Steam Engines and Ideas

Unleash the power of “What if …”

This past weekend, several unusual experiences came together for me. And that got me to thinking …

For someone who works with words, that can be a powerful combination.

A trustee of the Colorado Railroad Museum in Golden, Colorado, invited members of the local Model A Ford club to bring their cars for a weekend celebrating a steam locomotive’s return to service. In exchange, we’d be … Continue reading

Whatever Happened to “Awesome”?

I miss what that word used to mean.

I paid the guy at the garage sale a dollar for a picture frame.

“Awesome,” he said.

I bit my tongue. Yes, the 8×10 picture frame was still shrink-wrapped. But the most generous adjective I’d give it was nice.

I’m old enough to remember when awesome was rare. Few things truly inspire awe. Goosebumps … Continue reading

Surprise Mrs. Haviland

Don’t try to impress people; just tell your story.

Sixty years ago, Dan’s high school English teacher convinced him he was no writer. Throughout his business career and into his retirement, he’d lived with her assessment.

Then he realized he had a story he needed to tell. So Dan sat at his keyboard and pounded out an account of how, with the help … Continue reading