Man, i’m exhausted, but grateful for so much time to work solo today and for starting out with my AWESOME writing group this morning. I got a lot done today, and I now feel better about my last two writings since Rita and Lindsey gave me such brilliant feedback today. My concern was that the stories were cliche and boring, but their feedback was quite the opposite. Today was a lesson in how good this collaboration and writing group process can be for kids. I’m a grown ass woman and needed a pat on my back with those pieces. Kids need that, too. I think I’ll go back to those pieces now and play some more. I’m actually kind of excited about it and may work on them at home. Imagine that! 
I worry about my own writing coming across as “cliche and boring” and find that writing group feedback really does help me have that more objective perspective. I also like your connection to your own feelings and those of your students; we need to be reminded of what it feels like to wear their shoes.