Day Dream Believer

 

This is a big deal.

I'm going to be on the Norwalk High School Wall of Fame!

Okay, it's not exactly the Hollywood Walk of Fame--but close enough. This particular small town Wall of Fame features graduates dating back to the early 1900's and includes my favorite fashion illustrator of all time—Joe Eula (class of 1942). I am beyond thrilled.

And honestly, a little stunned.

I was not an outstanding student back in the day. In fact, I used to cut school at lunch time--not because I had anywhere to go. Rather, I skipped out because I just didn't like the whole cafeteria scene. Where do you sit? Who are your friends? Who are your real friends? And the existential question--What is my place in the universe?

I liked to spend my lunch hour alone on the front steps of the school--eating an apple bought from the school's fabulous fruit machines and reading a good book. This suited me, because not only was I not particularly studious, I was not particularly social. And I certainly wasn't sporty.

(Although I did try out for the cheer leading team. Unfortunately, I was not chosen--something I still feel a little sad about, because honestly, I thought my splits were pretty darn good!)

No matter. Here's what I did do--I wrote. I wrote a lot. Stories, poems, essays. Expository essays. Persuasive essay. And my favorite--the personal essay. And while my grades weren't all that, I was always a good listener. I paid attention. Even while day dreaming, I was paying attention. And this is what ultimately led me to a very creative life.

And now, after all these years, I will be presented with this great honor. The ceremony takes place on October 5th in my hometown of Norwalk, Connecticut.

Creative Friends--sometimes you may feel that you are getting nowhere and that your work doesn't really matter. Perhaps you think that no one is noticing you. But, be patient. Keep writing or painting or dancing or singing or playing your saxophone, because one day--I promise you--you will be noticed. You will be honored and it will be even more delicious because of how much time it took.

Yes. I am deeply honored. I am grateful. And I am very humble.

Thank you, Norwalk High School.

(Now, if I could only join your cheer leading team!)

Love,

Jamie