A TESTIMONY ( 2006 )


by Betty J. Curtis


I had thought I had enough long delayed interests to fill my retirement years. Writing, painting, sewing, reading, were all great interests that had minimal time during employment years. The first years of retirement, these were happy occupations. I had even learned to build my website and offer accumulated writings on the internet. But I had not expected macular degeneration to limit my eyesight to such degree that all these interests were effected.

Eventually, I had to stop all on-line activity for about 2 1/2 years. During that time, i went through a period of re-adjustmwnt. I felt like I was in a vacuum. I prayed and meditated, for ways i could best live my later years for some purpose. I awoke one morning with the idea to try Haiku. It was a brief form that would not require long periods to do, and by using extra large print settings, I could type them out.

So, again I had an occupation that interested me. Although I do not write in the classic Oriental form, I do use the 17 syllable form. I write in plain language English, about everyday themes. I love the brevity of the 17 syllable form. Had I not experienced eyesight limitations, I would have missed one of the most rewarding experiences of my life ! It is like a summary of passage, and has helped me assimilate the years in healthy ways. I do regard it as a work of vertical partnership, This is how "Paper Lanterns" came to be written.

Whatever the limitation, God will provide a compensation. We just have to look for it. Emerson wrote a beautiful essay about it. It is true. This is my Testimony about it.

Betty J. Curtis


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