 "Today I will notice the world around me and try to appreciate what I see, hear, and feel," I promised myself. I have been reading many slices that have talked about slowing down and paying attention to what's going on around us. I am usually in a hurry (to get somewhere to pick up one of my children more than likely) so I admit this is difficult for me, but today I started my day determined I would slow down and observe. After dropping my son off at a friend's house this morning, I decided to go to school to work on my grades since they are due by Friday for this six weeks. As I slowly climbed out of my vehicle encumbered with my computer bag, purse, umbrella, and frosty Diet Coke, I was only thinking about getting in the building and getting started. My vow from the morning already forgotten. Turning to close the door of my truck, my purse hit the ground with a plunk; its contents spewing forth on the wet payment. "Well, dang!" I muttered, trying to pick up the mess before the dampness could do any damage. While I bent down gathering phone and lipstick tubes, I noticed a soaked strip of paper lying there like it was just waiting to be discovered, read, contemplated. My fortune...  |
| Found my fortune in the parking lot. If I hadn't dropped my purse, would I have remembered the promise I made to really take the time to notice? I don't know for sure, but this writing thing is seeping into me and nourishing me just like the rain hitting the earth right outside my window. |
"I must write it all out, at any cost. Writing is thinking. It is more than living, for it is being conscious of living." Anne Morrow Lindbergh
I like when little reminders just appear. Something small but meaningful.
ReplyDeleteHi, Terje. Thanks for commenting. It was the strangest thing, but especially meaningful to me to have it appear out of the blue!
ReplyDeleteHow fortuitious! The signs are all around! Glad you made time to pay attention.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Beth! I'm glad too.
ReplyDelete"waiting to be discovered, read, contemplated..." love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks for the encouragement, Mrs. C! :)
DeleteI LOVE IT WHEN THAT HAPPENS! I'm so glad you had this experience. It's hard to slow down, pay attention, be grateful - but so so so necessary. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Julie. I'm very grateful for this community of writers and these comments just make me want to become a better writer!
ReplyDeleteWhat serendipity! I was thinking you were going to end with "so I picked up my purse, got back in the car and..." Did you? Here's to renewing energies in this community.
ReplyDeleteHi, Lee Ann. Sadly, no, grades are still due Friday but I did have a little more perk in my step! :) Thanks for the comment!
ReplyDeleteWhat a lucky find! It is amazing how the stories begin finding you! So, take the lead: Go create your happiness!
ReplyDeleteOh, thanks, Michelle! You are one of the people that I have followed since I began reading the Two Writing Teachers blog. I have admired your way with words! Thanks for the comment and I am working on that happiness! :)
Delete"this writing thing is seeping into me and nourishing me just like the rain hitting the earth right outside my window"
ReplyDeleteWhat a powerful last line! You have captured the power of the Slice of Life Challenge in your words.
Thanks for the comment, Christy. You made my day! I am working now on my slice for today and your words give me the impetus I need to keep going! Your blog is another one that I follow and you inspire me to be a better teacher of reading and writing.
ReplyDeleteI have just now found you and I am so glad I did! That final sentence struck me as profound! Wow!
ReplyDeleteI just found your comment this morning. You are most gracious; thank you!
DeleteSounds like you are similar to me - I know how this feels. You needed more than one reminder to slow down - and there it was! Amazing! Your description helped me feel your determination to "do" - and your surrender to "be."
ReplyDeleteFireflytrails, thanks so much for commenting. I'm in NC and I think I read on another "slicer's" comments that you are in TN. Nice to meet you, neighbor! I have learned so much here already and you make me want to keep on writing!
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