this! Similar to a What I’m grateful for post, but amped up a notch. Celebrating!
Sometimes, keeping things “normal,” like a writing routine, helps keep me sane while life is rough. Yet, going through the really rough parts of life, as your family is, requires a bit more. I will keep you and your whole family in my prayers as you try to find ways to “celebrate” your father-in-law’s life and love.
AGREED!!! I have been racing to get a blog up for the last two weeks before the deadline and you know it always felt good to get to write with pressure and just let it fly. Even though I wasn’t able to read too many slices, friends like you were there to support me. THANKS Julieann
Julieanne,
Celebrating life as it continues is so critical. I love this “Writing is a gift I’m giving myself. It’s exhausting and defeating at times, but the benefits far exceed the costs.” Some days the mountain in front of us seems insurmountable, but those daily routines are also our path out of despair!
So sorry to hear about your father-in-law. Even when this is expected, it’s hard. I’m glad you are celebrating togetherness. Prayers.
I may slice very similar to this today. Thinking about my celebrations, I realize how much reading these posts sustains me. Writing does too. Thanks.
Congratulations on 21 posts in 21 days. You have done well holding it all together, particularly in this difficult time for your family. My thoughts are with you all. It is a good thing to go easy on yourself and give yourself a bit of breathing space. Writing can wait. Family can’t. Take care. Best wishes all.
It is good to have a constants in life that help us hold it together when we are handed changes.
Wonderful celebrations, especially the gift of writing and this community. Sorry to hear about your farther-in-law. You will have many tough days ahead, but I hope you find comfort in knowing that many from this community will be thinking about you and praying for all of you.
Family together during this difficult time allows you to support one another. Many prayers will be lifted from this community. Thinking of you.
I’m glad that your son is home with all of you, too, Juieanne. Prayers and hugs to you at this hard time. I hope you all will find goodness by just being together.
Wonderful celebrations. Loved hearing about the picture book reading and the joy your writing is giving you. I am glad your family is there together in this difficult time. Best to all of you.
Each of your celebrations show the way our writing lives and working lives and family lives lives are so intertwined. It’s been such fun reading the March slices, and learning about so many inspiring writers out there who lift us through this exhausting challenge. Sad to hear about your father-in-law, Julieanne – it’s never easy at this stage, but Hospice does ease the pain just a bit.
So much to celebrate, especially with writing! I hope you will be able to celebrate with your family again next Saturday. Love how you have looked for the silver lining and positive aspects of all things in your life.
Thanks for sharing.
Hi Jen!
Here’s to celebrating bloggers and blogging with you! We wholeheartedly agree. BTW, hope to see you next Saturday in the halls at TCRWP.
Darla & Jen
Loved this line “Writing is a gift I’m giving myself” You said it exactly what I feel. It is such a supportive, welcoming community. Your post really is a celebration of so many things. I offer my prayers for you and your family -having a loved one in hospice is such a difficult time.
So sorry to hear about your father-in-law. Exhale and hold your family tighter. certainky helps us all see what is important.
I love the celebrations. I’ll be holding your family in the light with your father in law in hospice.
We do spend hours in front of our screens and not realize it. My husband does remind me. Sharing picture books sounds like a perfect spring plan. I’m so sorry to hear about your father-in-law. Even when we think we are prepared for these events, we never really are. Enjoy having your family close at hand.
I connected with your post in many ways. There is so much that happens each day, that we need to take time to celebrate life.
Julieanne, These words, “Without this community, I would not be celebrating writing.” YES. Thank you for always being so helpful & kind & positive!!!
And, I am so sorry to hear about your father-in-law. I am keeping your family in my prayers.
Julieanne, I’m so sorry to hear about your father-in-law. Sending hugs and prayers to you and your family. Your other celebrations are my celebrations, too. This year, the routine of writing daily seems easier, but I still struggle with finding the right words. You’re right, though, when you say “it’s exhausting and defeating at times, but the benefits far exceed the costs.” Being part of this community with you is definitely one of those benefits! Looking forward to seeing you next Saturday!
You have much to celebrate, Julieanne! I’m taking lessons from you on how to prioritize the things that are most meaningful in life.
I love your post of celebration of this community, of writing, and family. Happy Slicing to you!
Julienanne, writing is one of the outlet for emotions that are tied up inside.Your tight family unit will help you get through the upheaval that has happened in your life. May the Lord guide your thoughts during this troubling time and may your writing reflect the deep emotion that you feel.