Edmonds Beacon - Your Hometown News Source

I wrote my first “Home Again” column for the Beacon nearly 15 years ago. Al Hooper was editor then, steeped in journalism. He became my mentor and friend, and I still miss him. I’ve known several other Beacon editors since Al’s time and watched their individual styles shape the Beacon, too.

People ask how I come up with a topic after hundreds of columns. The world is full of topics! Either I know early on what my choice will be and begin typing, or I suffer through several false starts.

In any case, my imperative is simple – write from the heart, finish, and send before I go to...