faith in my abilities

I found, a $50 check from 2001. I had graduated high school and my family and I went on a cruise to Alaska as one last family hurrah before we separated for good. There was a Kareokee night and I sang something, Fiona Apple maybe? Afterwards, I ended up speaking to this woman who ran her own printing press. I told her that I wrote, even though that was long before I REALLY got into journalism...and she commissioned me to write a 400 word article for her. I couldn't believe it. I was going to be paid to write. I turned in the article, the check was sent, but never was it cashed.

I found it the other day while cleaning my closet during the big clean up. My first instict these days, ah, why didn't I cash it? But, I remember. I reasoned that it was to be the first of many, that I'd want it as a momento, my first writing assignment.

So, as I rack of the freelance assignments, getting slightly larger checks, I'm awed by my young confidence. Knowing, I wasn't wrong.