ng nostalgia for simpler times, even a push to return to some of the "old ways." Recent TV shows and books evidence this fact. So many of Randy's stories center around rural life--hard work in the corn and cotton fields, sawmills, turpentine woods, family dramas, church revivals, births, deaths, school days, and numerous other aspects of community life. I am certain that any person who grew up anywhere in rural America in the 1940s, 1950s, and even 1960s would have stories very similar; only the place and names would change. His writings arrive at a perfect time when interest is high to preserve things of days gone by. Randy's many family stories and musings will provide all of us, far and wide, with many hours of joyous and inspiring reading.

--Dr. Larry V. Turner