· Lessons Learned Make the Memoir · If you write anything, you’re likely to connect with and use your memories. On a daily basis we are reminded of yesterday. The radio is playing a song from our past. The TV or social media announces an anniversary of a special event. We remember from our life, not a history book. We see a faded photograph of us or our family. We look in the mirror and remember a younger self. Memories and stories are everywhere we look. Most people are content with … [Read more...] about Memories in Motion
Jim Potter
Deputy Jennings Tells a Story
· Final Episode (#16) · Deputy Tom Jennings and Yackel, his K-9 patrol dog, pulled into Adam and Rosannah Yoder’s driveway with the latest news. The German sheperd was in the backseat with the rear windows slightly down, his nose pressed to the vented window. Yackel von Baerenzwinger either recognized the farmstead or a familiar scent. Two children playing in front of the house spotted the patrol car and ran inside to safety. Seconds later, their father, Adam, opened the front door as he … [Read more...] about Deputy Jennings Tells a Story
Deputy Jennings Digs Deeper
· Episode 15 · Tom Jennings was on his computer a lot and he wasn’t playing games. He was learning about the Amish. Tom read documents answering the standard questions about the Old Order Amish: Where do most of the Amish live? Why are they against technology? Why do they dress that way? Are they non-violent? What is the role of women in their culture? Are the young people leaving the Amish family and community or staying? The Amish who Tom met near Humble in Cottonwood County were part … [Read more...] about Deputy Jennings Digs Deeper
Old Friends at Amanda’s Amish Kitchen
· Episode 14 · Brian McDonald had mailed his annual postcard to Milton Schrock. The color photo showed a Pennsylvania Amish farm with rows of grain stalks or sheaves standing up in orderly fashion. The next Saturday, Brian, as was tradition, sat at a table in Humble’s only restaurant, Amanda’s Amish Kitchen. He stared out a window that faced the public elementary school’s playground where he viewed the baseball field. Memories flooded Brian’s head. It was 1983 and Brian was seventeen, a … [Read more...] about Old Friends at Amanda’s Amish Kitchen
Milton’s Memories
· Episode 13 · The late morning heat guaranteed the afternoon would be a scorcher. Milton Schrock, in his horse-and-buggy, headed towards Amanda’s Amish Restaurant to meet his old friend, Brian McDonald. He reflected on their friendship. It was a year since Milton had seen Brian. It was over thirty years since they had played college football and roomed together at Wichita State University. What an amazing journey Milton had taken, from Humble to Wichita and back. From the simple life to … [Read more...] about Milton’s Memories
Bowling Alley Talk about Jersey Schrock
· Episode 12 · Earlier, we learned that Shawn Harris and Reuben Schrock are friends even though Shawn had previously been the hit-and-run driver in an accident involving his truck and the Schrock horse-and-wagon. Dot, Shawn’s girlfriend, and Katie, Reuben’s date, were on their way to the bowling alley when stopped by Deputy Jennings. Both Reuben and Katie have grown up Amish but are currently exploring the English (non-Amish) world during their time of rumspringa, a word translated as … [Read more...] about Bowling Alley Talk about Jersey Schrock
Deputy Jennings Stops a Speeder
· Episode 11 · (Two weeks later) Deputy Tom Jennings was on duty working traffic with his trusted companion, K-9 Yackel Von Baerenzinger. It was Saturday night and Jennings was out hunting. He knew there were drunk drivers and druggies to catch, who needed to go to jail. Maybe, for a few hours at least, I can help make the road a little bit safer for everyone, including the drunks, he thought. As a vehicle approached him with its high beams blazing, he flicked his patrol car’s high beams … [Read more...] about Deputy Jennings Stops a Speeder
Kansas Authors Club District 6 Officer Nominations
Kansas Authors Club, District 6 Election January 26, 2019 "A year ago I was running away from the presidency; this year I'm running for the presidency." --Jim Potter For the past year I’ve been working towards the goal of a functional and fun club. My number one priority has been to grow the club through guests and new members. I’ve contacted and scheduled the speakers for the club meetings, communicated with the media and members through newspaper, magazine, radio, and social media, and … [Read more...] about Kansas Authors Club District 6 Officer Nominations
Deputy Jennings Interviews a Suspect
· Episode 10 · The unfortunate accident was his good fortune. Thanks to the Schrock’s, Tom Jennings felt like he, for the first time, had a better understanding of the Amish. He was pleased they shared what they did. It would have been easier for them to say nothing to an outsider. Generally, remaining silent about their beliefs was the Amish community’s way. After the wreck, Jennings made a decision to do his job despite knowing that the Schrock’s were content with their lot. As per … [Read more...] about Deputy Jennings Interviews a Suspect
Writing Memoir Workshop
The Honking Tree If you live or have lived west of Wichita, Kansas, then you might recognize this tree that grows on the south side of K96, a couple of miles west of the Maize exit. Some locals refer to it as the "Honking Tree." Others remember late nights of drinking beer when a pit stop was required in order to empty full bladders. They called it the "Peeing Tree." Still others recall it as "The Ten-Mile Tree," and "The Kissing Tree." I'm a writer and author who is currently developing a … [Read more...] about Writing Memoir Workshop
