A Second Wind

    There are times when it seems life has run out of steam.  The space between Christmas and New Year’s Eve is one of them. **********      It’s the week after Christmas, or ‘holiday’ if you’re part of the crowd of alchemists that mix Christmas with Visa and come up with a concoction called Santa. …

Waiting in Line

It’s Tuesday, a week before Christmas.  I’m standing in line at the post office, waiting. I’m not alone. Others stand silently in a long queue that snakes its way outside. They wait, too     It’s an understatement to say Americans enjoy waiting in line anywhere. Or, for that matter, waiting for anything. We’re used to instantaneous …

Getting in the Mood

Out of the many moods of Christmas, which one will jump-start us into the spirit of the season? I might have found mine. **********      It’s difficult trying to gin up any enthusiasm remotely acceptable for a Christmas mood. It has to happen on its own. The frenetic crush of mosh-pits crowds on Black …

It’s a Sore Subject

Stored in the recesses of a woman’s brain are some sore spots put there mostly by men. These raw, unresolved irritants, small and large, can become volcanoes. You know an eruption is near when you hear, “That’s a sore subject with me.” ********** Men are at a distinct disadvantage in relationships with women. They stumble …

Cooking Sausage

To anticipate or to possess, that’s the question. Which satisfies most? ********** It’s Sunday morning, cool, high 60’s. Brilliant sunshine, slight breeze, quiet house. The Bulldog Nation is at rest, their anticipation become reality…Dawgs whip Gators. Bogey, our dog, sleeps while the sausage sizzles. Can life get better? Yes, and No. Depends on one’s expectations. …

Getting Your Own Switch

“The loneliest walk of your life—to get your own switch.” Richard Pryor ********** I suppose relating to such a quote would depend on where and when one spent their youth. Perhaps it would apply mostly to little boys running around in their short pants, creating mischief with less brain power than a gnat. Now they’re …

Just Plain Luck

“Hey if it wasn’t for bad luck y’all, Oh, I wouldn’t have no luck at all.” Ray Charles ********** I’ve been thinking about luck while sitting around nursing a gimpy leg from too much weed pulling. I’m having a conference with myself…the kind that leads nowhere but to muddled confusion. In my misery of immobility …

Good People

“He’s good people.” Maybe it’s not the best English, but you’ve heard it said this way if you grew up in almost any small town in the South. And you know what it means. ********** Terry Toole is owner and publisher of my weekly hometown newspaper, The Miller County Liberal. He graciously publishes my Weakly …