tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-11734562600599381652025-10-18T00:04:12.935-07:00Sioux's PageI'm Sioux Roslawski and this is my blog about writing, dogs, grown-up children, menopause, the joy of a marvelous book, classroom teaching in general, and specifically, the teaching of writing. You can email me at sroslawski(at)yahoo(dot)com.Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.comBlogger1006125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-78922049397486534512022-11-07T00:39:00.001-08:002022-11-07T00:39:00.157-08:00Chasing Tarzan: A Trip Back in Time I recently read the memoir Chasing Tarzan. It made me recall many moments in my own youth. I wasn't bullied in the same way the author was, but I am still traumatized when it comes to playing softball. (The kids would all group behind the backstop and yell "Swing!" and I still managed to avoid contact with the ball every time. I learned that if I didn't do my homework, I had to stay in at Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-43204933375963155742022-07-11T03:00:00.003-07:002022-07-11T03:08:43.391-07:00My Sordid AffairThis is a busy summer. I'm in the middle of teaching my graduate class--coteaching, actually. (My teaching partner is my better half, and makes the month-long course a joy.) Two friends and I are embarking on a big (huge for us) undertaking involving storytelling. And it's hot.Last week it got to 101 degrees. In St. Louis, that goes hand in hand with a humidity level of 127%. That might be an Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-30594490183639726172022-06-23T09:57:00.002-07:002022-06-23T09:57:18.812-07:00A Long Time Gone It's been a long time since I last posted. Last week, I saw the Chicks (formerly the Dixie Chicks) in concert here in St. Louis. My post's title reminded me of one of their songs, Long Time Gone.Right now I'm knee-deep into a challenging project: creating a channel of podcasts for women. I have two partners in crime crazy, and we thought the response would be slow... But just a couple of Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-21005146528053132742022-03-27T10:46:00.001-07:002022-03-27T10:46:16.700-07:00The Agony of Not-Terrible Defeat SOL #21 (should be #27) See below to see what the Slice of Life challenge is.Last night I went to a work trivia night. I was the anchor of the table. In this case, I was the member that would be holding back the rest of the group. I suck at trivia.We had predict what score we'd make, in case there was a tie for first some miracle happened unicorns pranced around our table, pigs Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-3328492655989875732022-03-26T14:38:00.000-07:002022-03-26T14:38:24.314-07:00What a Difference a Day (or Two) Makes SOL #20 (should be #26)Earlier this week: exhaustion. Pressure. Regret. (I was finishing my report cards a little past my principal's deadline, and had two nights were sleep was just an appetizer.)Today: joy. Hope. Energy. (I plan on doing a better job of keeping up with my paperwork... but you know the saying about "man makes plans..." )I can hear the gods laugh as I type this.Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-24308132165545392582022-03-22T20:26:00.001-07:002022-03-22T20:26:14.939-07:00Death By ProcrastinationSOL #19 (should be 22) She was a vibrant person, so full of life... except around report card time. Being buried under work that she should have kept up with, she breathed her last breath, and uttered her last words: I'll try to do better next time.And the gods answered, "We'll see. You say that every quarter."Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-69498150657656275622022-03-21T03:30:00.004-07:002022-03-21T03:30:48.017-07:00Stories, Stories, Stories SOL #18 (should be #21) See below to find out what the Slice of Life Challenge is all aboutYesterday I was in a small theater all day. Yes, it was a gorgeous day, weather-wise, so I missed most of that. The black chairs, the black stage, the small spotlights--they were in stark contrast to the bright sunshine and the warm breeze that was happening right outside the double doors. However, I Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-86313844794544804602022-03-20T07:59:00.000-07:002022-03-20T07:59:01.061-07:00No Hog Dog Today... No Snow DogSOL #17 (should be #20) See below to check out what the Slice of Life Challenge is all aboutTwo blocks from our house is a park. It's big enough to have a football field (along with another space where a second team can practice). There's some playground equipment, a large pavilion, and lots of great smells. Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-20317046816191602682022-03-19T07:32:00.002-07:002022-03-19T07:32:24.212-07:00The Little Things SOL #16 (should be #19) See below for info on the Slice of Life ChallengeThe sound of rain outside... while you're warm and dry inside. Feeling tired... and being able to curl up on the couch and take a nap. Being hungry... and fixing some eggs and potatoes, topped with a drizzle of raspberry salsa. &Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-47585788485057267002022-03-18T06:53:00.000-07:002022-03-18T06:53:03.351-07:00Everything's Comin' Up Green SOL #15 (should be #18) See below to check out what the Slice of Life Challenge isYesterday was St. Patrick's Day. In St. Louis, we have a parade in the Dogtown section of the city. The area is a sea of green (hats, beards, hair, shirts, beads and make-up) and a river of yellow (there is way too much urinating in alleys and side streets).Apparently beer and whiskey are great breakfast Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-84834443871163986612022-03-17T02:30:00.002-07:002022-03-18T06:17:41.694-07:00I Like 'em Naked and Blonde (Big Feet--a Bonus)SOL #14 (should be #17) See below if you want to know more about the Slice of Life challenge Ode to My Hunka Hunka Burnin’ LoveOh, your fast, hot breathMakes me eager and excitedAbout stepping out(towards the park).Your liquid-brown eyesLet me know I’m desired… wanted… needed.Your tongue licks my skin with such careAnd thoroughnessAnd so much drool,I drip after each of our love sessions.Oh Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-64555411462952177372022-03-15T21:45:00.000-07:002022-03-15T21:45:24.849-07:00The Deep EndSOL #13 (should be #15) See below to find out what the Slice of Life challenge isOne of my favorite shows was on tonight. It's winding down--only 6 or 7 more episodes until the series is over--and there was a line that resonated with me.The character was drunk and sitting in the bottom of an empty community swimming pool with his siblings. From his perspective, he was the screw-up, his brother Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-17513946298849261142022-03-14T08:04:00.002-07:002022-03-14T08:04:56.228-07:00The Power of Bread... and Breaking Bread TogetherSOL #12 (it should be #14) See below if you're curious what the Slice of Life challenge isLast night I had a dinner meeting. It was only supposed to be a meeting, but the woman who was hosting the meeting generously (and deliciously) made dinner for us.On the table was a basket of two loaves of bread--a marble rye and a rustic, crusty loaf of white. Just the smell reminded me of France--where theSioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-86243312157704204382022-03-13T13:25:00.001-07:002022-03-13T13:25:22.958-07:00Being Provided ForSOL #11 (should be #13) See below if you're curious about what the Slice of Life challenge is.There is something delightful when you have a day or two (or three... or four... or more) where everything is arranged for you. Food? Check. Someone is there--wherever you are--to plan and prepare the meals and clean up after you eat. A place to sleep? Check. There is a bed with clean sheets, along with Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-90571465608199123892022-03-12T03:28:00.001-08:002022-03-12T03:28:00.192-08:00LevitySOL # 10 (should be #12) See below to find out what the Slice of Life challenge isOnce a week at my school, we play pickleball after the kids leave. (We are not idiots. We know that if we played when the kids could watch us, it would go viral... and it would be very embarrassing.)I am extremely competitive when it comes to some sports. (Pool. Kickball--when I can butt into a kids' game. And Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-59699813941861541702022-03-11T01:05:00.000-08:002022-03-11T01:05:08.999-08:00Forgiving YourselfSOL #9 (should be #11) See below for what the Slice of Life challenge isYesterday evening, I had to forgive a frozen food company for making crab rangoons with something bready instead of with wonton wrappers. What's with that? I mean, seriously.As is sometimes my life, I drifted into sleep too early, woke up, began this post (at 11 PM) fell back asleep, and woke up at 2 AM.Oops. This is the 2nd Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-65050064886758671982022-03-09T21:57:00.001-08:002022-03-09T21:57:27.457-08:00It's a Dog's LifeSOL #8 (should be #9) See below to find out what the Slice of Life Challenge is.I jacked up my knee a couple of weeks ago. Finally, I don't have to gingerly walk down the steps, two week on each step. Finally, I could take Radar for a walk in the park instead of into the backyard for a game of fetch.It's so nice to get to smell new, different smells. The smells in our backyard? Too familiar. The Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-76603050367928933552022-03-08T21:59:00.001-08:002022-03-08T21:59:07.398-08:00Short Legs Upright For Too Long SOL #7 (It should be #8) See below for what the Slice of Life challenge is all about. It's been a long day. I've been up for so long, I've got the Jimmy Legs, just like Kramer's girlfriend. When you're old, you look forward to the simple things. Sleep. A book you can read until you fall asleepSioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-37973479557673338702022-03-07T16:52:00.002-08:002022-03-07T16:52:21.317-08:00Only One HourThis evening I spent only one hour with a complete stranger. Yet when she left, I felt reenergized... replenished.The first Monday and the second Tuesday of every month, I'm at a table at St. Louis Bread Co. Most times, it's just me, which is fine. I get some writing done. I get some papers graded. I play Wordscapes on my phone. I answer emails. &Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-18921133353454111342022-03-06T11:05:00.004-08:002022-03-06T11:11:02.128-08:00Look around... The leaves are brownSOL # 5 (should be #6) See below for what the Slice of Life challenge is. I was playing fetch with Radar (my 84-pound bundle of fur), and saw (again) that I need to do some serious raking. The leaves are brown, but it's not a hazy shade of winter. I noticed some green sprouts shooting above the leaves (I think they are those wild onions) which makes me think of spring and warmer Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-32825041483971160512022-03-05T05:28:00.000-08:002022-03-05T05:28:10.005-08:00No Yarn About YarnSOL # 4 (should be # 5) See below what the Slice of Life Challenge is all about.Needles sliding into each other. Looping the yarn. Pulling back the needle to dig in and catch the loop. Tightening or keeping things deliberately loose, depending on how much air you want to knit into the piece. Looping the yarn. Pulling back the needle to dig in and catch the loop. Every session, the same small Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-89856801611896925192022-03-04T19:21:00.005-08:002022-03-05T05:05:37.443-08:00Teen Entertainment and Adult EntertainmentSOL # 3 (should be #4) See below about the Slice of Life challenge. I am not talking about what entertains teens--I'm talking about how teens can entertain us. I'm a middle school teacher, and here are few of the things that made me laugh today:I finish Fridays with a music video, and the students vote. Was the video fab or was it a flop? (I got this idea from Tracy Brosch.) I madeSioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-26552679902260336362022-03-03T02:34:00.002-08:002022-03-03T02:34:48.382-08:00It's the Small ThingsSOL #2 (should be 3--see below to read a bit about the Slice of Life challenge) Here are some small things I delighted in yesterday:the softness of a well-loved quilt as I snuggled on the couchthe velvet of the side of my dog's noselaughter among friends--women friends--who get the same things I getdancing to Uptown Funk in my car seat as I drove I make a conscious effort to lighten my foot Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com5tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-79629161581210791852022-03-02T02:23:00.001-08:002022-03-02T02:30:33.564-08:00The UN My students are working on their Civitas project. Civitas is a St. Louis gem--a model UN program. The students who participate choose a country, research its problems, draft a UN resolution to solve one of those problems which involves data, a plan and a budget.Yesterday (the first day I should have posted :( my classes waded through websites and asked lots of questions. Since Ukraine is onSioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1173456260059938165.post-63381756891469799412022-01-17T06:55:00.000-08:002022-01-17T06:55:03.059-08:00Dream Squasher? Or Dream Nurturer? There are some who help keep people's dreams alive. They fan the tiny flames. They dig around the embers, the coals, trying to get a fire reignited. They bring in kindling. There are other people who squash people's dreams. They criticize. They ridicule. They refuse to listen to some out-of-the-box thinking from a writing colleague.I'm lucky. I belong to a great writing group. When I Sioux Roslawskihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17924021828536277618noreply@blogger.com6