Tuesday, March 1, 2022

SOLSC 2022 - #1 Depleted at the start

 







It is March 2022 and time for the
Every single day, for all thirty-one days of March,
writers will share stories.
Thank you, Two Writing Teachers, for creating this supportive community 
of teacher-writers!


Hello, hello!

I have participated in this story challenge for many years...I believe this is my eleventh year of participation. This yearly tradition has helped me develop as a writer, introducing me to the joyful work of daily writing and the experience of writing alongside others. SOLSC is a beautiful habit. I look forward to the writing. During February, I usually do some advance planning. Although I have learned to trust that there is ALWAYS something to write about each day, I often brainstorm topics, think of themes, or some connecting thread. Last year, for example, I included a famous quote by a woman that somehow fit thematically with each slice of life. 

This year, I have no advance thinking, I simply tumble in. This year I begin 

depleted.


Ten days ago, my dear sister-in-law, my husband's younger sister, died unexpectedly. 

Tony and I were on vacation in Florida. It was February break in DC schools and our weekly babysitting of the grands was cancelled; we had pounced on this 'time off' for some fun together in the sun. We had been there exactly one day, when we received word of her death. 

The past days have been a sad, exhausting, mourning blur.

We got back home last night.

This is how the March writing challenge begins for me.

I cannot predict whether I will be able to write each day...but, it begins 

one word

one sentence 

one story

at a time. 

Here goes!

4 comments:

  1. First, I am sorry for your loss and will keep you all in my prayers. It is often hard to write through life's challenges; however, you are here at the "starting gate" among familiar (and new) voices who, like you, are going to try to find one word at a time.

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    1. Thank you so much for your kind words. I hope to share uplifting posts - it is hard to be in such a mournful place right here at the outset.

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  2. I e been thinking about you, Maureen, and wondering if you’d be here today after all the tragic events associated w/ an unexpected death. Go get a massage, one thsts at least 90 minutes. I am so sorry your vacation was interrupted. I hope you’ll reschedule it very soon.

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    1. Love the idea of a massage, Glenda! It has been a tough series of days - but, we are holding one another up. Thanks for your kind thoughts.

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