Learning new things is a challenge

Here we are in the month of June and soon the first half of the year will be over. We're having pretty pleasant weather, sunny days with just enough scattered showers to keep our strawberries watered. Honeysuckle on the north fencerow adds a sweet scent to the air, and the dianthus in the front flowerbeds are still blooming. Over a dozen big buds on the prickly pear promise we'll soon see their striking lemon yellow blossoms.

School is out and another summer stretches before us. I attended the Memorial Day service at Hillcrest Cemetery last Monday to hear grandson A.J. play "Taps" one last time. Now he's busy working at his job at Sonic and contemplating what he will do in the future. We were happy that the American Legion post chose to honor Dodie Evans for his years of service on the county quorum court. He was certainly deserving of recognition. Don't forget to come say "hello" at his retirement reception next week Thursday afternoon at Bank of Gravett.

Things are certainly changing for me with the closing of our newspaper office last week. An AT&T technician came last Wednesday afternoon to install an Internet connection and our editor, Randy, visited the next day to hook up a computer. So now I'm all set to work from home. Without the confinement of an office job, I'll be free to cover more events in the community.

I enjoyed my first assignments, interviewing the new Upper Elementary principal, attending Buddy Day at Glenn Duffy Elementary Friday and covering the kindergarten graduation yesterday, and hope I can turn them into interesting copy for our readers. I must confess I'm entering my new role with some trepidation. I know I'll never fill Dodie's shoes as he's always done an excellent job of photographing and reporting on Gravette's activities. His witty and wise "Off the Cuff" columns have pointed out problems and brought area citizens to task, and we will miss his keen observations. Perhaps he'll continue to write a guest column now and then.

The photography jobs are the ones that frighten me the most because I've had no experience in that field. Randy tried to give me some pointers on Thursday but I was being handed so many new things at once I felt like much of it was going over my head. I'm willing to learn though and I hope everyone will have patience with me while I'm catching on.

McCall's columnist Lee Radziwill wrote about 25 years ago on developing one's potential and learning new skills. "What is important is to set sights for yourself," she said. "They should be rewarding and provide the satisfaction of doing something well. To learn is always an asset, for knowledge can never be taken away from you. A good mind, knowledge and curiosity are the most desirable things anyone can possess."

Radziwill went on to say she'd had a number of different jobs in her life. Some she liked better than others but she always learned. She advised her readers not to feel intimidated by taking on something they knew little about but to consider it an interesting challenge. Her conclusion read, "So I encourage anyone to try something new even if, in the beginning, you are hesitant. Beginnings are often difficult, but learning will enhance your life forever."

I'm trying hard to take Radziwill's advice to heart and not be too apprehensive as I embark on this new adventure. I've often admired Dodie's and Randy's photos and the excellent nature shots Terry Stanfill often shares with us. At least I know I'm learning from the pros. And our newest reporter/photographer, Mike Eckels, has also been very helpful.

Just bear with me while I'm in this learning phase. Continue to email us your news and photos or drop your news items off at the public libraries. Keep us advised of upcoming events and together we'll continue to produce a quality newspaper that will be a real asset to the communities we serve.

Susan Holland is longtime resident of Benton County and a staff member of the Westside Eagle Observer. She may be contacted by email at [email protected]. Opinions expressed are those of the author.

Editorial on 06/04/2014