If we were having coffee, I’d tell you this is the first time I’ve been in a coffee shop since I traveled to New Hampshire–and their much lower Covid numbers–back in July. When I finally feel safe unmasking around other people for long periods of time, I may just take up residence at my local coffee shop. After all, I have two years and counting of coffee shop eavesdropping to catch up on. I’d also ask you to tell me about your favorite coffee shop. I’ve lived in Detroit for two years and still don’t even know which shop is going to be my shop. (But Stella Good Coffee has my heart–for the coffee and for the amazing Fisher Building).
If we were having coffee, I’d ask how many more wake-ups you have until your next break. (Fifteen for me!) If you feel guilty because you’re secretly counting the days, I’d try to set your mind at ease. It’s just that kind of year. We can need rest and still be doing what is right for our students each day.
If we were having coffee, I’d ask after your pets by name. I won’t remember your children’s names–or even if you have children probably–but I know every detail you’ve ever shared about your pets. I’d be especially touched if you ask me about my feral cat colony so I can assure your that Aubergine finally returned, no worse for wear, and yesterday Max sat on the fence and waited rather than running away when I put food out for him.
If we were having coffee, I’d tell you that Slicing is taking a toll on my reading life (to borrow Julieanne’s phrase). This is the first week in a couple of months when I haven’t finished a book. But I did start a book this morning that I’m excited about–Dorothy Gilman’s A New Kind of Country. It belongs to a sub-genre I particularly like–let’s call them “a year of solitude in a rural place” memoirs. I too would like to move to a little lobstering village in Nova Scotia for a year or two and write about it.
If we were having coffee, we’d talk about Ukraine. Even though I haven’t written about it, Ukraine is always on my mind, and I’m sure it’s on yours too.
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My theme for Slice of Life 2022 is finding inspiration in the writing of others. Each day I plan to find my slice in someone else’s words or forms. Weekend Coffee Share is a format I learned from Tammy at Tammy’s Reading Life. If you’re ever stuck for an idea, I highly recommend a visit to Tammy’s blog. You’re sure to find inspiration!
the dirigible plum 
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