My first time...

No, not THAT first time! My first time as a SOLSC writer. :)
I was going to save my reflection on this experience for the final day, but my brain has been bubbling over with ideas, and I didn't want to wait and risk losing a single one.

When I began the challenge, I thought that it would just be something fun for me to take on and a great reason to finally start a blog. Little did I know that this experience would be a very powerful one for me. I've always loved writing and did quite a bit of it throughout my life, but as soon as I graduated from college, I veered away from it for no particular reason. Then when I went back to school for my masters degree, all I did was write. Unfortunately, the writing was all research-based, so there was little room for creativity. I think I was definitely burnt out after I completed my masters degree. Then along came my interest in blogging and the ambition to make blogging a part of my writing classroom. I randomly found the two writing teachers blog and began reading Tuesday's SOLC. Next thing I knew, the month of March was about to arrive and information about the SOLSC was popping up everywhere. That is when I made the decision to finally publish a blog and start writing again on a consistent basis. Since March 1, I've never looked back.

This experience has been very meaningful to me. Not only has it motivated me to start writing again, but I feel like my brain has been tuned to a different station, a station that is much more interesting and involved. Sure, I write all the time to model it for my students, but that writing isn't for me. This is. Being able to share my thoughts and ideas on all types of subjects and then putting it out there for all to read has been very satisfying. Of course my insecurities exist regarding how and what I write about, but even my more superficial posts are a way to express myself through writing. There isn't really a rhyme or reason to my blog, but more to just let ideas flow from my brain, to my heart, down the arm, into the hands, and out through my fingertips.

The SOLSC has also given me back some of my "me" time. As a new mom, I am learning how to balance my various responsibilities, but still reserve a small amount of time each day for myself. Writing has become a gift. Commenting on other writers' posts has enabled me to meet new people, see commonalities and differences between myself and others. Reading a slice and then commenting on it, knowing that the writer is going to appreciate my comment, has taught me that everyone needs some type of encouragement and recognition, and by reading and commenting on other slices, it is a way to appreciate someone you have never met before. The SOLSC brings people of all different ages, men and women together in an attempt to keep the writing community closely knit. I believe that my writing progresses each and every day, which will likely benefit my students. So, thank you Ruth and Stacey and to the whole SOLSC community for a job well done and for helping me find the writer within me once again.

And if you are ever visiting Honolulu, you'll know where to find me at. The Chockboard.