The Scriblet was the 'literary journal' of Plant High School in Tampa, Florida, back in the Fifties and Sixties -- and, though I wasn't on the staff, I did submit a piece for the final issue of my senior year. Sandy Newton (now Lassen, now living in West Jefferson) was the editor and she had saved two copies, one of which she presented to me at the Lunch with an Author event, reminding me that she was my first editor.
And that was the surprise -- not nearly so embarrassing as pictures. And what fun to see so many half-remembered names and read their essays, stories, and poems.
One of the questions people often ask me is -- 'Did you always write?' And here's the answer from fifty-two years ago...
Oh, the nostalgia! I remember that portable typewriter (green) so well. It saw me through high school, college, and a Master's degree.
And
I'm still pretty fond of this little piece -- I've written some really awful stuff at one time or another which I wouldn't be sharing...
Mine was the winning entry (there's glory for you) and Sandy still remembers that she personally had to lick each little star that was placed by my name in the table of contents in each issue.
Many thanks to Sandy for this very special memory!
17 comments:
A wonderful parable, true vintage Vicki Lane tongue in cheek, I dare say.
I wonder if you'd find your green typewriter among all those images on the web?
I'll bet that is a blast from the past for you!
Would this be considered antique, or classic? It sure looks to be in good shape, for it's age!
P.S.: Thank you for the Fall Foliage map!
I'll look at it tonight and book a flight.
A worthy prize-winner. And, I'm sure there are still many stories to come, yet!
ha. that is so cool...and so cool she kept a copy and thought of you....wow...that def has to bring back the memories....
And the answer is yes, you always did write. How cool to have this piece of your history.
Sam
Merisi -- I think I could find my green typewriter in a cubbyhole upstairs.
Ms. A - I believe that it (and I ) are antiques -- over fifty years old.
It is an appealing little story. And according to our friend Donna at Spirit of Red Hill, if you are over 50 you are 'vintage.' You must be 100 to be an antique.
My typewriter was turquoise blue, Vicki. The Scriblet staff knew talent when we saw it! I wonder if Shelia, Pat, Jamie, etc., remember their contributions to that senior issue. Hmmmmm. We were seniors then. Now we are seniors again!
What delight, to have your earlier "work" shared. When I retired 5 years ago from Tampa, I had been driving past Plant High School on my way to work for years. I wonder if there are psychic signs on the walls saying, "move to the mountains!"
Barb (formerly Alchemy of Clay, now When I was Sixty Nine)
What a delight to know you have ALWAYS been a unique talent!! XO
I enjoyed this so much! I especially liked that the essay began with "Once upon a time..." Such a special surprise.
What a fun surprise - and, even then, it was obvious that you were born to be a writer. I'm overcome with nostalgia for that typeface too. And the carbon paper we had to use if we wanted copies.
What a thoughtful gift!
Lovely to look back on and so nice to see. What a great surprise and well done, belatedly for winning!
I loved this! Was the tpewriter a Smith-Corona, black carry case?
Katy, it is a Royal -- grey carry-case.
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