Friday Slice

The thing is, when I miss a Tuesday Slice, I can actually write on another day, and post the post, and let my ideas, my writing exist in the world.
This is a lesson for Slicing, and also, a lesson for other things I've missed.

I can send you your birthday card late - because everyone loves getting a real letter, even if it's not their celebration week.

I can make something else from that labneh (or celery or half a pomegranate that needs its delicious seeds extracted). The original plan might not be in motion, but finding a new home for these half-used ingredients is certainly going to brighten tonight's dinner.

I can return that stack of unread library books. I know another reader wants that pomegranate recipe I should have just taken a picture of, wants that best seller that I'm not interested in but was overly-excited to see was available. 

I can watch the online video of that lecture I missed; listen to the album of the concert I didn't attend; read the essay from the famous writer who gave a talk; wait for the streaming of the movie that's left the theaters, even if it might be better on the big screen... I can make it work, it'll be OK.

I can flip down my screen when my child or parent or friend calls to tell me about their day - the emails can wait, they can be late, they are not the boss of me. And I can remind myself to extend this same grace to others who write "this email is tardy because...". I can skip their reason, I don't even need to read it, hey: I know and believe that your life is more important than email too.

I can miss the party without a dramatic excuse. Say no sooner, without drama.

I can tell you I loved something simple or special or meaningful you did for me, even if it was months ago. Thank you for calling me last minute to get pho last month - it was fun to have that hour together. Remember when you lent me your folding chairs? I was just feeling grateful, thinking about what a big help that was. I so appreciated that... appreciate you... you're making a difference in my life.

A Tuesday Slice on a Friday. No excuses here, just my words in the world.

(What I was doing Tuesday night instead of Slicing... notice pomegranate seeds on plates)