18 years and still going strong
Editor’s note: Kelly Martindale takes over this week’s “From my deck” with a look back on 18 years of writing, friendship and love.
Who can pack so much love, creativity and productiveness into one lifetime?
Betty Heath, a woman of character, grace and deep substance. If you’ve met Betty, then you understand what I’m speaking of. If you’ve read Betty’s weekly columns over the last 18 years, then you probably can imagine also. I’m embarrassed to share that Betty tried to meet me many times over several years. It wasn’t her fault that we didn’t meet; it was all mine. Besides business, I simply didn’t like leaving my house. That is completely opposite of Betty. She enjoys being out and visiting. Being couped up is not her thing.
We finally met but not in Carbon Valley. It took a trip to a writer’s conference in Estes Park to get us into the same room. I was hiding in the back of the room when the faculty member asked us to introduce ourselves. I was last in line to identify myself. Immediately following, a woman walked into my personal space with her hand outstretched. Yes, Betty Heath finally had me cornered. That was the start of what is now a wonderful friendship. We share a love of writing, family, flowers and community. Each of those topics can cause some anxiety and distress, well, not flowers.
Life brings many situations, good and bad, so we have become supportive of each other in our daily happenings. We may communicate more than any other person in my life. Whether phone, text, email or messenger, we keep in touch almost daily (or more). Visiting in person has become more frequent as well. That’s because Betty is also nonjudgmental. Pajama pants and zero makeup don’t bother her. She accepts me, and others, as they are. That’s a wonderful quality in a human.
Visits are not boring events, either. Two writers getting together do not lack words. From her aunt and uncle’s farm to the upholstery business owned by Betty and her beloved, George, aka The Mr. She continually amazes me with her experiences. Readers of her columns know exactly what I’m talking about. Her encounters make me think of “Little House on the Prairie.”
My smile grows thinking of the innumerable stories she’s shared since meeting her. Every time I speak with her, she has another project started. From cleaning closets to gardening to making angels out of glass dishes and vases, Betty keeps very busy. When she can’t sleep, she’s writing or adding articles to her blog.
Another thing she loves is cooking. That woman has cooked or baked more in 2023 than I have in five years put together. She loves to entertain and feed the stomach and the soul. Just check out her Facebook page. Many of her posts are photos of her sumptuous meals she prepares for others and herself.
When warm weather hits, her table is prepared on the deck that overlooks the park and has views of the sunset through her pine trees and aspens — a very calming environment for a writer to peruse the vast array of ideas bouncing around the mind. Approachable, honest and supportive — that’s Betty. Readers, over the last 18 years, and her friends have received delightful gifts from Betty. These gifts are more than stories; they are the friendly support only a loving person can offer with grace and acceptance.
Betty, we love you. May your memories never end so you can continue to regale us with your lifetime experiences. You are loved.