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 […]
Could you imagine a life in which you were totally isolated possibly living in a secluded cabin in the mountains of Alaska or somewhere else? There are some who would easily find their bliss in that situation. Perhaps, I would be one of those, at least that is the way I feel on some days. […]
Throughout my life, even in childhood, I was fascinated by time travel. I watched any movie or TV show associated with the topic. From H.G. Wells “The Time Machine” to the series The Time Tunnel, a short-lived series that I watched in reruns growing up. Even “Fantasy Island” or “Sliders” would occasionally have a show […]
To say I am a patriotic person would probably be an understatement. The American Republic, the American Dream, ideals enshrined in the U.S. Constitution, Bill of Rights and the Declaration of Independence burn within me. While its inappropriate for a man to say, I tear up when I hear certain combinations of words that reflect […]
