Category Archives: Writing

Sparky

Posted on March 31, 2014 by Marshall Ramsey

His names is Thomas Reardon but I doubt anyone knows him by that name. He’s like Madonna and Oprah — his legend has outgrown the need for two names. He’s simply known as Sparky and he’s the Dean of Students … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog, Writing | 1 Comment

SHORT STORY: Coming Back to Earth

Posted on March 25, 2014 by Marshall Ramsey

A lot of great things emerged from the space program. For example: Tang. OK, Tang didn’t emerge from the space program. But I know astronauts drank it. (And my hatred of it was enough to keep me from becoming an … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog, Uncategorized, Writing | 1 Comment

The Devil and Mr. Jones

Posted on March 13, 2014 by Marshall Ramsey

Pink clouds greeted the sunrise in the small town of Grapewater, Mississippi. After a cold, harsh winter, spring finally kissed the land. Jonquils and Bradford Pears exploded in yellow or white bloom. A hunched-over 46-year-old emerged from a run-down two … Continue reading →

Posted in HOPE, Writing | 1 Comment

Take it to the House

Posted on March 7, 2014 by Marshall Ramsey

If you aren’t inspired by Patrick House’s story, you need to check your pulse. Morbidly obese, House (who even titled his autobiography Big As A House), had an epiphany.  One day he could barely get onto the floor to play … Continue reading →

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Vasti’s Rock

Posted on March 4, 2014 by Marshall Ramsey

I believe people are placed in your path for a reason. Some inspire you. Some infuriate you. They either sink you or push you in another direction. They are the rock your life’s raft hits.  And yes, hitting that rock … Continue reading →

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In honor of April

Posted on March 3, 2014 by Marshall Ramsey

After all the glamour and glitz of last night’s Academy Awards, I’m going to tell you about someone you probably don’t know.  She’s not a celebrity. Oh no, she’s more special than a celebrity. April DeLoach is a mom, an … Continue reading →

Posted in Cancer, Writing | 34 Comments

Make the Undertaker Sorry

Posted on February 25, 2014 by Marshall Ramsey

When I heard that my former coworker and Clarion-Ledger columnist Orley Hood died, a wave of sorrow crashed over me.  I thought of all the group lunches we had enjoyed at the Thai House. I remembered Orley’s stories. I felt blessed … Continue reading →

Posted in Cancer, Writing | 1 Comment

SHORT STORY: Throwing Stones

Posted on February 23, 2014 by Marshall Ramsey

Early one Spring morning, wispy fog slipped across a small pond’s glassy surface. As the sun rose, there was a stillness in the air. A distant crow’s call echoed across the water, breaking the silence. A man and a little … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing | 1 Comment

How one degree makes a difference

Posted on February 12, 2014 by Marshall Ramsey

The sun had set and heavy rain fell from the sky.  I could hear water pouring out of the gutters as I felt my own gut tightening. My town was under a Winter Storm Warning and we were in the … Continue reading →

Posted in Blog, Writing | 1 Comment

Why I love chamber banquets…

Posted on February 5, 2014 by Marshall Ramsey

We spend a lot of time obsessing about crap we have no control over. We get worked up about whatever outrage talk radio or cable news spoon feeds us — outrage that seldom makes an iota of difference in our … Continue reading →

Posted in Writing | 2 Comments