Sister Mary Annunciata handed out the list of things we had to bring to school by the end of the week. It was September 15, 1953 the first week of my 1st grade. Although I had attended kindergarten at the same school, I was scared. The thought of filling a list of things to bring to school was intimidating. I wanted to make sure I got it right.

After school my mother sent me out with my older sister to get the supplies on the list:

a) a notebook
b) 2 – #2 pencils
c) a pencil sharpener
d) a pencil box
e) an eraser
f) a ruler

I was excited as I picked out each item. The pencil box was made of smooth pale wood with a flat surface that slid the box open when you pushed on the notch. Everything fit inside of it perfectly. The next day I was ready with all of my items. The students who brought all of the items to class received a gold star next to their name. I was proud. I smiled all the way back to my seat. You see, we got to put the gold star next to our own names.

During the first week we received our catechism book, prayer book, rosary beads and a laminated bookmark with an image of a saint on the front and a prayer on the back. We were supposed to mark where we were in our catechism book with it. We were to recite the pray on the back to the saint on the bookmark whenever we found ourselves in a moment of weakness or loss of faith. I often did as I always found myself in a state of fear of not meeting up to getting that gold star again.

Sister Mary Annunciata was angelic in her features. She was petite and had a pretty smile. A stiff white material surrounded her face showcasing her pink skin and white teeth. The black habit covered her all the way down to her ankles. Tiny black toes from her shoes stuck out. Long rosary beads hung from her waist and jingled as she walked. All this meant nothing since her harsh tone could let you know instantly if you were not in her favor.

The second week of school we were going to learn how to write the letters of the alphabet. Eventually, we would be learning to how write our names. I was thrilled. I wanted to learn how to write so much.

First there were rules we needed to know:
1) No pointing our pencil at anyone
2) We could not sharpen our pencils unless we raised our hand and asked
3) No erasing what we had written
4) No writing on our desks

Finally, after waiting and waiting, we were going to write. I took out my #2 yellow pencil and held it in my hand. It fit perfectly. Now, I was going to be a writer. My journey was about to begin.
No other instrument has had as much influence on my life as that pencil did. There was something powerful in that first encounter. When I read the short inspirational parable below I felt all of the same feelings I felt when I first held that # 2 yellow pencil.
I hope you can remember your feelings when you first became enamored with the art of writing.
What were they????
copyright 2014 written byIsadora

Pencil Parable – an Inspirational story

The Pencil Maker took the pencil aside, just before putting him into the box.

Never allow yourself to get discouraged and think that your life is insignificant and cannot make a change.

Each week Frizz is walking us through the A – Z alphabet challenge. This week is the Letter P – to join in –
http://flickrcomments.wordpress.com/2014/04/22/tagged-p-2/

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Author: Inside the Mind of Isadora

Intriguing, sensitive, mysterious, loving, artistic and crackling with excitement for life is a pretty good description of who I am. I just retired from the world of art where I sold my Artfully Designed Handmade Jewelry for 28 years; although, art will always be a part of who I am no matter what venue I choose to express it in.