Tag Archives: SOLC 2024

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SOLC Day 31: Block Printing

March 2024 SOLC–Day 31
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

Yesterday my daughter, Lydia, and I took a block printing class. I signed us both up a month or so ago, because…well, why not? I thought it would be fun to stretch ourselves and try something new, and she was game. It was a date!

At 2 pm we sat down to learn about block printing. There were 10-12 of us there. The instructor gave us a brief overview and then set us free. We began with potatoes to get the feel for the tools. Everyone dove right in, and I immediately floundered.

What should I try?

I sketched a few things, but nothing resonated. Lydia had a few good designs going, very Scandinavian in temperament. The women across from me were working on shapes and leaves. Soon, they’d already cut into their potatoes and started experimenting. I envied their blithe confidence. I stared at my potato, hoping for an incoming idea. I could feel tendrils of frustration start to unfurl and grow. Remember this is for fun. It’s good to try something new! I glanced at my paper. I glanced at my watch. How much longer did this class last?

In desperation, I looked up a few things on my phone to try to spark my inspiration. I found some organic looking prints I liked. I shook off my hesitation (well, as much as possible) and decided to go for a sort of organic Queen-Anne’s lacy vibe. The blade that was available seemed too thick for what I’d envisioned, but I plugged away. Eventually I took a deep breath and set down the potato, hoping it would turn out better than I thought. Remember, it’s just a potato! You can try another one if it doesn’t work. I rolled out the ink, inked my potato and pulled over a scrap piece of paper. I pushed the potato down carefully, held it there, held my breath too, and then carefully pulled the potato up and away.

Voilà!

Oh, this was downright embarrassing. Was anyone looking? I re-inked and tried again. Not much improvement. I had to resist turning my paper over to hide it. I showed my effort to Lydia, and tried to laugh it off, but yikes! I looked at the much higher caliber work on the table around me. My thoughts turned to students who are reluctant to share their work, and I remembered again why I was doing this, and why I need to do things like this more often. The learning curve is not comfortable for me. It also didn’t help that my daughter was apparently a block cutting prodigy, producing this on her first potato effort:

The instructor, walking by, commented, “Wow! I can’t believe you were able to get so much detail out of a potato!” She just nodded (pityingly?) as she walked by my apparently Rorschach-ink-blot-inspired print. Ugh! At the next table she gushed, “Do most of you already have a creative practice? I’m so impressed by what you’re producing!” I resisted the temptation, yet again, to turn over my printed paper. “Well, I could write about this,” I muttered under my breath. Damn learning curve!

Back to the drawing board! What had I learned so far that could help me? Well, I definitely needed a finer tool, and I needed to simplify my design (and revise my high hopes that I was going to have a secret hidden block cutting talent). My next two efforts looked like this:

Ok. That wasn’t too bad. I realized that I needed to consider the shape of the potato, too. I liked how it was irregular around my regular spiral, and hadn’t even considered that element of things when cutting.

Then it was time to switch to the linoleum printing block. The instructor gave us some more instruction and tips. She rustled up some additional fine point cutting tools, so we all had access to whatever we wanted and needed. I stared at the pink block. Drew a sketch on paper. Shrugged. Drew the sketch on the block. I struggled to think about how this would actually print. It’s a sort of reverse way of thinking– You’re carving what you don’t want to show, and it’s rather mind-bendy. It was definitely a foreign way for me to think. I considered it a bit longer, trying to wrap my head around it, and finally, just shrugged (there was a lot of shrugging going on!) and started. (Next to me, my daughter prodigy was staring at her block and feeling frustrated now. “I peaked too early,” she claimed.)

I picked my tool and began cutting. I liked the feel of the block and carving away the lino was kind of fun. Soon, a pile of pink slivers littered the table before me and my chosen shape was, more or less, emerging. I grew a bit bolder, taking off more and more of the lino. Still, I was very unsure how this next experiment would turn out. I was NOT looking forward to a return to the humiliation of the first potato effort. I tried a trial print of my block, and revised my plan, cutting away a bit more. I also noticed how the ink made fascinating patterns, which added to the print. This was another whole element I hadn’t considered–ink color, thickness, etc. I reconsidered. Carved more. Printed on some scrap paper again. Removed a few more spots.

And then I was done. I got a notecard, carefully rolled out the ink, placed my lino block on it and pushed. I moved the inked block over to the card, centered it and gently laid it down. I pressed, hoping the ink was evenly applied. Once again holding my breath, I slowly lifted away the block to see what I had made.

Hey! That wasn’t bad. I actually liked it! I decided to use this print for my second card, too, and quickly learned that two prints are never precisely the same–which was actually kind of cool. Looking at my prints, I noticed some things I would change, but essentially, I felt pretty successful. Next to me, Lydia had recovered her equilibrium and had created a sweet floral carving, printing it on her notecard in a bright red.

And then, just like that, it was time to clean up.

After the class, Lydia and I left the studio, prints in hand, talking about how we’d had a lot of fun, and about how we’d had to work through our doubts and frustrations to get there.

It seems fitting that this month of writing challenge ends with a post about trying something new. Yesterday, I swiftly remembered how much I dislike the learning curve and how frustration and embarrassment can get in the way of learning. I also remembered how important it is for me to put myself out there and give it a try.

Thanks for a great month everyone! I won’t say it’s been easy, but it was definitely worth the effort.

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SOLC Day 30: Diary of a Maine Spring

March 2024 SOLC–Day 30
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

Saturday, March 16th : Today we walked at Center Point Preserve, marveling that we could be out in the woods at this time of year. Usually the woodland shade preserves snow and ice until well into spring, making for treacherous going. Yet, there we were, easily hiking around and through puddles, muck and mud on a beautiful day in mid-March. There were plenty of other signs of the changing season, including vigorous eruptions of skunk cabbage and even a small eastern newt. Everything’s stirring! It’s both exciting and worrisome.

Thursday, March 21st: Dodged one today! There was only an inch or snow. It was enough to freshen up the scenery and prompt me to take the less scenic, safer drive to work, but not enough to interrupt a school day. With airline tickets booked to depart not long after the current last day, I’m voting (insanely and unusually!) for no more snow days.

Saturday, March 23rd: The forecasted snow has arrived, not in deep piles as we’d thought, but enough to make staying at home enjoyable. The birds are bombarding the feeders, and I could easily sit by the window watching the show all day. The goldfinches are transforming from drab olive to cheerful yellow, a sure sign that spring is on its way, despite the snow. A pileated woodpecker even came by to visit. They’re here year-round, but still a joy to hear and to see. I’m thankful this storm arrived on a Saturday!

Sunday, March 24th: Whoa! Overnight the world transformed to ice. When the wind blows it sounds like fairy bells are ringing. Everything glitters and shines. It’s stunning. Walking outside is treacherous as the snow has mixed with falling rain and ice to a concrete-density. Meandering in the yard, I have to stomp my heel in the ground to make a divot in the snow each time I step. Several times, I found myself sliding along with windmilling arms, trying to get a grip.

We lost power late last night and it looks like it may be out for days. I’m thankful for wood stoves and plenty of wood, town water, and a gas stove! Also, thankful for the timing of the storm. If it had hit during the school week, we would have been out for two days. That would have ratcheted up the tension on ending the school year and heading off on our trip! Phew!

Saturday, March 30th: The wind has finally died down after gusting crazily last night. I’m surprised we didn’t lose power again! After days of dreary skies, chill, and unrelenting rain (with the accompanying flooding of small rivers), we’re supposed to have a sunny weekend with temps in the high 40s and low 50s. Woot! Ironically, most of my plans (and very enjoyable ones they are!) involve being inside. Oh, well. I’m sure I can sneak in a walk or two.

Unfortunately, I looked at my phone this morning, and this is what I saw:

What?! March and April often have a hefty snowfall or two, but this one sounds pretty icky. I scan the article: “Maine could be in for the longest lasting weather event of the year so far…potential flooding..a lot of precipitation…heavy, plowable snow in a multi-day event…early predictions…as much as two feet in some parts of the state…no this isn’t an April Fools’ Day joke”
The storm is forecast to arrive mid-week and impact two days.

Uh oh.

When we scheduled our trip, I knew I was taking a gamble, but it definitely felt like the odds were in my favor. (And flights were so much cheaper if I booked for a bit earlier!) I promised myself I would not stress about potential snow days, but I can feel a little shiver of anxiety slivering in. Eek! Fingers crossed that this storm changes course and misses us. Once again, I’m wishing away a snow day. Or two.

I am not cut out to be a gambler, and I should know by now that Maine spring is anything but predictable. It’s always a bit of a ride.

Whiplash, anyone?

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SOLC Day 29: Releasing the Day

March 2024 SOLC–Day 29
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
Today’s post is also for Poetry Friday.

Releasing the Day

At the end of a day dense with noise,
I drive home in a silent fog
that drifts in shape-shifting banks
and hovers over snow.
Wipers swish, swish, sweep.
The quiet calm
of drip, drip
raindrops
reigns.

©Molly Hogan, draft

Thanks for the inspiration to try a nonet again, Kim Johnson! So much of my writing has been for the SOL challenge this month, and I’ve veered almost entirely away from poetry. It was a joy to wrestle with syllables again.

Tricia is hosting this week’s Poetry Friday at her blog, The Miss Rumphius Effect.




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SOLC Day 28: Ten Random Top Three Lists

March 2024 SOLC–Day 28
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’ve been enjoying some “Top 3” lists lately. I first saw this on Terje‘s post and she linked back to a few others. I believe the idea originated with WOWilkinson. He used it in his high school classroom so kids could then select items from their lists to do a “comparative analysis” about. I’m already thinking how I might tweak this in my second grade classroom. For now, though, it’s serving as a fun way to cross another slice off my list. 😉 Be advised that I’m literally plucking these off the top of my brain right now, and I’m just going with the first things that come to mind.

Comfort Foods:
1. macaroni and cheese
2. pizza–preferably with spinach, tomato and feta, but always with lots of cheese
3. soup–nothing brothy, but stewy, thick vegetable-rich soups with a big chunk of crusty bread (which could have been #4 on this list, but that would be cheating)

Books I Finished and said “WOW!”: (not at all a complete list, but the first three that come to mind)
1. Dandelion Wine by Ray Bradbury (Oh–and in another bending of the rules, his short story “All Summer in a Day” is absolutely one of these–it slayed me!)
2. Gone with the Wind (It traumatized me when I was in my early teens and read it. I still remember feeling shell shocked as I closed it after finishing it one summer day. )
3. The Nightingale

Poets:
1. Mary Oliver
2. Wendell Berry
3. Shel Silverstein

Ways to Procrastinate:
1. Play word games on my phone*
2. Bake
3. Take pictures, download pictures, share pictures

*Word Games to play on my phone:
1. Wordle (Two of my sisters and I share our scores daily.)
2. Spelling Bee (I hate “nice”!, but I’m comfortable stopping at “Amazing”. I strive to get “Genius” every day. I may be in a bit of a “friendly” competition with my son.)
3. Connections

Breakfasts:
1. steel-cut oats with a dash of pumpkin pie spice
2. whole wheat pumpkin pancakes topped with ginger jam
3. Cheerios with granola and blueberries

Smells:
1. baking bread
2. the air outside after a solid rain
3. all the Christmas-y spices–cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, etc.– with a whiff of molasses thrown in (maybe I just should have written: the smell of gingerbread baking…)

Ways to unwind:
1. get outside (marsh, beach, river, our yard, etc) and take pictures
2. read
3. write

Winter joys:
1. the first snowfall and how the air seems to glow
2. the geometric formation of ice on water and the frosty filagrees on windows
3. the heart of blue inside deep snow piles

Spring delights:
1. the first time I hear the peepers
2. the sudden burst of color after winter’s limited (albeit dazzling) palette
3. catnapping outside in the late afternoon spring sun, tucked in a wind-free corner on our front deck

What top 3 lists would you choose to share?

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SOLC Day 27: I’ve Got a Golden Ticket!

March 2024 SOLC–Day 27
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 haven’t shaken yesterday’s grumpiness, and I had a hard time rolling out of bed yet again this morning. Yesterday’s relatively disastrous math class is still resounding in my head, along with a lot of degrading self talk and the litany of Things-to-do that pollutes March each year. Then there are a few extras thrown in this year to add to the mess and stress. Oh, and don’t forget to add in a thick layer of self disgust for whining in the first place, when really I am so, so fortunate is so, so many ways. Ugh. I really hate feeling ugly inside.

Even though writing slices has been tough lately, I still keep writing in my notebook. I guess it’s a sort of sloppy creative journal. Whatever it is, no matter how I’m feeling, writing in it is a deeply ingrained morning habit.

Here’s what I just wrote this morning: “There are only 5 more slicing days left and I should be able to pull that off. Just 5 more slices to write — but these feel more like “cross it out” rather than “craft and enjoy.” I’ve found myself thinking lately that I might not do this next year. Maybe my 10th year is my swan song. But then I would probably still have an overwhelming, stressful March, but not have a collection of writing or the sense of community… “

Not long afterward, I stopped writing and got on-line to check my e-mails. There were a bunch of comments on my grumpy slice from last night from regular readers and others. Each one was so supportive and so empathetic.

“I get it.”

“I’m in the exact same place.”

“You’re allowed.” or

“I’m just. so. tired. of everything, really. It’s not that I can’t see the good things, I’m just grumpy.”

I felt seen, heard, supported and surrounded by community. A little bit of my toxic funk evaporated as I read each one.

These comments are such a tangible affirmation of why I do participate in this challenge. Sure, I want to work on writing and challenge myself to improve my writing craft. But really, the challenge is the golden ticket, giving me entry into this amazing community of supportive people who are in it together, doing the best we can.

So, here’s to all of you, with my deepest thanks for the ongoing support and encouragement! In particular, today, I thank Margaret, Lainie, Jessica, Stephanie, Kim, and Amanda.

You’re the best!

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SOLC Day 26: A Bad Case of the Can’t-Help-Its

March 2024 SOLC–Day 26
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 sitting and staring at my screen, trying to figure out what to write. It’s the exact thing I did this morning when I had some time to write. And then I didn’t.

I am in a bad mood and in a bad writing place. It’s not that I don’t have anything to write about. I can think of several moments that would make a good slice. I just don’t want to. Like foot stomping don’t want to. I don’t have the energy or the urge, and I’m feeling super grumpy about it. I’ve gone from my early month jubilation to the too-close-to-quit doldrums. It’s like the early excitement of the journey has turned from “Yippee! We’re off!” to “Are we there yet?”, and the latter is definitely said in a very whiny, unattractive tone.

I tried focusing on positives this evening–the cute, skipping, rainbow-legginged girl who waved wildly at me in the grocery store parking lot, the hawk flying up to a tree as I drove by, and the cluster of deer grazing peacefully in our back yard. It didn’t help. Neither did multiple servings of Girl Scout cookies (Carmel Delites) or over-indulgence in salt-and-pepper potato chips. My husband had the wood stove going and a scented candle burning when I got home, and then he made dinner. It didn’t matter. I’m still in a funk. Not fit company for anyone.

When my children were little, and we couldn’t shift them from grumpy, despite all our best efforts, we used to say they had a bad case of the “can’t-help-its.” I guess that’s my diagnosis. I’m hoping tomorrow will be a better day, but for now I just have a deeply entrenched case of the can’t-help-its.

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SOLC Day 25: Winter Wonderland

March 2024 SOLC–Day 25
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

We went to bed Saturday night with the power out and rain and ice lashing the windows. We woke to a world transformed. The power still hadn’t returned, but now every surface had been thickly coated with a thick glaze of ice. It was treacherous and it didn’t bode well for an imminent return of power, but it was also absolutely stunning.

The pictures really don’t capture the glitter and glow of it all. It was sparkle on steroids, everything frosted and frozen, like some sort of magical fairyland. Today, my 30 year old son mentioned that he’d commented to his wife, “It looks just like Narnia!” And it did!

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SOLC Day 24: A Weekend Snow Day

March 2024 SOLC–Day 24
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

It was pretty clear by Friday afternoon that Saturday would not be a good day for travel. I summarily decided that I would be going nowhere and doing nothing. It was going to be an at home snow day and I was leaning into it. The last two weekends had been packed and I was stick-a-fork-in-me done! 

So, Friday night we picked up ingredients for soup and a few other essentials. We made sure the wood was stacked high by the wood stoves. I went to sleep knowing I had no plans for the next day, feeling oddly and deliciously liberated by having some choices and “should do’s” curtailed by the impending storm. 

I woke up, eager to check out the snowfall (maybe 2 inches so far), made coffee and fed the cats. Then I wrote, read and commented. Played some word games. Next, I made pumpkin pancakes and topped them with ginger jam. Yum! I washed the sheets and made the bed. I watched the snow fall. I let each moment unfold into the next, letting my mood and inclination guide me.

I willfully ignored school work and tax prep. I finished a book (The Mona Lisa Vanishes). I watched the birds in the snow and took some pictures. I shoveled the walkway. I sat by the wood stove in the living room and read a new book (The Predictable Heartbreaks of Imogen Finch). For hours. From start to finish. Sheer, unadulterated bliss! I had wine and Tostitos for dinner (to hell with making soup!). Then, I finished the day by watching two episodes of “Miss Scarlet and the Duke” with Kurt. I almost never watch anything, but it felt like the perfect way to wind up my very low-key day.

After watching, we shut down the house and headed up to bed, ready to finish the day with more reading. Within minutes of my getting in bed, the lights flickered. Once. Twice. Three times…and gone. Oh, well. Hopefully, this will be a Camelot scenario and power will be on when we wake in the morning.

Outside the snow had turned to rain or ice. It lashed against the windows.

Inside, we turned on our book lights and read. 

It had been a really nice day.

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SOLC Day 23: One for the Books!

March 2024 SOLC–Day 23
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

She approached me with tears in her eyes, clearly distraught.

I leaned down. “Oh, no. What’s wrong, B?”

She choked out the words, “There’s a booger. And it’s stuck in my nose. And I can’t get it out!” Her voice rose as she spoke, and a tear spilled over and ran down her cheek.

“Oh,” I repeated. “Well, that happens sometimes,” I reassured her. “Did you try blowing?”

“Yes. Once.”

“Well, do you think you can try again?” I asked.

The tears streamed down her face, and more words gushed out

“But I tried to pull it out and it won’t come out when I try to pull it.”

I paused.

“Did you put anything up your nose?” I asked.

“No.”

“Are you sure?” I pressed, thinking of past experiences and the allure of pencil eraser tops.

“Yes.”

I was at a bit of a loss at this point, unsure what was going on.

“Does it hurt?” I asked.

She shook her head, and offered a forlorn little, “No.”

“Well, why don’t you just let it be for a little bit? Maybe it’s a little like a loose tooth and will come out when it’s ready. ” (Ew! And, yes, I really said that. Desperate times and all…although, it did feel a bit inspired. As a second grader, she was sure to understand that analogy.)

She looked at me doubtfully, but the flow of tears was ebbing, and she didn’t seem quite as upset.

“Ok, B, why don’t you try blowing once or twice more, and then if that doesn’t work, give it some time. Do you think that could be the plan?”

She nodded.

“I’ll check in with you later, ok? Or you can tell me if it gets worse.”

“OK,” she said, and turned away to head to the tissues, wiping the tears off her cheeks.

The day moved on, and I didn’t hear from her about this again. Later when I checked in, she was smiling and confirmed that everything was okay. I didn’t ask for details.

This was one for the books.

Then I remembered the poem I’d shared with my class earlier this week. Could it be related? Surely not!


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SOLC Day 22: In the wee hours

March 2024 SOLC–Day 22
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

It’s 1:53 am.

I’m snuggled in a nest of blankets, warm and cozy. The cat is curled atop them, between me and my husband. I feel her legs twitching madly in her sleep, and wonder idly if her dreams are pleasant or disturbed. Is she running toward something or running away?

Moments from yesterday drift through my mind, like a reel of bloopers at the end of a movie. Funny moments. Concerning ones. Mistakes. Triumphs.

It’s been a long, long week, and the last two weekends have been held hostage by work overflow. All the regular culprits–report cards and comments, conference prep, regular planning, etc. Thank goodness it’s Friday, with a weekend to follow. I’m ready for the break. I just need to get through today. Ew. I don’t like thinking that way–wishing a day away–but there it is.

The windows rattle with a gust of wind. It’s so cold outside. Recess duty will not be pleasant today! They’re forecasting snow for Saturday. Up to half a foot! We should go grocery shopping tonight. Maybe we can make soup. I know I have some good bread in the freezer. Depending on the roads, we might have to wait to get our tax information to the accountant until Sunday…Ugh, I still need to pull all of that together. Do I even have everything? Do I know where it is? I need to read over the new reading unit this weekend, and prepare to launch it next week. The new writing unit will follow all too shortly afterward. I feel the weekend slipping away, and sense the onslaught of the coming weeks looming. How many weeks is it until spring break? Didn’t we just have a break?

I sigh and pull the covers up around me. Take a deep breath. Roll over and find a comfortable position.

I hear Kurt breathing softly beside me. Through the covers, I can feel the weight and warmth of the cat. She is resting peacefully now. Her nighttime adventures are a thing of the past.

Outside, the wind still howls intermittently, rattling about. Slight drafts curl in around the edges of the windows in our old home. But I’m safe. I’m warm. I still have hours to sleep.

And so I do.