Congratulations, Sandpoint Magazine!

Extra! Extra!  Read all about it!  Sandpoint Magazine's winter edition is hitting the streets today, and there's a big celebration! 

25 Years, and going strong!

The Keokee staff has invited folks to stop by their office this afternoon from 4-7 p.m. to enjoy some refreshments and pick up a copy of the latest magazine.

Sadly, I have another commitment, scheduled months ago, so I won't be able to join the fun.  

Still, I'm as pleased as punch to have participated in the reason for the big celebration.

For me, the relationship with Keokee began 20 years ago when I wrote my first cover story about railroads and their influence on Sandpoint and its history.

Here are the first few paragraphs from that piece, which can be found at   http://www.sandpointonline.com/sandpointmag/sms95/railroading.html

Trains are ever-present in Sandpoint — and for good reason. We’re the ‘Funnel’ for trains throughout the northern tier states, with a railroading history that goes back to our town’s very beginnings.

For almost 48 years, I’ve lived within a mile of a railroad. Anytime I gaze through picture windows on the west side of our ranch house, the view of a hayfield across Great Northern Road is slightly obstructed by the Boyer switch tracks where freight trains rumble past about 40 times daily.

Occasionally, when their late-night schedule has been delayed, west or eastbound Amtraks sounding their distinctive whistles glide through the early morning daylight.

Catching a glimpse as they pass by our small farm, I think about travelers from across the country snoozing away in their sleeping compartments.

I’ve often cussed the trains that frequently block the Gooby and Mountain View crossings. Having to travel almost 10 miles out of the way to get to my home a few hundred feet from the blocked crossing does not make my day.

Since that time, I've completed assignments about Farragut Naval Training Station, horse activities in Sandpoint and even a feature about a Hollywood actor.  

I see that Sandpoint's Charles Mortensen has a piece about an artist in the issue hitting the streets today. 

Good job, Charles!

Charles was so kind back in 2004 to make arrangements for me to interview his brother Viggo.

It turned out to be a telephone interview where Viggo would call me at an appointed time.  I was told by his representative that I would had 15 minutes to ask all my questions and to type his responses. No stress at all!

Viggo is a busy hunk--er--man, ya know!

Today I'll share for the first time publicly the jitters I was experiencing during the minutes leading up to the time when that phone was supposed to ring.  

About a dozen trips to the bathroom later, I raced to the ringing phone from down the hallway.

Not wanting to seem TOO anxious but taking care NOT to miss Viggo's call, I waited for two or three rings before answering.  

"If Viggo could see me now!" I thought.   

I certainly did not want that to happen and have been forever grateful that all Viggo knew of me on that day was the "calm" voice. 

Turns out the interview extended.  Midway through my questioning, Viggo even inquired if he could call me back in a few minutes because I'd asked him a question about a topic dear to his heart----the environment.  

This time, as I waited for the phone to ring, I can report fewer trips to the bathroom and a much calmer demeanor--even a great big satisfied smile---as the "King" from "Lord of the Rings," called back and continued on with his response. 

The story turned out just fine, and after it appeared online, approximately 4,500 hits registered on my webpage guestbook in a week's time.  I even received emails---most of them 40-something women enamored with Viggo. 

Just in case you have the need to read it, you can find the uncut version at http://www.sandpoint.org/cgi-script/csNews/csNews.cgi?database=ML-LoveNotes.db&command=viewone&op=r&id=4&rnd=425.48084259033203

Interviewing Viggo and writing his story----it was a thrilling experience.  

Later, brother Charles was nice enough to have Viggo autograph a framed email my daughter Annie had sent to me the day Viggo blew her a kiss in Wellington, New Zealand. 

Yes, being associated with Sandpoint Magazine has definitely made a phenomenal difference in my life.  I thank Chris and Billie and all the gang at Keokee for putting up with me over the years.  

Those assignments have truly stretched me as a writer.  In addition, the experiences have enlightened me.  

Having the opportunity to tell the stories of fascinating people and events in the Sandpoint area----nothing better than that. 

This issue, as many of you know, includes a fascinating piece about the career of a Sandpoint grad who spends a lot of her time jet setting around the world with Popes. 

Yay, Cindy Wooden!

Plus, with tomorrow night's season opening exhibition game for the ZAGS, you'll get to read about ZAG mania.  It's a fun, light-hearted story about a culture that keeps people from going bonkers during the long winter months.  

Well, maybe they do go bonkers as ZAGNUTS, but it's a good thing.

Once again, congratulations to Chris Bessler, his longtime editor Billie Jean Gerke and all the contributors who have become an extended family over the years.  

Job well done, and now I'm hoping to still be breathing so I can attend the 50th Anniversary party for Sandpoint Magazine.   

Happy Friday.