Every once in a while, my brain goes on sabbatical. It seems to have a mind of its own which is a bit unsettling when trying to prepare a regularly scheduled column for the newspaper, among other things. I’m not sure if this is caused by some neurological short circuit or if it has to do with too many other things floating about in my head. Let’s hope it is the latter please. 

It’s sort of like what happens when your vehicle develops a skip. You know, the car goes through its paces on the way to a nice cruising speed when out of nowhere there is a pause without notice. A hiccup. A slight hesitation, an unanticipated jerk in what otherwise has always been a smooth transition.

So, in the world of automobiles, an investigation ensues. Do I need new spark plugs? Is the timing off? Did I get bad fuel? Has a wire come loose somewhere deep within the dark recesses of the engine? Did I blow a fuse?

As I contemplated this week’s adventure, I guess I mistakenly hit the pause button. When I sat down to begin writing, the application my laptop threw up was labelled “Blank”! Thus the title for today’s mystery adventure. When all else fails, drop back five and punt.  

So, into the archives we go.  

Several years back I had the wonderful pleasure of taking a “Dog and Pony” show to the Opera House. Cathy Sherrill gave me the green light for this event. It was a bit out of my comfort zone, but I figured it would only hurt for a little while if nobody showed or the dog and pony had commitments elsewhere. As it turned out we had a grand time, even though I was a nervous wreck.

What happened was very special. Not known for the gift of gab worked out just right. When I popped images up on the screen, describing the subject, a magic occurred. People in the audience spoke up with wonderful recollections. They began to react to the comments of others and memories were shared. It was so entertaining and personal. All I had to do was click a clicker to advance the image on the screen, say a few words and let the wild rumpus begin. 

The image I share today was one I pulled from the first picture show. It got a good conversation going within the room. Folks didn’t hold back and, all of a sudden, wonderful stories were shared. I was ecstatic, and very happy to step aside as people spoke up. The original photograph was made a long time ago on film, before the digital age of pixels. The image is of Mr. Cecil Johnson walking down Townsend Avenue in a snowstorm. It became the cover photo for my second book, “NEAR HOME,” a collection of black and white photos made mostly locally. Mr. Johnson was an old buddy I used to see on street corners from time to time. He and his brother Basil had a bit of a “residence” up on Pat’s Pond. They were good hearted souls, most of the time. 

You fill in the “blanks.” Have a good day.