I’ve often mentioned on here that I grew up in Central Arkansas in the unincorporated community of Toad Suck. In other words, I’m a country boy. I grew up working with my dad to cut, stack and haul firewood for our family, as well as others in our community. I grew up cutting the grass at our house and our neighbors. I grew up working in my dad’s garden, a garden that fed our family and was shared with people all over Perry County. Dad still produces a big garden every year. As a matter of fact, I’ll be eating cabbage and squash from my dad’s garden tonight! Almost every Saturday, dad would take me and my brother fishing on the Arkansas River, which runs right through Toad Suck. I can filet a fish like nobody’s business. I’ve never cared much for hunting, but I’ve been around guns my whole life, and I know how to use them. I have them in my home for the sole purpose of protection.
I’ve also always loved Hank Williams, Jr. His songs “Family Tradition” and “All My Rowdy Friends Are Coming Over Tonight” are classics, but my personal favorite has always been “A Country Boy Can Survive.” And even though this song is somewhat dated here in 2025, it still takes me back to the early 80’s when my dad was teaching me how to work and fish. Today, it’s my song of the day. Enjoy!
Through the Shattered Lens 