In which the YA author showcases her teenage years in all their awkward wonder…
So, I went home to Indianapolis for Thanksgiving. It was a lovely for many reasons. One of those reasons was that I found some new teenage photos. But also, I read some great books including Mudville, by Kurtis Scaletta, which you should read, or buy for the middle grade people in your life for the Holidays. (If you celebrate that sort of thing.) In honor of this wonderful book, I’ve decided that today’s photo should showcase my little league years. In this photo (I’m on the right), I think I’m 12 or 13–possibly younger. As if the photo isn’t awkward enough, what with the high waist pants, rec specs, and Iron-on decals, that ‘I’ on our hats stands for Indians. Nothin’ like a little political incorrectness to toss around with the softball. And Kurt, if you happen to be reading this, I was the catcher.
Obviously the book is much lovelier than this photo! (Also, I must have had a very important business meeting to attend after the game. What in the world is going on at my feet?)
Jody Sparks Mugele 
I think you’re cute. And my HS mascot was (and embarrassingly still is) the Indians. Ridiculous. Happy late thanksgiving!
ok, I thought I was the catcher? Did we share? I totally remember those lovely white cleats getting soaked with blood from a softball that hit one of us in the outfield and bloodied her nose. Was that you? or me?
Um, yeah, I was your relief catcher. And um, yeah, it was me that got it the nose and bled all over my cleats. And I’m pretty sure I was chitchatting and it was a foul ball that caught me in the nose unawares. I got moved to relief catcher because I had a bad habit of doing cartwheels in right field. Or, making daisy chains. I was very athletic.
those *are* some high wasted pants!
lol about the cartwheels & daisy chains. 🙂