When I think back on my dad's heart attack in 1980, I see everything happening in slow motion. My father in a flannel work shirt lying down on the sofa for a nap. My oldest brother rushing to call the local ambulance. My heart pounding with fear of the unknown. The thing that sticks out... Continue Reading →
Standing up to a bully
When I was in middle school, my friends and I were on the football team and raced from class at the other end of the hall to the locker room. We had to get into our football equipment and out onto the field. Our coaches wanted us on time. They didn't want us to be... Continue Reading →
Looking for a hobby
My wife came home the other day exhausted and drained. She works as a special education teacher and the days can sometimes be tough. Her students were especially rambunctious and were in no mood to be pent up all day. They whined and complained and didn't want to listen. She came home with her head... Continue Reading →
Where it all starts . . .
I write a short blurb down on a piece of paper. It's not much. Just a few scrawled words. If I'm being honest, the handwriting is awful. Just horrible. I’ve been known to exaggerate on occasion. I’m not exaggerating now. If I've been away and haven't looked at the scrawled words, I return and find... Continue Reading →
Burning rubber!
The car's lights shown directly into my eyes. In the dark I could tell the car was coming up fast on me. I knew the road well, but thanks to the dark night and windy road, I kept relatively close to the 45 mph speed limit. On nights like this one deer loved to feast... Continue Reading →
Inquiring minds want to know
I have questions. We're watching a spy thriller on TV. I have questions about what's coming next. I want to know where the spy is going on a dimly lit road. I want to know who he's meeting up with and what they're whispering to each other. I'll grab the remote control and stop the... Continue Reading →
Objects in mirror may be closer than they appear
(I ran a version of this story in September 2018. I've made some updates.) I looked around the dimly lit auditorium and noted the thick cushioned seats, large stage curtain, and cement walls. I sat in an auditorium just like this one more than thirty years ago at my high school baccalaureate service. Like then,... Continue Reading →
Upset and not gonna take it anymore!
When you're not looking, the world has a way of knocking you on your butt. I think that's a big reason why I try to keep my blog light and positive. I like to give readers something to hold onto in the dark and inspire them to fight for another day. I’ve written a few... Continue Reading →
Tips on writing: Timeless lessons
One night when I was in college, I was working in the library on a paper that my journalism professor had assigned. He asked us to write a news story on the college trustees' decision to make several program cuts and raise tuition for the fifth year in a row. I was struggling with the... Continue Reading →

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