Keep Going

Keep Going… Like any other year, 2024 had its fair share of ups and downs. Sometimes we smile when we feel like crying. There were moments when I felt like throwing in the towel. We’ve all had these moments. Sometimes they are fleeting, and sometimes these moments stick around a little too long. We all have wounds and scars that others don’t readily see. We’ve been told over and over to keep moving and keep going, especially when things don’t go our way. It’s not easy but that’s true. We each have different reasons, different motivations and outlets that keep us moving. We have to find a way to keep going. So, as we approach 2025, I sincerely hope that everything works out in your favor for each one of you. And I want to give a Special Thanks to everyone who have continually supported Randie’s Free Library and have kept my entire family in your hearts and prayers. Remember to smile if you want to smile. Cry when you need to cry, but no matter what, don’t ever give up, keep moving, keep going. Happy Holidays, Everyone! – Randolph Randy Camp

You'll Get There, Ode to Birdie West

You’ll Get There, Ode to Birdie West… When I was young I was anxious and eager, maybe a little too anxious and eager. One of my favorite high school teachers, Ms. Birdie West, encouraged me to slow down. Just like any other kid, I wanted to know why and how things worked. If something was new to me I wanted to take a closer look at it. I didn’t have a green thumb and I’d never seen an actual greenhouse before. When I was on lunch break in Junior High, I used to look across the road at the bigger kids at the Senior High School. One day while at lunch I decided to walk across the road and wander around a bit at the high school. I was so curious about the building made of glass near the hockey field. I made it across the road but not too much further than that. As I was making my way across the hockey field towards the greenhouse, a teacher approached me with a puzzled face, “Can I help you?” I didn’t respond and just walked back across the road. I never got to see the inside of that glass building that particular day but during my future sneaky visits across the road, I noticed how the girls looked curvier and a lot softer than the girls in my Junior High classes. Yep, I was curious about everything, and I certainly looked at everything. When I finally got into high school I made sure that I had a class in that building made of glass. And it turned out to be one of my best decisions ever. Ms. Birdie West absolutely loved teaching us about horticulture and the life of plants. She was a dedicated teacher who sincerely cared about all of her students. And what I admired most about Ms. West was her nature walks around the high school. On certain days, she would take us on a walk through the wooded area behind the school, and along the way she would talk about the natural wonders surrounding us. Ms. West had this cool way of telling us about plants while simultaneously teaching us about life. I remember her saying, “Every plant has its season. Everything has its time.” When I would tell her about the many different things I wanted to do in life, she would calmly tell me that we can’t rush plants and flowers to bloom early. Each plant and flower will bloom when it’s the right time. With a slight wink and a nod, Ms. West would coolly say, “Slow down, you’ll get there.” I owe a lot to all of my teachers in Spotsylvania County, but the ones such as Ms. Birdie West really stands out. I don’t think I could’ve written my third novel ‘False Dandelions’ if I hadn’t taken her horticulture class all those years ago. Sadly, Ms. Birdie West is no longer with us, but I’ll never forget her… And while you’re on your own path, chasing your own dreams and desires, it’s okay to slow down, you’ll get there. – Randolph Randy Camp More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Write With Heart

Whether you’re a journalist covering a story for your local paper, an aspiring screenwriter, or a student working on your class assignment, write with your heart. Second guessing and self-doubt are two obstacles in writing we must overcome. When I was writing ‘Coreville Park a Reggae Novel’ it took me three drafts before I was able to drop some of my inhibitions and finally allow my true writer instincts to kick in and let my characters come alive. While going deeper into ourselves we discover more about us as writers and at the same time we make our stories richer. Every story is lit by an initial spark. There's always a backstory to everything. The backstory and inspiration for '29 Dimes a Love Story' came from me running the Los Angeles Marathon several years ago, as I was raising funds for one of my favorite charities 'I Have A Dream Foundation'. While running through the many different neighborhoods and streets of Los Angeles, I absolutely fell in love with the Silver Lake area. After running in the LA marathon two years in a row and getting to know the Echo Park and Silver Lake neighborhoods very well, I knew I had to write a story that captures their spirit and character. The love story in '29 Dimes' takes place in Silver Lake, and writing this novel carries a lot of beautiful and heartfelt memories for me. When I'm talking to students and aspiring writers the topic of backstory and inspiration always comes up. That initial spark which inspired us to start a new project is filled with emotions and feelings. Don’t be afraid to put your feelings into your work. Don’t be afraid to show your heart. Just let it out. Of all the quotes from my novels, this particular quote is the one I get asked about the most during my book talk sessions. The quote is from '29 Dimes: A Love Story'. More info at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

The Power of Movies, Saving Our Children

My daughter Randie and I would have long, deep conversations about books, movies, stories and relatable characters. When I woke up this morning, I thought about Randie and the likely conversation we might’ve had, if she was still with us. I’m pretty sure Randie would have made a comment or two about some of her favorite books that could help people, particularly help kids, to better understand and cope with some of the heated political rhetoric going on right now, as we get closer to election day on November 5th. And I’m sure I definitely would have mentioned one of my favorite movies, NO WAY OUT (1950), which dealt with America’s race relations in a very impactful and entertaining way. The original movie ‘No Way Out’ was made seventy-four years ago but its subject matter and message still resonates today in 2024. Personally, I love this film because it leaves the audience with the very important message that everyone has value and that we all need each other, regardless of our background or skin color. Using words, lyrics, stories, music, and movies are all valuable tools of bibliotherapy. My daughter Randie used books and stories to help her cope with so many heartaches and obstacles of her young life. And for me, I sometimes escape and use journaling and writing stories to help myself cope with certain traumatic events, especially the severe events during my military years. Without a doubt, I know that bibliotherapy can be a very useful tool to help us cope with today’s sometimes-intense political discussions. If you’re still unsure about who to vote for in the upcoming presidential election, I highly recommend anyone to at least watch the ‘No Way Out (1950)’ movie first before casting your vote, especially if you have any concerns about our kids’ future and any concerns about our future race relations here in America. For our kids’ sake we must do something to bring better understanding and healing to this nation. – Randolph Randy Camp

Be Positive, Stay Positive, Vote Positive

No one is greater or lesser than anyone else. Respect yourself foremost. Respect your neighbors. And respect leaders who will allow you to freely think for yourself, permit you to make your own decisions and control your own destiny. Be positive, stay positive. Vote positive. Some leaders make attempts to suppress and silence certain groups, while other leaders, true leaders, respect all voices. Vote for your freedoms. Vote for our future. Vote for your rights. I proudly support and stand with Kamala. – Randolph Randy Camp (Thanks Bessie for the photo)

Monica: Being Heard

‘MONICA’ is the fifth story within my collection of twelve short stories. When the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022 I knew I had to go to work to help fight this backward-minded decision from the highest court. During my childhood I would see the Slave Auction Block fixated on the corner of Charles and William Street in Fredericksburg, Virginia. As I grew older I would often wonder how many of my family ancestors were sold like an animal while being publicly displayed on that auction block. Imagine being unable to say anything about your own fate while others are making decisions about you. To me, I think overturning Roe v. Wade is too close to slavery. No one should be unjustly controlling you. When anyone takes your freedoms away you don’t have to be a Black person to understand how hurtful this is. Everyone, regardless of race or gender, can feel how fundamentally wrong this is on so many levels. Certain laws created by a selected few do not make them right. Your voice is your most powerful tool. It’s time to stand and be heard. Please Vote to regain and to maintain your freedoms. Let them hear you. – Randolph Randy Camp More at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp Note: The Slave Auction Block was relocated to the Fredericksburg Area Museum in the fall of 2020.

Youth Homelessness in America: 2024

It's 2024 and Teen Homelessness is still a pressing issue in America. At this very moment, some place in America, a young person is alone, hungry and homeless. The stats on youth homelessness isn't getting any better. Being more aware of this issue, spreading the word and getting involved are helpful things that we all can do. I'm honored to contribute to Justine Pedrosa's project Teen Homelessness https://prezi.com/gcen4hk_twcv/teen-homelessness/

Let The People Read, Let The Teachers Teach!

A child reading is a wonderful thing. I love how books have a way of opening up a person's world. Now that summer is here, many libraries and school districts are promoting their Summer Reading Programs. It's great to see the growing popularity of neighborhood book exchanges and Little Free Libraries, especially in areas around the country where book banning has become a hot topic issue. Teachers and librarians are professional and very skilled at what they do. When I was coming up, and way before all of this widespread book banning began to make the headlines, teachers and librarians simply would not allow certain books on the shelf if they thought that it wasn't appropriate. Some of these current book banning laws are an insult to our professional, dedicated teachers and librarians. Regardless of whatever, we should all be promoting and encouraging everyone to read, especially our children. Personally, I think that some politicians and lawmakers are taking the lazy approach when they approve an all-out book ban policy on certain books. Instead, the more wiser and more professional approach should be supporting policies that creates options and allow people to make choices. It's great when our elected officials and school districts create space and sections of the public library or the school library to have and proudly display a 'banned books' area. No matter what, we shouldn't be in the business of taking away books, but instead, we should be more involved in providing a greater number of books that promotes different viewpoints and cultures. This is the greatness of our devoted teachers and librarians. For years, these dedicated teachers and librarians have been allowing their students to make their own choices by having engaged discussions about what options are available. Let the teachers teach! Let the people read! One of the goals of the school system is to prepare our kids for the real world. If we take certain books away from our kids are we really preparing them for the real world? - Randolph Randy Camp (Photo: Grandson Noah and me) Side Note: Sadly but true, some of these current book banning laws in America are historically rooted in racism and bigotry. Once there was a time in America whereby there were laws on the books that made it illegal to teach slaves how to read or write. Also, Native American Boarding Schools tried to strip American Indian Tribes of their native language by way of assimilation. Racism and bigotry shows itself in the most unsuspecting places sometimes. It comes in all shapes and sizes. I'm a proud military veteran, but even I have seen and have personally experienced racism and bigotry while serving in the US Air Force. It's 2024 now, and the more I keep hearing about these current book banning laws here in America, the more I keep encouraging everyone, especially young kids, to read, read, read! - Randolph R. Camp

Reflections: Camp Town Road

Never forget where you come from. I certainly won't. Mostly due to the Air Force, I have traveled all over the world. And I even been to Nine Mile, Jamaica (Bob Marley's birthplace). But the place that stays deep within me no matter what is Spotsylvania County, Virginia. This is the place that helped shape me and made me into the person I am today. Ever since I was a little boy, I was always curious about everything. If you grew up anywhere near Fredericksburg or Spotsylvania County, you definitely would've traveled Plank Road. Well, I remember thinking as a kid 'what an odd name for a road.' That curiosity got me digging and turned me into a little research detective. What I learned was that years ago during the days of horse and buggies, they would lay down wooden planks along the dirt road so that the wheels (of the buggies) wouldn't get stuck in the wet mud, especially on the rainy days. Plank Road isn't the only road that sticks out in my mind. The old State Road 715 will be forever engrained in my memory. Long before Camp Town Road was nicely paved, it was a dirt-gravel road lined with lots of honeysuckle bush. This was the old State Road 715, and this is where this little country boy first began to notice things, good and bad. Our house was directly across the road from the Wolfrey family. Although I already had four brothers, it's like I had three more brothers back then because John and Ronald Wolfrey, along with Ronnie Wayne Curtis, were sort of like our brothers too. Us Camp boys didn't have fancy bikes or any expensive toys when we were coming up but both John and Ronald Wolfrey gladly shared whatever nice stuff they had with us Camp boys. My greatest thrill one day was when John and Ronald let us ride their fancy 3-horsepower minibike up and down the long gravel road. I'll never forget that day! That was so much fun! At the far end of the road, Ronnie Wayne lived in a small house with his mother. Ronnie Wayne was like our brother too because he was always looking out for all of us. As a kid I was fascinated with lightning bugs, and I would stay outside sometimes pretty late at night just watching them light up the night sky outside our house. I don't know why I remember Ronnie Wayne's distinctive words and voice when he would be walking by and catch me outside late at night but he would say (in a parental tone) "kinda late for you to be outside, ain't it?" Yep, that was code for 'boy, you betta get yo' butt back inside the house.' By the way, I'm an old man now and I'm still fascinated with lightning bugs (or as some like to call them 'fireflies'). In my book from 2022, Monica A Short Story Collection, the short story 'Heaven' have lightning bugs as central characters. As an adult, I'd visited Spotsylvania County and traveled down Camp Town Road a few times over the years, and about halfway down the road sometimes I would stop and just gaze at the side of the road where a group of honeysuckle vines used to be. You see, that's the spot where I crumbled up a love note and threw it in the bushes one day after getting off the school bus because I was too shy and embarrassed to give it to the girl in my class who I had a crush on during my elementary days. And get this, here it is 2024, and after all these years, the young girl who I had a crush on way back then is today one of my Facebook Friends (I tell ya', life is some'em else, ain't it?) No indeed, I'll never forget where I came from. Whether it's known as State Road 715 or Camp Town Road, I'll always cherish the fond memories from way back then. - Randolph Randy Camp (photo: Ronnie Wayne, his wife Estelle, and me from 2017) Learn more at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp

Everybody Has A Story

There’s something uniquely special about each one of us. We all have a story. Some of us keep it bottled up, while some of us freely let it out. The manner in which we express ourselves and tell our stories comes in so many different forms, singing, writing, paintings, spoken-word, artwork, crafts, etc. A few days ago at my grandson Noah’s High School graduation party, I had the privilege of chatting with Nancy Gebhart and some of her art student-friends. Y’all should’ve seen their faces light up when they were each telling me their particular favorite style of art. It’s inspiring to see people excited about their passion and connecting with others in their own unique, creative way. My daughter Randie connected with people through her love of books and literacy. For me personally, expressing myself through writing is such a great healer and a much-needed outlet. Indeed, there’s a story in all of us. What’s your story? Let it out. Side Note: Photo (of Nancy Gebhart and her friends) taken on May 26, 2024 next to the Little Free Library (which is dedicated in honor of Dr. Randie Danielle Camp) at Moore Memorial Park in Ames, Iowa. – Randolph Randy Camp

Keep Pressing On: Defeating Self-Doubt

Self-doubt and discouragement can slow us down, even stop us altogether. During our talks, Randie would tell me how searching for the right words would be so daunting at times, especially when she was working on her dissertation. But Randie wouldn’t give up. On page 209, a line from a great book my grandson Noah and Amy Popillion had given me a few months ago made me think of my conversations with Randie. “No need to be afraid of yourself when you write.” That’s the quote and encouraging advice from Steve Zeitlin’s book ‘The Poetry of Everyday Life, Storytelling and The Art of Awareness’. Even though I’m an ‘old man’ now, I still enjoy being a student and that’s why I really enjoyed reading this book. I’m still growing and learning. Life can be very challenging. We all get discouraged but please don’t let it stop you from completing your tasks or goals. – Randolph Randy Camp

Books Bringing People Together

Books Bringing People Together… In a world where neighbors rarely say hello to one another anymore it’s amazing sometimes how books can bring people together. It was an unusually warm, sunny day yesterday, and a perfect day for another successful Free Book Saturday Event at Randie’s Free Library. From sunrise to sunset, there were people of all ages and backgrounds who dropped by with all types of interesting stories and conversations. Sharing your used books with your neighbors is such a positive experience. Have a great week Everyone!

Stories That Heal: Powers of Bibliotherapy

STORIES THAT HEAL… I’ve always felt at home when visiting the public library. It’s a place where, regardless of your race, ethnicity, bank account or zip code, no one there ever made me feel as though I didn’t belong there. Ever since I heard ‘The Little Engine That Could’ during story time years ago, I felt the power of books and stories. Over the years I learned how bibliotherapy has helped me get through some very difficult events and rough periods. Whether it’s coping with past military trauma or loss of loved ones, reading books, listening to certain songs, journaling or writing my own stories, bibliotherapy has become a necessary outlet for me. The past year was very therapeutic for me, as I spent months rewriting several drafts of ‘Coreville Park a reggae novel’. Although grief and trauma have no expiration date and can linger for years, writing Coreville Park was extremely helpful to me during my ongoing healing process as I was able to channel out some of my pain and old wounds in a creative way. Going to the library, for me, always meant that I could learn something new, which is one of the greatest lessons I’d learned from the teachings of Marcus Garvey. ‘To always be learning and bettering yourself’ is a lesson Marcus Garvey regularly spoke about. In writing Coreville Park a reggae novel I was able to rediscover some of the interesting facts and details of the Rastafarian and reggae culture. Marcus Garvey played such an important role in the foundation of the Rastafarian way of life. Long before there was reggae music there was Marcus Garvey. Here’s another interesting fact about the Rastafarian culture: True Rastas eat only Ital foods (natural foods from the earth). Rastafarians do not eat processed foods or canned food items. Growing up in rural Spotsylvania County, Virginia, I used to dream about places like Australia, Japan and Jamaica, in which I would read about in the many books I’d checked out from the library as a kid. To see my book ‘Coreville Park a reggae novel’ sitting on the shelf at any public library is a dream come true. Whatever your dreams and goals are I hope that they are all realized, and please don’t hesitate to take full advantage of your local library to help and assist you along your journey. Learn more at https://www.amazon.com/author/randolphcamp (Photo taken at Des Moines Central Public Library, January 2024)

Winter Blessings

Winter Blessings…There’s no shortage of goodhearted neighbors. There’s no shortage of books or winter blessings at RANDIE’S FREE LIBRARY and that’s the way Randie would have it. On this cold January morning, I woke up to find numerous toys, games, and books in and around Randie’s Free Library, donated anonymously by the kindness of neighbors. Without a doubt, Randie’s giving spirit is still spreading. It’s a wonderful way to begin 2024.