Mt. Pleasant Scribblers meet to discuss recent writings

The regional writer’s group, Mt. Pleasant Scribblers, met Monday, Sept. 19, 2022, in the gathering space at the Mt. Pleasant First Presbyterian Church

Martha Wiley described her progress in writing books that could be used to supplement mastering science standards for upper elementary children. Ann Porter shared the start of her reflection on what she sees through her lovely windows, not just moments with wild birds at the feeder and deer passing through the yard. She can also “people watch” and catalog some of their strange behaviors.

Karen Osborne contributed a list of insights that are treasured truths learned from her years working in education. To the experiences of “veni, vidi, vici” from ancient Romans, she would add “didici ,” I learned. Like the book of Proverbs, this collection would be a book of wisdom.

Kathy Wiley had visited Susan Johnston, an artist and former member of Scribblers, who was completing a series of new paintings by doing a wash over older artwork. This is a process of bringing something new out of old. Susan invited Kathy to write a poem to accompany the finished series. Kathy’s poem, “Pentimento,” celebrates the emergence of new meanings that come from this process.

“My Best Foot Forward” by Rita Davis describes the process of recovery, accommodating alignment and muscle strength in her feet and legs. She was also able to show her stylish new footwear that had been recommended for the excellent arch support. Marilyn Vincent wrote “A Perfect Day” about preparing for an evening at book group where an author, who had just completed his third book, would be the program. The weather was perfect, her lunch was perfect, her time to read was perfect, and the evening with friends was perfect.

Kathy Casteel wrote “The Maine Event” describing the beginning of her solo adventure traveling to wilderness areas in Maine. Using the resource of Airbnb, she was able to plan her trip. She bypassed the “touristy” places in search of natural beauty, solitude, and unusual experiences like a night goat glamping, riding on a tall ship, and sailing with lobster fishermen.

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 meeting, at 1 p.m., Monday, Oct. 17, will be in the gathering space at the north entrance of the First Presbyterian Church, 902 S. Walnut St., Mt. Pleasant. For more information, contact Karen Osborne, 319-367-5586.

Martha Wiley