Author Archives: ksluiter

About ksluiter

Just a small town girl...wait no, that is a Journey song. Although I do live in a small town. I am a wife, a mother, a teacher, and a writer. We have joys and we have struggles. Just like you.

Beautiful Pain

Posted on June 20, 2011

the assignment for this poem was to write first a list of five concrete nouns, then a list of five action verbs, and finally a list of five specific modifiers (adjectives/adverbs).  Once we had our lists it was then revealed … Continue reading →

Posted in my attempt at poetry | Tagged , | 3 Comments

the only thing that’s missing…

Posted on June 6, 2011

It wasn’t ever glamorous or extravagant. Little rented cottages on small inland lakes.  Once a year for a week. Mom, Dad, Kate, Chris, and then later, Michael. Up and down the west half of Michigan’s lower peninsula. Glen Lake, Big … Continue reading →

Posted in me, memories from being a kid, nonfiction, Red Dress Club, summer fun | 9 Comments

pomp and circumstance

Posted on May 30, 2011

pomp: n. splendid or magnificent The heat in the gym was like an uninvited guest.  A large, pushy, smothering uninvited guest. Regardless of my choice to wear capri pants and a sleeveless top, my black gown was sticking to me … Continue reading →

Posted in life changes, me, nonfiction, Red Dress Club | 11 Comments

one

Posted on May 23, 2011

It was just as much a part of summer vacation as boating and skiing and sunning and swimming were. In fact, for one week each summer, it was the mandatory nightly routine. The cottage was small.  Painfully small for two … Continue reading →

Posted in I was an angsty teen, memories from being a dumb college kid, memories from being a kid, nonfiction, Red Dress Club, summer fun | Tagged , , , , | 24 Comments

smooth and cool

Posted on May 16, 2011

Hey friends from The Red Dress Club.  It’s me, Katie Sluiter of Sluiter Nation.  I’m over here today with my post because I just felt it fit here since it’s about my past before becoming a Sluiter.  I will probably … Continue reading →

Posted in a rebel i am not, doing something new, I was an angsty teen, me, memories from being a dumb college kid, nonfiction, Red Dress Club | 55 Comments

not my day

Posted on March 3, 2011

Hey, Red Dress Clubbers (and anyone else wandering in)…it’s me, Katie from Sluiter Nation.  This is my other blog where I write about stuff that I feel just doesn’t vibe with what Sluiter Nation is about–my immediate family and our … Continue reading →

Posted in being an adult is really not that great, cancer, changes, he died, i can't handle death, life changes, missing a you and a me, nonfiction, not being part of the group, out of my control, Pops, Red Dress Club, Saying Goodbye, stuff that means stuff | Tagged , , , , | 27 Comments

I’m Still Alive

Posted on February 21, 2011

It isn’t my “first rodeo” as the saying goes, but the anticipation and excitement never gets stale. The floor is packed.  I am shoulder to shoulder with some huge guys.  Some of whom I know will be missing their shirts … Continue reading →

Posted in being free, concerts, i like heavy metal, me, memories from being a dumb college kid | 10 Comments

Recovery

Posted on February 6, 2011

I had never been in a recovery room before and I am not sure what I expected. I think I expected to smell something.  But the smell never came. I think I expected there to be more people.  But it … Continue reading →

Posted in appendix shuffle, being an adult is really not that great, cancer, he died, i can't handle death, life changes, missing a you and a me, nonfiction, out of my control | 10 Comments

White Agony

Posted on January 27, 2011

the following post is entirely fictional.  Any resemblance to people in real life is entirely probable.  But this did not happen, and Lord help us, hopefully it never does. The wheels on the bus go ’round and ’round. ’round and … Continue reading →

Posted in fiction, Red Dress Club | 16 Comments

left behind for the best

Posted on January 25, 2011

Six bridesmaid dresses. Ten friends and counting…pairing off. rings and flowers and vows. young brides. doting grooms. happy lives. new homes. gifts from registries. swelling tummies. growing families. over a dozen babies born. smiling and celebrating with them. as I … Continue reading →

Posted in being an adult is really not that great, how i met your father, Mama Kat, me, my attempt at poetry, not being part of the group | 7 Comments