Mixed memories, and supporting your local, small businesses

I had to go find another USB/mouse to use while I’m editing and even two years after closing the newspaper, it’s still a little hard to dig among the detritus.

Even among the spider webs and nastiness of our outdoor storage area, the old copies of the paper, the file folders crammed with what was once crucial information to preserve, and the small trinkets people gave or awarded me through the years…. All of this still speaks to me.

And so I run when I find what I need, and pledge to clean it all up at a later date. Maybe next month. But probably next year, same as I always say.

I only share this because I want it to serve as a reminder that if you know someone who is running a small business, please support them. It’s their dream. It’s their baby. And sometimes, it’s their nightmare.

For nine years, that’s what The Oak Ridge Observer was for me. It was my dream. It was my baby. It was my nightmare.

Now go spend some money with a small business, or at least check on your friend who owns one. Help them in some small way. I guarantee you that they need it.

Keep the faith,

Stan R. Mitchell

About me: I write military action books similar to Vince Flynn, Stephen Hunter, and Tom Clancy. I’m also a prior USMC Sgt with Combat Action Ribbon, and a guy who spent 10+ years writing every day in the newspaper business — 9 of them with a newspaper that I started.  Please consider subscribing for email alerts — I mostly post about things that either motivate or inspire you.