Growing up in a solid Baptist home, dancing was never really discussed. Scottie Leech made sure piano lessons and choir weren’t optional – those were settled matters. Rhythm in our house came from a hymn book, not a hardwood floor. And if that didn’t shape the rest of us, my dad’s reputation in Brownfield certainly … Read more
Herbie’s Cabin Every generation has that place. The one you return to — not just on the map, but in your heart. For me and a group of high school brothers from Brownfield, Texas, that place was Herbie’s Cabin in Ruidoso, New Mexico. Since 1980, we gathered there — year after year — thanks to … Read more
There’s a certain kind of lie a man tells himself that doesn’t sound like a lie at all. It sounds responsible. It sounds patient. It sounds like he’s thinking things through. He tells himself that once things settle down, once the schedule opens up, once the timing is right, that’s when he’ll get serious. About … Read more
By. Stan Leech “What’s this world coming to? A stone in the road.” Delivered in the flattest, most monotone voice imaginable–by a tall second grader in a construction paper costume–those words made Carla and I look at each other and do everything in our power not to laugh out loud. Her college roommate and our … Read more
Outside the window behind him, an enormous oak tree fills the frame, its branches stretching wide across the front yard, older than the conversation taking place beneath it. He gives thanks for the opportunity “to reflect and remember all of your goodness and beauty that takes place in this place, in this city.” He prays … Read more