Author Archive
Leaving Ripples
Yesterday, Pam and I went to the funeral of the grandfather of a former employee. We don’t go to many funerals and haven’t since the funeral of our daughter, Alicia. No one enjoys funerals, but there are some funerals that are more positive and optimistic than others. Such was the funeral of James Louie Poythress. We went because we wanted to support his family during this most difficult time, but after the service we felt supported and comforted ourselves. (more…)
Did You?
It’s Valentine’s Day, 2009 and therefore appropriate that I publish a love poem. Unlike many of the poems I wrote years ago, I have no difficulty remembering the inspiration for this one. In 1995, I met my future wife, Pam, on the Internet. After more than a year of long distance communication (She lived in Horseheads, New York and I lived in Meridian, Mississippi with over 1,100 miles between us), I was very much in love with her and often consumed with a need to be near her. In late 1996, I was driving down the road one day and was inspired to write the following on the back of an old envelope. I hope you like it. (more…)
The Rebel Gene
I’m expecting any day now to hear or to read of an announcement by scientists working on the Human Genome Project that they’ve finally isolated and identified the Rebel Gene. Being born and bred in the Deep South, I admit that I have a vested interest in this, but I am awaiting confirmation that people with rebellious spirits (including myself) are born the way they are and that it’s not just a choice. I know it’s only a matter of time before this gene is located and I am prepared to suggest where the scientists should focus their attention. In fact, if they will all get together and spend a little time on this, they could probably knock this one out in a weekend or two. (more…)
Southern Music Show 2009 – WMOX
After getting fed up with all the people trying to tell me how I should be feeling about the new President, I needed to vent and there’s no better way of venting than playing awesome Southern Music from the best of Rock and Country. Oh yeah, in the first hour, I ranted for a while which made me feel better. Also, listen for my bit on The Rebel Gene.
Team Hoyt
Through my work with Rivers Of The World (ROW), I am constantly accessing YouTube and GodTube for something or other. Recently, I created a personal account at GodTube for the purpose of uploading videos of the Sunday Morning Services at my church, Lauderdale United Methodist. So, it came as no surprise when I started getting emails from GodTube regarding the latest videos or updates and honestly, like most of the email that comes to me, I ignored most of them. That is, until I got one last week listing the eight top videos viewed in 2008. (more…)
Christmas Show 2008 – WMOX
At Christmas time we played some Christmas music recorded by a local artist named Liz Marchese (pronounced Mar-Kasey) who works as a legal secretary in downtown Meridian. Then in the third hour we were able to interview Liz and learn more about how she got into singing and how much she enjoys singing. Trust me, her voice will blow you away.
It’s A Wonderful Life
Ok, I’m a sap, I admit it. I can’t help it. A really good movie or tv show can put a lump in my throat pretty quickly. I tell my wife I’m in touch with my feelings because we watch a lot of the Lifetime channel. But in reality it’s always been this way. I’m thinking it is genetic.
I remember watching The Waltons with my parents the night the show paid tribute to Grandpa Walton (after Will Geer died) and I happened to see my father wipe away a tear. He tried to hide it, but I saw it and it helped me realize that it was ok for guys to have emotions even if only occasionally. “It’s A Wonderful Life” (1946) is the only movie that gets to me everytime I watch it. I don’t even have to watch the whole movie, just the last 9 minutes or so can do it. (more…)
Airy Arizona
In November, 2008, Pam and I took a trip to Scottsdale, AZ. Neither of us had ever been that far west and it was a great chance to see a wonderful part of the country we had never seen. Pam is on the board of Wesley House and when the opportunity to go to a conference for boardmembers came her way, we jumped at the chance. As usual, we decided to extend our stay a few days and be tourists for a short time since we rarely take full vacations. (more…)
A Virtual Vinyl Collection
A collection of turntable videos from YouTube. This is kinda like my own private AM Radio Station, playing All My Favorites, All The Time with no commercials. “Pilot of the airways, here is my request…” (more…)
CANS For Kids
I’ve been a member of The Downtown Optimist Club for over 15 years now. During that time, I’ve served as an officer in almost every position. I’ve helped raise money to support Youth programs in and around Meridian, MS and Lauderdale County. And I’ve listened to speakers come and request money for all kinds of projects, programs, events, and activities. And not once has any of these speakers affected me the way our speaker did yesterday. (more…)
