Category Archives: Blog

What went through my mind during this morning’s run

This is the crap I thought about while running this morning: Love really isn’t like money. When you invest money, you expect a return. And when you give away money, you have less of it. When you invest your heart, … Continue reading

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Five things exercise has taught me.

My 5th-grade Target teacher (what they called the gifted program back in the day) told us that experiments allow us to simulate conditions in the real world in a controlled environment. For some reason, that popped into my head this … Continue reading

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The New White Sneakers: A Father’s Day Story

In my closet, I have a pair of white sneakers. They’re practically new but I’ll never wear them. I gave them to my dad last Father’s Day. It was the last time I saw him conscious. I remember that day … Continue reading

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The Plane

I drew a picture of an airplane yesterday. Not for a client. Not because I had to. No, I drew it because I wanted to. Sometimes you have to reconnect with the joy of your craft. Mine is drawing. I’ve … Continue reading

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The graduation

Today I had the honor of being the commencement speaker at East Webster High School. It was a packed house in their newly rebuilt (and fortified) gymnasium. (A EF-3 tornado destroyed much of the school in 2011 — the gym … Continue reading

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The Commencement Speech

Sunday afternoon, I will be giving the commencement address at East Webster High School’s graduation ceremony. The students worked hard for 12 years and now are stuck hearing me. I know — what a letdown for them. But for me, … Continue reading

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You can do better

Spring semester. 1991. The University of Tennessee- Knoxville. Humanities Bldg. Second floor. Speech class. Dr. Faye Julian is passing out the first graded exam of the semester. I wait as she works her way around the room. I could see … Continue reading

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At mile 10: The gift a half-marathon gave me

At mile 10 of the Magnolia Meltdown yesterday, I had something odd happen: I suddenly felt a surge of energy. Let me back up for a moment. I started the 13.1-mile half marathon with very tired and sore legs. I’d … Continue reading

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The Next Level

As my line ran over to Paul Lacoste’s station this morning, we noticed several quick-foot ladders. That meant lots of running and more raised heart rates. Mine was humming like a sewing machine already, hovering in the 140’s to 170’s. … Continue reading

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Get Back Up: A Dad’s Lession

Dad’s method of teaching waterskiing made water-boarding look humane. You’d hang onto the rope until you got up. And when you did, he’d do his darndest to knock you back down. There was no crying in waterskiing. But you did … Continue reading

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