As a young student, my days were filled with learning Math, Science, Geography, History, Penmanship, Spelling and English.
The obligatory essentials of every young student!
I loved English, mostly because we were able to read many different books and write creative stories. We also had grammar and sentence structure and all the technical stuff that fell under the “English” studies, but my absolute favorites were reading and writing.
What better place to escape than in the pages of a book?
Reading was great because I separate myself from everyone and enter the world of stories. I was fascinated by how words could make up a grand story, a simple story, a funny story, a biographical story and even a scary story.
My favorite author was Beverly Cleary. I real all her books.
Forget Yeezus! MY inspiration was Beezus! Beverly Cleary created such a great character–one of the reasons I love to write is because of Cleary’s books!
From childhood into my early teen years, I enjoyed Cleary’s writing so much!
Beezus was my imaginary bestie! Henry Huggins was that annoying boy next door!
Cleary’s books about the frustrating life of Beezus and her pesty little sister, Ramona, made me want to get a pen, paper and never stop writing!
When I entered this world, I never wanted to leave. And when I DID leave, I knew I could write an epic report about it!
I looked forward to writing reports about the books I read. It was my chance to give an opinion. My opinion and nobody else’s!
Whenever we had to write a “Composition” or “Essay” or a “Theme”, my heart beat just a bit faster because I knew I would shine. That “A” would be mine!
Like Jean Shepherd’s “Ralphie”, I could not wait to write a “Theme”, or essay or composition!
Throughout my school days, my imagination and creativity came into view by writing.
My writing skills were still alive during my days working on Wall Street. I was lucky enough to work for a Vice President who trusted my skills enough to compose his letters and memos. Perhaps the writing wasn’t creative, but it still offered me a chance to get my thoughts across with the written word.
Later on, as a stay-at-home mom, I kept at my writing skills by offering my opinions to local newspapers and magazines. I was happy to see quite a few of my opinions and thoughts in print!
My letter in the Wall Street Journal…..
…my opinion in The Trenton Times….and..
….my thoughts in Allure magazine.
My most recent writing endeavors consist of being a contributing writer to FrenchEntree. It’s always fun to write about my adventures and misadventures during my travels to France—and it offers me a way to allow others to see those trips through my eyes.
I was thrilled to learn that my article would make the jump from the online FrenchEntree to the actual magazine!
It really is a thrill to see an article in print!
My other endeavor, my blog, came about when I became unemployed on the last day of the last year.
My First “Real” Blog Post–A Weekend in Brooklyn!
I always thought about starting a blog, but didn’t exactly know how to approach it. Being unemployed created all sorts of anxiety for me. Would I ever work again? How can I keep up with my skills? The longer I’m unemployed means the less my chances are of becoming re-employed. Nobody wants to hire someone who isn’t in their twenties……
My blog became my form of emotional rescue. When I’m feeling stressed, I write. When I’m upset, I write. When I’m happy, I write. When I’m sad. I write. When I have something to say, I write and I try to do so with a touch of humor!
I write because I like it. I write because I want to make people laugh. I write because there is a lot of wrong in this world—and if I can give someone—even one person, to escape that wrong for a few moments, I’ve done my job—through words.
Write on…and read on!
Song for today. Emotional Rescue by the Stones. Just because writing is.
Oddly enough, that happens to be strikingly similar to my own story. 🙂
I too used to love English, though I went on to Computer engineering later with Maths as my strongest subject. But I never let go of my love for literature and history. Two years ago I became what is probably known as semi-invalid with a bad spinal problem. I stopped working. Went through a very depressing, suicidal phase that lasted till a few months ago. And then a few friends rescued me. Surprisingly, I am doing the same kind of corporate work now that you used to do 🙂 and they love it, although for the life of me I cannot quite understand why they cannot possibly do it themselves and why they need to pay so much for it to get it done through someone else. But, c’est la vie, I suppose 🙂 Good for me..
And I still haven’t given up on myself, on my other field where I could be a lot more creative. Moreover, I have not given up on creative writing either, though it is a little frustrating for me to type rather than use my trusty fountain pen these days. (can’t hold the pen very well, and I hate it if my handwriting looks like a scrawl etc.. so extremely frustrating).
But I am so glad I came across your blog 🙂 I told you, I wish I had met you good people (on other blogs as well) decades ago 🙂
Thank you so much for your words. I’m truly touched! XOXOXO!!
🙂 xoxoxo right back… 🙂
I’m still worrying that I might have stepped into the wrong classroom. I was not at all keen on English at school. Maybe my teacher didn’t have her heart in it. She was a nun who later changed her mind and ran off with a carpet salesman so I’m told. But I have always loved reading. I’m not familiar with Beverly Cleary. My favorites were Milly Molly Mandy (I think that’s an English story) and the Bobsey twins, who were very American and irresistibly attractive. I graduated to Enid Blyton and the girls of Mallory towers and from there to War & Peace lol…
Hi Maddy, I LOVED The Bobbsey Twins as well. The books that I read as a child could fill up a library! Actually, my fourth grade teacher, Sr. Mary Clairvaux loved to finish our lessons early so she could read to us. We would end most days with her reading a chapter of a book. It was great–to this day she remains my favorite teacher. She’s not a nun anymore either. …..I’m having big time troubles today trying to get into the Writing 101 site. LOL. I’m thinking that maybe I got kicked outta class!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
I find it a bit overwhelming so It’s nice to see someone I know already!
Iodine and baby oil!!!! I’m with you!!! Why on earth did I ever think a red-haired, freckly girl could tan. Burn, baby, burn. Nancy Drew was my favorite. Love her. Loved this post. To have words that just bubble forth…..how wonderful! Wasn’t that way for me…worried/stewed about having to write something. It wasn’t easy. You’re the best!
Thanks Leslie! I forgot about Nancy Drew. I loved the Nancy Drew books but I have PTSD when I think of her. When I was in third grade, Sylvia H., one of my classmates had a Nancy Drew book. I asked her what she was reading. I will NEVER forget her response to me. “It’s Nancy Drew and you are too immature to appreciate the Nancy Drew books–you just wouldn’t understand!”. Ohhhhhh I went home and explained to my mother what happened. That night, my parents got me my very first Nancy Drew book..the first of many! My blood pressure is rising…LOL!!! XOXOXO!!!
I know you love to write but it also sounds like you love to read. I run a very little group on Facebook called Off The Shelf. It is a theme based reading group. I choose a theme a month and you pick any book within that theme to read and then just give a quick review of wether or not you liked it, would recommend it, and why. You’re welcome to join. Past themes have included: read an author that shares your first name, read a book from your childhood, read a book over 100 years old, and currently we are reading any book with a number in the title. It’s just a way to have fun and maybe read something outside your normal comfort zone. BTW I enjoy reading your blog. 🙂
Oh Diane. Thanks! Thanks for that heads up. I’m going to go over to Facebook and check it out!!! Sounds like a ton of fun! XOXOXOX!!!
I started with Nancy Drew and never looked back. I Would probably be considered an active retiree (ok, active senior) I golf, play tennis, pickleball, mahjongg and volunteer for respite care with my local hospice. I absolutely love some of these activities, certainly enjoy them all, but the most dear to me are my books. Long as I can read, life’s worthwhile!
I love your letter re education. Oh, and your letter about tanning. Not familiar with the Ann Patchett/Gourmet issue, but I’d probably agree with that too. I most usually do. You are a great writer and I’m glad you decided to blog.
Hi Jean, Thanks for your positive words..they make me want to write more! Oh…I’m glad you like the letters..that Patchett/Gourmet issue-ugh. It was a case of a spoiled and entitled journalist! LOL! It’s true though. As long as we are able to read, life is worthwhile and just a bit better! XOXOXOXO!!!
Please keep writing – I very much like reading your posts. I was never a writer until I started my blog, and I really enjoy it. I am a big fan of your blog! 🙂
Thanks Spear. I’m happy that you are a fan of my blog–I’m having blogxiety today because something is wrong with my WP account. I cannot get into the “Writing 101” site nor can I get into the “Blogging101” site. I’m baffled and confused…I think I’ll go write! LOL! XOXOXOXO
You would have loved my classes…
Wonderful post! And that sense of humor of yours will get you a book deal if you’ll only sit down and write the sucker! You have a natural talent for making people smile and laugh. And it was interesting getting to know you a bit more through this post. Loved it.
LOL. Bonaparte is almost ready to chain me down to the chair and insist I start writing that book too. Every the procrastinator, I’m waiting for a rainy day. Seriously. I started a draft! Thanks so much for your encouragement!!! XOXOXOXO!!!
Nice to know the reason why you write. I know what you mean about it sometimes acting as a kind of emotional support. It’s great that you can write pretty much no matter what state you’re in — happy, sad, stressed etc. I always write when I’m tired. No, wait a minute. That’s the wrong way round. I’m always tired when I write. Thank goodness this hot summer weather is nearly finished.
Ugh.I’m actually waiting for the coolness of the autumn air to break through. It must be at least 90 degrees today. And who says there’s no global warming?????? It’s funny, I don’t write when I’m super tired. I read and it puts me to sleep! XOXOXOXO!!!