There are bumps on my arms. Actually, there are bumps all over my body, but the ones on my arms are the most visible. I saw a doctor last year about them, worried that they might be a sign of something more serious.
I stripped to my undies and socks and wore a delicate piece of paper called a “gown” that might have been strong enough to stop a speeding gnat. The doctor brought in a couple of other people to poke and prod at all the bumps, while I stood and shivered in a frigid office.
“You’ve got a lot of bumps. They’re called lipomas. I can remove them surgically.”
And then the doctor and his assistants left. I am quite jealous of the doctor’s price-per-word. If I could get that going rate as a writer, my books would be a lot shorter.
As much as I love a good scar story, I don’t think I want a few dozen new scars just to get rid of my lumps. The bumps are mostly just annoying, ruining any chance I have of posing for a marble sculpture displaying the perfect dad-bod.
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For the last few months, I have been working with Cherith and Marshall of Optical Lift, creating a new website and brand. They have patiently answered all of my questions, even the ones I ask over and over and over again. Their work is brilliant — design and logos and creating an easy-to-navigate and visually-pleasing website.
I’m sure it, too, has a few bumps.
The good news about a website is the bumps are relatively easy to fix. They just take a little time and extra coding.
I’m looking forward to sharing stories and celebrating successes on my new website. Of course, a majority of the stories will relate to baseball, because I am convinced that baseball does an excellent job of bringing people together. We need more good things bringing people together. But there will also be stories of Kaylea and her journey as a music education major. (She’s learning to play the trombone!) There will be stories of Sophie’s art and Mighty Henry and other glimpses of hope and inspiration discovered on this beautiful ball of dirt.
To celebrate the new site, I wanted to share a story of audacious hope and courage. Buck O’Neil’s book, I Was Right On Time, tells his stories of playing ball in the Negro Leagues and is a simple reminder that there is no greater power in the universe than Love.** For a chance to win the book, simply enter your email address at the bottom of the page. The winner will be announced on Friday, February 21 — the day of the Royals first Spring Training game.
In the meantime, please forgive the website bumps. They’ll be smoothed out before my birthday.
As for the bumps on my arms, thank God for long sleeves.
**To sign the petition to induct Buck O’Neil into the Hall of Fame, go here.
