A lot of the times, I went wild with crafts. After spending money on supplies I would lose interest.
I still admire what my friends accomplish and yearn to do as well. That feeling often gets me into trouble.
These days most of my creativity stays focused on writing.
I have been cutting fabric for a project but I haven’t sewn anything yet. Will have to wait to see how that all works out.
Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved
Some people may remember my friend, Wendel. He was my constant companion in the late 80s and 1990s.
I hope you enjoy hearing about Wendel today.
Wendel is still a good friend, even if he hasn’t seen the light of day for a while.
Maybe our friendship will become a book. I’ve been thinking about a picture book about Wendel for a long time. I’ll ask him if he’s ready. If Wendel agrees, I’ll start working on a new project with my friend, Wendel.
Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved
This newspaper clipping was taken at Ann Rutledge elementary school in Lincoln Estates in the 1960s.
I’m in the big hat in front and to the left of the nun. To the left of me is my friend, Marilyn. John was Little Bo Peep next to the gorilla, far left. Cousin Chris is a scarecrow on the floor to the right.
I believe we dunked for apples, which meant if you weren’t first, a lot of makeup was floating on the water by the time it was your turn.
My sister remembers winning a whistling contest. You had to eat a cracker and then see who could whistle first. Karen Won!
As entertainment, they had a talent show that night. My sister and her friend Janie made up a skit involving what they thought was a pineapple and ended up being a wasp nest.
Since I had on a long dress, for the talent show, I sang Daisy (A Bicycle Built for Two). I did it but was so scared and quiet, no one heard me. I remember hearing people say, “Louder.”
Now, to scare you for Halloween what follows is my current rendition of Daisy which I remember word for word–odd how something sticks in your mind.
Don’t blame me if you can’t sleep tonight after hearing this.
HAPPY HALLOWEEN!
Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved
This happens to me ever so often. The bug is the craft bug.
I hope you enjoy the aftereffects of the bite that got me back in the 80s.
I have to admit, I’ve been bitten again, but I’m not quite ready to share what my new project is, except it is something I’ve never done before.
Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved
I have been a writer/author for over 45 years. I’ve also been a speaker, centering my talks on saving family stories and/or how to use your imagination in fiction writing.
Since, like many writers, I’m an introvert and fear speaking in public. I’ve worked hard over the years to overcome this problem.
This column was written many years ago when I first began speaking.
I’ve learned how humor and fun can take hold of a crowd, no matter their age.
In the future, when the pandemic comes under control, I hope to be able to get out to visit schools and libraries again. I miss the face-to-face interactions.
Copyright © 2020 by Susan Manzke, all rights reserved