Have camera, will travel

I thought about calling my column “Bad Penny” because I seem to keep returning to my roots in journalism. Good or bad, I am back on the team of the Saratoga Sun, at least for a little while.

Eight-and-a-half years ago when I left the Sun, it was on good terms. I just needed a change. I am one of those weird people who does well with math and English. Both subjects I liked in school. I left to work as a comptroller for a dealership in Rawlins. I enjoyed the work, as it was challenging, but I hated the drive. In January, I retired from that position. Josh, being my son, knew I was retiring, but still asked me to help with the bookkeeping. So, January 1, I started doing the bookkeeping for the Sun.

Now he needs help again, as he is down a reporter. I told him I would work part-time until he found a new full-time reporter, so hopefully this gig is temporary.

In my seven months of retirement, I have enjoyed visiting family, taking photographs, attending art shows and taking workshops to improve my photographic skills. I really don’t know how I found time to work. So why am I working again?

Returning to the Sun as the bookkeeper reminded me why I liked working at the Sun so much in the past. It can be a fun job. I like covering the volleyball teams in the Valley so I will be doing that. I will also be covering Encampment events and meetings. I have a special place in my heart for both communities, but since I live between Encampment and Saratoga, I can easily cover both, but everyone else at the Sun lives in Saratoga.

Now back to the subject at hand, my column name. I used “From the Hip” in my past columns, because I tend to shoot from the hip, saying what is on my mind. It is the disadvantage of being raised by two very strong-willed parents.

Josh suggested Straight Shootin’ because it describes my willingness to put my foot in my mouth and my photography. I liked it, so here we are.

My main love of writing while at the Sun was features, because we have interesting people who live in the Valley. Some like to go along quietly doing what they do. The unsung heroes. I am really impressed with what they are doing, so I want other people to know about them too.

So, you will be seeing me at volleyball games, meetings and social events and as usual, I will have a camera around my neck.