Not a farewell, just an anniversary

Ten years ago this week, David Stevens (at that time editor of the Portales News-Tribune and other regional publications) called to see if I’d be interested in writing a weekly column for the Portales newspaper.

The initial offer was for a food column. Reporter Argen Duncan, who penned a cooking column each week in her spare time, had moved onto greener pastures.

Although I love food — and truly enjoy both cooking and eating — I had no interest in tying on an apron and attempting to be the next Pioneer Woman.

Instead, I asked David, could I write “a little good news” each week?

Happily, he said yes.

Happily, I did, too.

With only two exceptions, most weeks for the past decade I’ve found a story to share.

I missed a week when my mom passed away. There is no better excuse than that.

Once — and only once that I know — a column that I wrote turned out to be a story that I fell for — hook, line, and sinker — and eagerly submitted … only to find out too late that it had been completely fabricated.

No use in digging. It has been erased from existence, and my lips are sealed. It was a heartbreaking lesson that I will never forget.

Here’s the math: 10 years times 52 weeks equals 520 … take away two … and I’ve written 518 columns (or darned close to that).

I can truthfully say that at least 500 of those experiences have been wonderful. (There are rare weeks when it’s a struggle … or a last-minute “pull out of thin air” kind of experience.)

I’ve met countless fascinating people, made new friends, learned much about eastern New Mexico, had an ongoing excuse to be nosy, and had an endless amount of fun along the way.

Lest you think this is a farewell column, think again.

You see, according to the internet (and we all know the internet never lies), a 10-year anniversary is known as the “tin or aluminum” anniversary.

Tin and aluminum, “they” say, are prized for being highly durable, flexible, and resistant to corrosion. Those are good goals to carry me forward. I hope to be highly durable, flexible, and resistant to corrosion for a long time to come.

Consider this a column to say thank you for reading, whether you’ve been along for the whole ride, hopped on somewhere along the way, or are seeing this for the first time.

Thanks for offering me this gig, David Stevens. If you need me to send you a list of possible tin and aluminum gifts, well, you know where to find me.

Betty Williamson is betting on a roll of foil. Reach her at:

[email protected]