One of the BEST things about the writing Slice of Life Story Challenge is the source of inspiration from so many other writers. This is from Erin Baker’s “Hello” post on Day 1 found here. (Neither snow nor deer can keep this intrepid slicer from posting but computer troubles made me feel like Lemony Snicket yesterday!)
Fran
Flexible, Competitive, Passionate
Lover of books, writing, and professional development
Who wonders if I’ll ever figure out how to just say “no” when life gets busy
Who fears that I will miss the students and teachers when I move on to the next chapter in my life
Who feels happy when I’m learning beside, with, or from students.
Who cares about the rights, quality of life, and the many needs of ALL the people residing in this great country
Who dreams of writing a book, telling family stories and yet continuing to promote literacy.
Who resides in Unionville, Iowa.
McVeigh
Additional Information about Biopoems here
And did you know that Outsiders was written by a teenager? More here
Thank you, Betsy, Beth, Deb, Kathleen, Lanny, Lisa, Melanie, and Stacey for this weekly forum and the #SOLSC that runs from March 1 to the 31st. Check out the writers, readers and teachers here.
Resource - Full 
Write the book, Fran! You’re a writer who isn’t afraid to take risks and experiment with new formats. Reading this poem makes me want to spend time in Iowa to get to know you better. I am sure your friends treasure you!
Lynne,
Bless you! There are days where it takes every ounce of my “Brave” to push the publish button. Please come visit!
Thank you so much!
Like you, pushing the publish button takes bravery and courage. I admire your writing journey. I also admire your drive. Thanks for being a teaching and writing model.
Thanks, Sarah!
I sometimes struggle with separating the teacher and the writer. It’s NOT easy and requires work, but oh, so rewarding when it all comes together!
❤
We have a lot in common. Must be why I enjoy your posts so much. I think you need to write the book!
Erin,
That’s two votes for a book and it’s barely 6 am!
And ditto for finding things in common. . . that Iowa / Missouri neighbor connection as well!
I love your biopoem, Fran. It’s amazing to me how much one can learn from reading someone’s biopoem reflections. By the way, I think you will definitely miss your students and fellow teachers when you move on to the next chapter in your life. I know I did; however, there is much to keep me busy. As a writer, you will find your truth . I third the suggestion that you write a book!
Thanks, Diane, so much for the “third” vote of confidence!
And yes! What we reveal or choose not to reveal! So interesting . . . and that’s also why I love two truths and a lie for faculties that have worked together for awhile. Like a new POV! ❤
I agree with the others – write the book! Write it for yourself, don’t worry about if it’s good enough to go out into the world. It will be there for someone to find when the time is right. Writers need to be brave, and that’s what this community helps us to be.
Rose,
I love that “It will be there for someone to find when the time is right.” So true that “write it for yourself” needs to be the key and YES that’s exactly what this community is ALL about!
❤
Love his biopoem, Fran! Always welcome an opportunity to know one of my literacy heroes a little better. Thanks for sharing it! Especially love the part about “the rights of all”- so important!
Thanks, Lanny. That one, “the rights of all” is definitely a sign of the times. Slicing time is so much fun because it’s often a different view of each of us when we slice more about our lives (and some work) but still differently!
Thanks for reading and commenting. So happy to see you slicing, reading and commenting! 🙂
Incorporating family stories into a book sounds like a double winner to me. Go for it, Fran.
HAHA! But beware of those darned “fact checkers” – there just may be another view of some of those stories!
Thanks for reading and commenting!
Fran:
Who pushes us to think about our teaching practice and be BRAVE!
. . . and right back at you!
Tara:
Who pushes me to think deeply about what and why I ask teachers to change instruction because I know so many who ARE doing the quality work with their students! It can and MUST be done!
[…] Tonight’s Slice is inspired by two other blogs I read towards the beginning of this challenge and just came across them while looking for ideas. This was a little harder than I thought it would be, but then again, I am an over-thinker! (You can find those blogs here and here) […]
From one teacher to another…enjoyed your poem…oh and write the book…for as our kids remind us us…YOLO!
Thanks for the encouragement, Ann! It’s on my list! 🙂