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As a former educator, I cherished and displayed them all and somewhere I have a box full of them. Even better, some of my former students pursued careers in art and now a few of their art-pieces are displayed in our home.
One such original art-piece is this portrait of an early-model typewriter made by this fun-loving creative. As you may or may not know, a portrait typically represents a person, focused on their face, but portraits are not always people. Whatever the subject, it's about capturing the essence, the personality, and in this case, it's obvious that this typewriter has seen some things and has many stories to tell.
I adore this typewriter. Why? I love to write and I love art—it's the perfect combo and especially meaningful considering that I taught this student high-school English and Art. I also adore the artist, not just for her talent but also for her generosity. To compliment the newspaper column I wrote for decades, she urged me to start a blog. At the time (over 15 years ago), I didn't even know what a blog was, but her encouragement became this creative, reflective, uplifting, sometimes therapeutic space to grow, a life-long lifeline.
I have no idea what I did to deserve this gift, but I do know this: sometimes the student is the teacher.
So SHE is the one to whom we owe thanks for your marvelous blog? Right on! (And I love her depiction of that typewriter, both for itself and because I learned to type on an old standard upright Underwood like that!)
ReplyDeleteMarvelous might be a stretch, but thank you! Isn't it fun?
DeleteWhat a great portrait, and yay her for encouraging you to blog! Also I just read the post below this one and I love that magnet.
ReplyDeleteThis feels like encouragement too. Thanks!
DeleteWhat a lot of time and skill went into that drawing! And how generous of her to make a gift of it. And how clever she was to encourage you to blog!
ReplyDeleteIt was a wonderful surprise for sure.
DeleteThose pictures from students are treasures to me, too.
ReplyDeleteLove the typewriter and that a specific person inspired you to blog. Still have no idea why I started mine. :)
They're the best! Whether you know why or not, I'm so glad you did. Insert fist bump here.
Delete...what did you do to deserve this gift? Most likely you were a fabulous teacher!
ReplyDeleteLike everyone, I had good days and bad days...but I'm grateful for them all.
DeleteThe typewriter is smiling. Anyone painting typewriters is not a young someone. I probably last touched one about 40 years ago or longer.
ReplyDeleteShe's an old soul. Yes, me too...we trained on them in high school, lol. They were fun.
DeleteYou must've been a really well loved and respected teacher, we need more like you in this world, have a great week.
ReplyDeleteYes indeed, we need teachers; they contribute much to society. You too.
DeleteI am so glad she did, and the typewriter does have personality to burn. A friend of my daughter got me started; I do not know, now, what I would do without that outlet. You are really interesting to follow, so thank you both.
ReplyDeleteI journal but I don't know what I'd do without it either.
DeleteI enjoyed reading this post from a fellow retired teacher. I have a lot of art work on my walls from students. I cherish them, and every time I look at them, my mind drifts back to that student in particular, and it makes me smile.
ReplyDeleteThey're so special and such fun time-travel.
DeleteYou liked drawings better than the stereotypical apple? Well, well. A myth has been busted today.
ReplyDeleteHa. Ever the clever quip-master.
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