In the long school break for Christmas during fifth grade, I wrote my first long story, a chapter book called "The Twelve Days of Christmas." I wrote it to entertain myself, using a stack of beautiful paper that our substitute teacher gave to me when she cleaned out her supply closet before the break.
On the farm, I felt the lack of a sister. In this photo taken that Christmas, I'm surrounded by my brothers and boy cousin—it would be two years before my girl cousin would arrive. My best friend lived half a mile away, quite a distance in the winter.
So in the story, I dreamed up two girls, best friends, Lottie and Susie. They lived in a big orphanage in a big city, waiting to be adopted. I was inspired by hearing the song, "The Twelve Days of Christmas," and I was curious. Our congregation of Baptists did not make much of the liturgical calendar, so the idea of extending Christmas for twelve days was very appealing.
After that, I kept writing. I always thought maybe someday I might publish a book, but it took me awhile. This year, I'm grateful to so many people who made it possible. Happy new year!
Marty children, Christmas 1968. Photo by Gordon Marty.
Really like the blog, appreciate the share!
Posted by: Ella | April 22, 2012 at 09:09 PM