In her earlier years my grandma was an avid writer–journals, letters (the good old-fashioned kind with a stamp), family history, PTA or church newsletters–and they were all done in her flowing cursive or on her sweet typewriter. I have childhood memories of playing in the nearby room while listening to the click-clack of the keys. I have memories of “writing” my own letters on that typewriter. And I remember watching her use the smooth, fume-intoxicating whiteout to cover up her slip of the key. [Insert Ode to the Undo Button here!]
I’ve secretly hoped to inherit that typewriter one day. . . .
On a whim I stopped at a last-of-the-season yard sale a couple of days ago. Across the way, tucked in a corner was a vintage typewriter for $4.00.
FOUR DOLLARS!???
I thought it was a mistake on the price tag. Maybe the decimal was in the wrong place. Maybe they didn’t add enough zeros??????
I envisioned others scooping up the beauty before I could get to it. But as I looked around no one else seemed interested in the piece of glorious treasure junk and so I calmly strolled over and picked it up. The sticker said it worked.
IT WORKS! AND IT’S FOUR DOLLARS?!!
I casually–as not to draw attention to my excitement–asked the owner just to be sure.
Yep. It works. And it’s $4.
And just like that, my friends, is how I became the proud owner of a vintage typewriter.
I’m in love.
[...] vanilla “perfume” on my wrists, and watercolor painting to the click-click of her old typewriter. Sometimes I’d go to the basement for a bit to observe my grandpa fixing wristwatches and [...]