I recently rediscovered my journals from 2nd grade, circa 1978-79. Mrs. Krueger was my teacher that year and she had the class write “logs” in spiral bound notebooks a few times a week. In retrospect, it set the stage for the blogs of the future. My old journal entries are an interesting glimpse into my 8 year old brain. I was all about the facts—not much exposition. My go-to adjectives were “funny” and
good”. But my handwriting was pretty good. In reading through these old keepsakes, I have come across a few gems that have inspired me to recreate the journal entries as art using colored pencils and paint markers on wood panel.
This particular journal entry captures my thoughts on seeing Saturday Night Fever— as an 8 year old without supervision (unless you count my 9 year old friend Mary Lynn) — while the rest of my family saw The Deer Hunter in the theater next door. I think I was entranced by the disco magic at the time and young enough that that the adult themes flew right over my head. I do remember thinking at the time that it was a HUGE deal to get to see this movie with my friend and no parents. It was the 70’s and gen-X kids were given more leeway than kids today.
It’s been fun to re-read these journals. They really take me back to very specific memories of daily life of childhood like watching TV, playing with friends, and doing chores. I am so grateful that Mrs. Krueger had us record these journals (and that I managed to hang on to a few of them over so many years). She was also the first teacher I had who really encouraged me to draw. She was a grand influence on me then and still is to this day. I had the pleasure of reconnecting with her recently after our mutual friend Stephen Kerr passed last spring. Mrs. Krueger is 88 and going strong. She is truly a lifelong teacher, mentor, and friend.