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Every garden needs a plan. Right? Or at least, Elizabeth from Elizabeth and Her German Garden thought so. She once wrote, "I was forever making plans, and if nothing came of them, what did it matter? The mere making had been a joy."
What a blessing it is to love books. Everybody must love something, and I know of no objects of love that give such substantial and unfailing returns as books and a garden.
When I got to the library I came to a standstill. -Oh, the dear room, what happy times I have spent in it rummaging amongst the books, making plans for my garden, building castles in the air, writing, dreaming, doing nothing.
~ Elizabeth von Arnim
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The typing in my Journal of Quotations is being done on my electric Royal Scripter typewriter that I bought when I broke my wrist a few years ago. I enjoy the typing, even though I learned the skill on manual machines in two years of typing classes. These were my favorite high school classes, made even better since they were taught by my absolute favorite teacher of all.
So, for quite a while, I have been watching typewriters on eBay. The one listed below ended a few days ago. I loved this one and it was just what I had dreamed of owning. I didn't even place a bid, but now I almost wish I had. Undoubtedly, I wouldn't have won the auction, but it would have been worth a try. There were a total of over 60 bids, ending at $355. The shipping was free.
"If you are looking for a special writing companion, then this just may be your writing soulmate. A stunning example of a 1937 Royal De Luxe (Model A). The glass-topped key strokes on this Royal queen are snappy, confident and yield a consistent print in an elite font. Obviously, this typewriter was not overly used as there is little to no wear anywhere to be found and it is near spotless inside and out. A newly inked black and red nylon ribbon has been installed onto the original Royal metal spools. There is an original user manual..."
"However, true love does not occur until the first keystroke. It's something that has to be experienced to be fully appreciated. For the serious writer, there are no disappointments with this particular writing companion. It has been completely serviced, properly lubricated and is ready to write. Its condition is as close to being brand new from 1937 as could possibly be for an 87-year-old mechanical writing machine. This is a stunning example of this rare model from a most pivotal time in American history."
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And, finally... We have new barn kitties. Four of them. They lost their mother, so we took them all in. They will be sweet, but not yet! I love them, anyway! (Note: I can stroke, from the head to the tip of the tail, three out of the four. The black and white one is still afraid. Another little black one doesn't show up well in the picture.)
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15 comments:
We can never keep typewriters in our antique store, but never have we sold one for that price....maybe we should try Ebay on the next one. How nice you took in those kittens. They will be very helpful around the barn. Janice
The allure of needy kittens! I have one climbing my back and snatching at my hair as I type.
Speaking of which: I've never been a good typist either in terms of speed or accuracy.
I find laptop keyboards to be rather quirky in response- -similar to getting comfortable with an unfamiliar piano.
I wish you could have bid ( and won) that lovely old typewriter.
The kittens are sweet and no doubt you'll have them tamed soon.
I love that typewriter. I had an orange one around 1967 or so. I loved it! Of course the orange case was plastic, but I have thought of that typewriter more than once since those days. I used to think I would be a writer. I wish I had all the stories and 'novels' I wrote back then! The kitties are adorable!
Oh the kittens are adorable.
My Mom insisted I learn how to type-she said it would always be useful. It still amazes me how my fingers just know where all the letters are as I type. Hoping I never lose that as I get older.
Did not realize older typewriters are bringing in that price-are they still making new ones these days?
Your gardens are always so lovely
Happy weekend-hoping today is the last of the mid 90's
ps the kitties are so sweet-they will be awesome to have around the barns
The kittens are delightful and very lucky to have found a good home with you!
The typewriter is quite splendid, lovely design and begging to be used.
Oh, my goodness...the typewrite and the kitties. My daughter has looked at a couple old typewriters and thought about buying one as part of her office decorations. Sometimes I think it sad that our kids/grandkids do not know what it is like to type on a manual typewriter.
I love the kitties...I have always had a soft spot for cats and kitties.
I learned to type on a typewriter similar to that one. When I made the switch to an electric machine it was a huge learning curve to not strike the keys too hard and make rows of unwanted letters. I remember in grade nine having to 'type to music' - there was a tape of individual musical notes with the idea that you were supposed to strike certain keys in synch. As we got better at it, the speed increased.
Elizabeth and I are indeed kindred spirits the more I read her words. Your garden photos are a feast for the eyes - all the little outdoor accoutrements are perfect compliments. That typewriter is a beauty!! Wow! I have a gorgeous old Underwood (think I posted a photo of it with my Halloween posts last season - or was it the season before?) I don't actually use it (I was raised in the era of electrics) so, unfortunately, don't have a clue how to actually service it. The one you were eyeing was in remarkable condition. And....awww!!! Such adorable little furballs! I just can't resist a kitten. Hope you continue to share photos of them as they grow and frolic. ~Robin~
Nothing more satisfying than the clacking of a typewriter. Good luck with the kittens.
First I gave away my lovely Olympia that I'd used all through high school and college. Then I bought one or two typewriters (at least one was electric) for my children to learn on, and when they switched to a computer keyboard I gave those away, too! I so wish I hadn't! But I didn't know my future self.
Back then, I never did develop strong enough fingers to be a very good typist... so I guess I was relieved to say good-bye to that system. Now if my computer is down I can still pick up a pencil; I have strength enough for that so far!
Where was I when you posted this?? Ii am amazed at the care of the seller, and how thorough they were at servicing and advertising the typewriter - very admirable. The kitties were keep you quite occupied, and laughing (I hope).
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