The 'power' of a family meal

The following transcript is from a story told to a group of school teachers by author Jerry Tello. “I get home from college, and when I walk in my mom—of course when I walk in—she asks, ‘You wanna’ eat?’ ‘Mom, I just ate at the dorm.’ ‘Oh, you dont want to eat my food now [...]

HighwayExit72: Top Five Posts of 2009

Thank you to everyone who visited, and commented on the content of this site the previous 364 days of this year—what a year it’s been. Still in its infancy, HighwayExit72.com is almost two-years of age now; 2009 recorded the first full calendar year of its existence. The celebration of anniversary’s, breaking news, commemorative posts, and [...]

A Week of Giving: Wynnewood Book Drive

Day One _ Day Two _ Day Three _ Day Four _ Day Five “Life-transforming ideas have always come to me through books,” American author Bell Hooks once said. Perhaps that is the idea that best explains a book drive being led by one Wynnewood, Okla., resident. Mike Dyson, a children’s author and therapist, resides [...]

Of wine, wool, and wild honey

“What does it mean to know Jesus is the Good Shepherd and the Lamb of God when the only places I’ve encountered sheep are petting zoos and Greek restaurants? How do we learn to wait for the harvest when we live in a culture of easy access? How can I understand the promise of a [...]

So, I applied for a job…

First, let me clarify that I am happily employed as a part-time high school sports writer. Secondly, as a free-lance author I am (almost) always interested in unique experiences, untold stories, and once-in-a-lifetime opportunities. One particular opportunity presented itself to me in the form of an online job offer, yesterday. An acquaintance “tweeted” the announcement [...]

Interview with Mike Dyson

A small town transplant and aspiring school pschyologist, Mike Dyson considers himself a big dreamer in a community of less than 3,000 people. Dyson is scheduled to graduate with his Masters in Psychological Services from East Central University, this summer. In addition to this academic accomplishment, he is also a published children’s author. His book, [...]

Eyes Wide Open, Jud Wilhite (Book Review)

“Distorted images are not only shaping your perspective but are also hindering your possibilities” wrote Jud Wilhite in his newest release, Eyes Wide Open. The paperback book—released April 14, 2009—is Wilhite’s second collaborative effort with Editor Bill Taaffe, both of Las Vegas, Nevada. With chapters like: “If God Is For Me, Why Is Life So [...]

Starbucks Helped Me 'See It'

During a recent weekend visit to a local Starbucks Coffee Shop, an ordered Caffè Mocha reached my hand wrapped in an insightful comment. There, featured on the outside of the cup, was a quote from an American author. The printed statement appears below: The Way I See It #51 Americans spend an average of 29 [...]

The Second Impression

According to Dictionary.com, a “first impression” is a “first consideration or judgment” formed about someone or something. Image specialist Michelle Sterling estimates that first impressions are made within the first three seconds of every encounter. Author Jim Meisenheimer adds that, “first impressions are everything”. Packaged to Impress “First Impressions”, the executive coaching firm, specializes in [...]