How would you describe nostalgia? I don't necessarily mean the things that stir up nostalgic feelings within you. I don't mean the sights or sounds, the tastes or smells... I mean the feeling itself. Here's how real nostalgia makes me feel... It's like this deep ache. It's not painful, but it's like something has gone … Continue reading Impact
Virginia
Stuff to Do in Roanoke
I recently had a client complain to me that there's just nothing to do in our city. And it's a complaint that I remember hearing a lot when I was a kid. Growing up around here, I think I even made that complaint from time to time because I'm certain I eventually took things for … Continue reading Stuff to Do in Roanoke
Let’s Get Political
On the state level, anyway. And, I'm sorry, but when I go back and read that title, I'm hearing Olivia Newton-John singing it in my head. Anyone else having that issue? I hope it's just me. I hate politics. Mostly, I hate politicians. Most of that hatred stems from a personal view of how they … Continue reading Let’s Get Political
A Let Down at the Cinema
Recently, I moved back to my hometown of Roanoke, having spent the past seven years or so in the New River Valley. Overall, I really like Roanoke. It's not a bad little city, once you figure out where you're going and how to avoid certain traffic spots in certain times of the day. My only … Continue reading A Let Down at the Cinema
…And the Home of the Brave
Kids, did you know that we have a minor league baseball team affiliated with the Boston Red Sox right here in southwest Virginia? Salem has had a minor league baseball team for as long as I can remember. I’m sure they existed long before that, too. When I was a kid, they were the Salem … Continue reading …And the Home of the Brave
Political Ads are Dumb
Let me begin this post by saying that I am in no way endorsing any political party or individual candidate for any public office. I am simply writing these words to point out the absurdity of some of the political ads that I am seeing this election season in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Also, I … Continue reading Political Ads are Dumb
My Three Dream Homes
It might be safe to say that everyone, at some point in their lives, has had a dream home. It's that house that, for whatever reason, stands out in our minds as the perfect combination of walls, floors, ceilings, and roof. For some, it could be an apartment in a bustling city. For others, it … Continue reading My Three Dream Homes
Why I Love My Town
Kids, I live in a little town called Blacksburg. At times, it doesn't seem that little. That's mostly because it's home to Virginia Tech, which is our state's largest university. Except that it's not... actually... #alternativefacts Anyway, when the students aren't around, Blacksburg definitely has a small town feel. But, really, it doesn't matter if … Continue reading Why I Love My Town
Colonial Times
Once upon a time, I was living in a small city known as Bluefield. Now, it's easy to get confused as to where that may be. See, there are two Bluefields. And they exist side by side. On the Virginia side of the border, we have the town of Bluefield, home to Bluefield College, my … Continue reading Colonial Times
If You’re Able…
I spent a lot of years donating blood on a regular basis. It started when I was in college. The Red Cross would set up a bloodmobile on campus once each semester and I would sign up to give. That's how I found out I'm A negative. Anyway, I even continued trying to give whole … Continue reading If You’re Able…
The Confusing Middle 