Wow, 2008 has arrived!
It makes me wonder what happened to 2007.
But I think I know. It was one busy, busy year and as a result, the year just kind of flew by faster than previous years - although I realize that's not really possible. After all, there are 365 days in a year and 24 hours in a day.
I'm thankful I got to enjoy Christmas with my family this year unlike last year when I spent the majority of the holiday working an international news story - the death of James Brown, Godfather of Soul.
Mr. Brown's longtime attorney and friend, Albert "Buddy" Dallas, whose law office is located in Thomson, talked with me numerous times last Christmas, as I was attempting to gain as much information as possible on the entertainer and his death that shocked the world.
Just three days before his death, Mr. Brown was in Augusta - handing out toys to needy, which had become a tradition.
It was a sad time for Mr. Brown's family, close friends and those of us who had gotten to know him by interviewing him through the years. Many legal battles since have ensued between Mr. Brown's family and trustees of his estate - one of whom was Mr. Dallas. Some of that legal entanglement will surface again in this New Year.
Another reason for the busy time last year was simply because there were so many news features and sports stories that occurred in McDuffie and Warren counties. I'm glad that I had the opportunity to share so many stories with our readers in both counties.
And I'm looking forward to doing the same again in this - a New Year!
There are so many fine people living in these two counties and so many opportunities to share their wonderful stories with our readers.
I still get excited about covering good stories, especially the ones that I feel our readers will appreciate. I'm always looking for good stories. I've always had a belief that the best story is the one that has yet to be written. The only thing about that is that you've first got to find that good story to write.
That's where the challenge for me comes into play!
I love finding those kinds of stories. When I'm able to find good stories, I immediately get excited - even while conducting the interview. I keep a perspective about what I'm doing, but I'm nevertheless excited about writing and sharing the good story with readers.
During 2008, I hope and pray that I can continue to find those kinds of good stories and share them with our many readers.
After all, it's what I do for a living!
