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The Summer I Was Twelve

3/19/2016

16 Comments

 
Picture
​A few months ago I started a draft in my notebook during a session at a conference I was attending. I found it the other night as I was looking through my notebook for ideas. I remember thinking at the time that I wanted to continue with it, because I was surprised at what I wrote, at the feelings that came to the surface in a few short sentences. A line from another piece of literature (I think it was The Absolutely True Diary of a Part-Time Indian by Sherman Alexie) was the stimulus to get us started. This is what I wrote:
 
          I remember the summer I was twelve. It was 1963 and my family moved
          across the river to a new house in a new neighborhood in a new town, and
          I would be going to a new school in the fall. I would leave the school friends
                                                         I had for seven years and would be in class with a whole new group of
                                                         almost-teens. What if no one liked me? What if no one wanted to be my friend?                                                                  What if no one loved the Beatles, especially Ringo, like I did? What if everyone                                                                  thought I was weird because I played the violin?

 
I think what surprised me when I started writing was that I never really thought much about that summer and the feelings I must have had as a twelve year old, an awkward age to have to forge all new friendships. But the feelings were there, bubbling to the surface as I wrote. Perhaps I didn’t think much about that summer because the memories of myself as a twelve/thirteen year old were overshadowed by what happened in the fall of that year. The friendships I made then are some of the strongest I have experienced. These were the friends who surrounded me the day our principal announced that President Kennedy had been shot. Could that have had something to do with it?
 
Perhaps someday I will continue that narrative. But for now, it is enough to remember the impact that events can have on who we are or who we grow up to be, and we should write about them.

16 Comments
Janie Fahey link
3/19/2016 03:58:07 am

I agree - it's funny how we think back to events and think about how we must have felt, but often I don't remember feeling the way I think I should have felt. I don't know if I just don't remember or if perhaps I was just glazing through life. Hmmmm

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Lynne Dorfman link
3/19/2016 04:14:38 am

I love how you wrote about revisiting a writer's notebook to find something to write about today. I learned some new things about you - like your favorite Beatle was Ringo - and glad that you wrote about that self-discovery feeling you get when you write. It is so true that things bubble to the surface that we are sure we have not thought about in years and years - and then, here they are - on a page in our notebook. Your closing remarks are very powerful! A wonderful piece for Slice of Life!

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Chris link
3/19/2016 04:32:16 am

I have revisited old journals from time to time, and I'm always struck by the intensity of the emotions in those pieces. Time has softened those memories, for sure. Your post sounds like a great beginning for a chapter of your life story!

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Melanie Meehan link
3/19/2016 04:45:05 am

I loved that book! I think one of the most important reasons to write for adults is that is does bring up memories you forgot or just put away for the time being. Love how you shared the process as well as the experience.

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Molly Hogan link
3/19/2016 04:46:22 am

Your slice reminds me again of the power of a writer's notebook. I have only dabbled in keeping one, but time and again when I look back, I am startled by all the seeds for stories. Often, I have forgotten them until I see them in my own handwriting on the pages of my neglected notebook.Nice slice!

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Diane Dougherty link
3/19/2016 04:58:26 am

Rose, what a coincidence. My post today begins with "I remember" which took root at a conference too! Linda Rief did an activity with us where she asked us to begin with "I remember." Writer's notebooks are my source for ideas lots of time. Thanks for the reminder.

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arjeha link
3/19/2016 06:00:37 am

It is amazing the thoughts and emotions that bubble out of us onto a page when we put pen to paper.

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Shelly
3/19/2016 06:44:39 am

I moved when I was in sixth grade. I adjusted fairly quickly. I'm glad the move ended up being a positive event and you made some strong friendships.

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PaulaBourque link
3/19/2016 07:01:10 am

I agree when you say, "But for now, it is enough to remember the impact that events can have on who we are or who we grow up to be, and we should write about them." Taking some time to remember moments that surface for us is important. There is a reason we remember them and writing about them will help us explore aspects of ourselves. Nice slice!!

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Judy Jester link
3/19/2016 08:16:20 am

One of the many reasons we ask folks to write during workshops - to have something to return to. Will you write about those same new friends when JFK died?

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elsie
3/19/2016 08:56:51 am

We write to live life twice, right? I'm just so sad that too many years passed before I figured that out. I love that you ponder that perhaps one day you will work on the narrative. Not everything has to be finished. That's a message some teachers need to learn.

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Bonnie K link
3/19/2016 09:19:33 am

So much to think about... I'm remembering my first writings as an adult. How rich a source- our own individual lives... so true.. 1963- big year for me too!

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Clare link
3/19/2016 10:35:25 am

Rose,
I have so many seeds, entries, lines and quotes. I feel I reenter my notebook (or electronic stickies) every day. I love the image you words -But the feelings were there, bubbling to the surface as I wrote. This completely describes what writing is for me. There is never enough time to write everything I would love to explore through writing. It is difficult to explain - but bubbling to the surface is an image I love.
Thank you
Clare

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Lori Sheroan link
3/19/2016 08:06:56 pm

This is a very intriguing idea...how major historical events affect our memory of childhood transitions and trials. I would love to see how you pursue this!

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Alan Wright link
3/19/2016 08:37:01 pm

Excavating memories is such a revelatory part of our writing lives Rose. I am glad you did this and I sincerely hope you continue your important digging. Your mention of The Beatles and the assassination of President Kennedy rise up like memory markers lighting the way to further recollections. Rereading notebook entries is such an important strategy. I'm so glad you did it on this occasion. Going back is a practiced art. Thanks again Rose for the reminders.

Reply
Bev Baird
3/20/2016 09:14:11 am

It is always amazing when we revisit old journals - just what we were experiencing at the time. Very reflective post.

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