Before the days of Strate Talk, and before any thought of writing a column crossed my mind, I took a course in Creative Writing at the Senior Center in Bigfork titled Writing your Memories.

Having hit the golden age of 65 years, I had a wealth of memories, and a drawer overflowing with some of those memories scribbled on assorted scraps of colored paper.

Nan Garrett, our instructor and a delightful person, critiqued the finished assignments of her senior students weekly. "Your next week's assignment is to write about your hobbies," Nan said one day at the end of class.

My thoughts whirled with ideas for this subject during my short walk from the Center to my home. I came to the conclusion that I had too many hobbies to be able to write about one. The following week I read, "Hobbies, I have Many" to Nan and my fellow writers.

"Jack of all trades, master of none"

Is true as far as my talents run

Paint brush in hand, with paper and paints

A scene will appear to mat and to frame.

Or maybe a flower, bright yellow is pleasant

To be wrapped as a gift for a wedding present.

My young nimble fingers learned to knit at age five,

A hobby I enjoy on long winter nights.

Sweaters, hats, and gloves, stockings too,

There's not much yarn and needles won't do.

I like to sew, also learned as a tot,

Needle and thread, and a small square of cotton,

Clothes made for a doll are not forgotten.

In leaps and bounds my interest grew

To creating prom gowns for daughters two.

I can make a corsage, or a floral bouquet

I'll arrange them for you for that special day.

With ribbons and net in your choice of colors

They're made for you, only you and no other.

Flowers bloom from spring to late fall

In a garden plot that has no plan at all.

Willy-nilly they grow, happy and free,

Nourishing birds, hummers, butterflies and bees.

Would it be too much to play the music again

To fit my steps to the composers refrain,

I can tap my feet, pirouette on my toes

Dancing you see is the deep love I chose.

Forgive me if sometimes I'm not down to earth

It's music and beauty that came with my birth

To dance, or to sew, plant flowers and paint

My structure was given, when me, God did create.

A smile accompanied Nan's favorable comments and she thanked me for my effort.