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February 2003 Column

As a child I always carefully placed my notebook in my backpack with all of my other books, just in case I had a few extra moments. Whiling away summer hours while the world sped past me. Lost in words and worlds of my own creation.

Recess for me was never time for soccer or kickball. It was delicious time to spend an extra few moments with my beloved writing notebook.

The years have flown by since then. Though, still today, not much has changed. As a writer-mom, the well-worn notebook still accompanies me everywhere. To doctor and dentist appointments, when picking up children, or just sitting in the yard. It feels as much a part of me as the pen in my hand. Even my children will say before we leave the house “Mom, got your notebook?”

Now I know there are those out there who will just shake their head at me when they see me furiously scribbling away with pen and paper. Those with the laptops and palm pilots.

There’s an advantage to my notebooks that the 21st century writers don’t have though. All the notebooks I have, everyone of them, could survive rain, wind, mudpuddles and various other crises that might befall them. As a writer-mom, my notebooks have made it through baby spit-up, jelly covered fingers, and even taking a swim in a lake. All without losing a word. They can go to the beach, camping, or a hundred other places all without worrying about the treatment they receive en route or the possibility of dirt getting into them once I’ve arrived. Try that with 21st century equipment.

So as I sit in the local college cafeteria with my coffee and pull out my current writing notebook once again, I let out a sigh. Like a child about to devour a box of candy I open to a clean page. My notebook is more than just wire bound paper. Over the years it has become my confidant, my beloved, and my friend.

Carla Charter is mom to Samantha (12), Halden (5), and Mathew (4). In addition to being a mom, Carla is a freelance writer specializing in newspaper and magazine journalism. Among her publication credits are Woman's World, American Indian Report  and New England Business Journal. Online she has been published in Scubasource.com and Military.com. She teaches creative writing courses at Mount Wachusett Community College in Gardner, Ma. Recently her novel Across Lots has been serialized at http://www.newenglandwow.com. She may be reached at cjfreelancewriter@earthlink.net.