It was that kind of morning here in rural Georgia. I’m an hour south of the world’s busiest airport, but believe me – – nothing was busy here in my small town this morning. Low 60s, overcast with a light mist, and my husband and his brother were installing a motion sensor light over their dad’s garage about a half mile across the Johnson Funny Farm where we all live ~ something that has been on their to-do list since Christmas, but things kept getting in the way. That’s why I didn’t bother getting dressed to be anywhere.
My 80-year old father, a retired minister, was preaching in my childhood church, so I was streaming him on YouTube, kicked back on the couch and flanked by three snoozing Schnoodles. I imagine if anyone was watching through a hidden camera, they’d have thought we’d had a Saturday night party and were still recovering, moving slowly if at all, still in our pajamas.
***************************************************************************************************
Glenda Funk’s text came right as the service ended. She’d sent me a photo of her coffee mug a few minutes earlier, since my post was about my dogs on Sunday.
Thoughts of one particular Slicer Meet-Up came rushing back, the one where I was in California for the NCTE Convention and asked some random people on the street if they were going to the Slicer Meet-Up, and they stared at me like I was packing a blade before hastily walking off in the opposite direction.
I ran for the closet and threw my tousled hair up in a clip, setting a new personal record for putting on a bra and a shirt and looking alive. Boo Radley snuggled in on my shoulder as he usually does, and I took a deep breath and found the email reminder with the Zoom link from Stacey. Sure enough, there it was. I entered into a breakout room with Group 2: Sonia, Pia, and Glenda. We talked about our plan for writing through the month and how we were feeling, but we didn’t get to the part about what we wanted to get out of it. We were having too much fun chatting about the grace we give ourselves in making the timing of our writing and our reading work for us as we navigate the currents of writerhood.
After leaving the Breakout room, we shared our conversations and then had the opportunity to talk with another small group about these questions:
I was in Group 1 with Kristen, Stacey, and Pia this time, and we talked about the way we choose the blogs we read and how we comment on them. Pia shared that she likes to consider the equity of comments; she looks for blogs needing comments, and those are the ones she reads. Kristen talked about managing her time with reading, writing, and commenting and is working on these parts of the Slicing Life right now, Stacey talked about the importance of first draft writing – to share organic slices of life and resist the urge to blog to perfection.
Seventeen Slicers shared an hour of conversation and getting to know each other, offering tips and sharing what has worked for us. Some like to set a timer, some read first to find the inspiration to write, some gravitate to those they know while visiting new bloggers, too, and some read for what we find we need that particular day. As we comment, we like to find connections and keep blogging conversational as we build relationships with other writers and feel the sense of belonging take root in this sacred space of writers all networking, encouraging and inspiring each other.
To Glenda, thank you for the text reminder since I had missed the email reminder. To Sonia, Pia, Glenda, Linda, Pia, Trish, Betsy, Carol, Kristen, Alice, Juliette, Barb, Cathleen, Stacey, Vanessa, and Amy, I want you to know that the hour I spent with you was most enjoyable. You are ALL worth getting dressed for, and I can’t wait to get to know all of this month’s Slicers better as we share our lives and inspire each other throughout this month!
Check out today’s homepage of Two Writing Teachers for a photo taken by Trish Emerson of Sunday’s Slicer Meet-Up Zoom attendees!
Slicer Meet-Up
Slicer
Meet-Up
sharing, inspiring, considering
writers encouraging each other
networking
Common Threads 
Kim,
Next time you’ll think twice about attending virtual church braless, won’t you? 😜 LOL! Seriously, I enjoyed that meetup so much. Sometimes small is better, and I think that was true today. Of course, I texted you so I could see Boo Radley! He behaved perfectly! And you’ve written a superb summation of our virtual visit. I just wish I could remember how my group in the second round got off track and did not discuss any of the assigned questions. We’re like that protestant doing their own thing.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Glenda, yes! The way you had me scrambling yesterday would put eggs to shame! I’m so grateful for your text reminder since I hadn’t checked my email or calendar in my Sunday morning mode. I think the groups connected more than covered topics – a hallmark of writers everywhere, in classic style. Thank you for all you are doing this year to serve the community with links and encouragement. And reminders.
LikeLike
I’m barely hanging on to daily writing, the meetup was not even on my radar. I’m glad you got to attend. They always leave me feeling even more connected and grateful for this space.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Jessica, I almost missed it – and I feel the writing squeeze. I think that’s one of the things about the Challenge that is so rewarding is that the daily writing habit isn’t easy, and it feels good even through the sacrifices. Sometimes, on weekends, I confess: I write a few posts to have on hand, and I also like short forms of poetry that allow me to set a timer and do what I can without having to have it polished. That’s one thing I took from yesterday: first drafts are okay. I came to the Meet-Up not even a first draft of myself, so I will remember that as an analogy: if I can show up barely dressed with no makeup and hair all over the place, my writing can show up that way too. I’m cheering for you!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Kim, your detail and easy flow draw us right into the realness of the moment. As always, the Kim-humor sparkles! I know the time online for the Slicer meet-up was certainly worth getting dressed for – I know you brought great warmth and richness to the conversation. That Fitz-! Such a precious photo. “Snoozing Schnoodles” is a priceless bit of alliteration! I love the sentiment on Glenda’s cup that that you were streaming your dad’s sermon as he preached in your childhood church ❤
LikeLiked by 1 person
Fran, thank you! I love Glenda’s mug too. I think every single day could be improved by starting with prayer and a proper dog mug. That’s all we really need in this world is the love of God and the love of family (dogs).
LikeLiked by 1 person
I loved the slow way this slice began. So peaceful. Then bam….rush to dress and fix hair and hop onto Zoom. Then a peace filled hour as a much faster pace.A Zoom meet-up wasn’t on my radar at all so I enjoyed reading about it. Thanks.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Sally, thanks for reading!
LikeLike
When I read your title…I wondered what your slice was going to be about. I thought maybe a date or something like that. I did not expect it would be about the slicer meetup! I am bummed I missed it, but it was well after my bed time on a school night. Glad it was so great…sounds like you all had lots to share!
LikeLike
Kim – When you write – I feel like I’m down the street from you – like your friendly neighbor. I can see the Johnson Funny Farm and the schnoodles right down the road. It makes me feel comforted. I love how you weave Glenda into your post. I wish I could have attended the Slicer Meet Up! I need to scrap all plans and go to the next meet up!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much! Yes, I believe there is another one coming up. Please come! It is truly a wonderful gathering when you can put faces with names and hear voices. Can’t wait to see you soon!
LikeLike
Kim, what a joy this was to read. I loved these sweet snippets of your day, and I delighted in the slow start as you went to online church with the schnoodles, and then quickly finding something else worth getting dressed for. Super funny and informative–the whole post was a bit of everything we’re here for. I’m glad you and Glenda were sharing doggy love and you were able to be reminded! I loved reading a bit of a summary of what you talked about. I’m sorry I missed yesterday.
LikeLiked by 1 person
We missed you, Denise. I’m all about the virtual church that I refer to as the First Baptist Church of YouTube – it is so nice to watch without having to get dressed.
LikeLike
I am suffering FOMO! lol. I had no idea of this Slicer Meet Up, but I am so thankful for your wonderful detailed synopsis. You 17 souls got a lot covered! So fabulous. I laughed so hard at you asking random strangers in Anaheim about a Slicer Meet Up. So, so fun. (P.S. Zoom church services are so awesome, simply because we can ‘come as we are’ – how exciting to listen to your father preach.)
LikeLiked by 1 person
And I loved your slice about the Lord annoying me/anointing me. That was hilarious!
LikeLike
What a lovely post, Kim. Unfortunately, I had just gotten out of the shower when I also received a helpful reminder from Glenda. If she hadn’t texted, I would have missed a whole thirty minutes. For some reason, I thought it started at 11. Nice job of tying in the idea about what makes getting dressed worth it.
LikeLiked by 2 people
I’m so glad I wasn’t the only one who had to find some clothes before coming to the party!
LikeLiked by 1 person