As long as I can remember I’ve always loved writing. When I think back and figure out what sparked that interest it was something my mother did. My mom had four children in the span of five years and in her effort to keep me busy (I was her youngest) she plopped me in front of a cast iron typewriter. I learned to hunt and peck for letters when I was four-years old. I started out by tapping the alphabet on scraps of paper. But eventually my mom taught me how to construct a letter. I wrote countless letters to my Aunt May in Philadelphia. I remember each of my letters to her always started out with “Dear Aunt May, How are you? I am fine. How’s the weather over there?” Aunt May became my penpal and it was with incredible enthusiasm whenever I received a letter in the mail from her.
Now my Aunt is in her 90s. Our correspondance has evolved into emails, – which is saying something considering my aunt has kept up with technology. To top it off, my Aunt is a huge reason why I love being a photographer. Aunt May was always taking photos of her nieces and nephews, of which she has 14. Now she has grand nephews and nieces and Great grand nieces and nephews. She is a very, very beloved Aunt. Aunt May gave me my first Kodak camera. While I don’t have that first one, I do have one of the old ones she gave me. Now it is a cherished keepsake.
Aunt May – you were the catalyst in both of my passions in life. Today I’m so lucky to do both of them and fulfill a dream I had as a little girl. Which was to be an author and artist.
This just goes to show, you never know what will happen when you plop a child in front of a keyboard. Or a camera.
And I have to give a big shout out to my Mom. Thanks for plopping me in the front of the typewriter in the hopes of keeping me out of your hair. It turns out I learned to type super fast and somehow that cast iron typewriter game me a love of words.
So think carefully the next time you let your child plop in front of the TV or computer. Perhaps you should change their scenery and discover if a passion will develop.
Tina Case is a professional photographer and writer. In addition to writing for Project Underblog she writes for Yahoo and Parent Grapevine. She also volunteers her time at Housing 1000, Shoots for a Cure and PanCan.org. You can see more of her photography at Tina Case Photography.
Tina Case is a freelance writer and professional photographer. Her work can be found on Yahoo! Shine where she is a Parent Guru sharing stories of motherhood with 20 other moms across the country. Primarily a lifestyle and family photographer, her work can be found in several publications including Travel & Leisure Magazine and InTouch. Her two big dogs keep her company when her three daughters and high tech husband are no where to be found. Email her at tinacasephotography@yahoo.com
Such a lovely way to consider our choices as we parent– to help our children discover their passions, to fight the constant battle of video games and TV (or at least that’s what it feels like here) is sometimes exhausting, but I believe it is a worthy one. I love that your aunt has had such a profound role in your life. I hope my children will have a role model like that!
This post is so wonderful, Tina! Kids these days are so plugged in and most days I hate it. I love when they unplug and discover all the wonders of the backyard.