Today, March 7th, 2020, I’m participating in Two Writing Teachers’ Slice of Life Story Challenge.
Tugging the beautiful shiny mylar balloon downward and in through the front door, I placed my shoulder bag on the floor. I hung up my coat, took off my shoes, grabbed the balloon, and made my way toward the living room. Piano music filled my ears, and I remembered it was Thursday, my daughter’s lesson day.
I peeked into the living room. On the coffee table lay a small pile of presents and a few cards. Then my wife’s voice came from the kitchen, “Happy birthday, honey.” Her warm smile greeted me.
Yep, my birthday’s come again. Tonight we would open those gifts, head out to my favorite restaurant, eat some cake. The five of us would be together.
As I gazed out the window at the sun reflecting off barren winter trees, I silently marked the moment in time. How lucky am I? I thought. How lucky, indeed.
Like this:
Like Loading...
Author: Lanny Ball
For more than 29 years, Lanny has taught, coached, presented, staff developed, and consulted within the exciting and enigmatic world of literacy. With unyielding passion and belief in the possibility of workshop teaching, Lanny has worked to support students, teachers, and school administrators around the country in outgrowing themselves as both writers and readers. Working first as a classroom teacher, then as a coach and TCRWP Staff Developer, Lanny is now a literacy specialist, working and living in the great state of Connecticut. Outside of literacy, he enjoys raising his three ambitious young daughters with his wife, and playing the piano. Find him on this blog, as well as on Twitter @LannyBall. Lanny is also a former co-author of a blog dedicated to supporting writing teachers and coaches that maintain classroom writing workshops, twowritingteachers.org.
View all posts by Lanny Ball
LANNY BALL, Literacy Specialist 
That moment when we have the space to take in our joy and revel in it, how precious.
LikeLiked by 1 person
From the mylar balloon to the cards and gifts, this is a descriptive slice of birthday life.
Coincidentally, today is the day I’m driving north 2 1/2 hours for my sister’s 90th birthday. We are all lucky.
Happy belated birthday, Lanny.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Aww, thank you! Safe travels, my friend.
LikeLike
This is something I love most about SOL! So many people taking time like you did to be in a moment! “As I gazed out the window at the sun reflecting off barren winter trees, I silently marked the moment in time.”
LikeLiked by 1 person
Absolutely love this. Birthdays are a time to be thankful that we are we are in life. Thankful that our lives are filled with family who want to celebrate us. This shines through in this simple slice! Happy Happy Birthday, Lanny!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much 😊
LikeLike
I love the details, allowing the simplicity of daily life to be viewed through this lens of your birthday. You not only silently marked that moment, but recalled it for your readers and made it into so much more. Happy belated…enjoy this next trip around the sun.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Happy Birthday, Boss! So cool that you found time to slow down, pause, and appreciate what’s good.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks so much!
LikeLike
Lucky, yes! You describe a life of riches. Happy Birthday.
LikeLike
Thank you, Diane!
LikeLike
Lanny, quite easy to picture the mylar balloon. I love the moment of entrance into your home, the presents awaiting and the normalcy of an ongoing piano lessons. Sounds like a perfect birthday.
Liz
LikeLike
Happy Birthday! In Estonian too: Palju õnne sünnipäevaks! When my dad turned 85, he didn’t want a big celebration, he said that the best gift was having his family with him. And having a cake is good too.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks for Estonian birthday wish! 🙂
LikeLike
Happy belated birthday, Lanny!!!! As always, your descriptions are so palpable, and visually enticing. I hope you had an awesome celebration and this new year treats you good with big and small adventures, lots of love, peace and time for writing and reflect, and a healthy body to endure difficult moments that we cannot control.
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thank you so much, Pia! So appreciated
LikeLiked by 1 person