by Larry Campbell | Aug 28, 2015 |
Anita Grogan Dixon is one of only two people on the planet* who has survived working – at one time or the other – for both my wife Pat, and for me, in our various businesses. 🙂 We have known her since her arrival at (then) S of O in 1984. Later, she earned her Master’s Degree in mathematics from (then) University of Missouri at Rolla.
After finishing her education – in a brilliant decision for both of them -she ended up marrying my good friend and colleague, Dr. Al Dixon at C of O. Not long after that, she took over as manager for the then-new Branson Branch of the Educational Community Credit Union, where she has been since.
At C of O, she was perhaps one of the 2 or 3 best math students we ever had, but she was/is also exceedingly gifted in writing. That will be apparent in her GUEST VOICE piece today. I asked her if she would consider writing a Guest Voice piece, and I am impressed with – but not one bit surprised at – what she submitted! I think you will be, too! See A Little Bird Misses the Forest for the Trees. You’ll like it.
*Subscriber Diane Staggs is the other. 🙂
by Larry Campbell | Jul 30, 2015 |
Mike Brown (and his wife Claudia) have been friends since we moved to Branson back in ’75! They were actually among the first non-SofO folks we met in town. For years, we enjoyed the tradition of gathering at the Browns’ home (along with many other couples) for a warm dinner after Branson’s Adoration Parade in early December.
Among other pursuits (you’ll learn more when you visit the link below), Mike and Claudia owned & ran the Sammy Lane Resort for years, and Mike was an English teacher at Branson High School.
Mike is now a frequent contributor to the Springfield News Leader in a variety of formats and on a variety of topics, but – not unlike me – his true love is education and he always has good insights and observations.
About a month ago, Mike followed up on a couple of columns I had written and submitted his own insights. When the piece appeared on a Sunday morning, it was given the “Golden Pen Award”, which is essentially for the best contribution for that week.
Here is that piece: Teachers or Business Partners? I hope you enjoy it, and I hope it makes you think.
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The Guest Voice feature of the Weekly Photo/Sharings appears regularly on the first Monday of each month, and periodically on other occasions. To visit the archive of Guest Voice Features, Guest Voice Archives. To learn more about submitting your own Guest Voice piece, GV Thoughts.
by Larry Campbell | Jul 3, 2015 |
Fred Pfister was a colleague of mine for close to 20 years at College of the Ozarks, and has continued as a good friend for almost another 20, after we both left! Fred and his wife Faye were actually among the very first to welcome Pat and me to School of the Ozarks – by letter – way back in . . . well, the year is not important. 🙂
Fred was in the English Department at C of O, and he was a master teacher, teaching much more than just “English”. He probably stays in touch with more friends, contacts, former students, and colleagues than anyone I know.
One of the things I liked – and like still – about Fred was/is his insightful perspective on the broad nature of education in general and college education in particular. This is evident in his Guest Voice piece today – Lessons From a Block of Wood. I wasn’t exactly sure what he was sending me when he said it was something he used to use in his classes, but I LOVED it!! And I think you will, too! It’s a marvelous reminder of a lesson that is often forgotten in our daily worlds.
Please indulge yourself – read Fred’s piece and learn more about him at this link: Lessons From a Block of Wood. You’ll be glad you did.
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Beginning in July ’15, the Guest Voice feature of the Weekly Photo/Sharings will appear regularly on the first Monday of each month, and periodically on other occasions. To visit the archive of Guest Voice Features, Guest Voice Archives. To learn more about submitting your own Guest Voice piece, GV Thoughts.
by Larry Campbell | Jun 25, 2015 |
Rita Herrmann lives near Harrison in Northwest Arkansas. She’s another of the fascinating folks I met at a Blogging Workshop in Eureka Springs in April. I suspect you’ll meet more of these folks in the future.
Rita has a marvelous way of taking simple occurrences in daily live and turning them into well-told, thought-provoking observations. Such is the case with today’s selection A Few Minutes Short of a Lot. I was hooked by the story, as I’ve explored in this same general region on hiking and/or river trips. I was held by her good writing and the interesting point she makes.
I encourage you to take 3 minutes to read her story, and I invite you to take another 3 minutes to learn more about her by reading “About the Author” and by visiting her blog. I think you’ll find the encounters worth your time! You may even find a new friend!
I’m excited to share Rita’s Voice: Guest Voice; Rita Herrmann
by Larry Campbell | May 21, 2015 |
Mimi Martin is a storyteller. I don’t mean she lies, of course – I mean she writes/blogs very short stories, and has one book to her credit already. Learn more about her and her website when you click below.
I met Mimi at a “Blogging Workshop” in Eureka Springs in early April. We visited awhile and, naturally, exchanged information about what we are doing. Upon returning home, I looked her site. I liked one of her short stories, and asked her permission to share it with you.
Hear Mimi’s Guest Voice at First Day of Spring.
