Slice of Life 5: What’s in your word cloud?
By Janice Ewing
Here in the Philly area, these are some of the words that would jump out at you in a word cloud today – cancelled, treacherous, heavy, deteriorating, freezing, alert, update… you get the idea.
Yes, we’re in the midst of our biggest snowstorm of the season. The intrepid local TV weather and traffic folks are braving the elements to update us, minute by minute, on the depth, texture, tenacity, and effects of the snow. The reporter from the airport, with an apparent lack of irony, responded to a question about flight delays by explaining that there were actually very few delays (then went on to further explain that that is because most flights are cancelled).
With great appreciation, I can report that my day has not been treacherous or freezing (my husband is taking care of shoveling), and definitely not deteriorating. I’ve created a comfortable nest on the sofa from which I can watch the snow while I read, write, and get to know my new class online. In an earlier SoL post, I wrote about the challenge of holding the first session of a new class online. Some of the responders pointed out that most online communities, including TwoWritingTeachers, start with digital communication and strong bonds are often formed, whether not members eventually meet in person. Much food for thought as I “meet” my students.
So what words would appear in my word cloud today? Most likely to tower over the rest: reading, writing, reflecting, watching, coffee, kittens, and, I hope, appreciation.
* This “Slice of Life” post is part of a larger blog series, hosted by the blog site, Two Writing Teachers: A Meeting Place for a World of Reflective Writers.
Janice Ewing is an adjunct for Cabrini College and a co-director for the Pennsylvania Writing & Literature Project. Janice co-facilitates PAWLP’s “Continuity Days” and this blog. She is an avid reader and writer, and especially enjoys writing poems.
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I’d love to share this post as a part of a presentation that I’m doing later this week that includes the use of word clouds. I’m encouraging the use of word clouds in the writing process and would love to show how you used word clouds to stimulate your writing. Would it be okay with you if I shared this? Thank you:)
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What a great idea! It’s interesting to think how one’s word cloud would change from day to day. I hope the beginning of your class went well.
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I too like this idea of thinking about what words would be in our word clouds. My word cloud today would be: rushing, teaching, laughing, painting, writing, reading.
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On some future post, you should share a picture of some of that Philly snow. In Texas we are kind of excited we got maybe an inch of fluff last night. I’d love to go somewhere and see some real snow. What a great time for an online class. No cancellations or makeup days there!
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Janice, hope your online class goes well today. At least you and your students will be safe from the treacherous weather. My word cloud is similar: reading, writing, emails, phone calls, feeding the birds, napping with cat, and checking on neighbors. It’s been a great day at home and will be a perfect one if my snow angel arrives to clear paths and driveway.
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Thinking about what words would be in our word clouds is such a great idea. My word cloud would include: reading, writing, snow, sleet, eating, laundry, television, treadmill, cozy.
Good luck with the first session of your new class!
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