Thursday, July 23, 2009
Wednesday, April 8, 2009
Visit to WLEX Channel 18
Lately I have been very blessed to have had lots of attention drawn to my latest book, Pumpkin Guts. I have had articles about it in all of the local and regional papers, including the Kentucky Mountain News. I have had my book placed in local businesses such as Jiffy Mart and in local schools where it is available for both checkout and sale. My website and blog are getting lots of hits, and my book is selling very well on Barnes and Noble, Amazon, and Books-A-Million. However, it is my recent trip to WLEX Channel 18 that I want to write about today.
On Thursday, April 2nd, I was invited to WLEX in order to speak about my book and about my experience of being a Kentucky author. In case you don’t remember, I had been to their station a few years ago to talk about my previous book, Nose Pickin’. I will have to say that this trip was a lot easier than my first.
First of all, I was able to find the TV station a lot easier because I had been there before. I didn’t even have to look it up on Yahoo Maps or anything. I know that I just have to go to the Wal-Mart on New Circle Road right when we get into Lexington and go right on behind it.
Second, I wasn’t as nervous this time as I was the last time. I had been there before and I sort of knew what to expect. When I walked in the front door, the receptionist greeted me and had me sign in. After I had signed in, I was greeted by the station manager and taken to the “green room.” I was surprised that the green room wasn’t green. It is just called that because it is a place to relax and calm one’s nerves before appearing on TV.
My wife Lisa was with me that day. We have been together for nearly 18 years and married for nearly 17 of those years, and we are always there for each other. Just having Lisa with me that day was a big positive. We sat and watched the noon news through the door to the main studio. It was really cool watching the news take place live while we were watching it on the little TV in the green room also.
Soon, it was time for me to be interviewed. While the viewers at home were watching commercials and community announcements, I was being led into the studio and hooked up to a microphone. Both Lee Cruse and Chris Goodman welcomed me and chatted with me before the interview. Yes…they are both just as funny off camera as they are on camera! At one point, Chris Goodman meant to tell me to just ignore the cameras but said that I should just ignore them (Lee and Chris). Lee Cruse was like, “Wait a minute. He can’t ignore us…or it won’t be much of an interview.” Those guys just cracked me up.
And then….it was magic time. The cameras were rolling and I had to speak….whether I was ready or not. Amazingly, I found that I wasn’t one little bit nervous. I felt like I was talking to old friends. I guess that it is because I watch these fellows each day on TV. When you invite them into your home all the time, people on TV start to feel like old friends.
I had a great time talking about my book and how I wrote and illustrated it. I am really very proud of my book….especially the illustrations. I hope that you have a chance to read it. I also talked about my experiences as a National Board Certified Teacher. At the last minute, I remembered to give a shout-out to all the people in Breathitt County and LBJ Elementary. Hey…I couldn’t disappoint my home county! I knew that the kids at LBJ would be watching also.
In closing, I just want to let everyone know that I will be a guest at the Mountain Showcase at Buckhorn Lake State Park on April 18th. I will be signing copies of my book. If you are in the area, please stop by and say hello. I will be more than happy to personalize a copy of Pumpkin Guts for you. I am also going to set up a booth at the Arts Fair in Jackson this year. That seems like it will be a good opportunity for many local artists and writers. In addition, I have been invited to a signing in Pikeville this summer on June 22nd. It will be held at the Pikeville Library. Once again…if you are in the area then please stop by.
I want to thank everyone for being so supportive of this writer. Because when it comes down to it….a writer isn’t worth too much if there aren't people who are willing to read what he writes. Thanks for being one of my readers. I appreciate it!
Until next week, class dismissed!
On Thursday, April 2nd, I was invited to WLEX in order to speak about my book and about my experience of being a Kentucky author. In case you don’t remember, I had been to their station a few years ago to talk about my previous book, Nose Pickin’. I will have to say that this trip was a lot easier than my first.
First of all, I was able to find the TV station a lot easier because I had been there before. I didn’t even have to look it up on Yahoo Maps or anything. I know that I just have to go to the Wal-Mart on New Circle Road right when we get into Lexington and go right on behind it.
Second, I wasn’t as nervous this time as I was the last time. I had been there before and I sort of knew what to expect. When I walked in the front door, the receptionist greeted me and had me sign in. After I had signed in, I was greeted by the station manager and taken to the “green room.” I was surprised that the green room wasn’t green. It is just called that because it is a place to relax and calm one’s nerves before appearing on TV.
My wife Lisa was with me that day. We have been together for nearly 18 years and married for nearly 17 of those years, and we are always there for each other. Just having Lisa with me that day was a big positive. We sat and watched the noon news through the door to the main studio. It was really cool watching the news take place live while we were watching it on the little TV in the green room also.
Soon, it was time for me to be interviewed. While the viewers at home were watching commercials and community announcements, I was being led into the studio and hooked up to a microphone. Both Lee Cruse and Chris Goodman welcomed me and chatted with me before the interview. Yes…they are both just as funny off camera as they are on camera! At one point, Chris Goodman meant to tell me to just ignore the cameras but said that I should just ignore them (Lee and Chris). Lee Cruse was like, “Wait a minute. He can’t ignore us…or it won’t be much of an interview.” Those guys just cracked me up.
And then….it was magic time. The cameras were rolling and I had to speak….whether I was ready or not. Amazingly, I found that I wasn’t one little bit nervous. I felt like I was talking to old friends. I guess that it is because I watch these fellows each day on TV. When you invite them into your home all the time, people on TV start to feel like old friends.
I had a great time talking about my book and how I wrote and illustrated it. I am really very proud of my book….especially the illustrations. I hope that you have a chance to read it. I also talked about my experiences as a National Board Certified Teacher. At the last minute, I remembered to give a shout-out to all the people in Breathitt County and LBJ Elementary. Hey…I couldn’t disappoint my home county! I knew that the kids at LBJ would be watching also.
In closing, I just want to let everyone know that I will be a guest at the Mountain Showcase at Buckhorn Lake State Park on April 18th. I will be signing copies of my book. If you are in the area, please stop by and say hello. I will be more than happy to personalize a copy of Pumpkin Guts for you. I am also going to set up a booth at the Arts Fair in Jackson this year. That seems like it will be a good opportunity for many local artists and writers. In addition, I have been invited to a signing in Pikeville this summer on June 22nd. It will be held at the Pikeville Library. Once again…if you are in the area then please stop by.
I want to thank everyone for being so supportive of this writer. Because when it comes down to it….a writer isn’t worth too much if there aren't people who are willing to read what he writes. Thanks for being one of my readers. I appreciate it!
Until next week, class dismissed!
Tending Your Garden!
It was such a relief to have a change in the weather yesterday. There has been so much death and disease lately in the lives of people around me. For a while, it seemed like every time I was turning around, someone was sick, dying, or dead. The power of the storm drove away some of the negative energy that was hanging around and made for more enjoyable days to come. True…it was a rather damp day but much improved from the cold which blanketed the area in the weeks before! I would rather have a warm, rainy day than a cold, dry day.
I love to go outside just before a storm. The air is charged with so much power. The more lightning…the better. I feel like I could do anything at times like this. I feel so alive. This is especially true when the rain begins to fall. The water that falls from the skies is part of a cycle that has been continuing since the beginning of time. Life began in water, and water still remains necessary to life.
Changes in the seasons bring about changes in our lives. The wheel has turned once again. As I drive to and from work each day, I see people plowing their gardens and preparing the soil for planting. Like these hard working gardeners, we can also take some time to prepare ourselves for change. If there is something that you want to change in your life, now is the time to plant the seed!
Perhaps you find yourself wanting more friends. Don’t just sit there! Get out and interact with others. Plant that seed of friendship. If you water it with love, compassion, and care…you will find yourself with many friends.
If you want a new or better paying job, start building your skills as a worker. If you plant that seed and tend it with hard work, education, training, and persistence…you will get that job you desire. Anything is possible. Everything in the world…and sometimes out of it…is within our reach if we will just get off our lazy behinds and actually reach for it.
And if love is something that you lack….begin now to sow the seeds which will lead to a full harvest. Improve your hygiene, increase your social skills, and actually get out there and try to meet some people with interests that are similar to your own. If you work hard at this and take the time necessary to plant these seeds, you will grow a true and lasting love. Just remember…things like this take time and patience.
How are you tending your garden? Right now is the time to prepare yourself for the upcoming season of growth. Don’t be afraid or feel unworthy to achieve happiness. Each of us has a right to gain happiness. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. There are too many unhappy people walking around on this planet.
Summer’s birth is near at hand
Growing sunlight on the land
A kiss of life as time awakes
We sense the spring of growing days
Prepare your fields and plant the seed
Growing wealth and love you need
A gathering of minds and men
In prayers the sun returns again
Just remember to never wait to do the things which make you happy. You may not have a chance tomorrow. Until next time…class dismissed!
I love to go outside just before a storm. The air is charged with so much power. The more lightning…the better. I feel like I could do anything at times like this. I feel so alive. This is especially true when the rain begins to fall. The water that falls from the skies is part of a cycle that has been continuing since the beginning of time. Life began in water, and water still remains necessary to life.
Changes in the seasons bring about changes in our lives. The wheel has turned once again. As I drive to and from work each day, I see people plowing their gardens and preparing the soil for planting. Like these hard working gardeners, we can also take some time to prepare ourselves for change. If there is something that you want to change in your life, now is the time to plant the seed!
Perhaps you find yourself wanting more friends. Don’t just sit there! Get out and interact with others. Plant that seed of friendship. If you water it with love, compassion, and care…you will find yourself with many friends.
If you want a new or better paying job, start building your skills as a worker. If you plant that seed and tend it with hard work, education, training, and persistence…you will get that job you desire. Anything is possible. Everything in the world…and sometimes out of it…is within our reach if we will just get off our lazy behinds and actually reach for it.
And if love is something that you lack….begin now to sow the seeds which will lead to a full harvest. Improve your hygiene, increase your social skills, and actually get out there and try to meet some people with interests that are similar to your own. If you work hard at this and take the time necessary to plant these seeds, you will grow a true and lasting love. Just remember…things like this take time and patience.
How are you tending your garden? Right now is the time to prepare yourself for the upcoming season of growth. Don’t be afraid or feel unworthy to achieve happiness. Each of us has a right to gain happiness. Never let anyone tell you otherwise. There are too many unhappy people walking around on this planet.
Summer’s birth is near at hand
Growing sunlight on the land
A kiss of life as time awakes
We sense the spring of growing days
Prepare your fields and plant the seed
Growing wealth and love you need
A gathering of minds and men
In prayers the sun returns again
Just remember to never wait to do the things which make you happy. You may not have a chance tomorrow. Until next time…class dismissed!
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Bluegrass and Purple Cows
Could it be? Is spring actually here? I do believe that it may be! The softly blowing warm breezes accompanied by the sweet caress of the sun have woken the gently budding trees and early spring flowers. Our pear trees in the front yard are looking absolutely lovely. I can’t wait for them to grow a few more years. I love large trees full of early spring bloom.
Of course, spring in Eastern Kentucky is still highly unpredictable. By the time you read this, the weather could have taken a turn for the worse. It could even be….gasp….snowing again. With the crazy weather we have had this year, anything is possible.
However, since we have been having some really nice weather lately, Lisa and I decided to get out and about. I have probably mentioned this before, but Lisa and I love to get out in the car on a really nice day and just drive. We won’t really have a destination in mind. Usually we will just pull up to an intersection and Lisa will ask me if I want to go left or right. At the next intersection, she will decide. And so on and so on until we find ourselves deep in the hills of a beautiful Eastern Kentucky day.
Recently we found ourselves heading toward Natural Bridge. I hadn’t been there in a while, so we decided to drive on in and look around. Everything was still shut down for the season, but you could tell that things were starting to be cleaned up for the upcoming tourist season. There is something sad about the place when it is all shut down. It reminds me of an empty playground…existing without a purpose. But soon things will change and the people will return.
I’ll have to admit that it was pretty cool to visit the place during the off-season. There weren’t throngs of people around. It was very quiet. Sitting on one of the benches at Hoedown Island, all that I could hear was the wind in the tops of the trees. Making a hushing sound, the wind was trying to lull everything back to sleep….Nature’s snooze button. But the sun was shining and the birds were starting to chirp. Time cannot be halted. So onward we continue to march. Such is life.
After a nice relaxing moment at Natural Bridge, Lisa and I drove on toward Beattyville. Lisa had always wanted to eat at the Purple Cow Restaurant. I had only eaten there once as a child and decided that I would like to eat there again as well. Stopping in, I was surprised to find that, besides the staff, we were the only people in the place.
If you have never eaten at the Purple Cow before, you are missing an experience. The place is an historic restaurant from the 1930’s. While it may have seen its better days as far as interior decoration, one does have a sense of almost stepping back in time when entering the place. However, I was surprised to see that the place has carpet that looked stained with food. I would suggest that they take up the carpet and put down tile. It would give the restaurant an even more authentic feel.
On the back wall, someone had painted a nice country scene that included a large purple cow resting in the grasses. It was quite a mural! Other than that, the other decorations were run-of-the-mill. I was sort of disappointed. I was sort of hoping to find decorations that had been saved from over the years. Other than the mural of the field and the purple cow, I could have been in any restaurant. However, I will say that the place was very clean. It reminded me of the Family Diner in Jackson before it burned down.
Lisa and I both ordered one of the specials of the day…roast beef with mashed potatoes. The food arrived quickly, which was a plus since we were both rather hungry from our day of adventuring. The meal consisted of roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and a roll with butter. Everything was great. The beef was fork tender, the potatoes tasted homemade, and the beans were definitely a specialty of the house. The only complaint that I had about the meal was the gravy. It was obviously from a jar or a mix….not homemade. Since it was poured all over the beef and potatoes, it took away a little from an otherwise lovely meal. I hope that they learn to make homemade gravy with this meal. It would make it perfect!
The best thing about the place was the friendliness of the staff. We were welcomed at the door, and our waitress was very attentive. She kept our glasses filled and checked with us regularly to see if there was anything that we needed. I felt at home. Keep up the good work!
Making our way home, we felt as though we had had a fantastic day. The weather had been great. Our meal had been very nice. As we continue to get deeper and deeper into the warm waters of spring, hopefully these days will come more and more often. Care to go for a swim?
Until next week….class dismissed!
Of course, spring in Eastern Kentucky is still highly unpredictable. By the time you read this, the weather could have taken a turn for the worse. It could even be….gasp….snowing again. With the crazy weather we have had this year, anything is possible.
However, since we have been having some really nice weather lately, Lisa and I decided to get out and about. I have probably mentioned this before, but Lisa and I love to get out in the car on a really nice day and just drive. We won’t really have a destination in mind. Usually we will just pull up to an intersection and Lisa will ask me if I want to go left or right. At the next intersection, she will decide. And so on and so on until we find ourselves deep in the hills of a beautiful Eastern Kentucky day.
Recently we found ourselves heading toward Natural Bridge. I hadn’t been there in a while, so we decided to drive on in and look around. Everything was still shut down for the season, but you could tell that things were starting to be cleaned up for the upcoming tourist season. There is something sad about the place when it is all shut down. It reminds me of an empty playground…existing without a purpose. But soon things will change and the people will return.
I’ll have to admit that it was pretty cool to visit the place during the off-season. There weren’t throngs of people around. It was very quiet. Sitting on one of the benches at Hoedown Island, all that I could hear was the wind in the tops of the trees. Making a hushing sound, the wind was trying to lull everything back to sleep….Nature’s snooze button. But the sun was shining and the birds were starting to chirp. Time cannot be halted. So onward we continue to march. Such is life.
After a nice relaxing moment at Natural Bridge, Lisa and I drove on toward Beattyville. Lisa had always wanted to eat at the Purple Cow Restaurant. I had only eaten there once as a child and decided that I would like to eat there again as well. Stopping in, I was surprised to find that, besides the staff, we were the only people in the place.
If you have never eaten at the Purple Cow before, you are missing an experience. The place is an historic restaurant from the 1930’s. While it may have seen its better days as far as interior decoration, one does have a sense of almost stepping back in time when entering the place. However, I was surprised to see that the place has carpet that looked stained with food. I would suggest that they take up the carpet and put down tile. It would give the restaurant an even more authentic feel.
On the back wall, someone had painted a nice country scene that included a large purple cow resting in the grasses. It was quite a mural! Other than that, the other decorations were run-of-the-mill. I was sort of disappointed. I was sort of hoping to find decorations that had been saved from over the years. Other than the mural of the field and the purple cow, I could have been in any restaurant. However, I will say that the place was very clean. It reminded me of the Family Diner in Jackson before it burned down.
Lisa and I both ordered one of the specials of the day…roast beef with mashed potatoes. The food arrived quickly, which was a plus since we were both rather hungry from our day of adventuring. The meal consisted of roast beef, mashed potatoes, gravy, green beans, and a roll with butter. Everything was great. The beef was fork tender, the potatoes tasted homemade, and the beans were definitely a specialty of the house. The only complaint that I had about the meal was the gravy. It was obviously from a jar or a mix….not homemade. Since it was poured all over the beef and potatoes, it took away a little from an otherwise lovely meal. I hope that they learn to make homemade gravy with this meal. It would make it perfect!
The best thing about the place was the friendliness of the staff. We were welcomed at the door, and our waitress was very attentive. She kept our glasses filled and checked with us regularly to see if there was anything that we needed. I felt at home. Keep up the good work!
Making our way home, we felt as though we had had a fantastic day. The weather had been great. Our meal had been very nice. As we continue to get deeper and deeper into the warm waters of spring, hopefully these days will come more and more often. Care to go for a swim?
Until next week….class dismissed!
Saturday, March 7, 2009
Uncle General
My dad recently told me the funniest story that I had ever heard about my great uncle, General Lee. General died when I was very young, so I never knew him. Also, for some reason, everyone in the family pronounced his name with a real Southern drawl. Up until last week, I thought that his name was Gennel. Go figure.
Anyway, my great uncle General had moved to Chicago during the late 60’s to find work. As you may know, there was a huge migration of people from the Appalachian area at this time in history. Several thousands of people flocked to the north to find work in the factories of Indiana and Illinois. You may still have family in the area today.
General was living in Chicago at this time and was trying to find work. Unfortunately he couldn’t read or write. So, he got one of his friends to fill out his employment application for him. His friends decided to play a joke on him and wrote down on his application that he had graduated high school and had gone to two years of college. When he turned in his application, the company put him in an office position. I am not sure what they wanted him to work on, but it involved a lot of paperwork. They kept checking on him throughout the day, but he never seemed to make any progress.
Finally, his supervisor asked him if anything was wrong. General said that he didn’t know what they wanted him to do.
“You went to school, didn’t you,” his supervisor asked him, “Surely this shouldn’t be too hard for someone with your education.”
“Yeah,” my great uncle stated, “I went to school for a lot of years. I just never could learn anything!”
Needless to say that General didn’t get to keep his cushy office position for long. He ended up the day working with the custodial staff. From what Dad said though, he never did keep one job for very long. He was a Jack of all trades.
Another story that involved my great uncle General dealt with the problems that people often have with language barriers. As I stated before, I had always thought that his name was Gennel because that is how everyone in my family has pronounced it all these years. Well, in Chicago, it is obvious that there would be a language difference. This caused some problems for my great uncle.
One day, he went to the drug store on the corner to buy a pitcher so that he could keep cold water in the refrigerator. When he went into the store, he told the ladies that were working that he was looking for a “picture.” Confused, they brought him a picture album and several picture frames. General just kept on getting angrier and angrier.
Finally, he said, “No! I want a picture! Something to make water in!”
Of course, what he really meant was something to keep water in. However, the workers had something else in mind. They brought him a bedpan!!! You can imagine my great uncle’s response. Needless to say, I can’t put it in print…LOL!
I wish that I could have gotten to know my great uncle better. He seemed like he really enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. I hope that each of you is doing the same. Until next time…class dismissed!
Anyway, my great uncle General had moved to Chicago during the late 60’s to find work. As you may know, there was a huge migration of people from the Appalachian area at this time in history. Several thousands of people flocked to the north to find work in the factories of Indiana and Illinois. You may still have family in the area today.
General was living in Chicago at this time and was trying to find work. Unfortunately he couldn’t read or write. So, he got one of his friends to fill out his employment application for him. His friends decided to play a joke on him and wrote down on his application that he had graduated high school and had gone to two years of college. When he turned in his application, the company put him in an office position. I am not sure what they wanted him to work on, but it involved a lot of paperwork. They kept checking on him throughout the day, but he never seemed to make any progress.
Finally, his supervisor asked him if anything was wrong. General said that he didn’t know what they wanted him to do.
“You went to school, didn’t you,” his supervisor asked him, “Surely this shouldn’t be too hard for someone with your education.”
“Yeah,” my great uncle stated, “I went to school for a lot of years. I just never could learn anything!”
Needless to say that General didn’t get to keep his cushy office position for long. He ended up the day working with the custodial staff. From what Dad said though, he never did keep one job for very long. He was a Jack of all trades.
Another story that involved my great uncle General dealt with the problems that people often have with language barriers. As I stated before, I had always thought that his name was Gennel because that is how everyone in my family has pronounced it all these years. Well, in Chicago, it is obvious that there would be a language difference. This caused some problems for my great uncle.
One day, he went to the drug store on the corner to buy a pitcher so that he could keep cold water in the refrigerator. When he went into the store, he told the ladies that were working that he was looking for a “picture.” Confused, they brought him a picture album and several picture frames. General just kept on getting angrier and angrier.
Finally, he said, “No! I want a picture! Something to make water in!”
Of course, what he really meant was something to keep water in. However, the workers had something else in mind. They brought him a bedpan!!! You can imagine my great uncle’s response. Needless to say, I can’t put it in print…LOL!
I wish that I could have gotten to know my great uncle better. He seemed like he really enjoyed life and lived it to the fullest. I hope that each of you is doing the same. Until next time…class dismissed!
Monday, February 23, 2009
Keep Working....Keep Learning....Don't Let Others Keep You Down
Everyone gets up each day with a clean slate ahead of them. We are faced with literally hundreds of choices that we can make from what to wear, what to eat, and how to interact with others. One thing that I find interesting is that we not only have an effect on ourselves with these decisions. We also have a major impact on other people around us. For example, let’s imagine that you are really grumpy because you didn’t win the Power Ball jackpot. Because of this, you are very rude to the waitress at Hardee’s while you are getting your morning biscuit and coffee. This brings down her mood and so she takes it out on other customers who innocently walk in wanting some breakfast. These people might feel bad enough to snap at their kids when they get back in the car.
Wow! Your one little action just created a big negative vibe for several people in the community. What a bummer. Just imagine what we could do if we took the time to always be aware of how we are acting. If we tried to be positive and have a great outlook on life even when we didn’t really feel like it, just imagine the possibilities. You may have heard the term, “Fake it until you make it.” That isn’t what I am talking about here. I am talking about taking the time to be genuinely caring to others around us. It doesn’t take as much effort as you might imagine. And believe me…people can tell when you fake it.
Now that I have gotten this little tidbit off my mind, I want you to focus on why you do the things that you do. What is it that drives you to be the person that you have become? For me, the answer is pretty easy.
When I was growing up here in Breathitt County, my family didn’t have a lot. I wouldn’t say that we were poor, but I never had everything handed to me either. Like a lot of other people, I knew what it was like to do without. One positive aspect in my life was school. I had some wonderful teachers when I was growing up who really showed that they cared for me and encouraged me to grow.
At Caney Elementary School, Ina Southwood was one tough woman who really took the time to stand up for her students and who also took the time to show her students that she cared for them. She was always looking out for me and encouraging me to work hard in school. She was the best teacher that I ever had and I still appreciate her to this very day. I try to pattern a lot of my teaching practices from what I remember about her. It isn’t easy though. It’s hard to compete with someone as great as Ina!
When I decided to become a teacher, I knew that I wanted to teach in Breathitt County. There are a lot of kids in this county that are growing up and facing the same things that I faced when I was their age. So, I guess that I could say that the main thing that is driving me to do the things that I do is the fact that I want to help others the way that I was helped. I want to be a positive influence in their lives. I really care about the future of this county.
Today, I was telling my students that there are a lot of outside powers that would love nothing better than to keep people in this region poor and uneducated. If people are poor and uneducated, they are easier to control. I told the kids that they owed it to themselves to work hard and to get as smart as they could. Smart people ask questions. Smart people are not easy to control. Smart people work to better their lives and the lives of the people around them.
If you happened to see the latest 20/20 on television that portrayed a lot of negative stereotypes about our region, you often wonder what happened to all of the good things in our area? We have people in Eastern Kentucky who make a great living, live in decent housing, and drive pretty nice automobiles. We have professionals…and yes, we have poverty. But then again…so does every region in the United States…and the world. Why does the news feel the constant need to berate and belittle people in the Appalachian region? It makes good ratings, and that equals more dollars for them.
So once again, I ask you….what drives you? What makes you do the things that you do each day? Take a moment to think about it. The answer may just surprise you. Until next week…class dismissed!
Wow! Your one little action just created a big negative vibe for several people in the community. What a bummer. Just imagine what we could do if we took the time to always be aware of how we are acting. If we tried to be positive and have a great outlook on life even when we didn’t really feel like it, just imagine the possibilities. You may have heard the term, “Fake it until you make it.” That isn’t what I am talking about here. I am talking about taking the time to be genuinely caring to others around us. It doesn’t take as much effort as you might imagine. And believe me…people can tell when you fake it.
Now that I have gotten this little tidbit off my mind, I want you to focus on why you do the things that you do. What is it that drives you to be the person that you have become? For me, the answer is pretty easy.
When I was growing up here in Breathitt County, my family didn’t have a lot. I wouldn’t say that we were poor, but I never had everything handed to me either. Like a lot of other people, I knew what it was like to do without. One positive aspect in my life was school. I had some wonderful teachers when I was growing up who really showed that they cared for me and encouraged me to grow.
At Caney Elementary School, Ina Southwood was one tough woman who really took the time to stand up for her students and who also took the time to show her students that she cared for them. She was always looking out for me and encouraging me to work hard in school. She was the best teacher that I ever had and I still appreciate her to this very day. I try to pattern a lot of my teaching practices from what I remember about her. It isn’t easy though. It’s hard to compete with someone as great as Ina!
When I decided to become a teacher, I knew that I wanted to teach in Breathitt County. There are a lot of kids in this county that are growing up and facing the same things that I faced when I was their age. So, I guess that I could say that the main thing that is driving me to do the things that I do is the fact that I want to help others the way that I was helped. I want to be a positive influence in their lives. I really care about the future of this county.
Today, I was telling my students that there are a lot of outside powers that would love nothing better than to keep people in this region poor and uneducated. If people are poor and uneducated, they are easier to control. I told the kids that they owed it to themselves to work hard and to get as smart as they could. Smart people ask questions. Smart people are not easy to control. Smart people work to better their lives and the lives of the people around them.
If you happened to see the latest 20/20 on television that portrayed a lot of negative stereotypes about our region, you often wonder what happened to all of the good things in our area? We have people in Eastern Kentucky who make a great living, live in decent housing, and drive pretty nice automobiles. We have professionals…and yes, we have poverty. But then again…so does every region in the United States…and the world. Why does the news feel the constant need to berate and belittle people in the Appalachian region? It makes good ratings, and that equals more dollars for them.
So once again, I ask you….what drives you? What makes you do the things that you do each day? Take a moment to think about it. The answer may just surprise you. Until next week…class dismissed!
Hiccups in Life
Sometimes the world gets the hiccups. Everything is going along in a relatively frictionless slide with each day passing smoothly into the next. And then – hiccup – everything changes.
If we are lucky, these changes will be positive. Perhaps Fate has decreed that the winning lottery ticket will find its way into our hands. Maybe we get that long-deserved and hard-earned promotion at work. And for some, the news of a new baby in the family brings tears of happiness. For example, my cousin Christianne just had her first child, a little girl named Nicole. Congrats Christianne!
But what if we aren’t so fortunate? Then the hiccups in life can bring about near disastrous events. The loss of a job doesn’t seem too far out there, especially in the downturn of today’s economy. How many lives and dreams have been ruined because of this very fact?
Then again, the economy can improve. People can get new training and new employment. What if – instead – the hiccup is more personal and more direct? What if it is sickness or even death?
Human beings are remarkable creatures. We go through each and every day of our lives knowing our mortal frailty and limitations. We even know that life is not infinite on this earth. We each have a certain set number of days that we are using up at a constant rate.
But, as I have stated before, we are remarkable. We go about our lives without seemingly giving these things a second thought. True, the religious sects often preach and wail about such things. In turn, this brings about uncomfortable and forced acknowledgement. But as a whole, we do not spend each and every minute of our days thinking about our limitations. To do so would bring about madness.
So we are often surprised when life’s hiccups bring about these less than desirable changes into our own lives.
If this is the case, then you may be wondering what keeps everything from completely disintegrating when we are faced with such. In my experience, there is one force that is powerful enough to soothe any hiccups in life. That is the power of love.
In the past few months, I have experienced several incidents of sickness and death with members of my family, my friends, and even coworkers. In each case, there was enough cause to justify a breakdown in the lives and mental well-being of everyone involved. But I have also observed how love has instead strengthened these individuals.
The drawing together of family and friends at the bedside of the sick or dying allows them to express their love and give their support. With each person supporting just a little, the group as a whole is able to bear quite a bit.
My wife and I used to own a couch which we purchased basically because it was cheap – and we were poor at the time. It wasn’t a very comfortable piece of furniture, so when it came time for us to move, we decided to get rid of it.
You should have seen us trying to get this thing out of our apartment! It was three times as heavy as it was uncomfortable. I joked with Lisa that the reason it was such a lousy sofa was because it was made of solid rock!
This thing was impossible for one person to move and even for the two of us to lift. So, we did what anyone would do. We called over some of our friends and got them to come and help. What was an impossible task for one was nothing when there were six of us doing the work. We were easily able to pack that old sofa out to the dumpster.
So what does this have to do with our lives and those unexpected changes? Well…everything! Don’t try to face these challenges alone. What may seem to be a Herculean task to one may not seem as trying when we are able to draw strength from friends, family, and loved ones.
We are all in this thing called life together. None of us are immune to the unexpected. And as soon as we think we are, life will come along and pull the rug out from under our feet!
We are all connected. Today, I may be in one of life’s high phases while you may be facing trials. Tomorrow, the situation may be reversed. But if we all stand by each other to help each other up, we will all come through this a little easier than we would alone. So the next time you are down, I will do my best to offer you my hand in support. And by pulling you up, I pull myself up also.
If we are lucky, these changes will be positive. Perhaps Fate has decreed that the winning lottery ticket will find its way into our hands. Maybe we get that long-deserved and hard-earned promotion at work. And for some, the news of a new baby in the family brings tears of happiness. For example, my cousin Christianne just had her first child, a little girl named Nicole. Congrats Christianne!
But what if we aren’t so fortunate? Then the hiccups in life can bring about near disastrous events. The loss of a job doesn’t seem too far out there, especially in the downturn of today’s economy. How many lives and dreams have been ruined because of this very fact?
Then again, the economy can improve. People can get new training and new employment. What if – instead – the hiccup is more personal and more direct? What if it is sickness or even death?
Human beings are remarkable creatures. We go through each and every day of our lives knowing our mortal frailty and limitations. We even know that life is not infinite on this earth. We each have a certain set number of days that we are using up at a constant rate.
But, as I have stated before, we are remarkable. We go about our lives without seemingly giving these things a second thought. True, the religious sects often preach and wail about such things. In turn, this brings about uncomfortable and forced acknowledgement. But as a whole, we do not spend each and every minute of our days thinking about our limitations. To do so would bring about madness.
So we are often surprised when life’s hiccups bring about these less than desirable changes into our own lives.
If this is the case, then you may be wondering what keeps everything from completely disintegrating when we are faced with such. In my experience, there is one force that is powerful enough to soothe any hiccups in life. That is the power of love.
In the past few months, I have experienced several incidents of sickness and death with members of my family, my friends, and even coworkers. In each case, there was enough cause to justify a breakdown in the lives and mental well-being of everyone involved. But I have also observed how love has instead strengthened these individuals.
The drawing together of family and friends at the bedside of the sick or dying allows them to express their love and give their support. With each person supporting just a little, the group as a whole is able to bear quite a bit.
My wife and I used to own a couch which we purchased basically because it was cheap – and we were poor at the time. It wasn’t a very comfortable piece of furniture, so when it came time for us to move, we decided to get rid of it.
You should have seen us trying to get this thing out of our apartment! It was three times as heavy as it was uncomfortable. I joked with Lisa that the reason it was such a lousy sofa was because it was made of solid rock!
This thing was impossible for one person to move and even for the two of us to lift. So, we did what anyone would do. We called over some of our friends and got them to come and help. What was an impossible task for one was nothing when there were six of us doing the work. We were easily able to pack that old sofa out to the dumpster.
So what does this have to do with our lives and those unexpected changes? Well…everything! Don’t try to face these challenges alone. What may seem to be a Herculean task to one may not seem as trying when we are able to draw strength from friends, family, and loved ones.
We are all in this thing called life together. None of us are immune to the unexpected. And as soon as we think we are, life will come along and pull the rug out from under our feet!
We are all connected. Today, I may be in one of life’s high phases while you may be facing trials. Tomorrow, the situation may be reversed. But if we all stand by each other to help each other up, we will all come through this a little easier than we would alone. So the next time you are down, I will do my best to offer you my hand in support. And by pulling you up, I pull myself up also.
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