My father cradled a stone in his palm, its edges smoothed by time. “It takes just the right one to skip,” he murmured, “sending ripples with every touch upon the water.” With a flick of his wrist, he cast it forth, and three perfect bounces danced across the lake’s glassy face. From each fleeting kiss, […]
Love—who hasn’t wrestled with its mysteries? From ancient ballads to modern movies, we’ve spent countless words and melodies trying to capture its many faces. Through my life, I’ve experienced familial love from parents, siblings, grandparents, uncles, aunts, and cousins. Its depth varies by person, but for me, Mom and Dad shine brightest—their love steady and […]
Randall Franks, Officer Randy Goode of TV’s In the Heat of the Night, hosts “Doc” Tommy Scott’s Medicine Show Memories. Franks was Scott’s final celebrity co-star on his Last Real Old Time Medicine Show which was America’s second-longest-running production next to Barnum and Bailey from 1890-2013. Franks features performances from the show spanning its […]
Have you ever wondered why we have a tongue? Is it merely a tool to utter nonsense to those around us? Not everything that rolls off our lips is trivial—far from it. Words hold power, and what we speak can shape our lives in ways we might not expect. Consider a night from my youth. […]
We cleared the supper plates, leaving a few pieces of fried chicken, boiled ‘taters, and garden-fresh green beans to cover for tomorrow. The smell of fresh-baked cornbread hung in the kitchen as Aunt Short sliced her homemade chocolate pie, passing wedges around the table. With dessert and fresh-brewed coffee in hand, I knew the adults […]
Years back, I had a show in a small North Carolina mountain town I’d never visited, though I’d played many nearby. Wanting a scenic drive, I planned extra time to meander through the mountains and arrive well ahead of schedule. I’ve never trusted electronic GPS—printed maps were always my go-to. But this time, I consulted […]
From childhood, I learned that not everything that glitters is gold. I remember my boyhood experiences as a child playing by myself around a nearby creek. The gurgling of the water as it rushed over the rocks always filled my soul with a sense of peace. The sounds of the birds simply became an orchestra […]
What is success? Some would say it’s landing the job that represents the pinnacle of one’s vocation. Others might point to the amassing of money, houses, cars, or other assets. We watch television shows where celebrities appear, dressed in fine clothes and adorned with jewels, seeming to have it all. Perhaps that’s the version of […]
I heard the crackle and then the sound of a tree crashing to the ground. At least, that’s how it sounded in the dead of night. I headed to the wall to turn on the light, but I stubbed my toe on the cedar bedpost. Holding my foot, I hopped over to the switch and […]
“Award-Winning Author and Actor Randall Franks Unveils New Southern Crime Novella: ‘Southern Crossing: Ithaca’s Legacy’” Southern Crossing : Ithaca’s Legacy is Randall’s latest book. Award-winning author, journalist, and actor Randall Franks, known for his role as “Officer Randy Goode” on “In the Heat of the Night,” introduces his 12th book, “Southern Crossing: Ithaca’s Legacy.” This […]
