March 2026 SOLC–Day 16
A huge thank you to Two Writing Teachers for all that they do to create an amazing community of writers and a safe, welcoming space to write, learn, share and grow.
http://www.twowritingteachers.org
I’m turning to a tried and true post format for this morning. Somehow the past few days, as full as they’ve been, have left me scrambling for what to write!
Currently, the sun is still sleeping. The birds are still sleeping. I’m drinking my coffee while the windows reflect my face back at me. I’m wondering why it is that I wake naturally at 3:30 or 4:00 am on weekend mornings, but on schooldays need to be detonated from sleep by my 4:30 am alarm. There is something inherently unfair about this.
Currently, my shoulders are taut and tense near my ears. I consciously relax them. Down. Down. Down.
Currently, I have just realized that taut and taught are homophones. This intrigues me. Can I do something with this in a poem? It also does not surprise me and feels sadly apt. Speaking of which…
Currently, I’m worrying about the coming day, about all the work I did not do this weekend. I’m yearning to be back in yesterday. To be holding my grandson in my arms. My hand tucked around his soft head. Cherishing. Protecting. If I close my eyes, I can still feel the soft, warm weight of his sleeping body against my shoulder…
Currently, this happy reverie is interrupted by the cat repetitively scratching at the door. She wants out. Again. If I ignore her, she’ll move into the next phase which consists of knocking things off the desk, off the windowsill, etc. It occurs to me that I’m much better trained than she is. It also occurs to me that I don’t like cats quite as much as I used to.
Currently, the wall clock issues a steady tick-tick-tick from where it hangs on the kitchen wall. It reminds me this is no leisurely morning. I’m already so behind. I halt my shoulders in their ascent and consciously relax them downward. Again. I know this won’t be the last time.
Currently, I decide enough is enough. This is going to be my slice for today and it’s time to publish it. I’m feeling a bit panicked about using this format so early in the month. What will be on hand when I dive into conference week? Or even this week as I tackle final grading and writing report card comments and whatever other drama heads my way?
Currently…
my shoulders are taut and tense near my ears. I consciously relax them. Down. Down. Down.
Nix the comfort zone 
Don’t fret. You can use this structure again with a whole new set of currentlies. But how I do wish we could all go back to Saturday. Yours sounded dreamy!
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It was dreamy…that’s the perfect word for it.
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Agree with Jessica, you could use this format every day and it would be a very different slice! But I don’t have any doubt you’ll need to again as your days are always full of slices.
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Right now it’s almost tempting to write a “Currently” slice every day! Thanks for the vote of optimism though.
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I was going to say the same thing. Currently is a structure that could work every day. After hearing of your classroom horrors last night, I am sending you some extra mojo to get through Monday.
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I appreciate the good mojo! I definitely will need it to make it through this year.
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Thank you for reminding me of this structure! I love how much detail you put into this small moment. And so relatable. I too find that I need to consciously relax my shoulders. Really everything. It is so easy to get caught up in the looming to do list. You are not alone!
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I love how descriptive you are and how you included your inner dialgoue. This adds so much more dimension than the typical currently post. I hope you had a good Monday!
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Thanks, Leigh Anne. Thanks for the good Monday wishes. Let’s just say that tomorrow’s another day 🙂
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You could switch it up in meaningless ways, and do a rightaboutnow slice and an atthepresenttime. or atthisjuncture. They’re less compact, less electric, and harder to type, but I read somewhere that “we can do hard things,” so…
Seriously, I sympathize, even if I have less work than you these days, I am similarly dry when it comes to writing ideas. Also, I don’t have a grandchild…and there doesn’t appear to be one on the horizon.
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Wonderfully written. I love the format; it fits my pattern of thinking. (What does that say about me?) I will have to give it a try sometime.
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I need to remember this “currently…” format–it’s parent conference week for me, so I may need a handy structure this week. I love the description of you with your grandchild…pure bliss. Sending love and loosening of those shoulders to you! (Reminder–weekends are for relaxing and reveling, you deserve to push back on the work during the weekend! You’ve got this!)
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Molly, I agree with others. I believe you could write “Currently” every day, and it would be new again! I hope you have a great conference week. The paragraph of the tick-tick-tick of the clock shows the stress you are feeling. The conscious breathing and halt of your shoulders is palpable. I’ve added Currently to my slicing list too. And your alarm goes off at 4:30! Yikes! You are busy. Peace to you.
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