Goin’ fishin’

I guess I never thought of writing this blog.
Because it might be my last.
See, this old man is retiring on Friday. As a former writer, I guess the best way of putting it is I’m moving on to the next chapter.
A fun, exciting chapter, I hope. One that has no outline. One with all the possibilities of an unwritten book.
Before I leave 16 Cypress Avenue, though, I wanted to say thanks. To all of you reading this. To all that buoyed me by reading my articles in the past and the clients I’ve been honored to work with at Wheelhouse Creative.
I want to thank my mother and father, Patty and Bernie, still chugging along in Fairmont, and my extended family for supporting me. No, I didn’t become a doctor or lawyer as they (perhaps looking through the eyes of parents) thought I could’ve become, but I think I did all right.
Perhaps this is a way to put it. I remember a Mark Twain quote of “Twenty years from now, you will be more disappointed by the things you didn’t do than the one you did do.” Yet I’m not disappointed. I did it all, man. At least in my eyes.
Personal setbacks? Yes. Personal loss? Yes. But I loved being a sports writer, editor and, especially, columnist. It was exhilarating. The action. The famous people. The energy.
And when the travel became a bit too much, I enthusiastically switched careers at age 58 to marketing – thanks to the vision of Wheelhouse president Jamie Bordas. It invigorated me and showed me a whole different world, a world of talented people trained to help businesses thrive.
I’d like to thank all I’ve worked with at Wheelhouse and those that put up with me through the years at newspapers from Beckley to Martinsburg to Pittsburgh to Morgantown to, especially, Charleston, where I spent 24 years.
This West Virginian has had a wild and wonderful ride.
A couple last things. First, please support serious journalism like that of Mountain State Spotlight and the remaining media outlets and journalists without proverbial thumbs on them. They are becoming precious commodities.
Second, if you’re a business, take a look at Wheelhouse Creative LLC. Look at the website on which this is anchored. Some of the work I’ve been honored to see here is stunning. Digital. Video work of Hollywood quality. Top-notch graphics. I’ve tried my best to get word out, but considering the big-city quality of work produced here, I still think it’s a hidden gem – right here off National Road in Wheeling. (I still find it puzzling so many businesses don’t engage in professional marketing. It’s way more affordable than people think.)
So, what will I do? I truly don’t know, which excites me. I know I have a dynamic partner in Miss Joni, who will keep me on my toes. My beautiful daughter Celeste just got engaged. On Joni’s side there are grandchildren galore – including Hurricane Meira who spends much time with us. There are more grandchildren on the way.
So, I promise life won’t be boring. Now, yes, there’s an outside chance this will be my last blog, as I won’t have a website to anchor one if I so desire to write.
A book? I might try putting together a fun book of quick-hitter stories from my career. (I know some remain curious about my close call of almost fighting Andre the Giant.) I certainly have enough stories if I think folks would be interested.
But on Friday, I’m goin’ fishin’ friends. Cutting bait. Angling for good times.
May you all find joy like I have in life. And may God bless you all.
Peace out.