Mt. Pleasant Scribblers meet

The regional writer’s group, Mt. Pleasant Scribblers, met Monday, March 20 in the gathering space of the Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church.

Those present included Valerie Kreutner, Kathy Wiley, Marilyn Vincent, Rita Davis, Kathy Casteel, Karen Osborne, Ann Porter, Mary Shy, and Martha Wiley.

Mary Shy started the session by reading with “The Night I Almost Burned Down the Dutch…Or…Who Me?” telling about eating out with her daughter at the Dutch, an especially nice restaurant in New York. She warns that getting the laminated menu too close to lighted candles can subject you to being part of a beloved relative’s treasury of “funny stories about my mom.”

Both Martha Wiley and Karen Osborne wrote their own responses to the writing prompt from Our Iowa magazine asking for a description of the first home ever shared as a newlywed. The challenge and fun in starting a new life together made sparce accommodations an adventure.

“I See You” shared a recollection about Kathy Wiley’s work doing an intake interview at a youth group home. The new boy struck a chord with her when she realized that his background was more than just a litany of misbehavior. He also carried the heritage of his Native American family’s story.

Marilyn Vincent had written about the burden of an unresolved need to give an apology. “Making Amends” described the positive result when she finally had the opportunity to express her feelings.

Rita Davis wrote about the responsibility she feels for future generation in her piece titled “Generational Blessings and Curses.”

Kathy Casteel shared selections from meditations on ways she finds happiness and peace. Her descriptions included fun family gatherings, sharing kindness with strangers, and painting with watercolors.

“Please Don’t Close My Window at Night, Even Though There’s Promise of Rain,” was written by Ann Porter to tell about the comfort she finds in sleeping with fresh air coming through an open window.

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 1:00 PM, Monday, April 17, 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.