When I was in the 5th grade, back at Edgecombe Circle Elementary School (PS#62), one of the first “novels” I read was E. L. Konigsburg’s From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. It not only nurtured my existing love of reading but, with the help of an inventive and encouraging teacher, it inspired my interest in writing. It’s a passion that led me to six years of private school at Gilman, and to gaining my English/Creative Writing degree from Loyola College (now Loyola University).The book is an adventure of a runaway 11-year-old girl and her younger brother who take up residence in New York City’s Metropolitan Museum of Art and become inspired by a mystery. It was a story that inspired me, making me dream of reading more, writing and someday exploring more about the wonders of history… museums… life.
That first reading of E. L. Konigsburg’s award-winning book took place nearly 38 years ago, and I have since enjoyed using my talents as a writer in many, many ways… for fun and for career. In fact, my career is something that has been on my mind in recent months. As a “full-time” freelance writer and consultant for the past 18 months or so, after losing a comfortable “situation” and leaving my last full-time job, it has been quite a different experience, filled with highs and lows, both in spirit and in my bank account. Of course, Christmastime, the season of giving, is when I notice the difference the most… I’m not nearly as unfortunate as those in prisons or workhouses, but there are Dickens elements, to say the least. (My trip to my parents had me carrying just one bag of small gifts for my mother, dad and grandmother, instead of the several bags of larger packages in years past.)
A week ago, while at Barnes & Noble for a good half hour of searching for practical gifts this year and working my way up to the counter, I looked down and saw the latest edition of From the Mixed-Up Files of Mrs. Basil E. Frankweiler. I said to the cashier, “That’s one of my favorite books.” And, as fate would have it, he proceeded to tell me how it could be purchased as part of their giveaway program. Books could be bought and would be given to schools they had chosen. I asked which schools, and I learned the elementary school was Margaret Brent Elementary/Middle School.
As it happens, my connection to Margaret Brent (#53) is just as strong as my connection to Edgecombe Circle… During my college education, for four consecutive years, I was a student teacher there, as part of the Baltimore City Summer Reading Camp program, and it was my introduction to the Charles Village neighborhood, which led to me living across the street from the school for about 10 years.
So I didn’t need much more encouragement to buy the book, even with my own highs and lows during a tough economy. I didn’t get to New York myself this December, as I often do to see the city’s holiday treasures, including the Met’s own Christmas tree and Baroque créche display. But at that moment, a few dollars could send a child there in literature. It bought some hope for better days and a better year ahead… for someone I didn’t know, and for me, just imagining the inspiration the book would give to some young reader or writer or teacher, who doesn’t even know yet how much of a good reader, writer or teacher he or she can be.
Happy Holidays, Happy Reading, Happy Writing, Happy Dreaming, Happy New Year… to All.
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