Mt. Pleasant Scribblers discuss putting together anthology

The regional writer’s group, Mt. Pleasant Scribblers, met Monday, March 18, 2024 in the fellowship hall of the Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church, 902 S. Walnut Street.

There was a lot of discussion about putting together an anthology of our writings to celebrate Scribblers’ 90th anniversary. Kathy Casteel consented to draft a cover graphic to share at a spring meeting. Each person is encouraged to submit about four half-pages of manuscript and a companion picture. Everything to be included must be submitted to either Kathy Wiley or Martha Wiley no later than August 1st. That will hopefully be enough lead time to have booklets printed and ready in November.

Mary Shy read a story inspired by her visit to an impromptu Christmas Pageant. Every child in attendance was offered a costume and a part in the cast.

“Thursday, Thursday, Beautiful Thursday” was written by Claudia Streeter richly describing conversations in the physical therapist’s office, attending a travelogue in Burlington, shopping with friends, and capping the day with an evening at a Fairfield concert.

Kathy Wiley shared a reflection written by her Uncle Harvey. “Red Barn” described his trip home from a conference when he was drawn to take a side trip and visit an old farmstead that was visible off the interstate.

As a member of the VanBuren Historical Society, Suzy Pool decorates a display window in downtown Keosauqua. The window’s April poem was titled “Spring at Last!” She had also written a set of four alliterative pieces of whimsy about snakes that were gifts to her grandchildren. The group encouraged her to collaborate with illustrator, Kathy Casteel to prepare something charming to be included in the anthology.

Karen Osborne wrote about how she feels the need for fundamental, natural elements — not the commercial and modern wonders of our rushing, technical society. Her writing described the need for pure comfort from things like an old growth forest, a night bat, or a countryside waterfall.

Kathy Casteel delighted everyone with the final installment of the “Maine Event.”

Rita Davis had a cautionary tale, “Take Me to Vegas,” about her attempt to use a vacation package she had arranged through ShareLife Vacations. Getting to actually make use of all the features she had been promised never actually happened. She and her husband improvised their own Las Vegas excursions before coming home.

Marilyn Vincent wrote “Shoes, Shoes, Shoes” describing the efforts she puts into dealing with foot problems. She is just happy that she has the means to deal with issues like heel spurs. Marilyn has learned about charities that will let people donate gently used shoes to people around the globe who do not have access to good foot protection. “Soles for Souls” and “Shoe the World” will take donations. Also “Shoes that Grow” makes expanding shoes for children.

Progress toward publication of a children’s book continues along its path for Martha Wiley.

Valerie Kreutner ended the readings with a little bit of fun, “Brrr!”

Scribblers are pleased to welcome new members who are interested in being part of a group, sharing efforts in the craft of writing. The next regular meeting, at 1 p.m., Monday, April 15, the 90th birthday of Scribblers. Members will be in the gathering space at the north entrance of the First Presbyterian Church, 902 S. Walnut, Mt. Pleasant. For more information, contact Karen Osborne, 319-367-5586.