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.

Celebrate October 17

Posted Wednesday, October 14, 2020, at 9:33 PM

Chances are you will be reading this column before Saturday. That means you have time to get ready for the celebration! Dig through some dresser drawers or look in the far back corner of your closet. I grab most anything from front and center, or at the very least, do some laundry. I am always ready!

What’s the occasion? October 17 is “Wear Something Gaudy Day” officially created by the character Larry on the classic sitcom Three’s Company. I have no shortage of bright, sparkly, dangly ‘fashions’ and accessories for the grab ‘n go way I live in retirement. Some define gaudy as ‘tasteless.’ How can colors and bling that lift your spirits or make others smile be tasteless?

Remember those Spirit Weeks at school? I loved participating as a student and then later as a teacher. (I must admit the spirit week daily mandates evolved into more creative fun during my adult participation).

Maybe we need a Spirit Week now to chase away the pandemonium blues! Parents, gather everyone for a kitchen-table-summit to create fun ways to celebrate for seven straight days! For added challenge, keep extra spending minimal or prohibited. (I might have to be EXTRA gaudy for anyone to notice).

Suggestions to consider -

Day One: Wear a hat, any hat, but add flowers. ‘Borrow’ plastic ones from the centerpiece or create construction paper blooms. Adding feathers would be cool, too. Day Two: Round up those blues with some tie-dye fun! Day Three: Flip-flop. If the weather cooperates, wear flip-flops one more day. If it doesn’t, pick a room and flip-flop the furniture! Or switch meals. Eat dinner food for breakfast and end the day with eggs and bacon or cereal. Day Four: (or any day everyone can stay home) Lounge around in pj’s and read! Aloud and to each other sometimes. Day Five: Create greeting cards with rhymes with illustrations. Make the envelopes, too! Send via snail-mail. Opening mailboxes to those surprises will lift moods instantly! Day Six: (Plan ahead to alter the grocery list). Have a smoothie day! Smoothies - or shakes - for every meal! Skip the blender. Use jars to shake, shake, shake to favorite music before each meal. Day Seven: Sneaker day - Wear tennis shoes to take a hike outdoors or sneak around the house to do something nice without being noticed.

Happy WEAR SOMETHING GAUDY DAY - October 17