Friday, March 21, 2014

A Writing Assignment

by Deanna


I am a book reader, I love the written word and nothing excites me more than to find a really good book that is well written, with a good plot, interesting characters, and then to curl up in a comfy chair and enjoy.  And because I love to read I have always had a little secret desire to write, not necessarily a novel, but interesting pieces.  Thus bringing me to a couple of writing courses offered thru an Adult Continuing Education program at our local college.  The class that I recently completed was only 3 weeks long, with 3 writing assignments, read outloud and open for discussion on how to improve, did it flow well, was it cohesive.  Our last assignment was to write a topic on transitions...starting with action in the present time then add a flashback, concluding back in the present time.  

I am a strong believer in continuing one's education and broadening our worlds, enriching them in whatever endeavor you choose.  I thought I might share this with you and hope that you enjoy my little piece as much as I did in writing it.

Standing in front of the closet, scanning the hanging clothes in desperation for something  warm, but springlike I came across some of my husband’s clothes that I had not taken to the nursing home. There are just some pieces that don’t deserve the rough treatment that an “institution” washing machine gives to these bits of clothing that hold special memories.  

As I run my hand across the tops of the hangers, I lift out one particular shirt.  Brightly colored with Saugatuck stitched across the front flooding my thoughts with memories of all the summers we spent there.

It was probably the 7th or 8th  year we had returned to Saugatuck, Michigan, and by this time it had become a summer ritual.  We always stayed at the beautiful and lush Wickwood Inn B&B, treating ourselves to 4 or 5 days and nights of elegance.  We had checked in and after we completed a little bit of unpacking immediately strolled down to the waterfront where we sat and watched the boats float by. This time spent together was never about exciting adventures, but more about quiet walks thru the neighborhoods, good meals consumed, a round or two of golf played.



Our 2nd day there we woke up to rain hitting the window and a prediction for cool and cloudy for the remainder of the day.  It was summertime, so no jackets or warm clothing had been packed.  After a hearty breakfast which was always a bonus staying at the Wickwood Inn, we walked the short block into the “downtown” area of Saugatuck.  The chill that was in the air prompted us to walk into the shops looking for that extra layer we needed.  There, hanging on a mannequin was the shirt, perfect for Gary.  It was coral in color, that mix of orange and pink, which always made his beautiful blue eyes even bluer and with his summer tan, it was a spot-on addition to his wardrobe.  At first he balked at the price, insisting it was too much money to spend.  It took quite a bit of convincing that he needed it for warmth and along with stroking his male ego with how great that color looked with his blue eyes, the mission was accomplished. 

As I hold the shirt, hugging it to my chest, a tear or two running down my cheeks, recapturing that summer in my memories and of all the summers we spent in Saugatuck, this shirt will always remain in the closet.  There are just some things that I can’t let go.  

PS - The above photos were taken in 2005...we only took a couple of more trips to Saugatuck before my sweeties' illness became too difficult to travel.

20 comments:

Sandra said...

What a sweet story and very nicely told! You and your husband look so lovely in that photo. Sweet memories indeed, even if a few tears are shed, you still have them to treasure.
I know there are some things that are really difficult to let go of. I have some too: handkerchiefs from dad, with his initial embroidered on, when he came to stay and other treasures from another departed loved one close to my heart.

Nicki said...

Even more than the creative writing is the sincerity and emotion of your story - all, eloquently displayed. The location looks gorgeous, and what a handsome pair.

terriporter said...

Now I have tears running down my cheeks! I have always been a fan of your honest and heartfelt writing and this is no exception. Your writing draws us in to your story from beginning to end and really makes us feel what you were feeling. Beautiful story, beautifully written.

kelly said...

well my goodness deanna...now i am teary-eyed too. but thank you for sharing these precious memories. so perfectly captured in your beautifully written piece. and it's also a reminder to me (having just come back from vacation) to cherish these times together. happy friday to you dear friend. xo

Anonymous said...

Those tears must be contagious, because now I have them, too. What a lovely story, and how wonderful to have such memories to hold on to.

Dotti said...

Oh, Deanna ... such a beautiful story/memory! And thank you for sharing the beauty of these special days with us. It reminded me of that Dr. Seuss quote: Don't cry because it's over, smile because it happened. I've told you before and I'll tell you again now, I wish I could have met Gary before his illness. He sounds so delightful {even with his 'warts'!}.

Barbara said...

I got so emotional that I could not stop my tears flowing down my cheeks, reading your beautiful "love"story. Those moments may be temporary, but the memory is forever!

Carol said...

well, a cleansing cry is good for all of us! But, as Dotti said - you are so lucky to have a good husband, and the means to travel and have time together. Enjoy your wonderful memories - we all feel for you

Kim Stevens said...

Oh Deanna, thank you for sharing this with us, a piece of your heart and precious memories...so beautifully written!! xo

Sarah Huizenga said...

Beautiful, beautiful story. Very well written. Of course this is all the more meaningful for me since Saugatuck is just a short trip from my house, so I know these places well. I hope you got an A+ for the piece.

S. Etole said...

So beautifully said. What a precious memory.

hootnonny said...

Precious memories, how they linger...what a gift to be transposed to happy times by objects and scents. And yall are such a gorgeous couple!

Barb said...

Such a good memory makes a wonderful story, Deanna. I also love the photo of the two of you, smiling so happily.

Carole M. said...

I enjoyed your assignment very much Deanna; you accomplish so much in grand style. Lovely photos and lovely memories that always will tweak at the heart-strings

Anonymous said...

Oh Deanna, what a beautiful memory. Thank you so much for sharing that precious moment with us.

Unknown said...

A beautifully written and poignant piece, Deanna. I can definitely see the structure since you explained it, and it is very, very effective. And what a beautiful photo of you and your sweetie.

Cathy H. said...

So beautiful, Deanna! Thank you for sharing your lovely writing! I'm working on writing some of my memories down and you've certainly inspired me to continue!

Linda/patchwork said...

A lovely...and, well written...story.
You two, are a beautiful couple.
You're right..some things are too precious, to let go.

Lynne said...

Beautiful Deanna . . . The writing assignment seemed to complete the teps perfectly. I didn't doubt that for a minute. I too had teary eyes and a lump in my throat for the realization how fast life can change. I have wondered about you . . . I guess my wondering was about the life "before" and you left me with such a beautiful, tender, loving impression of life with your blue eyed love. How sweet the memory . . . even with a tear filled heart.

susan said...

Of course this is beautiful writing…it was written from the heart. {{{hugs}}}

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