Mt. Pleasant Scribblers Group meets to share writings

Present at the Monday, Feb. 17, 2025 meeting, included: Marilyn Vincent, Valerie Kreutner, Suzy Pool, Martha Wiley, Mary Shy and Kathy Casteel.

Writings were shared by the following:

Kathy Casteel opened the sharing by reading a piece entitled “Wicked Good Memories.” It told the story of how she shared the love of theater to her daughters as they were growing. They began by attending local theater, then a very special showing of CATS, one Christmas, followed by the escapades involved in a first trip to New York City to see Wicked. She also shared a new Hermit Crab writing. This time it was in the form of a humorous check written from Karma, to a local bully in full repayment for the pain they had caused.

Mary Shy shared her reminiscences of living in a small college town entitled “Missing IWC.” It spoke of some of the lesser thought of memories like dance recitals at the chapel and an on-site day care, known as Grasshopper Green. She also mentioned missing the actual presence of the students, walking across the streets like there was no traffic of any kind to be found. Several members agreed that they missed the students as well.

“Before the Storm,” was shared by Valerie Kreutner. It evoked a summer storm moving in across the countryside. She also shared a clipping she had found years ago which listed “Things That Are Hard To Do,” including painting the nails on your non-dominate hand and other interesting and often funny things we struggle with but only think of when we are trying to do them.

The tensions of the above mentioned storm continued to roll with Suzy Poole’s sharing of her poem, “Ashes.” It spoke of the dark emotions packed inside the memories of a divorce and how they linger throughout life until they are finally put aside, as she shared, in another poem about finding love.

Marilyn Vincent shared the story of what became a frustrating process of trying to get a winter coat delivered to her grandson. “The Long Delay” told of the struggles of tracking a lost package and working with unfamiliar methods to simply get a coat to a young boy. The story ended on a bright note with two boys receiving winter jackets as a treat for both.

Martha Wiley ended the sharing with her piece, “Handmade Wooden Towel Bar.” It spoke of the history of a towel bar in her family similar to those we use to see in restaurants and other public places, that hung actual fabric and you pulled it through until you found a fresh spot to dry your hands. She also told of the history of some of her family members in the Selma area and a letter between Ed Michael and his niece, Nora, discussing the many times he had “cured many horses which were not sick.”

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 will be at the Gathering Space at the Mt. Pleasant Presbyterian Church, 902 S. Walnut, at 1 p.m., Monday, March 17, 2025.

Scribblers also will be hosting a POETRY SLAM for their meeting in April 21, 2025. Please contact us if you would like to join in the fun. All are welcome. A judge will be present to share their appreciation and constructive comments. Pieces do not have to be memorized but must be original. The SLAM will be held at the Mount Pleasant Public Library meeting room at 1 p.m.

For more information contact Karen Osborne, 319-759-4748, by either call or text.