Not quite a native Ripley Countian - she attended only her last year of high school in Doniphan though she taught in the R-1 system for 32 years - Teresa (Pearson) Lee delights in surprising readers and herself with anecdotal observations of life in general. Maybe you can blame her St.Louis roots for a quirky humor and some slightly-askewed opinions, but never doubt she writes from the heart.

My New Love

Posted Sunday, September 27, 2020, at 5:02 PM

Veronica the first day she arrived at her forever home.

I’ve a new love in my life, another presence that adds a joyful dimension to ordinary tasks like sitting on the couch, putting on shoes and making the bed. A dimension I didn’t realize I was missing, by the way.

Curious about all I do, that additional set of eyes watches me intently and tries to anticipate my next moves in case I need help. That in turn is giving my own observation skills a bit of a workout. I don’t want this new relationship to be lopsided. I want to give as much as I receive so I have to watch and learn, too. No matter how accustomed I might be to certain predictable behaviors, each being brings unique personality and perspective to life.

Sharing life with another can be frustrating, no doubt. We don’t always need help. All of us want time and space to ourselves now and then, to read, nap, paint or write. Learning to read those signals can be a complicated process that can enlighten or sadden. Another’s exuberance to play and please can be exasperating even if the intent is well-meaning and understood.
It can be messy, too, always having to prepare meals and clean up after another who will never take up the slack or offer assistance in daily chores. I have never considered myself too picky about folding laundry or washing dishes, but unless it’s to take a peek in the fridge now and then, the kitchen and laundry should be off limits to my new heart throb.

Let me introduce you to Veronica Fierce Whiskerly. (She was born into the feral cat kingdom in the neighborhood of the VFW). At first glance she looks like the usual gray tabby. Wait a second, though, and her head will swivel and her body bounce and you will glimpse a golden aura inherited from her father. I have a few scars that will diminish as kittyhood fades. She’s a great pal who is learning to lapsit. Right now her four- month-old eyes and paws are constantly involved in any task my hands tackle. She will eventually get bored with that and just watch, keeping her critiques to herself. Even if she disapproves occasionally, life is better with Veronica a part of it.