A little while ago, I started a teacher writing circle at school. I had a friend join me, which was a relief. I was a bit worried I’d be out there on my lonesome, just me and the snacks I brought.
We both decided we wanted a prompt, and I happened upon an idea I’d done before. It’s a series of sentence starters that reveal an autobiography of sorts. I thought it might cool to compare my entry to what I wrote last time. Here goes!
I was born lickety-split, showing up for this world in the delivery room while my dad parked the car. Guess I was ready for this world. Hopefully it was ready for me?
I adore my sweet, sweet dogs Lilah and Winnie. It’s deeply encouraging to coming home to someone so happy to see me. Lilah is new to the karmic ride: young and dumb in the most charming sense. Winnie’s had a few go-arounds. You can tell there’s wisdom behind those eyes.
I bought a new book for my class (really, for myself) last week. It’s an adaptation of Beowulf that’s composed as a graphic novel. It gave me the delightful problem of reading an amazing book but having no one to talk about it with. It’s going straight into my “class read-aloud” pile!
I have a hard time handling traffic, especially when I’m anxious about getting somewhere. From my shoulders to my knuckles, and despite my best effort, my irritation crackles and sparks.
I never want to burn out of teaching. I’ve come dangerously close a couple of times, but I fear not knowing when it’s my time to walk away.
One of my talents is picking the exact right .gif to text to a friend or family member. What’s that about a picture being worth a thousand words? Or, at least…a thousand giggles?
When I was 40, I was amazed by how much I knew. So much about my worldview clicked and solidified. And then a friend, hearing my musings, said, “Yeah…just wait ’til 50.” Friends, I’m here to tell her she’s absolutely RIGHT. And I absolutely expect 60 to follow suit. (70? 80?)
My favorite place shifts and changes. Deep in the woods? By the beach, toes anchored in sand? Fortified by a snuggly blanket with a book? On the miniature golf course with my guys? I guess it’s wherever I feel peace, joy, or fulfillment.
I can still hear my brother’s laugh. I miss that guy.
I dated a few klunkers in my time. I don’t recommend the experience.
I gave up ice hockey after trying it for a while. Flying on the ice was liberating. But I was a terrible skater, and it felt frustrating to know how much better I was on feet than on skates. I’d like to think I did my teammates a favor.
I once had the need for people to like me, especially at the expense of my own self-image. Now (perhaps thanks to that “turning 50” stuff above), I figure I’ll just be myself and let folks decide for themselves. If they like me, great. If they don’t want what I’m selling, it’s not mine to own.
I am an early riser. If you had told me in high school that I’d be the kind of gal to pop out of bed at the crack of dawn, I would have laughed. But here I am, poppin’ and crackin’ – literally – in the early morning.
I want to find a balance between self-acceptance and self-improvement. Has anyone figured that out? Let me know. I’ll pay you a WHOLE DOLLAR for it.
Soapbox: The Way I see Things 
I LOVE this format. I need to remember it for January. I wish I could be part of your writing circle. I have a feeling it’s fun.
Thank you! It is pretty fun, actually. =)
We’re still trying to get more people involved, but the folks who do come are having a good time!
Well, first, this is an irresistible prompt! How fun. Rambling, free-floating, easy-going… the form allowed you to set a free and easy tone which never-the-less gets at some serious ideas.*I love the casual phrases ‘lickedy split’, ‘Friends, I’m here to tell you….’, ‘my guys,’ ‘that guy,’ ‘the kind of gal,’ ‘poppin’ and crackin’- literally’ Ha ha! Your tone draws us in over and over, and your final line is great.
* and by serious ideas: I’m sorry for the loss of your brother, thank you for reminding me to appreciate small moments with my family, and that balance thing- I want in on the answer if someone sends it to you.
Thanks, Fran! I think you have my writing style pretty pegged – I like going for the sincere, mostly casual, but catch-you-off-balance with the occasional big idea. =)
And when I get the answer, I’ll sell it to ya cheap!
This is a wonderful form to help reluctant adolescents and TEACHERS to share a bit of their stories! I am going to try it with my grad students! I particularly like that you included slices from throughout your life of wonder, surprise, change, sadness, and happiness. THis pretty much sums up life!
Ooohhh I bet your grad students would have a lot to say about this one. And if they’re feeling trusting of one another, it would be a good way for them to get to know each other better…
“I figure I’ll just be myself and let folks decide for themselves. If they like me, great. If they don’t want what I’m selling, it’s not mine to own.” THIS is serious wisdom. I think I’m almost at this point. I have to remember that it’s not mine to own before taking personal offense.
This would be an excellent way to return to school from winter break. It gets the writing muscles going and strengthens reflection skills.
I like the idea of starting back with this after winter break. I smell a warm-up for my fourth and fifth graders!
As for being at the point of letting me be myself, I’m say I’m *mostly* there. My brain is 100% convinced, but my heart sometimes has a difference of opinion…
This is marvelous. I am fascinated by the difference in your two drafts – a way to see your shifts in mood, the different reflections we have over time. I must try this! I love the paragraph that begins, “my favorite place shifts and changes”, offering so many gorgeous possibilities and illustrating your flexible spirit.
Thanks, Maureen! I’ve never had my spirit described as “flexible,” but honestly, I think you have me pegged pretty honestly. If there’s anything that describes my path in life, flexibility (or the need for it!) would probably be one of the stronger themes…
This is a great way for people to get to know each other. It more about a person then just family members, likes and dislikes. So, how did this compare to the last time you did it?
I agree – it’s a good way to get to know each other beyond just the typical stuff. As for the comparisons, I have to say that most of still rings true. And apparently, I was as intent on shutting out the “noise” of people’s opinions when I wrote the first post.