Throughout the year, Two Writing Teachers hosts the Slice of Life Story community. Everyone is welcome to share writing and comment on others in this special community.
It's funny to me how throughout March, slices come easily, and then, the month ends, and weekly slices are tougher to write. While I know that writing is a practice, I still have been writing every day since March 31. (Okay, almost every day.) So is it really about being in writing shape? My latest theory is this: there are too many slices throughout the week, and the pressure to choose the one to showcase is too high. I freeze. (It's a theory.)
In any case...
Last night, I wrote and unwrote a text over and over. I had to cancel a tutoring session, and I really try not to EVER do that, and I had canceled the week before, as well. I hovered over the keyboard, trying to think of the right words to explain that my friend, the same friend who I'd say with in the ER for several hours last week when we had our tutoring session, had asked me to be her ride home this week... at around the same time as our tutoring session.
My friend is private about what's gone on, and I respect that. Even when you think there's no way for a person to be connected to another person, this world surprises me with the ways people know each other. I can't explain the scariness of the week and the relief of bringing her home and the honor I feel of her trusting me enough to ask.
I try another explanation, starting with "I'm so sorry...."
That's not what I want to say, though. C'mon Melanie. You can do this.
(How is it that a simple text can be as hard as a weekly slice of life?)
I finally opt for the "less is more" approach: "is there any chance that Wednesday would work for you? Or Friday ANYTIME?"
Please cross your fingers that Wednesday is fine for my awesome little student, and also that discharge goes more smoothly than it sometimes does from a hospital.
And also, feel free to throw out other possibilities for why slicing might be harder once a week!
Less is more is good, especially as I know you have banked good will. I am sure your tutees family knows you don’t cancel lightly. I was moved by your friend accepting your help and companionship during this hard time.
ReplyDeleteAs for the writing question, I wonder! When I look at my Tuesday posts they are often longer and more developed, which of course then becomes pressure! But sometimes, like today, I treat Tuesday like another day in March. I do know Im grateful for March SOL and Tuesday writing both to keep me practicing, and to keep me singling out small moments to remember.
I think the weekly slicing is harder if you think that one slice should be "better". My daily writing almost never makes it into a slice- so somehow I never put pressure on myself to write better (and there is a fair argument to say that I SHOULD work harder at my slicing!). I hope your student can make a new time and your friend is on the mend.
ReplyDeleteI understand the struggle to write weekly, especially when the week feels uneventful, as recent ones have. But about that cancellation, I know texting is the norm now, but it feels as though that one needed to be a phone call. Good luck rescheduling.
ReplyDeleteThank you for sharing and being open about posting and having t cancel a tutoring session twice. It's the little bumps and joys that make up slices. No matter how small, our voices are still powerful. It was hard for me to write every day - but choosing poetry as a format was helpful. Weekly is best for me because kids always spark a slice. In the summer, it's harder for me - balancing rest and writing.
ReplyDeleteMelanie, I know that when I have TOO much going on, too many worries, too many concerns, too many balls balancing precariously, and too many thoughts swirling in my head, nothing comes out at all! There was a long period of time where I did not write for public viewing at all and in fact I stopped even my private journaling as I guess I was too jumbled. I remember this often when I think of students (even grad students) who are too stressed with life to put things into writing in a meaningful way, PS I wish your friend and you the best resolution of the situation.
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