Tom's Takes Archive

Dial Tone

Growing up, my family had one telephone and it was bolted to the kitchen wall. Forget a second phone though, that was too outlandish for my dad. Only rich people had multiple. His idea of an extension was buying a longer cord.

by Tom Mailey

Bella & Diamond

You two critters are in my life and I am better for it.

by Tom Mailey

Nature's Playground

by Tom Mailey

Woodshop Rocks

Standing in the center of Duane Calkins’ woodshop class at Buljan Middle School, one sees nothing but guitars, mostly electric, all shapes and styles, all stages of construction.

by Tom Mailey

College Days

It was four years of finding out who I was, surrounded by friends, good times and so, so much learning.

by Tom Mailey

Insult to Injury

My friends and I are beginning to resemble cars after a demolition derby. Name one of them and I can tell you his ailment.

by Tom Mailey

Happily Ever After

For 67 years, they’ve shared their lives. Yet they still sit next to each other like two birds sharing a small perch.

by Tom Mailey

Social Networking

At the time, I found myself wanting to criticize it, but I couldn’t. And now, months later, I still can’t. Not without being a hypocrite anyway.

by Tom Mailey

Holiday Cards

I love Christmas letters. Seriously I do. They’re generic, impersonal gifts wrapped in the glossy paper of self-absorption. I look forward to them as much as I do It’s A Wonderful Life.

by Tom Mailey

Friday Night Lights

n Rocklin, Wildcats screech and Thunder rolls. Bulldogs growl in Folsom, Bruins roam Shingle Springs. Trojans march in El Dorado Hills, Diamondbacks rattle in Placerville and Roseville is overrun with Tigers, Timberwolves, Vikings and Grizzlies.

by Tom Mailey