The Theresa Elliott Retirement Fund

Dear Linda: Well now, here in Lucca where food is unbelievable cheap, your seven remaining classes would indeed buy both dinner and a drink. However, I chose a bag of Tex-Mex Doritos to go with my nice Chianti Classico! Love to you and Dick. -T

January 22, 2022

Dear Friends and Students:

I hope this finds you healthy and happy in 2022! In the last few years we have all been on a weird journey that didn’t necessarily give us the “wondrous” that sometimes follows the former. 

It’s been awhile, but you may recall I retired right before COVID hit and all the wheels at the studio ground to a halt, including my plans to fulfill my obligation to those of you who have credit with me. I had anticipated teaching for another nine months after the announcement of my retirement in order to do so, but, well, COVID. 

At this point I am writing to tell you I will be sending a separate email to you within the week if you have a credit balance with me. You can elect to have the balance sent to you, or you can absolve me of the obligation in which case I will drink a toast to you here in Italy. I’ll even send you a photo of that drink!

If I don’t hear back from you by January 30th, 2022, I will conclude you have decided to contribute to the Italian cause. 

Sandy and I have successfully completed the elective residency visa, and I now feel somewhat of an honorary Italian. Sandy is living predominantly in Lucca, Italy, and I am still predominantly in Edmonds. I plan to keep the Taj going and am working with the Taj Primaries to keep the dream alive. 

I cannot say this enough: y’all made my day anytime you came to the studio for class. There absolutely is no teacher with out students, and your curious, good natured dispositions allowed me a sense of safety that brought out the best in me. Thank you, thank you, thank you. 

T

See below for “Your Personal Photo of Theresa Elliott", each one created in response to the donations made to settle the books, relieving me of an administrative hassle. They were sent to my groovy students with a personal note of thanks.

Dear Kathleen: You’d be amazed how far the dollars go. Your $18 contribution to the Theresa Elliott Retirement Drinking Fund bought two great bottles of Italian wine! Ciao!

Dear Michelle: It’s kinda cold for gelato so I chose a nice local Vernaccia di San Gimignano to toast our years of study to. I really loved the anatomy class. Thank you for being there. -T

Dear Carol: Since the stated objective was “something delicious”, I am having a Chino on you! Love this bitter Italian soda! -T

Dear Rachael: Your generous donation to the Theresa Elliott Retirement Drinking Fund allowed me to by a sixer of pre-mixed Aperol Spritzer. Thank you! -T

Dear Julia: This toast not only commemorates our time in the classroom, but to you fighting for our democracy. This is a mezzo litro of Sangiovese from the corner restaurant. Yummy! -T

Dear Elif: Gotta admit, promising to toast everyone is keeping me busy. So for you, my non-drinking friend, I am happy to send a photo toasting you with morning coffee! -T

Hola Vicky! Reading your email helped me realize one of the reasons it took me two years to finally deal with the credit balances. It’s the finality of it, much like taking my classes off the schedule page at the Taj, it kinda hurts. We had a good thing going. In the meantime, do enjoy your personal photograph of me toasting to you with my new friend Jane photo bombing. It’s a nice touch!

Dear Donna: Here’s a toast to you, a glass of aqua frizzante and a bowl of my favorite Tuscan soup, zuppo d’farro. I don’t know if you have ever had this soup, but wow. Can’t get enough! -T

Dear Marilyn: Your generous contribution to the Theresa Elliott Retirement Fund has allowed me to chow down at my favorite coffee shop, and hopefully give you a little vicarious satisfaction! -T

Hi Esther: You actually didn’t have any credit, but because you responded and because you are so much fun I am sending you a personalized photo anyway. -T

Dear Carol: Here’s a toast to you, fellow yogini and teacher. And in Italy, $48 goes a long way so I’ll be toasting you for awhile! -T

Hola Vas: Yes indeed, you can contribute to the fund and have some back, and for that you qualify for a photo of me drinking on your behalf! -T