Slice of Life Challenge Day 3: Better Late Than Never

Though I am not doing the Slice of Life Challenge for any of the prizes, it would be sad to bow out on day 3 because I ran out of time. So though I recognize that this is far from a stellar slice post, I am counting it as part of building a writing habit. Showing up to write even when I want to say that life is just too busy. But isn't that true all of the time or most of the time? At this point, I am looking forward to the weekend when I can get caught up and back on track with posting for Slice of Life. I am hoping for a conversation or a high point that just wants to be written. 

Until then let me introduce you to Holmes and Watson. My two fur babies. Holmes (the one in the forefront of the photo) just managed to find his way to the top of the refrigerator where of 

course I have the cat treats hidden. Guess I will be looking for a new hiding place for them. These two will end up in at least a couple of slice posts this month. Hey they have already featured in some writing I have done with kinders and first graders during writing workshop, so why not here. 

For the month of March, I will be writing and posting daily as part of the Slice of Life Challenge. Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers for hosting the March Slice of Life Challenge. 

Slice of Life Challenge Day 2: Lost and Found

Yesterday, I had an epiphany. One of those unexpected thoughts of clarity that pop into your head at the most unexpected time and become life changing. One of those things that you should have known or others tried to tell you but you weren't ready to hear. Sometimes you just need to be in a place when you are ready to hear it. It doesn't really matter where I was or what was happening at the moment just that it was enough to finally help me see what I had been avoiding.

You wonder what my epiphany was? I realized that I needed to find myself. The part of me that makes me - well me. Yes, it sounds a bit existential but I have no plans to pack a bag and go on some journey to the mountains.

Sometimes I wonder, where did I loose that "me"? Maybe it was when I stopped listening to the things I know deep inside were right and instead started to allow other voices to dominate. As I look back, I realized it started slowly and innocently enough. It fell under the category of self-reflection and wanting to grow and improve. All good things. However, I started to allow others to give counsel and did not recognize at the time that their counsel was flawed. Their feedback about things were based on what they wanted rather than what might actually be good for me. As I result, I ended up off course and wandering around lost. 

Now that I am no longer lost, it feels good to finally be back on track. It will be good to see where the road goes. 

For the month of March, I will be writing and posting daily as part of the Slice of Life Challenge. Thank you to the Two Writing Teachers for hosting the March Slice of Life Challenge. 

Slice of Life: Let the Challenge Begin

Two years ago, I did my first Slice of Life Challenge. It was a definite challenge but also a wonderful experience and I met so many fabulous teachers and bloggers by joining in. The Slice of Life community is very special. Last year, I had some things going on in my life that prevented me from participating in the month long challenge.  However, this year, I am back and looking forward to where this writing journey will take me. I am also doing a different challenge this month. 

Ten days ago, I decided to take the Whole 30 challenge. This means that for 30 days I am eliminating sugar, dairy, soy, and grains.

I have 20 more days to go and if I can manage to pass on grilled cheese sandwiches, cookies, cake, and candy at my friend's recent birthday party, I suspect I can make it through the next 30 days.

As someone who loves sugar, cheese, and chocolate, you can see how big a deal it is for me to survive a party where I did not have much if anything that I could eat. 

Since regular cocoa or chocolate is not one of the foods that you can eat during these 30 days, I have been avoiding it.  However, cacao is allowed on the program. Now comes my dilemma - what do I do with this that doesn't require sugar or dairy? Aside from a sweet potato fudge recipe that I found, I haven't discovered any other recipes that I can adapt. 

So, has anyone used cacao powder and if so, do you know any recipes that don't call for sugar or milk? I am eager to try this but need to figure out a few recipes. Once I find some recipes, I will report back what I think, and I am looking to see what everyone posts. 

May you all have a wonderful Slice of Life Challenge. 

Slice of Life is hosted by the Two Writing Teachers, to read more posts click here.