WRITING

For some reason, she had been having a hard time as of late.  Though typically slotted as  most apt to obey under our wild roof, she had recently shed the title like a snakeskin and slithered straightway toward monikers such as Eve or Miss Demeanor instead.  Ginny and I spent several conversations backtracking to sift through what we had done or what had changed and had she been getting enough protein?  Enough sleep?  Sufficient attention?  Maybe some other student at her school had said something evil and if so it was probably a boy and I bet you I know…

I am writing over at Mark Merrill’s blog today.  Mark started and runs Family First– an organization, that among other things, encourages moms and dads.  Now that sounds like a good idea.   I was always aiming for self-sufficiency. When I found out I was going to be a father, I felt an unseen magnetic pull that certainly bolstered this already alluring concept.  The billboard father that I placed on a pedestal and unconsciously sought to become had it all under control while simultaneously seeming to exert very little effort.  Some sort of Marlboro Man prototype (albeit, one that had…

This is a guest post for Tanya Marlow.  You can find the rest of it by following the link to her blog.   I’ve made so many people feel awkward since I lost my son. I think I used to be more couth- maybe even suave- but not anymore.  And I’ve quit with the trying- too tired from years of grief now to catch back up to normal. I’m the guy who stops conversations at parties when the other asks what seemed a simple enough question about kids. And here’s what never ceases to amaze me.  It’s the Christians that are…

Here’s a recent interview I did with my publisher for A Story Unfinished.  There is nothing more painful than hearing and seeing yourself, so I can’t watch it, but if you’re a glutton for punishment- by all means- go ahead.

…rocking on the mic while the fly girls yell.” – Vanilla Ice tomorrow….GOOGLE HANGOUT  Everyone…just letting you know:  Thursday, Sep. 26th my publisher is hosting a google hangout where you can tune in and ask questions- or just be a wallflower and watch me struggle through answering questions from A Story Unfinished.  I wanted to throw it out there because we have had great fun with launch events locally, so this is a way that anyone can delve a little further into the story. Would love for you to join us….I’ve never done one either, so we’ll learn together; also,…

I have the honor of getting to be a part of the upcoming Idea Camp in Austin, and I can say I am truly looking forward to gathering together and listening to the folks that gather. The blog post below was one of- if not the hardest- blog posts to ever hit the submit button on.  Though I believe in the words that are written within it, I fear it can be or will be taken in a way I did not intend.  I decided that these feelings could either lead me to remain silent or I could wade into the…

Oprah… Oprah is doing a “Where Are They Now” segment this Sunday at 7 central on our family and the work of 99 Balloons.  I haven’t seen it, so maybe it’s 10 seconds long or maybe it’s horrible or maybe they show a photo that focuses on my bad side.  But all the more reason for you to tune in. So, figure out a way to find a t.v. with the OWN network.  Though this inquiry might be an awkward conversation starter with new acquaintances, perhaps you have friends who have it.  Fellas, let your wives ask….trust me on this one….