Welcome to
The Memoire of H. J. Ted Gresham
Discover in Ted’s own words the convoluted, sometimes confusing but always captivating and occasionally even unbelievable life he’s lived.
This Is My Story. What Is Yours?
I am exploring the idea of creating a free website where people can tell and preserve the stories that shaped their lives. Would you like a place to tell your story? Would you like to help someone else tell theirs—or help us build the place?
Working Life
Discover Ted’s extraordinarily diverse working life.
The Mission
Ted pursued a mission that sadly turned out to be futile, but which directed his life more than anything else
Writing Career
A Career is defined as, “A chosen pursuit; a profession or occupation.” This is Ted’s ultimate career.
Life
Multifarian! May as well invent a word since no other one describes the kettles Ted dips his toes in.
A Sampling of what you’ll find:
From the Mission
From Career
From Life
Is It Real or Is It Memorex?
Decades ago Memorex came out with a tape that was so good it was almost impossible to determine whether you were viewing a recording or a live performance. The modern equivalent of that? Is it real human work or is it an AI generated alternative? Artificial intelligence is exploding in popularity and use. “Everybody and their brother” are using AI to create electronic music and videos and stories. They are even making money from work created by a computer. Every form of writing has been invaded by AI, from fiction stories to legal documents. It’s all very exciting, but very frightening.
Generation Jones
People born between 1954 and 1965 grew up affected by world-changing events but unable to have any effect on them. We climbed to adulthood in a chaotic society where our older siblings and parents fought for very different things. We weren’t lost, just pushed aside. For me, growing up was mostly hell. Click here and find out more!
Back Roads Mercantile is an East Texas shop built around Texas pride, practical creativity, and the kinds of things you are more likely to find off the main highway. The site features original Texana designs for shirts, caps, cups, bags, and other useful items, along with puzzle books, printed materials, and Back Roads Publishing titles. It also includes a local garage-sale section filled with one-of-a-kind finds, handmade pieces, collectibles, computer parts, and useful odds and ends. Many products can be personalized or created in small batches for individuals, families, churches, clubs, reunions, and other small groups. The business is owner-operated, which means special requests and unusual ideas receive real personal attention. Whether you are shopping for Texas-themed gifts, something custom, or an unexpected back-road treasure, Back Roads Mercantile is a good place to start.
Website News
July 22, 2026, where the hell have I been? Well, yeah, I’ve neglected this site for a few weeks. Mostly I’ve been trying to get my business going, “Back Roads Mercantile.” You’ve seen my little add on here for there. Check it out, order something! This morning I came up with the idea of creating a site where anybody can tell their story like I tell mine here. See the box above, “This is my story, what’s yours?” Click the link and send me your two-cents’ worth. Thanks for stopping by!
June 23, 2026, We’re in Biloxi, Mississippi, for our 48th wedding anniversary. Taking a few days off the website and BRM work. About to head over to a museum, then the mall, maybe a movie, and dinner. Seafood! HAPPY ANNIVERSARY BABY! See my blog here: Happy Anniversary Baby!
June 15, 2026, Still trying to get Back Roads Mercantile going but found time to write a new story, about truck driving school. Read it here.
June 9, 2026, Where’d the time go? Sorry, been neglecting this site, trying to get my products up. Lots more coming! See above to visit my store!
June 7, 2026, Wow, been busy. I’m starting up a retail business. Bully me, right! The ads just above are evidence.
May 30, 2026, Finished and posted a piece about my work in Newspapers. Click here to view it.
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