Ragged Old Flag

For the veterans on Memorial Day.

Johnny Cash and "Ragged Old Flag."

Spring of hope, winter of despair

Dickens said "it was the best of times, it was the worst of times," and for all I know he could've been talking about my life over the last few weeks.

For me, leaving the Community Free Press has been a humbling, and yet blessed experience. We've been so broke and I have been pretty stressed, but walking through it I have been able to see and feel a tremendous amount of support from my family and friends that I wouldn't have known was there otherwise.

Today, in particular, has been pretty good.

I finally saw my SN-L byline. The autism fundraising story I penned, or as I like to say, wroteded, is now up on the News-Leader website. I was told it would first run in the Christian County edition of the paper, and then I would see it in the daily N-L after May 19. I haven't pulled it from the stands yet, so I am still looking forward to that. As a writer and someone that has lived in Springfield most of my life, I have to say it is feels pretty rewarding to see my story hitting the pages of the paper I've read since I was 9.

But also, I'm very proud of a couple of things in CFP's most recent issue. Dale Isackson, a.k.a. The Jeweler, wrote what amounts to my first fan letter. It's on Page 6. I had interviewed Isackson for the "15 minutes with" feature in the previous issue.

Then on Page 8, there's the Garden Cafe story, which features another local family that is living with autism. And on Page 10 is one of my favorite stories ever. In it, I interviewed Howard Hufford, a Korean War veteran, and he talked about the work he and his wife have done to teach others flag etiquette and history.

So things are turning up roses, I guess. I thought I was ushering in a new age of foolishness, but perhaps it's a glorious new age of wisdom. Sorry Dickens, but it's feast or famine around here. Before you know it I'll be blubbering in my ice cream about my "great new job" selling cars. When does the age of manageable malaise begin?

Happy Mother's Day

Hizzle Mizzles Dizzle! That's urban for, well, you know.

It's Mother's Day. The day our culture has set aside to honor the mothers in our lives. It seems almost silly to single out just one day for moms, but actually, I think it's a good idea.

Why?

In order to write this I had to stop what I would otherwise be doing, which in my case was going to bed, and think about my relationship with my mom. My mom is a funny lady; not odd, but witty. She is emotional and empathetic. Independent, but family-oriented. Ever since I told her I was looking for a job she has e-mailed me tips for writers and freelancers that she's found online. Her greatest quality may be that she always lives her life in the moment-- this makes her pretty fun to be around. When she's in town, I never know what we are going to do. She is prone to long drives and comfort foods.

As I thought about her, I began to think about my wife's relationship with our kids, my step-mom, my mother-in-law and a few of the other mothers I know. Turns out, I know a lot of moms.

Then I thought about my dad's mom. Her name was Janie. And my mom's mom. Her name was Ginny. They're both gone now.

I saw Grandma Ginny before she died. She was an amazing artist. I can imagine her humming while playing cards or rocking in a rocking chair. The last time I saw my Grandma Janie she was down from Kansas City for my high school graduation. When I would visit her she would always make me french toast, which was my favorite.

Today, a lot of us will rush to the store to buy a last-minute gift. We'll fight with traffic and pick over the pre-packaged candies and flowers at the discount store before we tap our feet impatiently while we wait in line.

Don't. Instead take a moment to think about why that stuff has any meaning.

My mom's name is Katy Baker. Today, I want to thank her for e-mails. I appreciate the tips, mom. I hope all is well in Iowa.

Leaving the nest

Today I cleaned out my desk at CFP. I've been leaving for around a month now, and it hasn't been easy; I've been trying to shepherd good stories and tie loose ends along the way. But now, it's official: I need a job.

I'm working at my old haunt, LaMar's Donuts, and seeking to dominate the freelance landscape. I've done a terrible job thus far, and am really hoping my luck turns around soon. My goal is to land a 40-hour per week job that earns around $30K. It needs to be something that utilizes my unusual skill set, and makes me feel like I'm making a difference in whatever community it serves. I want to find it this year. I may be dreaming. In the meantime, I'm looking for a part-time day job to compliment the donut gig.

If you know of anything, feel free to help a brother. My wings are stiff and flappy.