Having the Prime of My Life

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SALLY JO PITTS

TO

HAVING THE PRIME OF MY LIFE

The phrase getting up in years often carries a subtly negative connotation of being in decline. But why not equate getting up in years with ascension?  When you move up, you have a better view.

One afternoon, I set out to hike a Chimney Rock Mountain trail in North Carolina. The view was restricted as I clumsily navigated large boulders, stumbled over tree roots, and huffed and puffed along the dirt path. But when I reached the summit, the vista widened to a panorama of open skies. A carpet of treetops stretched to touch a distant blue-tinted mountain range on the horizon.

No longer limited, the ascent resulted in a better view.

Likewise, as we move through life's challenges, we gain a broader perspective and can reflect on past experiences from a different angle than we had in our early years.

As a youngster, I enjoyed creating stories and even toyed with the idea of majoring in English, but life choices took me in a different direction. I progressed from home economics teacher to stay-at-home mom, success in daily living seminar director, guidance counselor, private detective, and lie detection examiner. My writing during those years was relegated to lesson plans and factual reports.

After retiring from education, I worked in private investigations full-time with my husband. But to keep my teacher certification active, I took a college creative writing class.

That class rekindled my love for writing that I’d put a stopper on for years.

Could I actually write a book? In 2011 and the years following, I have connected with writer groups and attended retreats and conferences. Authors much younger than I were conducting workshops and had scads of books under their belts. But hey, Grandma Moses, who began her art career at the age of 78, said, “You are never too old or too young to start something new.”

This verse in Job 32:18 (NIV) seemed to fit me. “For I am full of words and the spirit within compels me.”

In 2018, at age 72, my first novel was published. At this writing, I am 79 and I’ve published two novellas and just released my ninth novel—Sweet Double-Cross, book #2 in a three-book series.

If you are moving up in age, think of all that you have to look back on and all you have learned. You have a unique view and perspective on life that no one else has.

I enjoy using what I’ve learned to come up with story plots in novels. But there are many ways to put your vast experience to use—volunteering, mentoring young people, conducting historical tours or talks at the local library, teaching fading skills, or simply talking and sharing with your grandchildren.

What are other ways seniors can share the better view they’ve acquired by getting up? I’d like to know what you think … please feel free to comment.

ABOUT SALLY JO PITTS

Sally Jo Pitts is a former private investigator, licensed lie detection examiner, and retired high school guidance counselor with over twenty years of teaching experience in the field of family and consumer sciences. She combines her education and detective know-how to bring inspirational fiction to the page. Married to her late law enforcement husband for 48 years, she resides in the Panhandle of Florida.

More about Sally Jo Pitts can be found at https://linktr.ee/sallyjopitts

MORE ABOUT SWEET DOUBLE-CROSS

A scientific mission turns into a harrowing day of death and destruction.

Dedicated biologist Trudy Fields is passionate about her invasive plant species research in northwest Florida. When real estate developer Kirt Mayfair arrives in Sweet County to learn how to eradicate a kudzu infestation on property he plans to purchase, Trudy is assigned to assist him. Their instant connection surprises them both, especially when Kirt impulsively proposes marriage.

But research and romantic interest take a deadly turn when someone shoots and kills a colleague of Trudy’s on the way to the isolated kudzu experimental island. On the run from a ruthless killer with precision sniper training, Trudy and Kirt must navigate treacherous terrain, dangerous wildlife, and a shocking conspiracy.

As bullets fly and bodies pile up, Trudy discovers Kirt is hiding his own secret. Amidst unexpected attraction and lethal betrayal, can the two survive this double-cross?

Sweet Double-Cross buy link: https://www.amazon.com/Sweet-Double-Cross-County-Secrets-Book-ebook/dp/B0F6MWW8RJ