This evening, after several false starts (possibly because I’m still a little tired from whatever illness got me down yesterday), I decided to do a 4-4-4: write about four things within four feet of you for four minutes. I set the timer & wrote, then went to have dinner with the family. Now I’ve spent another minute editing/ tidying. (And probably another minute writing this.) It’s a pretty good way to get writing when I’m feeling stuck. Special thanks to Elisabeth Ellington who used this form earlier this month and to whomever mentioned Saffy’s Angel (maybe as a book her mother liked? Can’t remember.)
***
On the other side of the bookshelf, Mr. 14 is on the computer. What is he doing? I don’t know. I do know that earlier today he let me add him to my Google Classroom to check out a quiz I made. Then he commented on my quiz (“interesting, but hard”). He’s awfully fun to have nearby; one of the many reasons I appreciate having his computer in our main living area.
My feet are up on the arm of the love seat in front of me. Just beyond them, our black lab mix, Max, is snoring lightly. He prefers being near me whenever possible; even better if he can be near me and in a soft space. If I stir, he’ll wake up, but for now, he sleeps peacefully.
Beside me on the couch are two blue yoga balls in a small mesh bag. They are calling me, reminding me that some mobility work will be good for my body, even if I’m not quite done being sick, even if I would rather just sit and read my new book, James by Percival Everett. It’s open and just next to the yoga balls. So far, it is amazing. I finished The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store just in time for book club on Friday night; that one was a slow read for me. Then, yesterday, I read Saffy’s Angel – a middle grade novel recommended by Elisabeth Ellington – because I spent most of the day in bed. It was a great half-sick lie-in-bed read. Last night I started James, and I’m tearing through it – making much faster progress than I did on The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store.
Time’s up.
Persistence and Pedagogy 
Thanks for sharing this format; I may use this later in the week. I listened to The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store. I can see where reading it might be slow going. I enjoyed it especially because its setting was local to me. I will have to check the others out.
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I liked The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store; it just took me a while. I bet listening to it was great- it had a sort of conversational feel to it, now that I think about it.
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Amanda,
I missed Elisabeth’s 4-4-4 post. I’d love to try that w/ students and might have to try it myself. Love seeing your dog and bookshelf. Love the insight of Mr. 14. Glad you’re liking James. It’s a book that makes me wish I were still teaching.
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I read Saffy’s Angel (loved it!) a long time ago and I think there are more books in the series. I’ve also read The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store. So good! James is on our book club list for this upcoming year. I’m currently reading The Women.
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I read Saffy’s Angel (loved it!) a long time ago and I think there are more books in the series. I’ve also read The Heaven and Earth Grocery Store. So good! James is on our book club list for this upcoming year. I’m currently reading The Women. Loved seeing your bookshelf and knowing that Mr. 14 is just on the other side. Feel better soon!
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I’ve heard such great things about James and have been wanting to read it myself! It’s great to hear you’re tearing through it—it makes me even more excited to pick it up. And I love the 4-4-4 writing prompt! It seems like such a helpful way to get unstuck and find inspiration for a new slice. Definitely tucking this idea away for the future. Thanks for sharing!
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We learn a lot about you from these four things…your son, your dog, your exercise goals, and your reading life. I have James on hold…Peter wrote about that one a while back. I hope you’re feeling better today and ready for the week ahead.
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I’m intrigued by what we read quickly and not. Heaven and Earth is one of the best things I’ve read in the last few years but I feel like I had to take breaks, because it was tough.
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I love a 4-4-4 post and am so glad the format worked for you when you needed a slice. Max looks so comfy–but sweet to know he’s always alert enough to wake up if you happen to move and “need” him. Saffy’s Angel is the first in the Hilary McKay Casson family series, and actually my least favorite of all the books, though I still think it’s good. Indigo’s Star and Permanent Rose (numbers 2 and 3) are my favorites. Now I want to reread…. Hope you’re feeling better.
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