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.

A Birthday Milestone

Posted Tuesday, July 4, 2023, at 8:46 AM

Tomorrow - 6/29 - I will celebrate seven decades on this earth. WOW! To me, that number used to symbolize mediocrity in everything BUT age. In years-alive it registered as an impossibility. I never imagined myself being THAT old. But tomorrow I will be 70. It certainly isn’t mediocre to still be around to witness the world’s advancements at warp speed. Witnessing them doesn’t mean I understand any of it, though. Comprehension is elusive.

On this birthday eve I've made some resolutions for a year I hope is amazing. I’ve decided to devote time and energy to tangible, down-to-earth goals.

(1) I am no longer avoiding fiction and turning my nose up at genres I previously labeled silly fluff. I began with Christine Anthony’s first published novel “When I See You Again.” When ordering it, I realized it was a romance. I’m too….vintage….to be reading romances, I thought, but I wanted to support and encourage this former student/colleague/fellow retiree. From page one I could relate. It’s romantic realism with a hint of the supernatural. I’m not a total romance convert, but I’m definitely a convert to Christine Anthony’s fiction! I want more! I’m tuning in to classic sci-fi programs now - Red Dwarf for one - so maybe I will delve into that genre as well in my reading.

(2) I’m going to be bolder with my craft and try my hand writing fiction. As a member of the new Current River Writers group, I’ve already written two fiction prompts, albeit mini ones. Baby steps. The process is as intriguing to me as the outcome.

(3) I’m going to be grateful daily for the continued evolution of Teresa Pearson Lee. A few columns back I hinted that I am one of the millions of hoarders. Maybe ‘was’ is more accurate since I’ve mostly conquered the acquisition aspect. Now I’m focused on digging out from under all the stuff. It’s a slow, tedious process. Thousands of hours of therapy and all the dollars spent to get at the whys and wherefores have taught me to diminish comparison thinking and avoid perfection/procrastination traps. I’m plowing through even when it’s tough. It’s slow and messy, defies explanation and invites judgment, but it’s liberating. Accepting help and love from those who aren’t critical even when they don’t understand helps me honor my commitment to the adventure ahead. Thank you, God, for another birthday.