Mt. Pleasant Scribblers meet

The regional writer’s group, Mt. Pleasant Scribblers, met Monday, Jan. 16 in the gathering space of the Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church.

Karen Osborne reported that Curt Swarm has accepted the invitation to be our guest speaker at the February 20 meeting. He will be answering questions about the process of writing newspaper columns and longer pieces.

Marilyn Vincent told about the Pen Pal Project. People from the community are invited to be writing partners with members of a local fourth grade class. Any volunteer who would be willing to be part of this program should contact Lindsay Wagner at the Fellowship Cup.

Kathy Wiley has been adding to her book of haiku poetry. Each of her writings is accompanied by a companion picture. This month she had written a haiku about the family “Hobbitfest” and one about a lunch by the statue David. She also dedicated a cinquain to her granddaughter Piper who is just starting a semester of study in Ireland.

Marilyn Vincent wrote a description of a vivid, absurd dream about her first day of teaching. Not sure what prompted this when her retirement was actually a few years ago. The meaning of this dream defied understanding. It was “Baffling.”

Martha Wiley challenged everyone to spend a month in “Story Storm.” Scribblers who join the challenge should take time every day to make a note about some random thought that could later be worked into a story, a fun description, a poem, or part of a memoir. Any and all of these are potential 2023 writing prompts. Everyone who completes at least 31 of these will get a prize at the next meeting!

Claudia Streeter read a “Letter to Scribblers” sharing the value of great friends and the appreciation she has for all.

Karen Osborne had written a reflection on many of the inspirational words from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr, a tribute to his wisdom on MLK day.

Mary Shy had just returned from visiting her daughter in Brooklyn Heights, New York. She read a collection of anecdotes describing the friendliness of New Yorkers and a few of her many delightful encounters.

Rita Davis shared a description of the generation of sadness felt at the loss of her mother’s younger brother when he was only five years old. A tragedy was not always openly discussed, which made dealing with this difficult for other children as well as the adults.

Kathy Casteel continued with the next installment of her description of her solo trip to Maine, “The Maine Event.” She learned that sandy beaches in northern Maine are scarce and wicked cold. The day joining passengers to sail on a tall ship was delightful, not so much the next night spent in primitive accommodations.

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, February 20, 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.