Hi friends,

It's like Christmas Eve. Well, it seems that way to me and maybe to some athletes who will be competing for the first time in the London Olympics on Wednesday.

My friend, Lauren Perdue, will be looking to make a big splash in London. Lauren, who is a phenomenal swimmer at the University of Virginia, will be competing with her teammates in the 4x200 relay race.

Lauren, better known as "Lo" to friends, picked up swimming when she was 8 years old. She's always had a dream of swimming in the Olympics (http://www.wdnweb.com/2008/07/20/perdue-looking-to-make-big-waves/), and on Wednesday that dream will come true.

I've always respected Lauren because of her drive, because of her passion for her sport and because of her amazing ability to swim. I respect her more because of the person she is -- a humble person, a caring person, a funny person and a sweet person.

Through text messages and from checking out her Facebook and Twitter pages (https://twitter.com/LoPerdue), I know Lauren is having a blast in London. She was able to attend the Opening Ceremonies, had her picture taken with LeBron James and has seen some incredible moments during the Games.

Lauren and the U.S. Olympic swim team did a sweet video with the song, "Call Me Maybe," that has gone viral. You can check it out here (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qU3kwef-yo). Lauren appears at least four times in it, including at 0:39, 1:21, 2:03 and 2:41. I think she has a future in acting after swimming!

For more on Lauren, you can check out her bio on the U.S. Swim Team page (http://www.usaswimming.org/DesktopDefault.aspx?TabId=1453&Alias=Rainbow&Lang=en&biosid=fd1f10ec-b107-4977-aba1-216e7afe573c).

No matter what happens in the pool, Lauren is a winner, and she will always be a winner. I'm so thrilled for her and her family.

Good things should happen to good people. They don't get much better than Lauren!

Thor Photo of the Day: Thor took up tennis at an early age. He would go on to become the first Golden Retriever Olympic champion.

Hi friends,

I'm tuckered out today. And I've got a slight injury. But I'm grinding through today because I know you would be lost without reading my blog (okay, I know maybe five or six people may read this...).


THE THRILL OF VICTORY, THE AGONY OF GOING FOR A BAG OF CHIPS
I would rather be napping right now, but the Olympians have inspired me to keep on going. Which is sort of ironic, because I think I injured myself -- slightly pulling a hammy -- while WATCHING the Olympics. I should have stretched out before hopping off the couch to get that bag of potato chips...the snack of champions.


OLYMPIC DREAMS
Much like many of the athletes in London, I had an Olympic dream once. It involved Alex Morgan, Hope Solo and the U.S. women's beach volleyball team. (I kid! I kid! I only dream of my beautiful wife.)

My wife asked an interesting question last night before we went to sleep. She asked that if I could participate in any Olympic sport, which would it be (throwing out the window that I'm too old and too out-of-shape to be in the Olympics). After some consideration, I would choose swimming. You get a lot of fans cheering for you, and the finish is usually always thrilling. (I'm not that strong a swimmer, but again, we are throwing that out the window... I can just picture myself now, leading off a relay event -- holding my nose and lowering myself into the pool while everybody else dives off the platforms...)

What Olympic event would you participate in, if you could?

I would choose beach volleyball or swimming for my wife. And not just because of the attire. Okay, that may not be entirely true...


TWO-A-DAYS
I started my sports writing career in a small town -- Bellevue, Ohio -- in 1991. It didn't take me long to fall in love with the Bellevue Redmen. While I've gone on to cover several schools in my career, including ECU (East Carolina University), I never forgot my "first."

All of the sports were fun to cover, from baseball to basketball to volleyball to track to softball, but football is sort of king in Bellevue. The Redmen were coached by a guy named Ed Nasonti back then. Coach Nasonti is still coaching there today.

Coach Nasonti and the Redmen began two-a-days today (Monday). I loved two-a-days. Oh, no, I didn't participate in them. I just covered them. It was great to see the kids progress every day. There is a certain pride you get when you put on the red and silver. There is a certain pride you get when you see the Redmen feather. There is a certain pride you get when you run onto the field at BAF Stadium.

I've got so many great memories from covering practices and covering games. The best part of the job was getting to know the coaches and the kids, and becoming friends with so many of them. The Redmen have had some truly great players, like Ed Baptista, Brad Bollinger, Randy Bollinger, Danny Paul, Chad Kuhns, Russ Kuhns, Ryan Irons, John Bollinger, Cody Cramer, Bill McClain, Pete Lepley, Brad Snyder, Jason Nichols, Tommy Mygrant and so many more.

There's something special about high school football. There's something special about Friday Night Lights. I miss the game. I miss the players. But I certainly haven't forgotten about them.

Did you play high school sports? What's your favorite memory?


NFL
NFL teams have started their training camps. I'm a fan of the Cleveland Browns. (I know, I know. It's not easy.)

I've also got my eyes on the St. Louis Rams (our "new" hometown team), the Green Bay Packers and the Kansas City Chiefs. I'm really hoping to get to a couple practices, and I would love to blog about them. I've got buddies in the NFL -- defensive lineman C.J. Wilson with the Packers, and wide receiver/special teams ace Terrance Copper with the Chiefs. They are two of the nicest guys I've ever met (and I'm not just saying that with the hopes of scoring some free tickets).

What is your favorite team? Who is your favorite player?


READING AND WRITING
I'm looking to publish my first book, called (for the moment anyway), "Home Run from Heaven," this summer. The initial phase of writing is done. I'm waiting to hear back from some people so I can do some editing.

In the meantime, I'm blogging and thinking about a second book. I'm leaning towards more of a children's book involving a couple of crazy dogs, though I've got a few other ideas in my head as well.

I've also been reading. I recently finished "Storm Prey," by John Sandford, who is one of my favorite authors. Prior to that, I read "The Art of Racing in the Rain," by Garth Stein. It was well written and an enjoyable read.

Next on my list is, "A Dog's Purpose," by W. Bruce Cameron.

Thanks for stopping by my blog. It's time for some potato chips. Don't worry -- I stretched out.

Is it just me, or do you think that Festus (above, my stepdaughter's dog) looks like an Ewok (below)? Cute little thing.

Thor Photo of the Day: Thor taking a break from playing ball in a dog park. Such a handsome boy.

Hi friends,
I hope your weekend is off to a great start. When I got out of bed this morning, I had planned to have a relaxing, stress-free day. Ahh, the best laid plans...

DOGS MAKE A JAILBREAK
My wife and I are being good citizens, electing to be gracious homeowners to two furry guests. We are watching two dogs, which makes a grand total of four dogs in our house at the moment. Besides drool spots here and there, tufts of hair all over the place, two places on the carpet mistaken for a doggy toilet (No. 1, not No. 2), and early morning barking by one guest, the first couple days have been mostly glorious (please note a hint of sarcasm here).

The "pleasant" visit turned a bit "hairy" this morning. I had planned to take our two dogs (Thor and Tasha) for a walk. Smedley and Festus, our guests, were going to stay behind. At least, that was my plan. They had other ideas. I had Thor and Tasha on their leashes. We were just about to head out the front door, when Festus, a small but tenacious little rascal, somehow got around me and hopped out the door. He took a few steps onto the front lawn and began sniffing around.

While still clutching the leashes of Thor and Tasha in my hand, I looked back at Smedley. Smedley, who is something like 14 in dog years and 180 in human years, followed the lead of Festus. Not knowing he would make a break for it as well, I let my guard down. Smedley zipped past me and out the front door.

After uttering a naughty word, I dropped the leashes and took two steps out the door. Just then, Smedley and Festus looked at me...and I swear I think they laughed at me...and then took off down the street. My first thought was, "you know, for Smedley being so old, and for Festus having such short legs, they sure can move pretty quickly."

What I had hoped would be a nice leisurely walk with our two dogs, turned into a brisk jog to catch the two convicts... errr, dogs who escaped from jail... errr, our house. Huffing and puffing, I managed to track down the dogs and lured them to me with delicious Pupperoni treats. My lovely wife had joined in the pursuit with a car, luckily saving me from having to walk all the way back home.


PINOT GRIGIO/CHARDONNAY POPSICLES?
Did you know that wine will explode if you leave it in the freezer too long? Yeah, I'm sure most of you do. I found that out, the hard way, this morning.

Allison (my beautiful wife) and I partook in a little wine while watching the Opening Ceremonies of the London Olympics last night (when it first started, I really needed that wine -- I was downright confused). I put in another bottle of wine in the freezer to chill, just in case we wanted more.

After deciding that we didn't want any more of the delicious fruit-like nectar, we headed upstairs to bed. I had completely forgotten about the bottle in the freezer.

Fast-forward about 16 hours. While heading back inside after checking the mail, I remembered the wine. Whoops! I opened the freezer and, sure enough, the wine had exploded. Blymie!! The cork blew off like on a champagne bottle. Some of the wine spilled out, but something magical happened as well...some of the wine turned to ice. It was like a Pinot Grigio/Chardonnay popsicle!! After letting the wine/ice concoction "defrost," we sampled said-explosed wine. It wasn't bad. It wasn't bad at all. Hmmmm, Pinot Grigio/Chardonnay popsicles... I may be on to something.

If the dogs keep up their shenanigans, you may be reading about a Chenin Blanc milkshake or a Pinot Noir smoothie in my next blog.

 Until next time, keep reaching for the stars...and keep your wine in the fridge.

Thor Photo of the Day: Thor was enjoying sleeping in his kennel. He was none too pleased that it was time to get up. Hence, the evil look.

USA! USA! USA!

Today, I'm going back to my roots just a bit. I'm going to be writing about sports. With the Olympics kicking off tonight, today makes a perfect day to write about an Olympic athlete.

(Maybe you should listen to this (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EbHw8DBCXQ8) as you read the blog.)

I've got the Olympic spirit, especially after finding out that somebody I know will be representing the USA in the 2012 London Olympics. Lauren Perdue (you can find her on Twitter @Loperdue) will be swimming for the U.S. team.

I sent her a quick text message this morning congratulating her on her impressive achievement. Even though she's preparing for the Games, Lauren was sweet enough to reply.

Lauren will be competing in the 800 M free relay event on Aug. 1, with the hopes of qualifying for the finals that are scheduled for that evening.

After an impressive high school career at J.H. Rose High School in Greenville, N.C., Lauren has gone on to have a spectacular career at the University of Virginia. She was named the ACC Swimmer of the Year after her freshman and sophomore seasons, and is a three-time ACC champion.

What's really impressive is that Lauren had back surgery in February, but overcame that to make the U.S. swim team. It doesn't surprise me. Lauren has always had a passion for swimming, a zest for life and an unquenchable thirst to make it to the Olympics.

Here's a story I did on Lauren four years ago, when she talked about her dreams of making the Olympics (http://www.wdnweb.com/2008/07/20/perdue-looking-to-make-big-waves/).

Sure, Lauren is a talented swimmer. But she's so much more. She is beautiful and smart and caring and funny. I'm so thrilled for her that she was able to attain her goal. When Lauren puts on her suit and represents the U.S., she will do so with pride. And I will watch her with pride, because of the kind of person she is -- a great role model and a proud American.

Good luck, Lauren! Have fun!! You earned it!!

Thor photo of the day: Thor can steal your heart with those beautiful brown eyes. What lurks beneath those brown eyes is a devilish, mischevious, playful puppy.

Hey all! (Hi, beautiful wife!!)

Thanks for stopping by my blog, which is really gaining momentum now. My dog sniffed the area by the laptop earlier, so I'm counting that as a "hit."


NOT ENOUGH LOVE IN THE WORLD
People often come up to me and ask me for my advice (I'm making this up, so please play along). They say, "Travis" (because many people either think my first name is, Travis, or they simply don't care)...
Just the other day, a little girl came up to me on the street while I was saving a puppy from a fire and she said, "Travis, what in the world is going on these days? There's so much strife and pain, and not nearly enough love in the world. What are your thoughs, oh wise one?"

So I grab my guitar (which is, of course, sitting right by me) and I start to sing...while petting the puppy that I just saved from the fire. The words just come to me...

Sometimes I wonder where it is love goes
I don't know if even Heaven knows
But I know you had some dreams that didn't
Quite come true
And now I'm not the one, little girl, who's
Keeping you
I was either standing in your shadow or
Blocking your light
Though I kept on trying I could not make
It right
For you girl-
There's just not enough love in the world

Yeah. True story. Okay, those words may have been sung by Don Henley. Anyway, where was I?

Oh yeah...there really has been some crazy stuff going on in the world lately. One of the biggest shocks of the week, if not the year, has been making headlines today. Yep, you guessed it...Kristin Stewart apparently cheated on Robert Pattinson. If you are reading this and just spewed coffee or tea onto your computer because I just broke the news to you, I am sorry.

These allegations, which have rocked Hollywood to its core, has sent shockwaves from California to, well, St. Louis. I've seen Kristin Stewart's name all over the place, as I've been surfing the web. I've seen Kristin Stewart's name and face all over the place, as I've switched through channels on the TV. Two questions keep popping into my head, as I try to wrap my head around this heinous scandal. Number 1: Who is Kristin Stewart? (Sorry, I'm out of the loop.) And number 2: Why? Why? Why should we care?

Okay, I guess it could be important for some. Sure, there have been lives lost and souls haunted by the senseless shooting in Aurora, Colorado (I pray for the victims and their families). Ahh, but that's not Hollywood. Will Kristin and Robert be able to patch things up? Will they find love again? Can he forgive her? (Sniff, sniff). And finally, who again is Kristin Stewart?

Really, I don't think there is enough love in the world.


MOVING ON UP
Sherman Hemsley died yesterday. He is best known as George Jefferson, the colorful character on "The Jeffersons." Oh, how I used to love that show. And that theme song was so darned catchy...

Well we're movin on up,
To the east side.
To a deluxe apartment in the sky.
Movin on up
To the east side.
We finally got a piece of the pie.
Fish don't fry in the kitchen;
Beans don't burn on the grill.
Took a whole lotta tryin'
Just to get up that hill.
Now we're up in the big leagues
Gettin' our turn at bat.
As long as we live, it's you and me baby
There ain't nothin wrong with that.
Well we're movin on up,
To the east side.
To a deluxe apartment in the sky.
Movin on up
To the east side.
We finally got a piece of the pie.

You all just sang it and smiled, didn't you? I did. Rest in Peace, Mr. Hemsley.


USA! USA! USA!
I'm pretty excited for the Olympics. We got a little sneak preview with the U.S. women's team earning a 4-2 win over France on Wednesday (shoot, hope this wasn't a spoiler alert). I love watching Hope Solo, Alex Morgan, Carli Lloyd, Abby Wambach and the rest of the ladies in action.
I will be cheering for the USA with all my heart. I do think the Olympics can bring the nation just a bit closer together.

We need it. Because there's not enough love in the world.

Thanks for reading. And, hey, I love you. I mean it.

Thor shot of the day: Thor decided to take a little nap, on the air matress, after getting tired while playing with his ball. He didn't want to let the ball out of his grasp.

Hi all! (Or to my beautiful wife, Allison, who I will bribe to have her read this later so I know spending 10 to 15 "grueling" minutes on today's blog won't be in vain.

The life of an up-and-coming writer can be tough. I spent part of the weekend looking for a new bed and new recliners with my aforementioned beautiful wife. We selected a new bed, which I'm looking forward to sleeping in tonight, and two recliners, which will be used for reading, sitting by our pseudo-fireplace and, most likely, napping. (Again, the life of an up-and-coming writer can be downright tough.) My thought is that the new, comfy bed will help me sleep better, which will result in a clearer, crisper mind for brilliant writing throughout the day. At least, that's what I'm telling myself.

Part of the weekend also included attending my stepdaughter's cheerleading camp, and sampling wine. Though this did not occur at the same location, nor at the same time. I'm thinking the camp would have drawn more parents, at least more enthusiastic parents, had the aforementioned wine been served. "Give me a 'G.' Give me an 'L.' Give me an 'A.' Give me an 'S." Give me another 'S.' What's it spell? Glass. Glass. Give me a Glass of wine! Rah! Rah! Goooooo wine!"

Oh, I also did some laundry. See, being an up-and-coming writer is not as glamorous as those Hollywood types make it seem.

Anyway, I'm awaiting some feedback on my first book. From there, I will go over the book once again, while also looking for a publisher. It can be a daunting process, but it's been a mostly fun and interesting one. Here is a sample from Chapter 1 in my book, entitled "It's Not Easy Being An Up-And-Coming Writer." Okay, it's actually called, "Home Run from Heaven."

I've received some help from some friends of mine, like Nathan Summers, a sportswriter who penned his first book a short time ago, and Christi Paul, an awesome lady who is an anchor for Headline News on CNN. She has her own book out. More on that later. Until next time, thank you for your continued support.

Thor, never afraid to explore, comes barreling out of the woods, almost as if he’s being chased by a swarm of bees. Galloping toward me, a huge, goofy grin plastered on his face and a huge branch clenched in his jaws, Thor doesn’t stop until he pounces on top of me, all 87 pounds of him.

“Oomph,” I utter. All the wind gets knocked out me.

Not even two years old, Thor is big for his age. Enormous, actually. His paws are gigantic. I sometimes think we bought a part-horse, part-dog when we got Thor.

“Where were you, big boy?,” I ask.

He looks me square in the eye, tilts his head just a bit and then does this thing with his eyebrows that always cracks me up. One eyebrow goes up and then the other eyebrow goes up. One goes up and then the other goes up. This replays for about ten times. It almost looks like caterpillars dancing on his forehead.

“Did you find anything cool out there? Did you find any prizes?”

Thor does one more eyebrow dance, then bends his head down and gives me a giant lick across my face.

“Thanks, pal. I love you, too.”

Thor has already been through a lot with me. My mom got him for me, my little sister, and my little brother when my dad was sick. Thor was there for me when my dad died. I know he will be by my side for a long time. He can certainly prove to be a handful, but I couldn’t ask for a better or a more loyal best friend.

The mighty Thor. Part of the inspiration for my book!

Hi,

If that doesn't make you dive into this new blog of mine, I frankly don't know what will. I wanted something catchy, but not too over-the-top. I was going to go with "hello," but I sometimes prefer brevity. Many of my writer/reader friends would strongly disagree. Anyway, it was a simple, but heartfelt "hi" to all of you.

This blog is intended to inform and amuse. The "amuse" part will most likely be directed at just me. I'm funny like that.

The "inform" part will let you know the progress of my book, the first one I have written. It is, for the moment, titled, "Home Run From Heaven." I'm going through the editing/proofreading phase now, which will be followed by, hopefully, the publishing phase. And then the next phase is me sitting on a beach, sipping on umbrella drinks, listening to the waves crash, my toes digging into the white sand and the sun shining on my rugged, yet handsome face.

I will be writing mainly about my book; my crazy dog, Thor, a hyperactive-still-puppy-despite-being-2 1/2-years-old; his mellow and lovable sidekick, Tasha; what it takes to be a good husband (I'm an expert because I've been married for nearly 7 full weeks); and wine. I don't know much about wine, other than that I like to drink it.

Oh, and if you happen to be puppy/dog lovers, I will be attempting to post photos of Thor as well. I have one or two (or thousands).

Here are the nuts and bolts of my book:
Dylan Bell, a freshman in high school, grew up idolizing his father, who played ten years of Major League Baseball. When his father passed away because of cancer, Dylan was heartbroken. But thanks to a new, always-getting-into-trouble puppy, a loving family, a supportive girlfriend, and his strong faith, Dylan grows as a baseball player and as a young man. With a little bit of help, and a lot of faith, Dylan just may be able to lead the Hudson Redmen to a place they have never been before in school history.

I may discuss sports (such as my love for the Cleveland Indians and Cleveland Browns), including updates on some of my friends in the sporting world.

Thanks for reading. (Dang, there goes that brevity thing I was shooting for earlier.)